WINTERRUPTION 2024: Embracing Winter with Music, Arts, and Community

This week’s playlist is all about the Winterruption festivals happening in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg from January 23-28, 2024. Winterruption is an initiative to provide people with a compelling reason to venture out of their houses during the frigid Prairie winter. As the past week brought brutal cold, a good reason to brave the weather is more than welcome. For me, music warms the heart and soul, making it absolutely worth the trip in the frigid air.

Edmonton Winterruption YEG: Edmontonians, get ready for the ultimate winter celebration! WINTERRUPTION YEG returns, turning Edmonton into a hub of live music, drag, comedy, craft beer, and community spirit from January 24-28, 2024. Renowned as Festival City, Edmonton is proving that festivities are not confined to the warmer months. WINTERRUPTION YEG, a multi-venue music and arts festival, is set to take over downtown Edmonton, offering a unique blend of indoor performances and free outdoor activities.

Born in collaboration with Saskatoon and Regina Winterruption festivals, along with Calgary’s Big Winter Classic, Winterruption YEG aims to create an unparalleled festival experience. Producer Brent Oliver, known for his work with Sidetrack Cafe, Foundation Concerts, and UP+DT Festival, leverages the success of past festivals to unite Edmonton’s arts community and winter arts festivals across Western Canada.

What to Expect in Edmonton:

  • Diverse Programming: From live music and comedy to drag shows, Winterruption YEG caters to a broad audience, embracing diversity in genre, gender, sexuality, age, and culture.
  • Inclusive Atmosphere: Every show adheres to a safe and inclusive space policy. Several events cater to all ages and family communities, in addition to 18+ gatherings.
  • Affordable Enjoyment: Winterruption YEG prioritizes inclusivity with event prices ranging from free to $49 weekend wristbands.

Saskatoon Winterruption 2024: Meanwhile, Saskatoon is gearing up to embrace the cold and darkness with Winterruption 2024 from January 25-28. The Broadway Theatre, along with venues like Amigos, Black Cat Tavern, the Refinery, and Cosmo Senior’s Centre, will host a curated collection of events featuring 20+ artists.

Saskatoon Highlights:

  • Diverse Performances: From indie royalty like Mr. Bry Webb and folk-punk sensation Sunny War to critically acclaimed dark comedy theatre shows and world-class drag performances, Winterruption has something for everyone.
  • Free Outdoor Activities: The Broadway Theatre is extending the celebration outdoors with two days of free, family-friendly activities at W.E. Graham Park, promising fun for all.

Winnipeg Winterruption Highlights: Winter in Manitoba may be long, cold, and dark, but WINTERRUPTION in Winnipeg is here to interrupt your hibernation. In collaboration with the West End Cultural Centre, Real Love Winnipeg, and various venues, the festival offers both ticketed and free concerts from late January.

Winnipeg Key Highlights:

  • Expanded Concert Series: This year’s edition boasts 12 shows featuring 30+ performers across multiple venues, including the West End Cultural Centre, Good Will Social Club, Bulldog Event Centre, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

As winter settles in, consider WINTERRUPTION as your reason to brave the cold, step out, and immerse yourself in the arts. Join the community, celebrate diversity, and make the most of the season! Alternatively, if staying home in warmth and coziness is more your style, why not explore the playlists featuring the fantastic Canadian artists gracing the Winterruption festivals this year?

WINTERRUPTION is not just a festival; it’s an invitation to experience the vibrant arts scene amidst the winter chill. So, whether you’re bundling up for an adventure or curling up indoors, the playlists await, filled with the sounds of the talented musicians contributing to the Winterruption festivities. Tune in and let the music transport you to the heart of the winter celebration!

Tidal Music playlist.