The chili cook off starts this year's Winter Festival today. (Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

2026 Winter Festival

Chili cook off starts 2026 winter festival with blast of heat  

Feb 4, 2026 | 10:08 AM

Whether spicy or mild, this year’s Winter Festival begins on Wednesday with the chili cook off today at 11 a.m. at the Exhibition Centre. Cooks will have their chance to win bragging rights that were taken last year by the Northern Lights Casino. 

Country North performers take to the stage on Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. and go again on Saturday, followed by a cabaret. All told, 16 acts are booked for the weekend, which has a Grand Ole Opry theme this year.  

The music will continue on Sunday with a fiddle show at 7 p.m.  

After several days of break, Voices of the North will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 and continue the next two days, ending on Valentine’s Day.  

Voices of the North is dedicated to celebrating Indigenous talent with five bands planned for this year.  

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A jigging contest at the Friendship Centre and the Beerd Derby finals at the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation Hall are Sunday, Feb. 15 events.  

Monday is family sliding day at Little Red River Park, followed by Family Cultural Days on Feb. 17.  Family Cultural Days conclude on Thursday with Leon’s Old Tyme Family Dance at the Exhibition Centre.  

For the last weekend of this year’s Festival, Rock Show Experience is a good way to spend the evening of Friday, Feb. 27. Saturday and Sunday have full days planned of pancake breakfast, a trade show, the King and Queen Trapper Contests, outdoor events and dog sled races and sleigh rides. 

More detailed information can be found on the Winter Festival website or on their social media page.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com