A trade show at the PA Armoury will take place this weekend- the final weekend of the 62nd Annual Prince Albert Winter Festival. (Image Credit: PAWF/Facebook)

By paNOW Staff

Endearing, time-honoured event

Final week of 62nd annual Prince Albert Winter Festival promises lots of action, entertainment

Feb 16, 2026 | 4:00 PM

One of the longest running winter festivals in North America kicks into high gear this week with a full slate of events celebrating the 62nd annual Prince Albert Winter Festival. 

The longtime tradition has evolved since its inception 62 years ago. Pictured here was the winter festival in the early 1970s when it was held on the North Saskatchewan River. (Image Credit: Submitted/Bill Smiley Archives)

The month-long event has already seen the annual Tux and Toques Gala, Chilli Cook-Off, the Country North Show and Voices of the North concerts take place at the Exhibition Centre, along with a jigging contest, fiddle show and Beerd Derby finals – where participants who registered in November looked to take home bragging rights for the best facial hair growth in various categories. 

The Beerd Derby has been a winter festival favourite for decades. Pictured here were some of the featured ‘growths’ by the local newspaper in 1974. (Image Credit: PAWF/Facebook)

On Family Day Monday, the community was invited to Little Red River Park for an afternoon of sledding, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Northern Spirits – a long-standing workshop and showcase dedicated to arts and youth empowerment – also began Monday and will run each day until Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PACI. Family Cultural Day events are also taking place at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre this week from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday.

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In the program guide for the event, Mayor Bill Powalinksy said, “This celebration is a true showcase of artistry and community spirit, bringing together families, performers and visitors from every walk of life to share in the beauty and energy of the season.”

The Voices of the North Show took place at the Exhibition Centre this weekend (Feb. 12-14). (Image Credit: Jackie Lerat Nixon/Facebook)

This is also the week snow sculptures will begin to pop up around the city. They are to be located at the Exhibition Centre and the site of the outdoor events on Marquis Road West.

The Rock Show Experience takes place Friday and Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. at the Exhibition Centre. Saturday begins with a pancake breakfast at the Legion Lounge. A trade show gets underway at the PA Armoury from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the outdoor events, including the King and Queen Trapper competitions and dog sled races, take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the outdoor site on Saturday and continue Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The outdoor events are considered the ‘backbone of the beginning of the Prince Albert Winter Festival 62 years ago.’ The King and Queen Trapper events showcase traditional survival and livelihood skills of northern trappers like canoe portage, log tossing, trap setting and animal calling.

Previous winners of the King and Queen Trapper competitions at the Prince Albert Winter Festival. (Image Credit: PAWF/Facebook))

The legendary dog sled races are held on the last weekend of the Winter Festival. (Image Credit: PAWF/Facebook)

The Gospel Music Show will close out the festival on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the Exhibition Centre.

A full list of the remaining events can be found here.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com