If you've ever thought, “I wish winter involved more dancing, snow carving, and the chance to pretend I know what ‘IndigeSTEAM' means,” then Banff's Weekend of Wonder is your jam. This annual celebration, part of the larger SnowDays Festival, is where chilly cheeks meet warm hearts, and Bear Street transforms into the happiest snow globe you've ever stepped inside.
A Weekend of Wonder-ful Chaos (The Good Kind)
From Thursday 22 January to Sunday 25 January 2026, Weekend of Wonder serves up an irresistible mix of creativity, culture, and snow-filled family fun. Whether you're a born-and-bred Banff local or a wide-eyed traveller, there's something here to tickle your winter fancy (and possibly freeze your toes if you're not careful).
Here's what you’ll find: dancing in tents, kids carving ice like tiny Michelangelos, Indigenous science sessions, film screenings, and storytelling that warms the soul even when your coffee’s gone cold.
Let’s dive into the full schedule before you forget your mittens.
Full Schedule: Wonder by the Day
Thursday 22 January
7:00 p.m. – Barn Dance with Elliott Dillabough
Location: Experience Tent
Tickets: Free, but you’ll need to grab one in advance
Start your weekend stomping the snow off your boots with an old-fashioned barn dance. Picture line dancing meets snow dancing – and no judgement if you fall over mid-twirl.
Friday 23 January
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – IndigeSTEAM
Location: Education Tent
Tickets: None required
Science meets spirit in this hands-on activity zone, where Indigenous traditions and modern STEM knowledge come together in a snow globe of learning. Bring your curiosity – and your patience, if you’re trying to build a working snow-powered robot (you’re not, but still).
7:00 p.m. – Barn Dance with Elliott Dillabough
Location: Experience Tent
Tickets: Free, but you’ll need to grab one in advance
Another chance to catch the barn dance if you missed out on Thursday.
Saturday 24 January
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – L’il Chippers
Location: Outdoors
Tickets: No ticket needed
Got a budding sculptor? Or just a child who likes whacking things with tools? L’il Chippers is a supervised zone where kids can try their hand at ice carving. Grown-ups can pretend they’re not jealous.
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – IndigeSTEAM (Part 2)
Location: Education Tent
Tickets: Still free!
More hands-on fun, so if you missed Friday’s session or just can’t get enough of snow-powered ingenuity, this is your second chance to soak it all in.
4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. – Banff Mountain Film Shorts (Kids Program)
Location: Experience Tent
Tickets: Free with ticket
Bundle up and settle in for a heart-warming selection of short films just for kids. (And let's be honest, grown-ups will love them too.) No popcorn fights allowed.
6:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. – Film Screening: “The Mighty Quay”
Location: Experience Tent
Tickets: Free with ticket
Cap the evening off with this stunning feature from the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival. Expect awe, inspiration, and at least one moment where you think, “Why don’t I do more hiking?” (Because it’s -15°C, Gary, that’s why.)
Sunday 25 January
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Wildlife Interpretation: Bison & Blackfoot Knowledge
Location: Education Tent
Tickets: Not needed
Join Parks Canada interpreters and Knowledge Keeper Jeanette Many Guns to explore Blackfoot and Siksika traditions, and the majestic return of bison to the land. An event that’s equal parts mind-opening and soul-soothing.
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – L’il Chippers (Again!)
Location: Outdoors
Tickets: No ticket required
Missed the first round? L’il Chippers returns for more frosty fun. This time, try not to let the kids show you up again.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Mînî hrpa Pop-up
Location: Experience Tent
Tickets: Just show up
A cultural celebration packed with Indigenous dance, storytelling, and song. It's a powerful reminder that this land carries stories far deeper than the snow piled on it.
Local Tips and Travel Tricks
- Dress like an onion. Layers are your friend. Especially waterproof ones.
- Snag your tickets early. The free ones still go fast – because Canadians love a bargain.
- Allow extra time to walk. You will stop to admire snow sculptures and will be late to the next event.
- Don’t lick the ice. No matter how shiny it looks.
Why You Shouldn't Miss Weekend of Wonder
Whether you're carving snow, square dancing like it’s 1899, or warming up with heartfelt Indigenous stories, Weekend of Wonder Banff is a truly magical celebration of winter, culture, and community. It's that rare kind of festival that feels both deeply local and delightfully welcoming.
So pack your thermals, dust off your sense of adventure, and come join the fun. Banff’s waiting – with open arms and, possibly, a hot chocolate with chilli vodka.