The Downtown Defrost Returns!

Edmonton’s Annual Outdoor Winter Dance Event

March 29-30th, 2024 @ Sir Winston Churchill Square

When springtime hits and the snow begins to melt, there’s a buzz within the city. Edmontonians are quick to get outside and celebrate the passing of yet another Canadian winter. The Downtown Defrost is rooted in this spirit; we provide an outdoor electronic music festival that celebrates the city’s diverse electronic music and dance scene.

Launched in 2015, the Downtown Defrost is a family-friendly winter celebration of dance music and culture, produced by non-profit organization The Factory Music & Arts LTD. in collaboration with Night Vision Music. This annual event transforms a central YEG outdoor space into a full-scale dance party featuring lights, installations, vendors and some of the city's favourite DJs alongside international talent.

This year the Downtown Defrost will be hosted in the heart of the city at the iconic Sir Winston Churchill Square (the place where it all began back in 2015!) over the Easter long weekend. Festival goers can expect a massive heated tent for the main festivities, with the new addition of a second outdoor stage in collaboration with Edmonton’s Umbral Sound System.