Every February, all the wild and silly creatures of the valley gather together in Spirit Square to celebrate community, creativity and the magic of light returning to the Columbia Valley. The festivities hearkens back to a time when neighbours joined together to make their own entertainment and bring meaning to their lives through celebration.
Formerly known as the Snow King’s Masque Parade, our festival has evolved into EmberFest—a celebration of creativity, community, and connection. Join us on February 15, 2025 as we gather around the bonfire to share stories, skits, and artistic creations that reflect the spirit of our community. This year we are expanding the festival to include live music. 8 Bands will take to the stage following the fireworks and play into the wee hours of the morning.
This is a grassroots, volunteer lead, event showcasing a wide range of hands-on artistic activities and attracting the widest possible audience – the whole community! Over a period of weeks, professional and community-based artists work in collaboration with folks in the community – both young and old and everyone in between – to create a large-scale outdoor ‘pageant’ performed with more than 1,000 folks in Golden’s Spirit Square. Together, we make low tech magic.
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
10:30 PM – 11:30 PM
12:00 AM – 1:00 AM
09:30 PM – 10:30 PM
11:00 PM – 12:00 AM
8:45 PM – 9:30 PM
10:15 PM – 11:00 PM
EmberFest is a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and connection. Expect a magical mix of creative expression featuring, giant puppets, mesmerizing skits, and interactive art installations—all centered around a magnificent bonfire. Workshops leading up to the festival invite participants to create lanterns, puppets, and performances, ensuring everyone can take part in the magic. Evening festivities feature performances at Spirit Square and live music at local venues.
EmberFest is community lead, which means a wonderful, dedicated group of volunteers invest in the power of creativity and community. You are invited to participate whether it means bringing an idea to life, helping facilitate programming, or running logistics on the day. We want YOU to be involved because without you the festival cannot exist.
After 18 years as the Snow King’s Masque Parade, we reimagined the festival as EmberFest to embrace themes of warmth, rejuvenation, and creativity. The new name reflects our focus on community and the spark of inspiration that brings us together in the heart of winter.
Yes! EmberFest includes free, family-friendly activities at Spirit Square, such as the bonfire, skits, and interactive art.
For the evening music performances, venues are 19+, but in partnership with the youth centre we are working to create an all ages space.
Tickets are required for entry to live music performances at local venues. The free community events at Spirit Square, including the bonfire, skits, and art installations, do not require tickets.
Wristbands can be picked up from February 1-15, 2025 at the Art Gallery of Golden (AGOG). Be sure to grab yours in advance to enjoy the live music venues!
Weekend drop in playhouse sessions start Saturday, January 18, 2025 and run every weekend until EmberFest on February 15, 2025! Did we mention all materials are provided and it is FREE?! Find more information HERE.
Included in the weekend workshops are free for the community to attend and are facilitated by WONDERFUL volunteers. For dates please visit our EmberFest webpage.
Choir workshop led by Leah Gardner, on February 9, 2025! Participants of all experience levels can come together to sing and feel the power of a unified voice.
Circus Day, on January 25, 2025! Join Jocelyn Wilson and friends in a crazy fun day of all things circus (all ages)!
More workshops to come!
EmberFest is a welcoming, inclusive community festival. As a guest, you play an active role in creating an enjoyable, respectful environment. If you witness any unacceptable behaviour, please speak out and help us maintain the spirit of connection and creativity that makes EmberFest so special.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort has generously expanded their shuttle times to allow more visitors and locals living on the mountain to participate. Find the complete schedule HERE.
EmberFest Beer is a special dark lager crafted by Whitetooth Brewery to celebrate the magic of EmberFest! This bold, smooth brew captures the spirit of the festival—creativity, community, and the wild, silly creatures that make our Valley so unique. Perfect for savoring around a bonfire or enjoying with friends during the festivities, EmberFest Beer is a taste of winter’s warmth and inspiration. Don’t miss it!
We want to see EmberFest through your eyes! Tag @kickinghorseculture in your favourite festival moments—whether it’s fun and festive play around the bonfire, creating art, or enjoying the magic of live music. Let’s celebrate the creativity and community that makes EmberFest unforgettable.
Share your experience and ideas for how we can make EmberFest bigger and better.
Become a Member for $10 and then purchase an early-bird ticket for $15 for all the shows you want to see… and save $10 on each show.
Children and student tickets are always $5.
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