Save the date: February 14–21, 2026 | Grand Finale: February 21
Every February, Golden comes together to celebrate creativity, community, and the magic of light returning to the valley. Now in its 20th year, EmberFest, once the Snow King’s Masque Parade, has grown into a week-long celebration of art, imagination, and shared possibility.
This year’s theme, Positive Futurisms: Portals of Possibility, invites us to imagine hopeful futures shaped by creativity and connection. Throughout the week, workshops, performances, and community art-making will spark curiosity across Golden, culminating in a spectacular outdoor pageant in Spirit Square featuring puppets, skits, music, and stories created by hundreds of community members.
EmberFest is a grassroots, volunteer-powered celebration of low-tech magic and high-spirited creativity. Everyone is invited to step through the portal.
Scroll down for Festival Finale line-up and a list of events and workshops!
Gather in Spirit Square
500 8th Avenue North
This is a free event
Folklore & Follies!
Spirit Square / 500 8th Avenue North
This is a free event
Fireworks
Spirit Square / 500 8th Avenue North
This is a free event
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.
Yes! EmberFest includes free, family-friendly activities at Spirit Square, such as the bonfire, skits, and interactive art.
For the evening music performances, all venues EXCEPT for the Golden Civic Centre venues are 19+.
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 14-21, 2025 at the Art Gallery of Golden (AGOG). Be sure to grab yours in advance to enjoy the live music venues!
Tickets for purchase will be available for purchase at the door of The Rockwater, or the Civic Centre from 9:30pm on Feb 21.
Weekend drop in imaginarium sessions start Saturday, January 24, 2026 and run every weekend until EmberFest on February 21, 2026! 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.
We have 7 incredible workshops to participate in.
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.
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.
