Saskatoon Winter Weekend Guide: Five Must-Do Activities from February 20-22
As winter continues to embrace Saskatoon, the city offers a vibrant array of cultural and entertainment events to brighten the cold February days. From theatrical performances to Indigenous cultural celebrations, here are five standout activities to explore this weekend.
1. Experience a Musical Theater Extravaganza
The Saskatoon Summer Players present Building Broadway, an innovative director's and choreographer's showcase that transforms into a captivating musical cabaret. Six talented local choreographers and directors have curated this production, blending beloved classics with unexpected contemporary elements.
The performance features memorable numbers from iconic shows including Chicago, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Come From Away. Audiences will also encounter delightful surprises such as selections from Vampire Weekend and sketches inspired by vintage radio plays like The Thrilling Adventure Hour.
This musical variety show runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM, with additional matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM at The Refinery venue. Complete details are available through the Saskatoon Summer Players' official website.
2. Dive into Music Industry Education
SaskMusic organizes the Youth Evolution Summit, a comprehensive one-day mentorship program designed specifically for aspiring young musicians aged 14 to 24. This educational opportunity brings together established artists and industry professionals who share valuable insights through interactive workshops.
Participants will explore essential topics including instrumental techniques, promotional strategies, professional conduct, and stage performance skills. The summit culminates with live performance demonstrations by emerging artists, followed by constructive feedback from experienced local music professionals.
The event occurs twice this weekend, with sessions on both Friday and Saturday at the Education Building on the University of Saskatchewan campus. Additional information can be found through SaskMusic's official online resources.
3. Celebrate Indigenous Culture at Winter Festival
Wanuskewin Heritage Park hosts its annual Kôna Winter Festival on Saturday, offering a rich immersion into Indigenous traditions and teachings. This cultural celebration provides numerous interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Festival activities include:
- Traditional opening ceremonies
- Educational dogsled presentations with kâniyâsihk Culture Camps
- Hide tanning and bison meat smoking demonstrations
- Storytelling sessions with cultural knowledge keeper Randy Morin
- Opening reception for a new art exhibition
- Traditional dance presentations and indoor educational displays
Winter equipment including snowshoes and kicksleds will be available for visitor use throughout the festival grounds. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Wanuskewin Heritage Park.
4. Engage with Indigenous Storytelling Traditions
The Saskatoon Public Library continues its Indigenous Storytelling Month programming with two special weekend events celebrating First Nations and Métis cultural heritage.
On Saturday morning at 10:30 AM, families can gather at the Frances Morrison Central Library for storytelling with oral tradition keeper and children's author Cort Dogniez. This interactive session brings Indigenous narratives to life through traditional storytelling methods.
Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM features language keeper and author Randy Morin at the J.S. Wood Library, offering insights into First Nations and Métis cultural traditions through focused storytelling. Both events welcome participants of all ages and require no admission fee.
5. Examine Disinformation in Contemporary Conflict
The Ukrainian Museum of Canada presents a timely lecture titled We've Lost the Fight Against Disinformation. What Do We Do Now? featuring award-winning investigative journalist Justin Ling. As the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, this discussion addresses the critical challenge of misinformation in modern warfare.
Ling's presentation explores the evolving nature of disinformation campaigns and potential strategies for countering false narratives, delivered in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. This educational opportunity provides valuable perspective on media literacy and information warfare in contemporary global conflicts.
With these diverse offerings, Saskatoon residents and visitors have ample opportunity to engage with arts, culture, and education throughout the winter weekend. From theatrical performances to cultural celebrations and educational discussions, these events showcase the city's vibrant community spirit during the colder months.
