Tourism Lethbridge launches this weekend’s YQL WinterFEST

Tourism Lethbridge presents the YQL WinterFEST in Downtown Lethbridge from January 14–19.

The YQL WinterFEST will feature a free outdoor concert series, exhibitor stations for local winter experiences, snowshoeing in Galt Gardens, and more. Along with scheduled outdoor events at Casa’s Rotary Square and Galt Gardens, the YQL WinterFEST also features anytime activities during the week, including ice sculpture selfie spots, a window painting winter walk, and a scavenger hunt with hundreds of dollars in prizes.

While exploring downtown and admiring window art, those enjoying the downtown can keep warm by trying gourmet hot chocolate as the best cafes and restaurants in Lethbridge compete in the Gourmet Hot Chocolate Contest. People can purchase a cup during the week or try a free sample on Saturday at participating businesses.

Lethbridge is the gateway to the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southern Alberta, and it’s a vibrant place to visit in the winter. The Winter Light Festival continues at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. In February, the PBR Canada Cup Series comes to Lethbridge. Then, in March, the top men’s curlers in Canada will compete at the ENMAX Centre in the 2022 Tim Hortons Brier. No matter the reason for visiting Lethbridge this winter, Downtown Lethbridge offers unique shopping and dining experiences for locals and visitors alike. The YQL WinterFEST is another reason to get downtown for fun and information about upcoming events.

“Tourism helps support and grow local businesses,” said Erin Crane, the newly appointed CEO of Tourism Lethbridge. “A vibrant downtown also acts as a magnet to attract visitors. Supporting and celebrating local business is what we do at Tourism Lethbridge.”

YQL WinterFEST 2022 is made possible with funding from the Heart of the City Re-Imagine grant and generous support from the Allied Arts Council, Casa and the Downtown BRZ.

More information about the YQL WinterFEST can be directly at TourismLethbridge.com/yqlwinterfest or via our homepage TourismLethbridge.com.

YQL WinterFEST — Schedule of Events Friday, January 14

• Outdoor concert at Casa—Rotary Square — Karen Romanchuk

Saturday, January 15

• Outdoor concert at Casa—Rotary Square — ADEQUATE!

• Samples of Gourmet Hot Chocolate available at participating cafes

• Winter Exhibitor Stations of local winter experiences

• Ongoing giveaways throughout the day

• Snowshoeing tryouts at Galt Gardens

Wednesday, January 19

• Outdoor concert at Casa—Rotary Square — Steve Keenan or alternate

Ongoing — January 14–19

• Gourmet Hot Chocolate Contest — available for purchase at participating cafes

• Ice Sculpture Selfie Spots in front of Casa

• Downtown scavenger hunt

• Window painting winter walk