Rossland Blizzard Music Fest Brings a Snowstorm of Live Music
By Writer's Block Solutions
A sonic blizzard is sweeping through Rossland this January, soundtracked by the ultimate winter playlist. Taking place from Jan. 22-26, Blizzard Music Festival will blanket the mountain town in a flurry of musical performances, syncing perfectly with the Rossland Winter Carnival.
Now in its 14th year, this five-day Canadian winter music festival celebrates diverse sounds—rock, folk, blues, hip-hop, and electronica—drawing music lovers from across the Kootenays and beyond. Coordinator Daniel D’Amour unveils the 2025 lineup just in time for the Christmas holidays, encouraging everyone to gift an incredible winter music experience.
“We’re fortunate to collaborate with the Rossland Winter Carnival to showcase our local talent and welcome an eclectic mix of performers,” says D’Amour. “With continued support from our sponsors and access to skilled sound engineers, intimate venues, and our own thriving music scene, we’re curating something truly special.”
Blizzard Fest launches on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at The Flying Steamshovel, with a free performance from The Heavy Lighters with guests, followed by ski film screenings at the same venue, which will serve as the festival hub. A free songwriters-in-the-round event will also close out the festival on Sunday, Jan. 26, although the location is still to be announced.
Throughout the festival, fans can enjoy live performances at several of Rossland’s iconic venues: The Olaus Ice Palace, the Miners’ Hall, the Lily May Room, and the Rossland Legion.
“Each show has been curated to fit its venue, ensuring every performance is a unique, immersive experience,” says D’Amour. “Whether you love the stripped-down folk vibe of Lily May, the rock-revving energy of the Legion, the historic charm of the Miners’ Hall, or the open-air buzz at the Ice Palace, we have you covered.”
Thursday night’s only show at the Miners’ Hall features Cat Clyde in a theatre-like seated performance, with MOONRIIVR and special guests. On Friday, the venue hosts headliners Small Paul, psychedelic rockers from Seattle with a genre-blending sound, after opening acts Drew Thomson Foundation and local legends Giant Water Bug kick off the night.
“If you remember Zeus from a few years back, Small Paul delivers that same multi-instrumentalist talent—switching seamlessly from drums to rhythm guitar, and keys to bass,” shares D’Amour.
For a more intimate experience, Friday night’s Lily May Room hosts a singer-songwriter showcase featuring Sparky Steeves, Liz Arnason, and Spencer Jo. These shows, co-presented by the Rossland Arts Council, feel like living-room performances, according to D’Amour, who notes they have limited capacity.
The Legion fires up the loud series with returning Calgary favourites Miesha & The Spanks, politically-charged punk rock Quit It!, and hometown rockers The Smelters.
Outdoors, The Olaus Ice Palace heats up with a mashup of sounds Friday night, including Steve Marc Band’s rootsy rock-reggae, energetic punk rock from Rossland’s Bucket, and fellow Rossland locals Should We Panic? bringing originals and rock tributes.
Saturday at the Miners’ Hall, Saskatoon’s Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys headline with a rockabilly-meets-bluegrass sound that’ll have everyone dancing.
“It’s like stepping into a Buddy Holly concert,” D’Amour adds. They’ll be joined by jazz ensemble Off the Grid and Penny Shades, an alt-soul act from Nelson.
Upstairs at the Lily May Room, Saturday’s folk blues series features bluegrass veterans Under the Rocks (with UCRA Mountain String Band), delivering intimate harmonies through a single condenser mic, using fiddle, mandolin, bass, and banjo to create magic. At the Legion, Toronto post-punk heavyweights Single Mothers crank the energy, joined by local standouts Bitter//Washed. And at the Ice Palace, electronic fans can dance under the stars to Handsome Tiger, who blend Indigenous sounds with modern drum-and-bass beats.
To elevate the experience, the 2025 lineup cuts down on overlapping performances, ensuring attendees can more easily bob between venues and enjoy the winter wonderland experience of Rossland.
“In past years, fans had to choose between shows. Now, we’re streamlining the schedule so every venue sells out and delivers the best possible experience,” says D’Amour.
The non-profit festival wouldn’t be possible without support from the City of Rossland, Tourism Rossland, Rossland Council For Arts & Culture, Tailout Brewing, Phillips Brewing and Malting Co., the Rossland Winter Carnival, and venue partners, The Flying Steamshovel and The Rossland Legion.
D’Amour is calling for more volunteers to help unlock even more music opportunities: “If we secure enough support, we’re considering a daytime set at the Ice Palace Saturday—a perfect live soundtrack for the rail jam across the street.”
Weekend passes include general performances but separate tickets are required for the Lily May Room’s folk blues series. Free shows must be reserved online, as capacity is limited. The festival is paperless, with digital tickets, ticket transfers/resales, and more info all available on the Blizzard Music Fest website.
