Blizzard Festival blows into Rossland
By Writer's Block Solutions
A sonic snowstorm is set to sweep through Rossland as Blizzard Music Festival returns January 22–24 with a genre‑spanning lineup sure to ignite hearts despite the cold. Coinciding with the Rossland Winter Carnival, the festival brings three nights of high‑energy performances, intimate showcases, and late‑night dance parties.
Now in its 15th year, the small but mighty Canadian music festival continues to celebrate diversity, drawing artists whose styles range from soul‑drenched funk and razor‑sharp hip‑hop to driving punk rock, bluegrass, swing, and twang. Festival coordinator Daniel D’Amour says this year’s roster reflects Rossland’s eclectic taste more than ever, attracting some heavy hitters while also showcasing local talent.
“We try to curate something for everyone,” says D’Amour. “Rossland has such a wide range of musical interests, and we want the festival to reflect that, letting people wander from funk to folk to punk to electronic in a single night.”
This year’s performances unfold across several of Rossland’s iconic spaces, each offering its own atmosphere and energy. The Miners’ Hall anchors the festival with its main stage and its upstairs intimate Lily May Room; the Flying Steamshovel returns as the central hub for late‑night loud shows; and the Olaus Ice Palace brings outdoor DJ magic. Shows at the newly opened Old Firehall Tavern add a warm, early evening option with bluegrass, swing, and jazzy twang in one of Rossland’s most beautiful rooms, running from 6–10 p.m. and including appetizers. Together, the venues create a walkable, multi‑stage experience that defines Blizz Fest: a unique winter festival that is also a destination for fun-seeking tourists.
Thursday at the Miners’ Hall one of Canada’s most celebrated hip‑hop artists, Shad, opens the festival. Known for witty lyricism, thoughtful storytelling, and a magnetic stage presence, Shad brings two decades of acclaimed work to the main stage, kicking off with an opening set from Nelson’s The Della Kit.
Friday will see many acts hit stages across town. The Steamshovel venue’s loud stage returns with Toronto’s OBGMs, a punk band whose blistering performances blend thrashy riffs, clever hooks, and flashes of hip‑hop cadence. Midnight Peg, a fierce female‑fronted punk act from Edmonton, will follow with their sharp energy and raw intensity. Those who prefer something more low-key can enjoy a solo performance by Sean Rodman of Moontricks upstairs in the Lily May Room, while outdoors at the Olaus Ice Palace, fans can dance beneath the stars to one of Canada’s most celebrated turntablists, Scratch Bastid, whose old‑school-meets-modern‑funk DJ set promises to be a highlight.
Saturday brings one of the most eclectic nights of the festival. At the Miners’ Hall, Seattle’s True Loves headline with a horn‑powered, soul‑soaked funk sound that promises a high‑energy dance party. “We’ve wanted to bring them for years,” says D’Amour. “Funk just brings people together, and this band knows how to light up a room.”
Upstairs in the Lily May Room, Tonia Agaba offers an intimate set blending folk, hip‑hop, soul, and R&B — all delivered with a rich, distinctive voice.
Across town at the Steamshovel, Edmonton’s Real Sickies return with their Ramones‑meets‑Green Day sound and unstoppable stage presence. They’re joined by Alberta’s Never Plenty, adding a harder‑edged layer to the weekend’s punk programming.
“This festival is one of Rossland’s defining winter traditions, amplifying the longest-running winter carnival in Canada,” says D’Amour. “We’re grateful for our sponsors, our volunteers, and everyone who embraces a louder weekend.”
The non-profit festival is made possible through the support of Tourism Rossland, the City of Rossland, Phillips Brewing & Malting, Rossland Beer Co., Tailout Brewing, Square Consulting Security Services, and the many volunteers who dedicate countless hours to the community‑run event.
Weekend passes grant access to all shows except those in the Lily May Room, which require separate tickets due to limited capacity. Individual event tickets are available online while quantities last. The festival is paperless, with digital tickets, ticket transfers/resales, and more all available on the Blizz Fest website.
