
ChillFest is an annual community-wide celebration of winter, with a variety of free activities for all ages and abilities. For 2026, Chillfest will take place from February 12 to 16. All of our events are free, however registration may be required.
Come out to Bowring or Bannerman Park for a winter scavenger hunt! Find five words hidden throughout the parks to reveal the mystery phrase. Each park has a different set of words to make a different phrase. Contest opens February 12 and closes February 16 at 11:59 p.m.
Guess the mystery phrase for a chance to be entered for a prize pack, which includes a ladder golf set, sling bag, and two tumblers!
Stroll along Duckworth and Water Street and see how many ChillFest mittens you can find! Our iconic red mitten will be hidden in storefront windows. Some windows may have multiple mittens while others may have none! Contest opens February 12 and closed February 16 at 11:59 p.m.
Guess how many mittens there are for a chance to be entered for a prize pack, which includes a ladder golf set, sling bag, and two tumblers!
| Aquatic Fitness |
|
Location: H.G.R. Mews Community Centre
Time: 9 to 9:50 a.m.
Description: Aquatic fitness classes are held in the deep and shallow end simultaneously. These low to no impact classes involve high intensity movements that are designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and muscle tone. Participants in the deep-water section can use a floatation belt.
Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre. |
| Walking Track Free Access |
|
Location: H.G.R. Mews Community Centre
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Description: Step out of the cold and onto our 100 metre walking track at the new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre! Enjoy complimentary access as part of our ChillFest celebrations—everyone is welcome to walk, unwind, and warm up indoors.
Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre. |
| Ski and Snowshoe |
| Location: North Bank Lodge, Pippy Park
Time: 12 to 9 p.m.
Description: Get your friends and family together and head outside for free Ski & Snowshoe rentals in beautiful Pippy Park! This activity is weather dependent. Call the Winter Activity Centre Info Line at (709) 737-3651 for updates.
Accessibility: Learn how to rent adaptive equipment for free. A minimum of one week notice is appreciated for requests. |
| Library Free Play |
| Location: A.C. Hunter Children's Library
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Description: Drop in for Friday Free Play at A.C. Hunter Children's Library! Babies and Tots ages 0-3 are welcome to enjoy our playroom with their caregivers. |
| Everyone Welcome Swim |
|
Location: Paul Reynolds Community Centre
Time: 7 to 7:50 p.m.
Description: Public swim open to all ages. After the swim, enjoy a complimentary sweet treat! Children 10 and under must always be accompanied in the water by a 16+ year-old who must remain in the water at arms-length. Maximum three children to one supervisor.
Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at the Paul Reynolds Community Centre. Accessible change rooms, and accessible pool entry is available. Please advise if accommodations are required at the time of check in or call ahead. |
|
Frightnight the 13th: Local Horror Film Screening |
|
Location: Majestic Theatre, 390 Duckworth Street
Time: 7 p.m.
Description: Get ready for a spine-tingling Friday the 13th as we team up with Fogfest for a night of local horror at the Majestic Theatre. This special screening features a curated selection of short horror films showcasing homegrown talent from our local film community. Following the screening, stick around for a filmmaker Q&A hosted by Fogfest’s Paul Warford. This free, accessible event brings the chill to ChillFest—perfect for horror fans and curious newcomers alike. Keep an eye on the Fogfest website and social media channels for upcoming film line-up reveals. Please note: films contain mature subject matter and viewer discretion is advised.
Tickets: Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance. Seats will be held for ticket holders until 15 minutes before showtime. Any unclaimed seats will be released to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis at that time. Tickets will be released soon!
Accessibility: For a full list of accessible features including accessible entrance, seating and washrooms please visit the Majestic Theatre website. |
| Drop-in Baby Storytime |
|
Location: A.C. Hunter Children's Library
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Description: Storytime from prewalking babies (ages 0-12 months). Songs, rhymes and early literacy tips for caregivers. No registration required. |
| Backyard Bird Count |
|
Location: Bowring Park (Meet at the Duck Pond near the Peter Pan statue)
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Description: Love is in the air… and so are the birds! Join Nature NL and the Stewardship Association of Municipalities for a Valentine’s Day Backyard Bird Count at Bowring Park! Fall in love with nature as we count as many birds as we can together. Explore the park with a guided group or solo. This event is in support of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Open to all ages and experience levels. Bird ID resources provided. A limited number of extra binoculars are available (bring your own if you have them!). |
|
Coffeehouse Music Crawl |
|
Locations: Boreal Cafe, Estee Cafe, and Homage
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Description: We've teamed up with three local coffee shops to offer live music and warm drinks to brighten a chilly day. Each location will feature a local performer playing a two-hour acoustic set! |
| Valentine's Sweetheart Skate @ The Loop |
|
Location: The Loop in Bannerman Park
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Description: Romance is in the air at the Bannerman Park Loop! Treat your sweetheart, pal-entine or someone special to a lovely Valentine’s evening, skating under the stars with candles, decorations, free hot chocolate and valentines-themed music. A photographer will be on-site to capture photos at the photo booth (photos to be sent via email). Events at the Loop are weather and ice dependent. Please call the Loop Line at 709-733-5667 to see if the loop is open.
Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at Bannerman Park. Learn how to rent adaptive equipment for free. A minimum of one week notice is appreciated for requests. |
| Freez’n Fun Run & Stroll or Roll |
| Location: Bowring Park
Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Description: Bundle up and join us for a Freez’n Fun Run on the paved roads in beautiful Bowring Park. Strollers and all terrain wheelchairs are welcome. Start and finish for the race will be located at the entrance gate off Squires Avenue. Race times are as follows:
All runners will receive a medal and an official finish time. Bib pick-up will take place onsite 15 minutes prior to race time. Registration is free but must be completed in advance.
Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at Bowring Park.
|
| Mega Play |
|
Location: Kenmount Terrace Community Centre
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Description: Get ready for a fun-filled experience with engaging activities and interactive play designed for kids. We'll have a toddler play area, colouring in the quiet and calm ChillZone, bouncers, games, reptiles, a 360-degree photo booth with music and more! Bring your friends and family for an afternoon packed with laughter, energy, and fun! Children of all ages are welcome, but most activities are intended for kids 8 years and under. Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at the Kenmount Terrace Community Centre. A limited number of noise reducing headphones will be available. |
| Adult Skate |
|
Location: Mary Brown's Centre
Description: Designed for participants aged 18 and up, this program offers a relaxed, welcoming environment for skaters of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to practice your moves, get some light exercise, or simply unwind, the Adult Skate is the perfect way to spend time on the ice. Plus, get free hot chocolate! Don't forget to bring your skates, CSA approved helmet, and warm clothing.
Accessibility: For accessibility assistance to the event level, individuals must check in with an Ice Rental Attendant at Gate 5. The attendant will escort them to the elevator. |
|
Family Skate |
|
Location: Mary Brown's Centre
Time: 2 to 2:50 p.m.
Description: Perfect for skaters of all ages and skill levels, this skate provides a safe and friendly environment to create lasting memories while enjoying recreational skating. Plus, get free hot chocolate! Children 12 years and under must be accompanied in the arena by an adult. Make sure to bring your skates, CSA approved helmet, and warm clothing.
Accessibility: For accessibility assistance to the event level, individuals must check in with an Ice Rental Attendant at Gate 5. The attendant will escort them to the elevator.
|
The City of St. John’s strives to create accessible and inclusive programs and services where possible. For accommodation requests, or to provide feedback related to accessibility and inclusion, please call 576-4450 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca.
Contact Us