ChillFest is an annual community-wide celebration of winter, with a variety of free activities for all ages and abilities. For 2025, Chillfest will take place from February 13 to 18. All of our events are free, however registration may be required.
Come out to Bowring, Bannerman or Victoria 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 13 and closes February 18 at 11:59 p.m.
Email the mystery phrase to specialevents@stjohns.ca (subject line "Scavenger Hunt") to be entered for a prize pack.
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. |
Friday 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, with complimentary refreshments provided! |
Valentine's Day Family Skating Party @ The Loop |
Location: The Loop in Bannerman Park
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Description: Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Loop with a delightful evening of family fun! Enjoy a festive atmosphere with Valentine’s Day decorations, kid-friendly Valentine’s-themed music, and free hot chocolate for everyone. This event is 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. |
Everyone Welcome Swim |
Location: Paul Reynolds Community Centre
Time: 7 to 7:50 p.m.
Description: Public swim open to all ages. 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. Accessible change rooms, and accessible pool entry is available. Please advise if accommodations are required at the time of check in or call ahead. After the swim, celebrate ChillFest & Valentine’s Day with a complimentary sweet treat!
Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at the Paul Reynolds Community Centre. |
Valentine's Sweetheart Skate @ The Loop |
Location: The Loop in Bannerman Park
Time: 8 to 10 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 lights with candles, decorations, free hot chocolate and valentines-themed music. While everyone is welcome, this event is intended for those 16 years of age and older. 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. |
Learn to Play Disc Golf |
Location: Confederation Hill Disc Golf Course, 50 Gooseberry Lane
Time: 10 to 12 p.m.
Description: Join Avalon Disc Golfers for a fun-filled day at Confederation Hill Disc Golf Course where you can learn the ins and outs of disc golf. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this event is perfect for anyone looking to have a good time outdoors. Their experienced instructors will guide you through the basics of the game and help you improve your skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and friendly competition. The event is free, but registration is required. |
MegaPlay |
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 bouncers, games, Nerf, balloon twisting, reptiles, colouring in the quiet chillzone and more! Bring your friends and family for an afternoon packed with laughter, energy, and fun! Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at the Kenmount Terrace Community Centre. A limited number of noise reducing headphones will be available. |
Freez’n Fun Run & Stroll or Roll |
Location: Bowring Park (West Gate)
Time: 9:30 to 11 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 West Gate. 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. |
Musical Crafternoon |
Location: Foran Greene Room, City Hall Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Description: Bring along an instrument, current crafting project, or both, and enjoy a cozy time at City Hall. Fergus O’Byrne and Fergus Brown-O’Byrne will lead a traditional music session, while experienced local crafters will be on hand to provide craft guidance and support. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies will be served. All are welcome!
Accessibility: Gender neutral, accessible washrooms are located on level 1. Elevators available to reach the Foran Greene Room on level 4. |
Adults in Motion Fitness Class |
Location: Paul Reynolds Community Centre
Time: 10 to 10:50 a.m.
Description: This low impact class combines cardio and strength training for the older adult who is looking to meet new friends and others with common wellness goals. After the class, celebrate ChillFest with a complimentary sweet treat.
Accessibility: Learn more about accessibility features at the Paul Reynolds Community Centre. |
Adult Skate |
Location: Mary Brown's Centre
Time: 12:30 to 1:50 p.m.
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. Free hot chocolate and our ChillFest Selfie Station will be available at this skating session. Don't forget to bring your skates, CSA approved helmet, and warm clothing to make the most of your time on the ice.
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: 2:00 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. Free hot chocolate and our ChillFest Selfie Station will be available at this skating session. 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 for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
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. |
ChillFest Trivia Night at Cojones |
Location: Cojones Tacos and Tequila, 195 Water Street
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Description: FREE 19+ ChillFest event hosted by trivia legends Chris and Michael Pickard. Book your table in advance by calling Cojones at (709) 754-8226. |
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.
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