As the days get longer, spring carnival season is fast approaching in the Northwest Territories.
Communities across the territory are gearing up to celebrate the start of the season with events including hand games, feasts, tea boiling, dog sledding and log sawing.
Here’s our guide to spring carnivals taking place in the NWT this year. We’ll update this story as more events are scheduled.
If you know of an upcoming spring celebration we’re missing, or want to share photos from a jamboree or carnival in the NWT, let us know by email.
The Arctic Red River Mackenzie Jamboree is scheduled for Thursday, March 27 to Sunday, March 30 in Tsiigehtchic. Scheduled events include bingo, a hockey tournament, community breakfast, skidoo rally, entertainment from the Magoo Crew, jigging contest, rifle shoot and traditional events. The hamlet has declared March 28 a half-day civic holiday to allow residents to participate. The community recreation committee says it will be an alcohol and drug free event.
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The Yellowknives Dene First Nation’s spring carnival is set to take place from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6 with a jam-packed schedule including a feeding the fire ceremony, youth hand games tournament, talent show, pond hockey, dog sled race, drum dance, baking contest and community feast. The City of Yellowknife has declared April 4 a half-day civic holiday to encourage residents to participate.
The Peel River Jamboree will take place from Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6 in Fort McPherson, featuring bingo, a jigging contest and a talent show.
Łútsël K’é’s spring carnival will begin on Thursday, April 10 with events for all ages including feasts, contests and traditional events. The community has declared Friday, April 11 a half-day civic holiday to allow residents to participate.
Behchokọ̀ is holding its spring carnival from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13 including outdoor activities and cultural celebrations.
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The 66th annual Inuvik Muskrat Jamboree is set for Friday, April 11 to Monday, April 14. Scheduled events include bingo, community games, a dance, jigging contest, snowshoe races, a traditional dress parade, a talent show and skidoo races. The Town of Inuvik has declared April 14 a half-day civic holiday.
Communities that have already held spring carnivals this year include Wood Buffalo Frolics in Fort Smith, the Beavertail Jamboree in Fort Simpson and K’amba Carnival in Kátł’odeeche First Nation.
The Snowkings’ Winter Festival continues on Yellowknife Bay throughout the month of March.
