As a Northern winter city, when spring-time hits and the snow melts, there is a buzz within the City of Edmonton. Residents are quick to get outside and celebrate the passing of yet another Canadian winter. The Downtown Defrost has captured this spirit by providing Edmontonians an outdoor electronic music festival that celebrates the city's diverse electronic-music artists and dance scene.

Launched in 2015, the Downtown Defrost is a family-friendly winter celebration of dance music and culture, produced by a non-profit organization "The Factory Music & Arts LTD." in collaboration with local group Night Vision Music. This annual event typically sees an outdoor Edmonton space transformed into a fun dance party featuring lights, installations, and some of the city's favorite DJs alongside international talent. For 2026, the Downtown Defrost will be taking place in Edmonton's iconic Sir Winston Churchill Square over the long weekend of Good Friday and easter long weekend.