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Northern Sky Films

Northern Sky Films in the Center Ice Plaza building in winter in Yellowknife NWT.

Northern Sky Films is Yellowknife’s newest attraction! In our brand new 360° dome theater, we offer a unique and captivating way to enjoy film. 

The sky dome is designed to show contents filmed using 360 degree technology, which will provide viewers with a complete immersive experience. This provides a variety of applications including hosting different events. Northern Sky Films currently offers three award winning documentaries distributed by the Film Board of Canada, which are “Bella Gaia”, “Aurora: Lights of Wonder”, “Cosmos Odyssey”. Be in awe, as we explore galaxies, planets, and underwater life!

Twenty people can be comfortably seated in our 30 ft. dome. Alternately, forty people can watch a thrilling music video and dance in the dome.

Come and check out our new 360° Dome Theater and watch educational and visually stunning films and experience an incredible 360 VR immersive trip!

 

Contact Information: 

Northern Sky Films Inc.

Unit 5, Center Ice Plaza

480 Range Lake Road, Yellowknife, NWT X1A 3R9

Phone: 867-688-3336

Email: tonywang@nsf360.com

Folk on the Rocks

People dancing at the main stage of Folk on the Rocks festival in NWT. Sarah Pruys

Every third weekend in July for over 40 years, a diverse lineup of musical acts from North, South and beyond gather on the sandy shores of Yellowknife’s scenic Long Lake to bring you Folk on the Rocks — the coolest Canadian music festival north of 60!

The three-day event has grown into one of Canada’s top summertime music and cultural festivals. Set in a natural amphitheatre, the breathtaking site provides the backdrop for six stages of live music, workshops, a cultural area, and a beer garden—all under the lure of the midnight sun.

It all kicks off on Friday night with “Warm the Rocks,” where musicians play at various venues throughout downtown Yellowknife. Between the following Saturday and Sunday, more than 4,000 visitors will come to Long Lake to listen to the music, take in the scenery and enjoy the most anticipated weekend of the year.

Folk on the Rocks’ unique mix of exclusively Canadian musical acts—50 per cent Northern artists and 50 per cent “Southern” acts from south of the 60th Parallel. The lineup results in a culturally diverse program for both artists and audiences to experience. In between the performances, there are plenty of delicious eats on-site, or you can take a refreshing dip in Long Lake’s cool, clean waters. It all culminates with a giant drum dance under the midnight sun, led on by the YK Dene Drummers.

Yellowknife Transit offers late-night service to and from the festival all weekend long.

Northern Arts and Cultural Centre

Northern Arts and Cultural centre in Yellowknife NWT

One of Yellowknife’s special gems, this 297-seat theatre is the only fully-equipped live performance theatre in the NWT.

The Northern Arts and Cultural Centre is run by a non-profit charitable organization that’s hosted fine arts performances here for nearly 40 years. It was built in the 1980s with the help of the Globe and Mail, whose publisher implored donors across Canada to “Help us kill Macbeth in Yellowknife.”

Since then, the NACC has become the destination for local, national, and international performances in the territory, hosting artists, symphonies, live music, theatre, stage shows, film festivals and more. The NACC also brings a variety of artistic programs to communities throughout the NWT, from educational workshops to performing artist mentorships.

Tickets sell out fast so be sure to check the NACC website for upcoming performances.

 

Somba K’e Park

Somba K’e park in Yellowknife NWT

On the shores of Frame Lake and in the shadow of City Hall, this grassy park is Yellowknife’s favourite gathering place. The plaza is a hub of activity all year-round, hosting free events like the Yellowknife Farmers’ Market in the summer and an amazing display of holiday lights come winter.

Musical performances are common at the waterfront amphitheatre, and it’s here you can take part in the grand Canada Day and Indigenous People’s Day celebrations. Stop off for a picnic, or just take in the awe inspiring drum-dance sculpture , “‘United in Celebration” by renowned Artist Francois Thibault. The Prince of Wales museum and NWT Legislature are a short stroll across the water along the Frame Lake Trail.

Whatever the event, Somba K’e offers a beautiful backdrop to life in Yellowknife.

Ehdaa National Historic Site

The papal ground teepee under the northern lights in Fort Simpson NWT

Festive sounds of celebration and solemn whispers of prayers have been heard seasonally at Ehdaa since oral tradition began for the Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ Dene.

For centuries Dene have gathered at this site, located on inviting, low-lying flat land on the southwestern end of Fort Simpson Island, near the confluence of the Mackenzie and Liard Rivers. Groups would journey here as part of their seasonal travels in order to strengthen and renew social and spiritual ties. Land use was allocated by the Elders, coming of age ceremonies were held, marriages were performed, disputes were settled, goods, knowledge and techniques were traded and games were played. Spiritual healing ceremonies, such as the drum dance, were practiced as well.

Today, the site remains an important location to the local Łiidlįį Kų́ę́ Dene, who continue to visit this sacred ground, holding seasonal celebrations at the Drum Circle, honoring their connection to the land and their culture.