The first real cold temperatures of the year kept most sane people inside this weekend. But sane people usually miss out on all the fun. Just ask the 19,000 + partiers, revelers of electronic music, and snowsuit dancers who were out for the first weekend of the 6th edition of Igloofest. The fest brings great local and international acts together and turns the old port in a musical winter wonderland. Lucky for us, special contributor/photographer Shannon Heather was there to document the event in all its icy colours and lucky for those of you who missed it, there's still two full weekends left of the festival. Grab your favourite touque and go check it out.

It may not be made of ice, but the dance igloo - a new feature of the smaller stage this year - was getting steamy with some dirty dirty dubstep.

If the words "should I wear this?" come out of your mouth before heading to the quay, the answer is yes; yes you should.

You'll notice the lack of mitts in the igloo. She's toasty.

Also new this year are the space-age neon tribal drums. Because nothing says Canadian like some neon hides.

Improvements since last year have translated into a better flow of people in all areas.

Thursday's turnout was record-breaking for a weeknight at 4855.

Germany's Tiefschwarz was killing it, and the crowd responded.

Looking up at the lights hitting the snow, one has to wonder why Canadians don't party d'hors more often.

The fresh snow continued to draw a strong crowd all weekend despite the cold on Saturday night.

Maneuvers like this one and crowd surfing became more and more precarious as the night wore the dance floor into an ice rink. If you're going to do either, I suggest you come well-padded.

Next time you go to Igloofest, face-wash a stranger - I dare you. See what happens.

an extra special thanks to Shannon Heather for braving the cool temperatures on our behalf.