Festivals
A guide to upcoming celebrations of art, music, plays, film and food.
Edmonton
JUNE
ALBERTA CIRCUS ARTS FESTIVAL
Jun 19–22 / various venues
albertacircusarts.com
Global circus performers in Edmonton’s French Quarter, including Haus of Yolo (New Zealand), The Vessel (Sweden) and Flo Immersive Circus (Quebec), plus workshops where you can learn to juggle or walk on stilts.
IMPROVAGANZA
Jun 19–22 / Rapid Fire Theatre
rapidfiretheatre.com/improvaganza
Performances by improvisors and sketch comedians from around the world.
NUOVA VOCAL ARTS FESTIVAL
Jun 20–29 / Capitol Theatre, Orange Hub Theatre
nuovavocalarts.ca
Nuova performs opera and musicals. The 25th edition of their festival presents Once Upon a Mattress, Between the Lines and Silence.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
Jun 21 / various venues
edmonton.ca/national-indigenous-peoples-day
Edmonton has the second- largest Indigenous population in Canada. This annual showcase of First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture traditionally features a tipi- raising, smudge ceremony, music and interactive events at the Royal Alberta Museum.
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Jun 21–29 / various venues
edmontonjazz.com
International and local jazz artists, including Richard Bona Trio, Mike Stern Band and Audrey Ochoa. The traditional New Orleans jazz night features The High Society Jazz Band at the Château Lacombe Ballroom on Jun 24.
THE WORKS ART & DESIGN FESTIVAL
Jun 21–Jul 1 / Churchill Square
theworks.ab.ca
This is the 40th anniversary of North America’s largest free outdoor festival dedicated to visual art: massive installations, exhibitions, art and musical performances and workshops. This year’s theme is “Ground Works,” reflecting on roots and what lies beneath the surface.
FREEWILL SHAKESPEARE
Jun 27–Jul 20 / Riverfront Park
freewillshakespeare.com
Performances of As You Like It by William Shakespeare run evenings Tues–Sat with matinees Wed, Sat, Sun.
JULY
GRINDSTONE COMEDY FESTIVAL
Jul 2–6 / Grindstone Theatre
grindstonecomedyfest.com
This year’s lineup of stand-up comedians and improvisors includes Kenny vs. Spenny, Jon Dore and Robby Hoffman.
INTERNATIONAL STREET PERFORMERS FESTIVAL
Jul 4–13 / Churchill Square
edmontonstreetfest.com
These 10 days of free, all- ages fun include acrobats, musicians and circus acts.
FOUND FESTIVAL
Jul 10–13 / Old Strathcona
commongroundarts.ca/found-festival
Theatre, music, dance, poetry and visual art presented in unconventional venues.
WHYTE AVENUE ART WALK
Jul 11–13 / Whyte Avenue
art-walk.ca
For art walk’s 30th anniversary, 400 visual artists will line the streets with their work.
TASTE OF EDMONTON
Jul 17–27 / Churchill Square
tasteofedm.ca
A large food festival.
EDMONTON REGGAE FESTIVAL
Jul 19, 20 / Jamaica Association of Alberta (JANA)
edmontonreggaefestivalsociety.ca
International artists and local talent. Headliners this year include Nigy Boy, ZJ Johnny Kool and Tasia Shante.
KDAYS
Jul 19–28 / EXPO Centre and Exhibition Grounds
k-days.com
Rides, fireworks, food and concerts by Bad Religion, Tom Morello, Violet Night, Jazzy B and Marianas Trench.
AUGUST
EDMONTON HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Aug 2–4 / Borden Park
heritagefest.ca
A long-weekend celebration of multiculturalism, with food, music and dance from over 90 countries.
EDMONTON FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug 7–10 / Gallagher Park
edmontonfolkfest.org
Mt. Joy is the headliner.
CARIWEST FESTIVAL
Aug 8–10 / downtown
cariwest.ca
A colouful parade starts this event marking the history, traditions and contributions of the Caribbean diaspora.
EDMONTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
Aug 14–24 / Old Strathcona
fringetheatre.ca
More than 750,000 attendees choose from 200 indoor shows and 20 outdoor performances.
EDMONTON PRIDE FESTIVAL
Aug 22–24 / Churchill Square
edmontonpridefest.com
The 2SLGBTQ+ and QTBIPOC communities are celebrated at this annual parade and party.
EMBFEST
Aug 23, 24 / Queen Elizabeth Park, Kinsmen Park
embfest.ca
Group rides, races and seminars from the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance.
SEPTEMBER
KALEIDO FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL
Sep 5–7 / Alberta Avenue
kaleidofest.ca
Art, music, theatre and dance in the alleys, parks and rooftops of Alberta Avenue.
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sep 25–Oct 5 / various venues
edmontonfilmfest.com
Over 150 films across all genres from around the world.
OCTOBER
EDMONTON LITFEST
Oct TBA / downtown
litfestalberta.org
Non-fiction festival with readings and workshops.
Calgary
JUNE
SLED ISLAND
Jun 18–22 / various venues
sledisland.com
This edition of the five-day multi-genre music festival is curated by Japan’s Otoboke Beaver and includes TOPS, Xiu Xiu and The Mummies.
JAZZYYC SUMMER FESTIVAL
Jun 23–29 / various venues
jazzyyc.com/summer-festival
Artemis, Mike Stern and Delvon Lamarr B3 Organ Trio headline.
JULY
CALGARY STAMPEDE
Jul 4–13 / Stampede Grounds
calgarystampede.com
Rodeo, animal barns, rides, midway games, food for the adventurous, fireworks and concerts by Shania Twain and Jason Isbell.
OMATSURI JAPANESE FESTIVAL
Jul 18, 19 / Max Bell Centre
calgaryjca.com
Martial arts performances, authentic Japanese cuisine, Taiko drumming and traditional dance such as Minyo.
FIESTAVAL
Jul 18–20 / Eau Claire Plaza
fiestaval.ca
A Latino festival with food and music from Cuba, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Mexico, plus beer gardens.
CALGARY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Jul 24–27 / Prince’s Island
calgaryfolkfest.com
Headliners include CAKE, Los Lobos, BADBADNOTGOOD, Patrick Watson and Ocie Elliott.
TERMINUS: MODULATION
Jul 24–27 / Dickens Pub
terminus-festival.com
A synth, electronica, post-punk and darkwave music festival.
INGLEWOOD SUNFEST
Jul 26 / Inglewood
inglewoodsunfest.ca
A street fair of 200 booths, buskers and food trucks.
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL
Jul 31–Aug 3 / The Confluence
calgarybluesfest.com
The lineup includes Shakura S’Aida, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Zac Harmon, Dave Babcock & the Nightkeepers and Lady A.
TASTE OF CALGARY
Jul 31–Aug 4 / Lot 6 (4th Ave & 9th St SW)
tasteofcalgary.com
Global cuisines can be sampled from local restaurants for $2–$7 per dish.
AUGUST
CALGARY FRINGE FESTIVAL
Aug 1–9 / Inglewood
calgaryfringe.ca
A “boutique” fringe festival with open-access theatre for live and online performances.
BUMP FESTIVAL
Aug 1–18 / various venues
yycbump.ca
Commissioned large-scale murals, public art pieces and guided walking tours.
CALGARY DRAGON BOAT RACE AND FESTIVAL
Aug 8–10 / North Glenmore Park
calgarydragonboatsociety.com
This boat race typically draws over 1,800 competitors.
EXPO LATINO
Aug 8–10 / Prince’s Island Park
expolatino.com
Music, dance, art, food and pavilions with Latin American cultural ambassadors who share stories and traditions.
MARDA GRAS
Aug 10/19th St & 33 Ave SW
visitmardaloop.com/mardagras
A street festival in Marda Loop punning on Lent’s Fat Tuesday.
GLOBALFEST
Aug 14–23 / Elliston Park
globalfest.ca
A family-friendly multicultural and fireworks festival featuring pavilions, food and music.
CARIFEST
Aug 15–17 / Cowboys Park
carifestcalgary.com
A parade, costumes, music and island cooking. Each Caribbean island showcases its unique culture.
COUNTRY THUNDER
Aug 15–17 / The Confluence
countrythunder.com/ab
This year’s lineup includes Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, Lindsay Ell and Ashley McBryde.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS COMEDY FESTIVAL
Aug 22–24 / Prince’s Island Park
greatoutdoorscomedyfestival.com/calgary
The lineup includes Theo Von, Bert Kreischer, Whitney Cummings and Dr. Phil LIVE.
CALGARY PRIDE FESTIVAL
Aug 30, 31 / Prince’s Island
calgarypride.ca
Uplifting the 2SLGBTQ+ community with a downtown parade and revelry in the park.
SEPTEMBER
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sep 18–28 / various venues
ciffcalgary.ca
More than 30,000 attendees and 200 feature-length, multi- genre and short films from Canada and across the world.
OCTOBER
WORDFEST’S IMAGINARIUM
Oct 14–19 / Memorial Park and Central Library, DJD Centre
wordfest.com
The 30th anniversary of this celebration of literature, writers and storytelling.
HONENS INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
Oct 16–24 / Bella Concert Hall
honens.com
The prestigious piano competition takes place once every three years.
NOVEMBER
CALGARY JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL
Nov 6–8 / The Confluence
justicefilmfestival.ca
Documentaries about social issues are followed by discussions with filmmakers and experts on the topics.
GIRAF 21
Nov 13–23 / Globe Cinema
giraffest.ca
The 21st Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival of independent animated film.
North
JUNE
WHITECOURT PARTY IN THE PARK FESTIVAL
Jun 13, 14 / Festival Park
Street performers, face painting and musicians, including Aaron Pritchett and Wide Mouth Mason.
FALHER HONEY FESTIVAL
Jun 13–15 / Main St., Arena
honeyfest.ca
A family celebration in the “Honey Capital of Canada.”
LA COREY FARM FAIR AND RHUBARB FESTIVAL
Jun 14 / La Corey Hall
goeastofedmonton.com/la-corey-annual-farm-fair
Corb Lund headlines this event, which also features a car show, kids zone and market.
DRIFTPILE NORTH COUNTRY FAIR
Jun 20–22 / Driftpile Valley
northcountryfair.ca
This summer solstice music festival is headlined by Bridge City Sinners, Lucette and Skinny Dyck, and has camping, food, craft vendors and more.
ATHABASCA THE MAGNIFICENT RIVER RATS FESTIVAL
Jun 30, Jul 1 / Riverfront Park
riverratsfestival.ca
Free performances by regional musical talent on the banks of the Athabasca River.
JULY
VEGREVILLE PYSANKA FESTIVAL
Jul 4–6 / Vegreville Agricultural Society Grounds
pysankafestival.com
This year’s celebration of Ukrainian culture honours “babas and didos” with comfort food, cultural showcases, workshops and live music.
AUGUST
BEAVERLODGE PEACE COUNTRY GOSPEL JAMBOREE
Aug 1–3 / South Peace Centennial Museum
peacecountrygospeljamboree.com
Crimson River, Worship Union and more perform at this prairie-based gospel festival.
LAC LA BICHE POW WOW DAYS
Aug 1–4 / Bold Centre
After long being known as Summer Days, this event returns to its roots with a new name, parade, music, midway, talent competition and fish fry.
GRANDE CACHE CANADIAN DEATH RACE
Aug 2, 3 / Central Park
sinistersports.ca/deathrace
This 118-km ultramarathon through Hell’s Gate Canyon begins and ends on a 4,200-ft plateau and traverses three mountain summits.
VEGREVILLE COUNTY FAIR
Aug 6–10 / Vegreville
vegag.ca/fair
Agricultural Society Grounds A horse show, chuckwagon and chariot races, midway, fireworks, live music, beer gardens and camping.
SLAVE LAKE SUMMER BEACH FEST
Aug 9, 10 / Devonshire Beach
slavelakeregion.ca/beach-fest-2025
This year’s theme is “Pirates of Devonshire” and features games, food and fireworks.
GRANDE PRAIRIE BEAR CREEK FOLK FESTIVAL
Aug 15–17 / Muskoseepi Park
bearcreekfolkfest.org
Nearly 30 folk, rock, country, blues and gospel artists across four stages. Lineup includes Jewel, Serena Ryder, Begonia, Loudon Wainwright III, Gnoss and Walk Off the Earth.
JACKFISH LAKE BRO-TEL BACKYARD FESTIVAL
Aug 15–17 / John Dudar Park
brotelbackyardfestival.com
This festival started as a backyard concert for local talent and has grown each year. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, it features an artisan pavilion, camping, beer garden and musical acts from across the continent.
COLD LAKE EXTREME MUDFEST
Aug 21–24 / Cold Lake Rodeo Grounds
extrememudfest.com
Mud races for trucks, rock crawlers and quads, a slo- pitch tournament, bull-riding, camping and music, including Bif Naked, Wide Mouth Mason, Jade Eagleson and BC/DC.
COLD LAKE SUMMER RUSH MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug 22–24 / Long Bay
summerrushfestival.com
This year’s performers include Sparrow Blue, Violet Night, Lionhearted and Monks on Call. The artists are backdropped by the Cold Lake waterfront.
SEPTEMBER
JASPER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sep 5, 6 / Commemoration Park
jasperfolkmusicfestival.ca
This family-friendly event kicks off with a parade through Jasper and features The Strumbellas, Frazey Ford, Shub, Leeroy Stagger and Brasstactics, among others.
PEACE RIVER MISERABLE MILES
Sep 6 / Misery Mountain
miserablemiles.ca
The 6.2-km obstacle race up Misery Mountain ski hill has a 212-m vertical ascent, crossbar swinging, water sliding and lumber hauling.
PEACE RIVER HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL
Sep 13 / mainstreet Grimshaw
mightypeace.com/harvest-moon-festival
An open-air market with games, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, live music and lights.
OCTOBER
JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL
Oct 17–Nov 2 / various venues
jasperdarksky.travel
Jasper National Park is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. For the 15th anniversary of this festival, you can observe the starry skies—maybe even the northern lights—and take in an improv show.
Central
JUNE
BANFF CENTRE SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL
Through Sep / Banff Centre
banffcentre.ca/summer-arts-fest
70+ events across all art forms, including the opera The Handmaid’s Tale and a celebration of Oscar Peterson.
PONOKA FREEZER BURN
Jun 19–23 / Parkland Region
https://www.freezerburn.org/
The Alberta Burning Man celebration has music, camping and large-scale installations.
BEAUMONT MUSIC FESTIVAL
Jun 20, 21 / Four Seasons Park
beaumontmusicfestival.ca
Headliners are Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and 54.40.
WAINWRIGHT STAMPEDE
Jun 20–22 / Stampede Grounds
wainwrightstampede.com
An annual agricultural fair, rodeo, midway and cabaret.
ROSEBUD CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
Jul 25–29 / various venues
rosebudchambermusic.com
Artists include James Shields, Leana Rutt and Julie Hereish.
PONOKA STAMPEDE
Jun 25–Jul 1 / Stampede Grounds
ponokastampede.com
Featuring the largest single-day bull-riding event in the world.
JULY
YELLOWHEAD COUNTY VIBESTOWN FESTIVAL
Jul 10–13 / Range Rd 152
vibestownfestival.com
Electronic music and spontaneous art experiences come together in the birch forests near Edson.
EVANSBURG PEMBINA RIVER NIGHTS FESTIVAL
Jul 11, 12 / Rangeton Park
asmallshieldmusic.ca
On-site camping along the Pembina River with rock, folk and bluegrass artists. Lineup includes Damien Alblas, Jay Pollmann and Boneyard.
SHERWOOD PARK RAVENWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Jul 11, 12 / Broadmoor Lake Park
ravenwoodexperience.com
Family-friendly music, including The Prairie States, Shred Kelly and Ahead by a Century.
RED DEER WESTERNER DAYS
Jul 16–20 / Westerner Park
westernerdays.ca
A parade, rodeo, market, monster-truck rides, fireworks and music by Dawson Gray, Sass Jordan and Corb Lund.
HINTON WILD MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Jul 18–20 / Entrance Ranch
wildmtnmusic.ca
Bahamas, Wyatt C. Louis and Doc Walker play this multi- genre music festival. The ranch is 8 km north of Hinton and hosts campers.
NEW NORWAY THE WILLOWS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Jul 18–20 / The Willows Rustic Retreat
thewillowsretreat.ning.com
Donita Large and Jimmy and the Sleepers headline this intimate festival capped at 200 attendees.
OKOTOKS TASTE OF OKOTOKS
Jul 19 / downtown Okotoks
okotoks.ca/taste-okotoks
Downtown streets are closed to allow for a pedestrian- friendly sampling of local restaurants and food vendors.
RED DEER CENTREFEST
Jul 26, 27 / downtown
centrefest.ca
This busking festival features magicians, acrobats, clowns, musicians, snake charmers, jugglers, comedians, sword swallowers and living statues.
CAMROSE BIG VALLEY JAMBOREE
Jul 31–Aug 3 / Camrose Regional Exhibition
bigvalleyjamboree.com
The Jamboree began in 1993. This year’s lineup includes Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean and the Hunter Brothers.
AUGUST
MULHURST BAY PIGEON LAKE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug 1–3 / Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park
www.plmf.ca
This sold-out festival is headlined by Big Wreck and Matthew Good and his Band.
STONY PLAIN BLUEBERRY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Aug 1–3 / Heritage Park
blueberrybluegrass.com
A family-friendly festival featuring the Rick Faris Band, the Slocan Ramblers, open jams and a petting zoo.
CANMORE FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug 2–4 / Centennial Park
canmorefolkfestival.com
Where “music meets the mountains.” The lineup this year includes Aysanabee, Basia Bulat and Chad VanGaalen.
ST. ALBERT ROCK’N AUGUST
Aug 5–9 / various venues
rocknaugust.com
Classic cars and music.
ROSALIND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug 8–10 / ball diamond
eventbrite.ca/rosalind-tickets
The lineup features bands from Mexico soundtracking a weekend of camping, pancake breakfasts and beer gardens.
BANFF INTERNATIONAL STRING QUARTET COMPETITION
Aug 25–31 / Banff Centre
banffcentre.ca/bisqc
Every three years, young musicians compete to be crowned the top string quartet. Past winners include the St. Lawrence String Quartet (1992) and the Isadore (2022).
NOVEMBER
BANFF CENTRE MOUNTAIN FILM AND BOOK FESTIVAL
Nov 1–9 / Banff Centre
banffcentre.ca/banffmountainfestival
The 50th anniversary of this celebration of mountain culture features films, speakers, exhibitions, music and a marketplace. The Fire and Ice Symposium examines the role storytelling plays in raising awareness of climate change.
South
JUNE
MILO LIELOW MUSIC FEST
Jun 13–15 / Snake Valley
lielowmusicfest.com
Multi-genre music, including The Wet Secrets, Carolyn Mark and Kue Varo and The Only Hopes.
MEDICINE HAT JAZZ FEST
Jun 17–22 / Esplanade Centre, Super T Aviation Hangar
medicinehatjazzfest.com
Now under new leadership from JazzYYC’s Gerry Hebert and Kodi Hutchinson (Chronograph Records). Lineup includes Carl Mayotte Quintet, Kate Stevens and Montuno West.
LETHBRIDGE PRIDE FEST
Jun 28 / Galt Gardens
lethbridgepride.com
The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is celebrated with a parade and a party in the park.
JULY
MILLARVILLE RACES
Jul 1 / Millarville Race Track
millarvilleracetrack.com/race-track
The 120th edition of the Canada Day races features thoroughbred, stock horse and ladies’ sidesaddle races and a beer garden.
LETHBRIDGE STREET MACHINE WEEKEND
Jul 11–13 / various venues
streetwheelers.com/events
A gathering of over a thousand vehicles from classic American muscle cars to hot rods and European sports cars.
FORT MACLEOD SOUTH COUNTRY FAIR
Jul 18–20 / Fish and Game Park
southcountryfair.com
This popular folk, blues and rock festival will feature Shaela Miller, Joce Reyome, Captain Tractor, Henry Wagons and Apollo Suns.
SUNDRE SHADY GROVE BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Jul 18–20 / Rodeo Grounds
foothillsbluegrass.com/shady-grove
Barrel Boys, Missy Raines and Allegheny, John Wort Hannam and Prairie Sky along with open mics, jams and workshops.
MEDICINE HAT STAMPEDE
Jul 23–26 / Exhibition and Stampede Grounds
mhstampede.com
A rodeo, parade, midway, beer gardens and local bands.
TABER CORNSTOCK ’25
Jul 24–26 / Legion Youth Centre
spiderentertainment.ca/cornstock-25/
Taber’s biggest music festival features classic rock bands such as Streetheart, Glass Tiger, Doug and The Slugs, Tom Cochrane, The Northern Pikes and Prism, as well as three days of camping, food trucks and a beer garden.
VULCAN VULCON
Jul 25–27 / various venues
https://www.vulcantourism.com/vulcon
This annual convention for trekkies hosts celebrities who have taken part in Star Trek’s long history. It traditionally features autograph sessions, a Trekkie Brekkie, a dinner and dance and a cosplay parade.
CROWSNEST PASS HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Jul 31–Aug 4 / various venues
cnpheritagefest.ca
This is the 20th edition of an event that regularly attracts 9,000 attendees. It features walking tours of heritage sites like the Miners’ Path, Frank and Crowsnest cemeteries, plus live music and local cuisine.
AUGUST
DRUMHELLER LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL
Aug 1–3 / Dinosaur Downs Speedway
loudashell.ca
A pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country headlined by Filth, First Fragment and Revocation.
MOSSLEIGH SOUTHERN ALBERTA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug 8, 9 / Aspen Crossing
southernabfest.ca
Country and folk artists, including Trevor Panczak, Brayden King and Tacoma, perform in support of STARS air ambulance.
LETHBRIDGE WHOOP-UP DAYS
Aug 19–23 / Exhibition Park
agrifoodhub.ca/whoop-up
This 128-year-old event celebrates the wild west and agricultural traditions with a parade, rodeo, midway, marketplace, buskers, Siksikaitsitapi pow wow and pageant, food and fireworks.
TABER CORNFEST
Aug 21–23 / Confederation Park
visittaber.com/taber-cornfest-2025
This 40th anniversary celebration of famous Taber corn will feature a chili cookoff, a “skateboard corn-test,” rides, fireworks, a show and shine— and piles of hot buttered corn.
MEDICINE HAT HEART OF THE HORSE
Aug 22–24 / Cypress Centre
theheartofthehorse.ca
This horse show has competitions for ranch horses and colt-starting (training a colt in front of an audience) with an appearance from Heartland’s Amber Marshall.
PINCHER CREEK HUCKLEBERRY FESTIVAL
Aug 23 / Castle Mountain
skicastle.ca/huckleberry-festival/
The ski resort’s annual huckleberry celebration includes free live music, berries, chairlift rides, a mountain vendor market and a chicken and rib dinner.