Calgary 
The August Long Weekend in Alberta is often one of the warmest, so you’re probably planning some sort of vacation.
Edmonton Heritage Festival Association
You can easily centre your long weekend around the Heritage Day holiday and set out to find museums, historical sites, festivals, or natural heritage sites around Alberta. But if you’re simply looking to enjoy festivals and events this weekend, there are many taking place from July 31 to August 3, 2026.
For more: Things to Do in Alberta This August
Contents:
- Heritage Day Themed Events
- Heritage & Cultural Sites to Visit
- Suggestions for Getaways (lesser-known places)
- Festivals & Events
1. Heritage Day Themed Events
Edmonton Heritage Festival
The large Edmonton Heritage Festival seems to get bigger every year it is held, and 2026 is no different. The annual tradition will educate through performances, dance, food, and shopping from more than 60 countries and cultures at various outdoor pavilions. This year, the festival will be held at Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park. Details
When: August 1 to 3, 2026
Where: William Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Rd NW, Edmonton
How much: Free to attend
Heritage Day in Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie’s Heritage Day brings local history and diverse cultures to life at Heritage Village in the Grande Prairie Museum, located in Muskoseepi Park. The free, family-friendly celebration features community and cultural booths, blacksmith demonstrations, ropemaking, old-fashioned bingo, a hands-on Tub n’ Scrub laundry activity, traditional games, carnival-style activities and more for visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy. Details
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Where: Grande Prairie Museum and Heritage Village, Muskoseepi Park
How much: free
Smoky Lake Heritage Days
The August long weekend will be action-packed in Smoky Lake this year. There is a parade on Saturday, and all the rodeo action plus a concert by Corb Lund. Details
When: August 1 & 2, 2026
How much: parade free to attend; Other events: Varies
The Red Deer Hootenanny
Red Deer Hootenanny returns to Heritage Square with live music, local culture and family fun. Performers include Cat Clyde, Tim Hus, Mariel Buckley, Peter & the Wolves, Cole Martin Band and Brigadiers String Band. Visitors can browse handmade goods, enjoy food trucks, join art activities and support the event through 50/50 raffle. Details
When: August 3, 2026
Where: Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery, 4525 47A Avenue, Red Deer
How much: Free
Cardston Heritage Days
Join the small southern Alberta town of Cardston this August for an entire week of Heritage Day activities, celebrations, and events. Throughout the week, you can watch Pow Wow dancers and live concerts, parade, catch rodeo events, enjoy a pancake breakfast or two, and end each day with a party or dance. Plus, fireworks on August 8. Details
When: August 3 to 8, 2026
Where: various venues in Cardston
How much: most events are free to attend
Historic Calgary Week
Chinook Country Historical Society celebrates Heritage Day with a week-long event offering various tours highlighting the history of Calgary and the area. Details
When: Until Monday, August 3, 2026
Where: Calgary & Area
How much: Free and ticketed.
Crowsnest Pass Doors Open & Heritage Festival
Discover all of Crowsnest Pass’ unique culture, heritage & history through self-guided tours, foods and music. In 2025, the Crowsnest Pass Doors Open & Heritage Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, taking place over the August long weekend. Embracing local musicians and artisans, this year’s event features a vibrant array of live performances. With a focus on unique culture, history, and heritage, the festival offers a diverse range of activities that allow attendees to immerse themselves in the beauty of Crowsnest Pass.
Details
When: July 30 to August 3, 2026
Where: Various locations in Crowsnest Pass
How much: Free and ticketed.
Days of Yore
Two days, dozens of historical reenactors, sword fights, big cannons, and live combat ! From Viking battles to the roar of Civil War cannons, Days of Yore brings centuries of military history to life with action-packed demonstrations, hands-on activities and interactive displays across the Park. Details
When: August 1 to 2, 2026
Where: Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary
How much: $27.95 – $39.95
Heritage Day Festival
Celebrate Japanese heritage at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden with cultural performances and hands-on activities for families. Highlights include a Lion Dance, HIBIKIYA Taiko Drumming, an origami demonstration with Lev and Laurie, and a new yukata dressing experience showcasing traditional Japanese summer clothing, art, music and community. Details
When: August 3, 2026
Where: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, 835 Mayor Magrath Drive S, Lethbridge
How much: $20+fees
Festivals & Events During Heritage Day Long Weekend
Grande Prairie Regional Airshow
The Grande Prairie Regional Airshow returns with another high-energy weekend, featuring thrilling aerial performances and impressive aircraft. Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie, the event will feature military displays, aviation showcases, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Details
When: August 1 to 2, 2026
Where: Grande Prairie Airport, 10610 Airport Dr, Grande Prairie
How much: $25 to $40
Canadian Death Race
Since 2000, there has been an incredible race run through the Rockies here in Grande Cache, with runners travelling along three mountain summits, one major river crossing, and 17,000 feet of elevation change. Each year, extreme athletes push themselves to the limits of their endurance against the breathtaking background of the Canadian Rocky Mountains by running an incredible 125 kilometres over two days. If you are not into running, you can still enjoy the events and festivities happening at the same time, and watch the runners cross the finish line. Details
When: August 1 to 2, 2026
Where: Grande Cache
Chasing Summer Festival
The premiere outdoor dance music event in Western Canada returns to Calgary for its seventh anniversary…a new chase, a new experience…bigger and better than ever… Lineup: TFisher, Subtronics, Armin van Buuren and many more! Details
When: August 1 & 2, 2026
Where: Max Bell Centre Grounds, 1001 Barlow Trail SE, Calgary
How much: $145 & up
Calgary International Blues Festival
The 22nd annual Calgary International Blues Festival offers a full week of blues workshops, concerts, and special events, ending with four days of live music on MainStage and nightly Twilight Blues dance parties. This family-friendly festival features top blues artists, food trucks, a beer tent, arts market, and souvenirs—celebrating community, culture, and the soul-stirring spirit of blues music. Details
When: July 30 to August 2, 2026
Where: The Confluence, 750 – 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
How much: $50 & up
Aqua Days
It is no surprise that a town like Cold Lake would host a huge water-based celebration on one of Alberta’s warmest weekends. You can take advantage of fun on the water with select free watersport rentals, cardboard boat races, or via the giant slip n’ slide. Enjoy some time on Lakeshore Drive with the vendor market, a pancake breakfast, or fireworks over Kinosoo beach. Details
When: August 1, 2026
Where: Kinosoo Beach/Lakeshore Drive, Cold Lake
How much: free
Big Valley Jamboree
Spend your August Long Weekend with 90,000 music fans, more than 50 artists on multiple stages, and special events and entertainment for everyone.
Experience a star-studded lineup.
When: July 30 to August 2, 2026
Where:Camrose Regional Exhibition, Exhibition Drive, Camrose
How much: $63.00 & up
Polynesian Days
Polynesian Days (Poly Days) is an annual family event that, for four decades, has continually drawn over 6,000 people every August long weekend to the community of Alberta Beach. Beachwave Park hosts ongoing attractions, including chalk art, water games, and more. Food trucks and markets provide delicious treats and local goods. The parade, bouncy castles, bonfire, and Pacific Island dance performance bring excitement. Details
When: August 1 to 3, 2026
Where: Alberta Beach
How Much: Free
Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days & Fish Derby
Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days brings five days of community celebrations with family activities, entertainment and events. Highlights include a pow wow, community fish fry, pancake breakfasts, a parade, 25-ride midway, food trucks, a talent show, dance, market, car show, family and kids fish derby, fireworks and baseball finals. Visitors can also expect slo-pitch and plenty of community spirit. Details
When: July 31 to August 3, 2026
Where: Various Locations, Lac La Biche
How Much: Free
Tour de Bowness
The 23rd Tour de Bowness brings three days of cycling action, starting with a road race near Cochrane, followed by a hill climb on MacKay Road and the seven-turn Cory Meza Memorial Criterium in Bowness. Monday also features the Tour de Bowness Street Festival, organized locally by the Bowness BRZ. Details
When: August 1 to 3, 2026
Where: Various Venues, Calgary Area
How much: Free to Watch
Strathmore Stampede
The Strathmore Stampede includes Rodeo, Chuckwagon races, and the signature Running with the Bulls event. Details
When: July 31 to August 3, 2026
Where: 33 Wheatland Trail, Strathmore
How much:$19.25 – $44
Loud as Hell Festival
LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West, ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Western Canada and beyond, you won’t want to miss any of it. Details
When: July 31 to August 2, 2026
Where: Dinosaur Downs Speedway, 5 St SE, Drumheller
How much: weekend tickets are $190
Canmore Folk Festival
The longest-running folk music festival in Alberta features 30+ individual acts or performers, a family-friendly site, a free downtown concert on festival Friday evening, a kids’ area jammed with crafts, puppets, music, storytelling and more! Details
When: August 1 to 3, 2026
Where: Centennial Park, downtown Canmore
How much: $51.52 & up
Pigeon Lake Music Festival
The event features incredible musical performances, outstanding entertainment, fantastic food and drink, and amazing people – all in an unforgettable outdoor setting. Details
When: July 31 to August 2, 2026
Where: Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park, 473008 Range Road 10, Mulhurst Bay
How much: $80 to $120+fees
Leslieville Antique Days
Step back in time at Ridges House, Mercantile Store, Shady Lane School, Lane House, and Church. Witness demonstrations at the Blacksmith Shop, Sawmill, Shingle Mill, Threshing & Baling during the Central Alberta Antique and Model Club’s Antique Days. Enjoy the parade, tractor pulls, Royal Scot Train, kiddie kart rides, petting zoo, and all-day concessions with famous cinnamon buns!
When: August 1 & 2, 2026
Where: 2 miles east and a quarter mile south of Leslieville
How Much: $10
3. Heritage & Cultural Sites to Visit
Alberta’s Museums and Historic Sites
You can find a museum, preserved fort, national or provincial historic site, or discovery centre in almost every Alberta town and city. There are the larger, more famous museums, like the Royal Alberta and Royal Tyrrell Museums, or the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin. But there are several smaller museums to see that pay tribute to so many different parts of Alberta’s heritage, such as Indigenous culture, the fur trade, the pre-war era, and all sorts of industries like oil, farming, and coal. Details
Visit Alberta’s Provincial museum with Canada Strong Pass – enjoy free admission for children aged 17 and under, 50% off admission fees for youth aged 18 to 24 until September 7, 2026:
- Royal Alberta Museum (Edmonton)
- Royal Tyrrell Museum (Drumheller)
- Reynolds Museum (Wetaskiwin)
- Remington Carriage Museum (Cardston)
- Oil Sands Discovery Centre (Fort McMurray)
- Rutherford House (Edmonton)
- Stephansson House (Red Deer County)
- Frank Slide Interpretive Centre (Crowsnest Pass)
- Fort George and Buckingham House (County of St. Paul)
- Historic Dunvegan (near Fairview)
- Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump (Fort MacLeod)
- Lougheed House (Calgary)
- Victoria Settlement (County of Smoky Lake)
- Turner Valley Gas Plant (Diamond Valley)
- Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (Lamont County)
Govt. of Alberta/Alberta Culture and Tourism.
Explore the Natural Heritage Sites
Alberta’s vastly varied landscapes played a huge role in so many different cultures, parts of history, and economic development. And most of these natural heritage sights are world-renowned for their beauty. Take advantage of natural heritage sites and their views in the Rockies, the badlands, the foothills, the prairies, and along the shores of rivers and lakes (big or small). Details
Mural Towns of Alberta
Explore intricate scenes from history painted on walls across small towns in Alberta on a Mural Town Tour.
4. Getaways for the August long weekend
Scenic Drives and Road Trips
Get behind the wheel and explore Alberta. Alberta offers the perfect destination for travel, with picturesque drives through stunning landscapes like the Rocky Mountains, rolling foothills, and vast grain fields and prairies. Ideal for nature lovers seeking spectacular scenery and open spaces.
If you are looking for themed road trips to explore the province, here are a few ideas.
Ferry Crossings: Plan a road trip and cross the Red Deer, Peace, Athabasca, or Crowfoot rivers on ferries.
Alberta Small Towns
Plan a getaway to smaller towns and cities in Alberta this long weekend. These offer unique dining or cultural opportunities, outdoor recreation, sightseeing, or historical touring.
- 15 Small Towns For a Weekend Trip in Alberta
- 12 Must-Visit Small Towns in Southern Alberta
- 10 Towns in Northern Alberta to Visit This Summer
Glamping at Castle Provincial Park
Glamping Resorts have set up their camp near the shores of Beaver Mines Lake and at the base of Table Mountain. There are various options you can choose from, including Canvas Cabins and Domes. Details
Where: 3124 Township Road 5-3A Castle Provincial Park
- 20 Places to Go Comfort Camping & Glamping in Alberta
- 5 Incredible Geodesic Domes to Go Glamping in Alberta
Woolford Provincial Park
The southwestern Alberta town of Cardston is in a quiet location near Waterton National Park. But even closer to Cardston is the Woolford Provincial Park. At the campground, you can hike along the river, watch for birds and wildlife, or launch your canoe/kayak onto the St. Mary’s River. Details
Where: Township Rd 30A, Lethbridge
Camp in the Raptor Valley
Enjoy the sights and tours of Drumheller with a cozy camping stay away from all those sights and sounds! This 30-some-acre area offers tent and RV camping in a quiet badland country setting (no services) with access to washrooms. The town of Drumheller is about 10 minutes away, as is the Royal Tyrell and the Red Deer River. Details
Where: exact location provided upon booking
Camping at Road Apple Acres
The central Alberta private campground of Road Apple Acres offers a beautiful setting for your tent or RV. And on top of camping with your firepit in a private spot, Road Apple offers weekly concerts in the summer, trail rides, and plenty of space to explore on your own. Details
Where: exact location provided upon booking
Moonshine Lake Provincial Park
Moonshine Lake may look small on a map, but this north Alberta Lake offers three day-use areas, 110 campsites, and one group camping area. Between all of this, you’ll find beaches, picnic areas, boat launches for canoes, kayaks, or electric boats, and hiking/biking trails. Details
Where:27 km west of Spirit River on Hwy 49 and 7 km north on Hwy 725.
Hangingstone Provincial Recreation Area
The Provincial Recreation Area of Hangingstone is on the way to Fort McMurray when you’re heading north, with Gregoire Lake close by for boating and fishing. It is a small area off the main highway, perfect for an overnighter, or perfect if you want to spend the weekend exploring Fort McMurray. Between here and Gregoire Lake, you may also encounter hundreds of species of migratory birds. Details
Where: south of Fort McMurray on Highway AB-63
Camp on the Milk River at 8 Flags
Many canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts are drawn to the Milk River for its incredible changes in scenery as you float along the water. You’ll find the 8 Flags Campground on the opposite side of the river from the Milk River Visitor’s Centre and beside a golf course. And if you need a way to spend the afternoon, drive to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, where you can celebrate Heritage Day on an interpretive hike and learn all about the area. Details
Where: 205-213 Railway St, Milk River
Ranch Vacations
Did you know there are several ranches in Alberta that offer unique vacations, equestrian attractions, or the chance to live out an authentic day on the ranch? Take a unique but truly Albertan getaway with these ranches and lodges and take in the western fun of scenic trail rides, home-cooked meals beside an open fire, overnight pack trips with horses, or simple and short hikes. Details
Alberta Resorts
Whether you’re travelling north, south, east, or west to the Rockies, you will be able to find a number of hidden gems, all with their own unique amenities. These Alberta resorts cater to a wide range of groups and vacations, from family trips to couples, groups, or romance packages.
Alberta Provincial Parks
Visit Alberta’s stunning provincial parks this weekend. Alberta Parks manages nearly 500 protected areas, offering diverse outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year. Among them, Must-See Provincial Parks stand out for their unique attractions, including adventure, relaxation, and rare wildlife sightings. While many stunning parks are in the Rocky Mountains, the province boasts magnificent gems across various locations.
You don’t have to reserve campgrounds in some provincial parks in advance.
