Not only are there several summer festivals slated for 2022 in Alberta, but there are a ton of different festival styles. If you’re in search of thrill rides, games, and the carnival experience, you can find midways at many of these events, notable the Stampede and K-Days.
Besides fairs, you can also experience a number of different towns and cities’ rodeos. While these focus on rodeo and stampede events like chuckwagon races or bull-riding, many also include food events, markets, midways, and live shows/music.
25+ Summer Music Festivals in Alberta
There are set to be over 25 music festivals across Alberta this summer, with more being scheduled each month. The festivals offer you and your ears a huge list of musical genres to choose from like EDM, country, rock, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and more. See a detailed list of Alberta’s summer music festivals here.
I. Northern Alberta
Extreme MudFest
North Country Fair
You can get your tickets now for the North Country Fair in Driftpile near Slave Lake. The festival is a celebration of the summer solstice, being part musical acts, part artistic acts, part camping, and part fair. The whole event is family friendly, with plenty of camping open for the weekend.
When: June 17-19, 2022
Where: North Country Campground, 12527 Twp Rd 731A , Joussard
How much: Adult (18-64 years) Weekend Pass $160.00
Youth Weekend Pass (3 years to 17) $80.00
Senior Weekend Pass $80.00
12 and under Free
Pride YMM Festival
The last two weeks in June are set to be filled with several Pride events around Fort MacMurray. The main event occurs June 25th with marketplace, games, live entertainment, and an afterparty.
When: June 25, 2022
Where: Heritage Shipyard, Fort McMurray
How much: free
Thorhild Stampede
The Thorhild & District Stampede excitedly just announced all the details of their long-weekend event! The Stampede showcases rodeo events, a car show, petting zoo, parade, community supper, and demolition derby!
When: June 30-July 1, 2022
Where: Thorhild Agriplex – 15 7 Ave., Thorhild
How much: free
Cold Lake Air Show
There is no shortage of entertainment both on and off the ground from the famous Cold Lake Air Show. You will get to witness two days of aerial performers, static displays, the Full Throttle Festival, a kids’ zone, the Classic Car Show, beer gardens, and food trucks. Canadian Forces Snowbirds and CF-18 Demo team will be in town for the show.
When: July 16-17, 2022
Where: Cold Lake Canadian Forces Base
How much: $10.00 to $35.00
Radway Pioneer Days
There are several activities scheduled for the annual Radway Pioneer Days including free onsite tent and RV camping for the Friday-Sunday. The family friendly event features games like horseshoes, a Show and Shine, a parade, petting zoo, and more.
When: July 22-24 2022
Where: 5108 51 St, Radway
How much: free
North Peace Stampede: Annual Pro Rodeo & Chuckwagons
Get in the mood for races, sport, and action at this year’s North Peace Stampede. The three-day event hosts classic rodeo competitions, a midway of carnival games and rides, a dance, contests, food, and a show and shine.
When: August 5-7, 2022
Where: Lac Cardinal Sports Grounds – Grimshaw, AB
How much: $10-$25 for admission
Cold Lake Extreme Mudfest
Cold Lake brings us a couple of summer events in 2022. In mid-August, Extreme Mudfest takes over Cold Lake after being in Bonnyville for the past seven years. There are many events within the festival to look forward to like Mud Racing, Enduro-Cross, and other motocross racing; multiple concerts; a 40-team softball tournament; an Extreme Mudrun for charity; and the Alberta Craft House to feature 20+ Alberta breweries, distilleries, and cideries
When: August 11-14, 2022
Where: Cold Lake Exhibition Park – 4608 38 Avenue, Cold Lake
How much: $56-$186
Cold Lake Aqua Days
Before you hit the mud, you can hit the water and beach at Cold Lake on August Long Weekend for Aqua Days. At the lake’s Kinosoo Beach you’ll find live music, free water sports, children’s entertainment, a beer garden, Sunday fireworks and Cardboard Boat Races, where racers can only use a boat made from cardboard and duct tape.
When: dates TBA, August 2022
Where: Kinosoo Beach, Cold Lake
How much: free
II. Edmonton & The Capital Region
K-Days
Edmonton PrideFest
Churchill Square is a busy place in Edmonton nearly all summer, and it all begins with the 40th Annual Pride Festival on June 25th. The event kicks off with an early afternoon parade, followed by fun family activities around the Square. You can catch live music, art, and comedy performances, the Rainbowroad Market and food trucks, games and activities, and beer gardens.
When: June 25, 2022
Where: Churchill Square, Edmonton
How much: free
International Street Performers’ Festival & The Works Fest
These two arts festivals are joining forces in 2022 to bring an epic outdoor week of fun to Churchill Square. The Edmonton Street Performers’ is a showcase of music, comedy, acrobatic, and other variety acts which also hosts food trucks, and a market. These all make it a perfect fit with the Works Art & Design Festival, another week-long event highlighting the design side of the art world.
When: July 8-17, 2022
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
How much: free
Taste of Edmonton
Gather for a summer meal in downtown Edmonton while local favourites set up shop for the annual Taste of Edmonton event. Over mid-July, you can sample small plates, desserts, and drinks, from a huge variety of vendors while also enjoying live music.
When: July 21-31, 2022
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
How much: Tasting ticket packs available for $9.50-$69.50
K-Days
Edmonton’s biggest fair and exhibition is back in full for 2022 with the start attractions like the midway food, the extreme carnival rides, rows of games, live musical acts, and several other smaller events. K-Days kicks off with a parade in downtown Edmonton on July 22nd, 2022.
When: July 22 – 31, 2022
Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre & Exhibition Grounds – 7515 118 Ave. NW, Edmonton
How much: $10-$48
Heritage Festival
Edmonton’s Hawrelak Park is a busy place all summer with several outdoor activities. But over August Long Weekend each summer the park transforms into a huge celebration of international cultures. Learn through art, live music, shopping, and food from all around the world. This year there are no food sampling ticket sales. All food sales will be by debit or credit card directly at each food stand.
When: July 30-August 1, 2022
Where: Hawrelak Park – 9330 Groat Rd., Edmonton
How much: free admission
Polynesian Days
Poly Days is the annual summer festival held every August long weekend in the community of Alberta Beach. There will be a parade, fun activities for kids and fireworks.
When: July 30 to August 1, 2022
Where: Various Venues, Alberta Beach
How much: free admission
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
The Caribbean Arts Festival and Parade in Edmonton is a huge showcase of music, dancing, art, and culture with several exciting events planned for 2022. Friday’s major evening event is the Costume Extravaganza, while Saturday hosts the Carnival Parade. There will also be live entertainment, a Village Marketplace, and a Taste of the Caribbean food vendors.
When: August 5-7, 2022
Where: Churchill Square, Downtown Edmonton
How much: free admission
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Throughout the Fringe Festival’s 10-days you can catch paid theatre performances, free outdoor shows, and several other family friendly activities. The festival hosts a large array of local food trucks and marketplace vendors and takes place beside the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market.
When: August 11-21, 2022
Where: Old Strathcona and Whyte (82nd) Ave., Edmonton
How much: ticketed performances in the theatres $10-$25
Outdoor event free to attend
For more summer festivals in the area:
III. Central Alberta
Westerner Days Fair & Exposition
Sundre Pro Rodeo
Sundre’s Pro Rodeo promises your classic action-packed rodeo events, as well as three-days’ worth of family fun and entertainment. Some special acts include a
rodeo clown), the wild pony races, relay races and a cowboy cabaret
When: June 24-26, 2022
Where: Sundre Rodeo Grounds – 410 2 Ave NW, Sundre
How much: $20-$60
Killam 50th Annual Rodeo
Kick off summer in central Alberta with Killam’s 50th Annual Rodeo! The family event will host a variety of kid- and adult-friendly activities. Fill your weekend with rodeo events, plenty of food, fair rides, the Show & Shine, mutton busting, and fireworks show.
When: June 17-18 2022
Where: Killam
Wainwright Stampede
The Wainwright Stampede is an excellent way to celebrate the end of the school year with kids with its late June schedule. However, anyone will be able to enjoy the midway rides and games, the Stampede Parade, the Rodeo Dance, or the Chuckwagon Races.
When: June 24-26 2022
Where: 1401 – 1st Ave, Wainwright
How much: $12-$23 per person
Ponoka Stampede
One of the top 10 rodeos in the world, 80+ year old rodeo has music acts by famous artists, Western Art & Gift Show, a grand parade, midway and fireworks.
When: June 27 to July 3, 2022
Where: Ponoka Stampede Grounds, Highway 53 E., Ponoka
How much: Free admission to grounds.
Vegreville Pysanka Festival
For July Long Weekend, you can celebrate the beginning of summer with Vegreville’s Pysanka Festival. The weekend promises a big celebration of culture, art, and history. Catch live music, shop around the market, and bring the whole family for the kid-friendly activities.
When: July 1-3, 2022
Where: Vegreville
How much: free main gate admission
Hairy Hill Rodeo
The 32nd Hairy Hill Rodeo returns to central Alberta July Long weekend for two days of racing and competition action. Along with the horses and rodeo, you can sample the food and drink, get the kids on the ponies, and stay for the evening dance.
When: July 1-2, 2022
Where: Hairy Hill Rodeo Grounds, RR 141
How much: $10-$15 per person
Lamont Summer Sizzler Rodeo
The next few weeks of July can be filled with even more rodeo fun. At Lamont’s Summer Sizzler, there are activities for all ages and an exciting lineup of events to watch. Expect an area just for kids, a possible marketplace, and much more. Planning is still in the works!
When: July 9-10, 2022
Where: Lamont & District Agricultural Society
How much: TBA
Hardisty Rodeo
Hardisty promises a ‘buckin’ good time’ in mid-July this year with their annual town Rodeo. The three-day event offers fun for all ages with a parade, street fair, car show, nightly dances, and of course the rodeo events and chuckwagon races.
When: July 15-17, 2022
Where: Hardisty Rodeo Grounds – Lake Road, Haridsty
How much: $10-$35 per person
Westerner Days Fair & Exposition
The is one of the area’s biggest summer fairs, happening over five days in July. Red Deer’s Westerner Days offers live music and other free entertainment, midway rides, nightly Pony Chuckwagon Races, and a variety of food to try.
When: July 20 -24, 2022
Where: Westerner Park – 4847A 19 St, Red Deer
How much: Tickets and prices available June 1st, 2022
Vermillion County Fair
The Vermillion County Fair is Western Canada’s oldest traditional Agricultural Fair. For over 100 years, this fair has helped Alberta celebrate country life. You can choose from different events to watch like motorized or livestock events, fireworks show, a local-made-market, and concessions.
When: July 28-30, 2022
Where: 5510 College Drive, Vermillion
How much: $10-$20 per person
Bruce Stampede
Bruce in central Alberta hosts one of the longest-standing pro rodeos in Canada! And you can catch the events live in Bruce the final weekend in July 2022. Rodeo events you can look forward to include barrel racing, CPRA slack runs, or mule races. Beyond those there will be a pancake breakfast, games and activities, and live entertainment.
When: July 30-31 2022
Where: Highway AB-14, Bruce
How much: $20 per adult
Vegreville/Deerland Country Fair
Later summer has you covered for more rodeo fun as well, with the Deerland County Fair. You and your family can take in summer sun with midway rides, chuckwagon races, livestock displays, and nightly entertainment.
When: August 3-7, 022
Where: Vegreville Fair Grounds – 4753 45 Avenue, Vegreville
How much: $5-$10
Clandonald Agricultural Fair
The Clandonald Agricultural Society hosts a true country fair each year, where they award prizes in a variety of growing and raising categories, along with craft and art categories, too. In between the showings and exhibits, catch races for the kids, food vendors, and live entertainment.
When: August 5-6 2022
Where: 02-1st ave Clandonald Alberta
Ranfurly Agricultural Fair
There are exciting events planned for the annual Fair in Ranfurly! The family event will host a bench and a horse show, as well as kids games, car and horse races, a steak supper, and live entertainment.
When: August 7, 2022
Where: Yellowhead Highway
Tofield Western Days
The Tofield Ag Society’s Western Days return for mid August in 2022 with the help of the Lakeland Rodeo Association. This is the first-ever Western Days but will be a combination of the annual Bull Bash and Sodbuster Rodeo.
When: Aug 11 – 14 2022
Where: Tofield Arena – 4748 53 Ave, Tofield
Red Deer Centrefest Street Performers’ Festival
Red Deer’s Street Performers’ Festival returns for 2022, with limited details released so far. It will be similar to previous years in which Centrefest focused on performance art out in the summer sun along with games, activities, and food.
Vilna Boomtown Days
Vilna’s annual Boomtown Days are back after a short break, with this year marking a few milestones: the Village, School, and Pool Hall are all celebrating their 100-year anniversaries!
When: August 19-21, 2022
Where: 50th Ave. and 50th St., Vilna
How much: free
Babas & Borsch Ukrainian Festival
The two-day Babas & Borsch Festival in Lamont is a cultural celebration through food, music, and historical education. Over the two days you can experience all of this with Baba’s Bazaar, a Borsch Cookoff, live dancers and singers, and kids’ games.
When: August 27-28, 2022
Where: Lamont Recreation Complex 4844-49 St, Lamont
How much: free
IV. Calgary & Area
Guy Weadick Days Rodeo & Taste of High River
These two awesome events converge over a late-June weekend to bring you three days of great food and lively entertainment. Guy Weadick Days are part of High River’s annual Rodeo and include a classic fair midway. The Taste of High River (on-site) will give you a chance to sample the best dishes from local eateries.
When: Jun 24-26, 2022
Where: Rodeo Grounds, Range Rd. 290, High River
How much: $5-$25 per person
Airdrie Pro Rodeo
The Airdrie Pro Rodeo includes a series of events over the Canada Day Long Weekend. You can even camp on the rodeo grounds for added convenience and fun. Along with the rodeo are live performances, concessions and beer gardens, kids’ areas, and a Chute Tour which gives a background overview of rodeo events for first-timers.
When: June 29-July 3, 2022
Where: North on QE#2 (Deerfoot) to Airdrie then West on Highway #567 (overpass) – 10kms
How much: $20 General Admission
$15 Youth and Seniors
Kids 10 and under are FREE
Calgary Stampede
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is back in Calgary. The Stampede returns with the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, chuckwagon races, a midway with carnival rides, a huge variety of good eats, and two stages for live music (concert tickets to be purchased separately from admission tickets). Outside of Stampede Park are smaller events, too, all in celebration of Stampede. Check local bars, pubs, and restaurants.
When: July 8-17, 2022
Where: Stampede Park – 650 25 Ave SE, Calgary
How much: $14 to $23
Ride tickets are an extra cost
High River International Food Festival
The High River International Food Fest is the Foothills’ premier international food and beverage festival. This free admission event celebrates and showcases the ethnic and cultural diversity of small food and beverage businesses in the region.
When: Saturday July 9, 2022
Where:4th Avenue SW, High River
How much: Free
Chestermere Water Festival
Visit John Peake Park to watch the epic wakeboard completion, enjoy the tasty food truck line, take a boat tour, and have a blast with the whole family.
When: Saturday, July 23, 2022
Where: John Peake Park, 100 John Morris Way, Chestermere
How much: Free
2022 Calgary Fringe Festival
The annual Calgary Fringe Festival makes its return in 2022 with a week of live and virtual performances. You can watch a variety of artists take the stage in downtown or Inglewood venues, or watch them take the screen from the comfort of home (maybe save this for a rainy summer night!).
When: July 29-August 6 2022
Where: Various Venues, Calgary
How much: Varies
Inglewood Sunfest
Celebrate local art, culture, and local shopping with the Inglewood Sunfest at the end of July this year. Sunfest takes over 9th Avenue with vendor booths, a Show & Shine, food trucks, dancing and live entertainment areas, and kid-friendly activities. The event hosts three stages: two for performers, and one to make the dance floor!
When: July 30, 2022
Where: Inglewood – 9th Avenue SE between 11th & 14th Street, Calgary
How much: free
Taste of Calgary
Beat some August heat this summer with a Taste of Calgary- there will be a huge number of food vendors for 2022, with a mix of hot, and cool/refreshing eats. While you sample the local food, you can also get a taste of the local music scene through live performances, followed by shopping the artisan markets!
When: August 4-7, 2022
Where: Downtown Calgary
How much: Sampling ticket $1 each, admission free
Annual Priddis and Millarville Fair
The Priddis & Millarville Fair is a full weekend of old fashioned, country-style family fun. Founded in 1907, it is one of the last great Country Fairs in Canada.
When: August 20 & 21, 2022
Where: 306097 192 St W Millarville
How much: By donation
Calgary Pride Parade & Festival
There are nine days dedicated to the Calgary city Pride Festival in 2022, which promises fun for all ages. The Parade and large outdoor portion of the event take place the weekend of September 4-5, and will feature live entertainment, kids’ games and activities, a marketplace, and a beer garden.
When: August 26 to September 5, 2022
Where: parade route along 9th Ave., Downtown Calgary
How much: free
For more summer festivals in and around Calgary:
V. Southern Alberta
Credit:Whoop-Up Days
Taber Food Truck Festival
Arrive in Taber hungry on July 16 for their annual Food Truck Festival, a celebration of local street food from around Alberta. The trucks will be parked from 11am to 6pm, giving you plenty of time to picnic around Confederation Park and try a variety of food from different trucks.
When: July 16
Where: Confederation Park, Taber
How much: free plus cost of food
Medicine Hat Stampede
Southern Alberta may be famous for one Stampede, but Medicine Hat’s annual Stampede and Rodeo makes for a weekend getaway suitable for your whole family. The weekend hosts live music, a parade, a midway, sporting events, food vendors, visual art displays, and motocross events.
When: Jul 27 – 31 2022
Where: Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede – 2055 21 Ave SE, Medicine Hat
Crowsnest Pass Doors Open & Heritage Festival
Crowsnest Pass hosts its Annual Doors Open and Heritage Festival in August. Explore what Crowsnest Pass has to offer by stopping by at one of two picnics, joining tours of many historical areas, or browsing the Coleman Country Market.
When: July 28 – August 1, 2022
Where: Across Crowsnest Pass
Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo
As summer winds down, the Rodeos continue on well across Alberta. Pincher Creek hosts their Pro Rodeo in late August and offers much more to see and do above and beyond the rodeo. You can shop the market, catch the parade, or focus on the kids’ fun.
When: August 18-21, 2022
Where: 209 Canyon Drive, Pincher Creek
Whoop-up Days
Lethbridge’s Whoopup Days are receiving an enhancement in 2022 with the addition of Pro Rodoe events in 2022. The entire festival kicks off with a parade, after which you can watch the rodeo events, ride the midway rides, view the art show, and taste the various carnival foods.
When: August 23 – 27, 2022
Where: Lethbridge & District Exhibition – 3401 Parkside Drive S, Lethbridge
Battle Creek Showdown: Mountain Bike Races & Festival
The Battle Creek Showdown, in the town of Elkwater, is an epic mountain bike race paired with a weekend festival of live music and food. Registration is now open for the different races, and you can book camping all around Elkwater/Cypress Hills Provincial Park.
When: August 27, 2022
Where: Elkwater, Cypress Hills PP
How much: festival attendance free
Taber Cornfest 2022
Cornfest may have you with Fall on the mind, but the 2022 event is held in late August. You’ll still be able to take advantage of the summer warmth and partake in Cornfest’s several family activities.
When: August 25-28, 2022
Where: Taber & District Chamber of Commerce in Taber
How much: Free