Calgary
The Band of the Royal Logistic Corps from Deepcut, Surrey England — 2018 Labour Day parade Cochrane. Credit: Cochrane Events.
Labour Day was created to celebrate the achievements of workers by giving them the day off work to reconnect with rest, leisure, and passion. If you’re in Alberta this Labour Day weekend, there is plenty to do to get you out of your regular routine and into leisure. Whether you are rejuvenated by festivals, by the quiet of the landscape, or by learning something new, there’s something on this list for you.
Labour Day Parade
Head to Cochrane for the 50th annual Labour Day Parade. Grab your lawn chairs, claim your spot and enjoy pre-parade entertainment starting at 9am. The parade follows at 10am with eye catching floats down Centre Ave, Railway Street & 1st Street. The Band of the Royal Logistic Corps from Deepcut, Surrey England will be attending this year’s parade. Details
Labour Day BBQ
After the Parade, drive to Calgary for the Calgary and District Labour Council’s 10th Annual Labour Day BBQ. Join for free food, live music, a bouncy castle, book give away, and more! Details
The Pride Festival in Calgary
Pride Week in Calgary runs from August 24th to September 2nd, with the parade happening on September 2nd and moving across the city via 6th street and 6th Avenue. Come to the second biggest parade in Calgary (second only to the Stampede Parade), and the most colourful event of the year and experience all of the love and acceptance that this festival symbolizes. Details
The Shaw Charity Classic Golf Competition in Canyon Meadows
What better way to spend your days off than taking in the leisurely atmosphere of golf. The Shaw Charity Classic Golf Competition takes place from August 29th to September 2nd. This charity event donates to Shaw Birdies for Kids which raises funds for children and youth-based charities in Alberta. Enjoy some of golf’s top players while feeling good about where your money is going at this great event. Details
Drumheller’s Drumbeats: Laser, Light and Water Show
Head out to the Badlands Amphitheatre for a show so spectacular you’ll remember it forever. The Drumbeats: Laser, Light and Water show is exactly what it sounds like and quite possibly more incredible than your imagination can conceive. There is no better place to watch the light dance than in the Badlands, where the land sprawls out before you. This show happens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights so grab your tickets now! Details
Stampeders vs. Eskimos
It’s a longstanding tradition that the football rivalry between the Edmonton Eskimos and the Calgary Stampeders be re-invigorated on Labour Day. Come out for “the most anticipated game of the season” at McMahon Stadium in Calgary and enjoy the spirit of the game — there will even be a special flypast from the Royal Canadian Air Force! Details
Lakedell’s 42nd Annual County Fair
For an authentic county fair experience, spend some time with the people of Lakedell as they celebrate the harvest season. For 42 years this festival has been a hit, and this year the September 1st one-day event features a circus tent with entertainment from Flyin’ Bob, a trade show, a spike pounding competition, and a good old fashioned pie eating contest … and so much more! Details
Red Deer’s Pumpkin Season Kick Off
Red Deer’s annual Pumpkin Season Kick Off is happening on September 1st from 10am to 10pm and welcomes all visitors who want to help celebrate the beginning of the city’s fall festivities. With an eight acre corn maze, a playground, wagon rides, and barnyard activities of all sorts, this is one day of fun that is sure to be remembered by all who attend. Details
Calaway Park
If you haven’t had a chance to get out to Calaway Park this season, make Labour Day the time for fun and excitement at this outside-of-Calgary amusement park. With 33 rides (including the roller coaster and log flume) and 27 games with prizes to be had, this is the Labour Day trip that will have the whole family smiling. Details
Prairie Gardens Corn Festival
At Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm, an incredible Labour Day weekend is sprawled out in front of you with the rows of corn. The Corn Festival runs from 10:00am to 6:00pm through Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and features a corn cannon, corn crafts, face painting, a farmer’s market, and so much more. Located 25 minutes north of Edmonton, this Corn Festival is a fun activity for the whole family. Details
Wetaskiwin’s Harvest Festival
August and September are ripe for the harvest, and Wetaskiwin’s Harvest Festival celebrates the bounty of the season! Come and spend September 1st and 2nd watching the wheat crop being harvested, playing carnival games, shopping at the farmer’s market, or even learning how to bake bread at the museum that hosts the event. This is a true celebration of the farm life that makes Alberta so special. Details
Baconfest in Edmonton
If you’re a fan of bacon, this festival is made for you. Edmonton’s Baconfest is taking place on September 2nd at St. Basil’s Cultural Centre. Come for the variety of bacon dishes made by some of Edmonton’s top chefs and stay for the music, comedy, and even more bacon. There will also be beer available for that perfect pairing. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Details
Canmore’s Highland Games
At the entrance to the Rocky Mountains is Canmore and their annual Highland Games. Running from September 1st to 2nd, these games feature all your celtic favourites, including a highland dance competition, heavy games, food trucks, sheep, and of course the rising sound of the bagpipes. Enjoy the spirit of Canmore at the Highland Games for your Labour Day weekend getaway. Details
Edmonton’s Milky Way Days
Head o Elk Island National Park on Sunday September 2nd for “Star Parties” that will take your breath away. To keep your Labour Nights as entertaining as your Labours Days, the Milky Way Days are here for you. Details
Fort Saskatchewan’s Sheep Leaving Parade
One of the most heartwarming and endearing celebrations in the province, Fort Saskatchewan’s Sheep Leaving Parade is taking place on September 3rd from 10am to 12pm. Come out to Legacy Park and march with the sheep to the Fort Heritage Precinct as the community bids adieu to the warm and fuzzy flock. Though the event has been described as “bittersweet”, there is nothing to worry about — the sheep will be back again next Spring! Details
Ales on Rails Beer Celebration in Mossleigh
Get a taste of Alberta and a knowledge for the local brew scene with the exciting Ales on Rails event in Mossleigh. Starting at 2:30 on September 1st, head to Aspen Crossing and enjoy Origin Malting & Brewing Ltd’s “grain to glass experience”. This farm has roots dating back five generations — that’s five generations of caring about bringing you a quality beer experience. Details
Waynestock
Enjoy 4 days of music at this years festival featuring over 40 artists. Enjoy musical styles such as rock, bluegrass, country, hillbilly, blues, and more! Enjoy musical styles such as roots, rock, country, hillbilly, blues, bluegrass, and more! Camp right on site at the Last Chance Saloon. Details
The first annual BUMP Festival in Calgary
Come and celebrate art in Calgary with the exciting debut of the annual BUMP Festival. With a lineup of artists bringing visual art to the city, you’ll get to see and appreciate a variety of murals across the Beltline. Running from August 30th to September 1st, you won’t want to miss the alley party that closes down the celebration of art. Come and interact with the artists who are making Calgary a destination not to be missed. Details
Southern Nights Live Music in Pincher Creek
Through the summer, Pincher Creek has been hosting their Southern Nights Live Music event, and the final show of the season is taking place on September 1st. Come down to the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village to see Tanner Riedel blend folk, rock, and blues. This is the Alberta spirit in all of its communal and musical glory.Details
The Lethbridge Farmer’s Market at Exhibition Park
The Lethbridge Farmer’s Market at Exhibition Park runs every Saturday — but what better way to spend some of your Labour Day weekend than by getting out and finding something new. With homemade baked goods, grown produce as fresh as it gets, and items that are made by artisan vendors, you’re sure to find something to inspire or fuel you. Running from 8am to 1pm, get there before the space gets busy for your long weekend treat. Details
BBQ on the Bow in Calgary
This Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned celebration of southern style BBQ is exactly as exciting as it sounds. Where better than in Alberta to grill up some local beef and listen to local musicians. Come out to Calgary’s Shouldice Park through September 1st and 2nd to enjoy some of the best BBQ you can find and get tips for your own cooking practices. With a beer gardens and a kidszone, this is a festival that has something for everyone. Details
Calgary’s Highland Games
Calgary’s Highland Games are one of the biggest Highland Games celebrations in Western Alberta and one of the oldest in North America. Competitors come from around the world to compete in the Scottish events and the food vendors are out in full force. Come and try some authentic food as you take in the fun of the games, the dancing, and the music on September 1st. Details
Wood Buffalo National Park
Travel to northern Alberta and spend time in the largest National Park in Canada. Wood Buffalo National Park was established to protect the world’s largest herd of free roaming wood bison, but it has also become the province’s most popular spot for seeing the Northern Lights. Designated a “dark sky reserve” in 2013, this is the perfect place to escape the brightness of the cities. Details
Fort McMurray’s Annual Duck Race
Fort Mac is excited to bring back their annual Duck Race! This is the 18th year for the Big Brothers and Sisters event, which features a free Labour Day BBQ as well as the rubber duck race. Running from 11am to 3pm on September 3rd, you won’t want to miss your chance to buy a ticket and support the great cause. Details
Banff Upper Hot Springs
What better way to spend a Labour Day weekend than by soaking away your stress? If you think you’re going to be missing that summer heat, you’ll want to spend some times in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Open between 9:00am and 11:00pm and with a cafe on site, the views and the heat will give you the energy you need to move into the fall. Details
Jam Night & Chase the Ace in Fort McMurray
If you’re looking for some fun in Fort Mac on the eve of September 1st, look no further than the Jam Night & Chase the Ace festivities happening at the Legion. Listen, dance, or even join in with the live music that courses through this 6pm to 9pm event. And don’t forget to pick up a ticket for the Chase the Ace draw! Details
Rafting on the Bow River
Rafting on the Bow River is a popular activity for Calgarians and tourists alike. The slow pace of this grand river — which comes from Rocky Mountain runoff — runs through the city and has all kinds of riverbank sights to see. Rent a raft at Lazy Day Raft Rentals and don’t forget your lifejacket, sunscreen, and rafting snacks!
Symphony Under the Sky’s Hollywood Hits in Edmonton
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is excited to bring their extremely popular night of Hollywood Hits to you on Saturday, September 1st. With the Symphony Under the Sky outdoor concert, Robert Bernhardt will carry you through the sounds of some of your favourite flicks, including Harry Potter, The Little Mermaid, Star Wars, and Titanic. This concert sells out, so get your tickets while you can. Details
Bow Valley Provincial Park Amphitheatre Shows
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, bring ‘em out to Bow Valley Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country for a puppet show. With “Flow Factor” — a show about the water cycle and pollution — showing on the 31st and the popular “Harry Squawker” — a parody show about a talented young crow — occurring on the 1st, the kids will be entertained and you’ll feel refreshed by the grand views of the Rockies. Details
XTERRA Canmore Road Triathlon
On September 2nd, come out to Canmore to watch (or participate in!) the XTERRA Canmore Road Triathlon. You aren’t going to find a challenge more fulfilling than this triathlon through the Rocky Mountains. With a world class former Olympic Stadium venue, the crystal waters of Quarry Lake, and XTERRA finisher medals at the end, this off-road triathlon will get your blood pumping this Labour Day. Details
The Parkart Exhibit in Banff
Celebrate the natural beauty and emotion of Canada’s National Parks at Parkart — an arts exhibit inspired by the parks of this country. From Banff to Gwaii Hanaas to the Torngat Mountains, this exhibit features work from both Canadian and international artists and is a limited event. If you love this country and its natural splendour, you too will be inspired by these pieces. Details
Tim Heimdal Art Show & Sale
Visit the Beaverlodge Art Gallery in Beaverlodge to enjoy Tim Heimdal’s paintings that showcase the beautiful northern Peace Country. The works include iconic images of the north familiar to the artist, residents and visitors to this vast land. Details
The Royal Tyrrell Museum
Spend a day with the dinosaurs in Drumheller’s world famous Royal Tyrell Museum. Open from 9am to 9pm all weekend, this museum features real artifacts from paleontological digs, and opportunities for you to try your hand at digging yourself! Interact with the fossils and learn about the history of palaeontology while taking in the fully mounted dino skeletons. Bring the whole family! Details
The Maligne Lake Boat Cruise in Jasper
Why not spend your time off enjoying “The best boat cruise in Canada” (according to Reader’s Digest, that is). Get out to Jasper to enjoy Maligne Lake, the glacial lake surrounded by the towering Rockies. You’ll stop by the famous Spirit Island, which can only be accessed by boat. Running between 1.5 to 2 hours, this is a trip that everyone spending time in the area should consider. Details
The Banfftastic Show in Banff
The Banfftastic Show is presented by Mountain World Heritage Interpretive Theatre, Parks Canada’s theatre troupe, and has been running every Saturday through the summer, with their final show happening on September 1st. The show runs from 7pm to 8pm in Banff Central Park, so bring a picnic blanket as you take in the Banff-centric sketches, songs, and stories that will have everyone laughing and having fun. Details
Fiesta Filipino Calgary
Head to Calgary for the biggest and most colorful street party that showcases the vibrant Filipino and Asian Communities in Alberta. Experience the sights, sounds, and taste of Filipino culture and heritage. Details
Icefields Parkway
Take your car for a drive on the famous and gorgeous Ice Fields Parkway this Labour Day Weekend. The Ice Fields Parkway is the name for the stretch of road from Jasper to Lake Louise and has more than 100 glaciers, as well as waterfalls, rock formations, and lakes along the way. Pull over and stop for a picnic or a photo, then head right back out again. This drive will have your head as clear as the lakes along it. Details
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump at Fort Macleod
Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump is the museum of Blackfoot culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that every Albertan should visit. Learn about the history of Alberta before colonialism and the hunting practices for which the site is named. With an interpretive centre and educational events happening daily, Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump is as entertaining as it is educational. Details
The National Music Centre in Calgary
The National Music Centre housed in Studio Bell is one of the newer additions to Calgary’s cultural scene, having only opened in July of 2016. With exhibitions for you to check out, musical installations, and of course a variety of shows taking place in the concert hall, you will find plenty to do in this incredible building. For the weekend: get a backstage pass for Sunday or enjoy the Saturday in C-Square event. Details
The Patricia Hotel and Water Hole
Every long weekend in Alberta deserves some prime Alberta beef! Come to the Patricia Hotel and Water Hole in Patricia and enjoy their famous steak pit: an eternal flame where you can cook your steak yourself, just the way you like it. The Water Hole features a dance floor, a pool table, and unique drink options. Keep in mind that Sundays are celebrated as Family Day at the Patricia Hotel. Details
Ellis Bird Farm in Lacombe
For a central Alberta adventure, come out to the Ellis Bird Farm in Lacombe, which is not only a non-for-profit organization, it is also a working farm with an extensive bluebird trail and cafe. September 3rd is their final day of the season so come out for the Golden Music Makers event between 1pm and 3pm, and enjoy the season-end raffle draw! Details
Edmonton’s BOMFest
The BOM in BOMFest stands for Boodang Outdoor Music and this festival is taking place over Labour Day weekend in Edmonton. With headliners like Above & Beyond, Claptone, Fisher, Green Velvet, and J.PHLIP, this festival will have you grooving the weekend away. Grab a ticket on their website or indulge in a VIP pass. This event is 18+ and has a site-wide alcohol license. Details
Lundbreck Falls
This waterfall of the Crowsnest River is the perfect relaxing weekend getaway. Pack up a picnic and a book, or get yourself ready for an overnight comping trip — however long you plan to spend watching this water cascade will invigorate you as you bid farewell to the summer. Walk around the falls and catch one of the incredible views of this southwestern Alberta treat. Details
Olds Botanic Gardens
The Olds College Botanic Gardens and Constructed Wetlands is a special place to visit. Free of charge and open to the public, this garden walk comes with its own online experience. Download the HisTREE app and scan the tags to learn what kinds of trees are being protected in this delightful Olds experience. Details
Breakfast with giant Pandas at The Calgary Zoo
The pandas have arrived at the Calgary Zoo and this Labour Day Weekend you can kick-start one of your days off by eating breakfast with them! That’s right, 7 days a week until September 4th, you can see the giant pandas before their exhibit officially opens while enjoying a delicious breakfast. Though this ticket needs to be purchased separately, you can spend your day at the zoo afterwards. Details
Time is a Flat Circle at the Large Gallery in Okotoks
Looking for something to kick off your weekend? Take in some art in Okotoks with the Time is a Flat Circle exhibit. Saturday September 1st is the final day to see Ryan Smitham’s work that addresses physical phenomena such as erosion and violent conflict. Stop by and admire the five pieces between 10am and 5pm on the Friday or Saturday. Details
Sunshine Meadows
Sunshine Meadows is one of the primary attractions in Banff, and whether you’re looking to hike or you want to ride the chairlift to the top, the famous views are a sight to behold. If you want to get the most out of your weekend, book a night or two at the Sunshine Mountain Lodge at the top, or have a nice meal before you journey back to the bottom. Details
Stay at a Resort in Kananaskis Country
For the whole relaxation package, get out to Kananaskis Country and experience one of their pristine resorts. For a spa getaway, try the Solara Resort & Spa. If you’re looking for that cabin in the mountains feel, stay at the Silver Creek Lodge. The Mystic Springs Chalet & Hot Pools in Canmore is another excellent choice for your Rocky Mountain getaway with Canmore shopping at your fingertips.
Wash Day Blues at the Okotoks Museum
The Wash Day Blues exhibit pays homage to an often overlooked faction of history: the work of housewives. If you’re interested in what we often think of as a simpler time, this is the exhibit for you. Come to the Okotoks Museum for an understanding of the exhausting work of the wash-week at this temporary event which occurs from 10am to 5pm, then explore the rest of the museum. Details
Guided Programs at Castle Provincial Park
Visit Castle Provincial Park for a weekend full of activities! From medicinal and edible plants of the Castle guided hike to learning to fish, and Wilderness Survival Family Programs, there are plenty of things to do at the Park! Details
The Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash
If it’s a hot weekend and you haven’t been out to Sylvan Lake this season, you might want to take this chance to get out on the fantastic inflatable obstacle course known as Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash. With its 2018 expansions and 15 foot tower, a launch bag, a trapeze swing, and so much more, the Aqua Splash course is every adventurers’ dream come true.
The Sunset Festival at the Banff Gondola
Is there anything more beautiful than the sunset over the Rocky Mountains? What about the sunset over the Rocky Mountains with a beer in hand? At the Banff Gondola, this dream can be a reality through the summer up until September 3rd. Open every day from 7pm to 10pm, The Sunset Festival includes a solar telescope for your viewing pleasure, food and beer, and a souvenir mug. Catch this festival while it lasts! Details
Some pharmacies & clinics are closed on Labour Day, but many are open and the iamsick.ca/en site and app will save you from unnecessary headaches.
Enjoy the holiday!