Calgary 
The festivals are on in Alberta this week and weekend!
Credit: Cold Lake Air Show
If you’re looking to get away, Stampede isn’t the only event you can create a vacation around in Alberta. Pick from smaller rodeos, music festivals, or the famous Cold Lake Air Show.
Your weekend can also centre around nature, hiking, beaches, and camping, with a few Provincial Parks still offering availability for this weekend.
Cold Lake for the Air Show
Cold Lake is a beach destination, boater’s paradise, and an excellent place for camping. But the main attraction around the entire area and town is the annual Air Show. The Show draws in large crowds and is a spectacular display of aviation stunts and tricks. Details
When: July 16-17, 2022
Where: Cold Lake Canadian Forces Base
How much: $20-$35 per person
Whitney Lakes Provincial Park
There are several RV and tent sites available at Whitney Lakes, an eastern Alberta series of four different lakes within a Provincial Park.
There is a ton to see and do around the park itself and between the four lakes: beaches, trails, parks and volleyball courts, boat launches and fishing spots, and several places for a paddle. The campsites are well-treed-in, except for the group area, and you can even try for a waterfront lot! There are campgrounds on both Whitney and Ross Lakes. Details
Where: East-end of Highway AB-646, on the north side of the river and Heinsburg
How much: $28-$46 per night
Hardisty Rodeo
If you want to check out the Hardisty Rodeo, you can make an entire weekend of it with their onsite camping. The rodeo is three days and two nights worth of competition, fair fun and a parade, dancing, music, and food. Details
When: July 15-17, 2022
Where: Hardisty Rodeo Grounds – Lake Road, Hardisty
How much: $10-$35 per person; Camping $20-$50 per unit
Hinton for the Wild Mountain Music Festival
You have several hotel options around Hinton for the Wild Mountain Music Festival. The festival is a perfect way to escape the city, enjoy the country and foothills, and the live music from Sam Roberts Band, Captain Tractor, and more. You can also shop the creations of local artisans, purchase a variety of food, and step into the beer gardens. It is a family event, and kids 12 and under get in for free! Details
When: July 15-17, 2022
Where: The Entrance Ranch/Entrance Airstrip – 51111 AB-40, Hinton
How much: $28.86 per day
Cross Lake Provincial Park
You can bring a tent or RV/trailer for a weekend away at Cross Lake Provincial Park. The Park is a short drive north of Edmonton in the Westlock area and isn’t on Cross Lake, but rather Steele Lake. You can bring power or paddle boats to Steele Lake, with a power-speed limit of 12km/h. You’ll want to get out and explore the area, whether by boat or foot, as the lake is nestled in a heavily forested area, with mature trees lining the back of the beach. Details
When: May-September
Where: North end of secondary Highway 801, Westlock
How much: $43 per night
Sundre for the Shady Grove Blue Grass Music Festival
Get away to the Alberta foothills this weekend for live music, jamming and workshops, and dancing. You can save a bit and get a 3-day pass for all performances; this also gets you access to all activities and workshops. Otherwise, you can set up a blanket and sit back and enjoy. Details
When: July 15-17th 2022
Where: Sundre Rodeo Grounds – 410 2 Ave NW, Sundre
How much: $43.45-$112.41
Around Lethbridge for two Festivals
Come to southern Alberta and stay in either Fort McLeod, Lethbridge, or Taber for a weekend of fun. Fort MacLeod is hosting their South Country Fair July 15-17 which will showcase music, art, and spoken word. Taber, east of Lethbridge, is hosting a one-day Food Truck Festival on July 16th, from 11 am to 6 pm. You can spend one day eating in Taber, the next listening to live performances by local artists.
