Calgary 
Celebrate Alberta Open Farm Days with a day trip out of Calgary!
Credit: Granary Road
Alberta Open Farm Days are hosted each year in August to give the public a fun way to learn about farming in Alberta. 2023’s focus is the bison of Alberta, and the many hardworking bison farmers. Luckily, there are some near Calgary you can visit for the event.
Alberta Open Farm Days will be a chance to learn about bison, plus other livestock, vegetables, fruit, honey, eggs, wool, and urban farming. And when it comes to celebrating AOFDs around Calgary, you are sure to find an open ranch!
Ranching has deep roots and history around Calgary and the foothills, with many open for the weekend.
When you visit participating farms, expect many ways for people of all ages to experience farming. This includes family activities and games, tours, workshops, markets, and places to picnic.
Root and Regenerate Urban Farms
Visit an urban farm right in the heart of Calgary. The Root and Regenerate Urban Farms are open for Sunday of Open Farm Days with a tour of their local plot of land. Learn all about how urban farming is similar to, and differs from, rural farming. The farm is also in charge of a variety of other plots of land across the city.
When: August 20, 2023
Where: 4411 Manitoba Rd SE Calgary
How much: free
Long Grass Studio
The Long Grass Studio and Honey Bee Apiarios Estrella is on the north side of the city near Bearspaw. And for Alberta Open Farm Days, you can get an up-close tour of the honey farm. They have close to 25 hives this year, producing the honey you can purchase from the hobby and honey farm. This will also be a chance to view the studio’s art.
When: August 19-20, 2023
Where: 244044 Panorama Ridge SW (Springbank) Calgary
How much: free
Farm-to-Table Dinner at Highfield Regenerative Farm
The High Field Regenerative Farm near Calgary host events almost every week. These include workshops, yoga, and dining events. They continue for Alberta’s Open Farm Days with a Saturday packed full of fun. Join them in the afternoon for self-guided tours, yard games, or the play garden. And later in the evening, guests can join the farm for a Farm-to-Table Soiree.
When: August 19
Where: 1920 Highfield Crescent SE, Calgary
How much: farm days workshops $25-$35; Soiree $90-$110
Your Local Ranch Ltd
Your Local Ranch near Airdrie is a working cattle ranch and family farm. And on Alberta Open Farm Days, the farm will take you on a fun tour around the farm via horse-pulled wagon. The farm will also have an artisan market set up, with produce, beer, and preserves. During your visit you’ll get to see the livestock and learn all about the rich history of the ranch and ranching in Alberta.
When: August 19, 2023
Where: 13085 Township Road 274 Rockyview County
How much: free
Country Market & Dinner in Kneehill County
Support several farms east of Calgary for AOFDs with a trip to the market! The Kneehill County Country Market will boast several vendors from the area, live entertainment and is followed by a ticketed long table dinner. The Long Table Dinner event will be set up over Horseshoe Canyon and accompanied by live music.
When: August 19
Where: Horseshoe Canyon
How much: Market free; dinner $150 per person
Granary Road Active Learning Park & Farmer’s Market
The Granary Road Active Learning Park & Farmer’s Market, southwest of Calgary, is an exciting place for families to visit on any weekend. And for AOFDs, the market and park will offer some bonus reasons to visit. Granary Road has its own farm, too, which you can tour for the weekend. Your visit may be filled with playground time, wine tasting, honey tasting, and shopping.
When: August 19-20, 2023
Where: 226066 112th Street W, Foothills County
How much: free; Active Learning Park: Admission applies
Glengary Bison Ltd.
Each year, Alberta Open Farm Days pick a crop or livestock as its theme. This year is the year of the bison, so be sure to visit one of Alberta’s local bison farmers like Glengary Bison Ltd. A first Nations speaker, dressed in full regalia, will be on-site to share stories about the importance of Bison. You can also take part in bison and farm tours, shop at the store, and try a bison smokie on a bun.
When: August 19, 2023
Where: 24203 Township Road 280 Rocky View County
How much: free
Bassano Dam Tours
Irrigation is a hugely important part of farming anywhere in the world. And in Alberta, we have several bodies of water, and their dams, to thank for our farm irrigation supply. Pre- or post-farm visits, stop by the Bassano Dam east of Calgary for tours. This dam is over 100 years old, and the tour will take you behind the scenes of the operation while you learn more about the area’s history. Tours are hosted by the Eastern Irrigation District and require advanced registration.
When: August 19, 2023
Where: Township Rd 205B, Bassano
How much: free
