Banff 
Credit: Paddle the Peace
Between music festivals, historical celebratory events, and rodeos, August is the perfect month to explore the diverse regions of Alberta. Enjoy the feeling of the big sky above and let the dry, warm heat soak into your bones as the days grow longer and the fun carries on. Whether you’re in the mountains or across the prairies, give summer a last hurrah by making the most out of your August days.
1. Across Alberta
Alberta on Plate
For ten delicious days, show your support by visiting one of the 87 participating restaurants to experience their festival menus that highlight local farms, producers, breweries and more! From Lethbridge to Peace River and almost everywhere in between, there’s a participating restaurant to explore near you.
When & Where: August 6 to 15, 2021 @ Various Locations Alberta
Alberta Open Farm Days
Alberta Open Farm Days is about farmers and ranchers inviting their urban and rural neighbours to stop in for a visit to share stories, see demonstrations, and learn more about the farmers who grow their food.
When & Where: August 14 & 15, 2021 @ Across Alberta
Perseid Meteor Shower
Perseid Meteor Shower peaks on August 11, 12 and 13 of this year. Visit an Alberta Dark Sky Area or a park far away from the city lights and enjoy these meteor showers.
Water Fun
Go on a cruise, lazy river floating, or white water rafting this August.
See Sunflowers in Bloom
Make the most of your summer days with your family and friends in the lap of nature with these astonishing sunflower fields and mazes. Alberta is flooded with awe-inspiring scenic beauties and these blossoms of Sunflower fields provide enhanced fascinations to fill your summer with bright yellow memories. Visit sunflower fields in Alberta from mid August to late August.
Take a Train Tour
Hop on board a variety of train excursions and take in different rail experiences in Alberta. The train rides in Alberta vary between historic and educational, and entertaining and memorable.
Pick Your Own Flowers
Within Alberta are four farms and gardens dedicated to growing rows upon rows of fresh florals ready for u-pick. The u-pick flower farm experience in Alberta offers colourful florals, often those native to Alberta.
Go Camping
Camping in Alberta can work out to a few different experiences. Try camping in your trusty tent, or in a fully furnished yurt, geodome, or tipi. Tow along the family trailer, drive out the RV, or shack up in a rustic cabin for the weekend. Plan a camping trip before the summer ends –
- Places to Go Comfort Camping & Glamping in Alberta
- Places to Go Camping in and around Edmonton
- Places to Go Camping in and around Calgary
Get lost in Corn Mazes
August is the best time to visit corn mazes. Enjoy being lost!
Rumble Alberta
Rumble Alberta is an Alberta-wide Scavenger Hunt developed to give Rural Alberta Communities an economic boost and highlight Alberta’s history.
When & Where: June 1 – Oct 3rd, 2021 @ Across Alberta – 44 Self-guided Route Maps + 14 Adventure Routes
Sports
Spectator sports is returning in a big way with CFL, CEBL, CPL games and CEBL championship happening in August.
II. Southern Alberta
Historic First Street Walking Tours
Once known as the Esplanade, it was home to Medicine Hat’s earliest and most affluent settlers. Marvel at the beautifully preserved architecture and explore the social history of the characters who once resided within. Each tour is subtly different as our guides delight in sharing their own stories and memories of this neighborhood, imparting a true sense of place to those eager to listen.
When & Where: Saturdays until Sept. 5 @ Canalta Centre, Medicine Hat
See mud racing
Visit Medicine Hat Drag Strip and cheer the participants taking part in the 12th Annual Mud Bog.
When & Where: Saturday, August 14 @ Medicine Hat Drag Strip
More to do:
Explorer’s Bus Tour
Venture into the rugged badlands of Dinosaur Provincial Park on the Explorer’s Bus Tour to experience the stunning views of the park from the comfort and safety of the tour bus. You will be getting off the bus at various stops to see the unique geology and fossils up close and personal. One stop includes an articulated skeleton of a hadrosaur!
When & Where: Various Dates @ Dinosaur Provincial Park, Iddesleigh
Explore Waterton Lakes National Park
Explore Waterton Lakes National Park’s roadways, hike Red Rock Parkway or bike Akamina Parkway, enjoy spotting bighorn sheep, deer and black bears and take-in the spectacular view of the Blakiston valley and more at Waterton Lakes National Park.
Go on a Historic Carriage Ride
Enjoy a ride through the Lee Creek Valley in a Park Touring Carriage at Remington Carriage Museum.
When & Where: Daily during Summer @ Remington Carriage Museum, 623 Main Street, Cardston
Carriage House Summer Theatre
The Carriage House Theatre in Cardston has a summer lineup of musical theatre that is ready to impress any theatre fan. These players are ready to impress you — just check the calendar to see what show is taking place on your chosen night.
When & Where: Summer Season @ 353 Main Street Cardston
Taber Cornfest
Taber is famous for its corn so if you’re lucky enough to be in the area in late August, you won’t want to miss Taber’s Cornfest. This free festival is a pure celebration of corn. Enjoy the parade, the fun run, corn stands (yum!) and the stage that features dance and musical performances — as well as the Corn Eating Contest! End the festival with fireworks and good old-fashioned corn on the cob.
When & Where: August 26, 27 and 28, 2021 @ Confederation Park at 50 Ave/50 Street, Taber
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Join the Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society this summer for their production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, directed by Andrew Legg!
When & Where: Various dates @ Various venues, Lethbridge
Huckleberry Festival
The popular weekend features live music, vendors, games, hiking, berry picking, activities for young and old, BBQ’s, a down home community supper and more. The Huckleberry Chairlift is open for scenic tours, as well as to give easy access to the Huckleberries.
When & Where: August 27 to 28 @ Castle Mountain Resort, Pincher Creek No. 9
Crowsnest Pass Open Doors and Heritage Festival
The Crowsnest Pass Doors Open and Heritage Festival celebrates everything Crowsnest Pass. Come and get a concentrated taste of this delightful mountain region, where you can partake in events like the Annual Show n’ Shine Car Show in Blairmore or the Crowsnest Country Market.
When & Where: July 31 to August 2 @ Various regions, Crowsnest Pass.
Get loud in Drumheller
A roaring dinosaur skull over pointed red letters is the logo for the Loud as Hell Heavy Metal Festival — is there anything that better represents this Drumheller music event? Come out into the Alberta badlands and experience this music as it is meant to be experienced: LOUD.
When & Where: July 30 to August 1 @ Dorva MX Motocross Track, Drumheller
Gran Fondo Badlands
This unique ride travels through the river valleys and hoodoos in Drumheller, Alberta, land of the dinosaurs. Are you B-A-D enough to ride the Badlands? Gran Fondo Badlands ride begins near the world’s largest dinosaur. Try to out-ride the dinosaurs!
When & Where: August 7 @ 80 Veterans Way, Drumheller
Rosebud Chamber Music Festival
For lovers of chamber music, this festival in the Badlands brings you washes of gorgeous compositions by world-class musicians. This year instead of the regular festival, you can enjoy an outdoor concert each weekend.
When & Where: Saturdays in August @ Rosebud Theatre, 116 Main Street, Rosebud
Old Time Ranch Rodeo at Bar U Historic Ranch
Time honoured and traditional skills of ranching comes to the rodeo arena! Cheer on your favourite ranch as teams of working cowboys compete for silver Bar U buckles and bragging rights! You’ll be entertained with events such as Broke Horse Racing, Team Sorting as well as Branding and Doctoring.
When & Where: Sunday, August 15, 2021 @ Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, Longview
Nanton Roundup Days
Visit Nanton for an amazing time – fireworks, parade, duck race, rodeo and more! Bomber Command Museum of Canada is entry by donation during the weekend.
When & Where: July 30 to August 2, 2021 @ Nanton.
Southern Alberta Music Festival
Get together with friends and enjoy two days of Southern Alberta’s best music and support STARS® Air Ambulance.
When & Where: August 13 & 14 @ Aspen Crossing, Mossleigh
III. Calgary & Area
Okotoks Chili Fest
Western-themed activities take over downtown Okotoks, including the central event – a chili cook off. Come down to taste the chili creations or register a team and compete! Spice up your weekend with chili sampling, children’s activities, live music, and an outdoor artisan street market!
When & Where: Saturday, August 28, 2021 @ Downtown Okotoks
Enjoy a fair that is more than a century old
The Priddis & Millarville Fair is one of the last great Country Fairs in Canada. Founded in 1907, the Fair today attracts more than 4000 bench entries contributed by over 500 exhibitors, contests, competitions and displays.
When & Where: August 21 & 22, 2021 @ 306097 192 St W Millarville
Celebrate Kananaskis River
Join for Kanfest, a gathering of whitewater kayaking enthusiasts for a weekend of total FUN. Enjoy the events, clinics and friendly competition. Then it’s time to party! Live Music, demos, auctions… and more!
When & Where: August 6-8, 2021 @ Canoe Meadows, Kananaskis
Calgary’s Globalfest
Come and watch the biggest firework show in Alberta at Globalfest in Calgary. This cultural celebration is one of the most beloved festivals in the city. Featuring performances, a variety of food and arts vendors, and — of course — the fireworks competition that has a different country taking the reins on select nights, this is one end-of-summer festival you won’t want to miss.
When & Where: August 19, 21, 24, 26, 28, 2021 @ Elliston Park, 1827 68 St. S.E., Calgary
Ocean Wise Seafood Boil
With a laid-back atmosphere, good food, good music, and good company, Calgary Zoo have all the makings of our very own ‘kitchen party’ – without the kitchen of course. Dining on sustainable seafood never sounded so good!
When & Where: August 13, 2021 @ Calgary Zoo.
Strathmore Stampede
Rodeo events, chuckwagon races, and running with the bulls. The whole Stampede package can be found in August in Strathmore. 2021 marks the 55th year of the Strathmore Stampede — that’s 55 years of perfecting a weekend of rodeo fun. Running during Heritage day weekend, don’t miss this celebration of the Western Spirit in the heart of the prairies.
When & Where: July 30 to August 2 @ Strathmore Stampede Grounds, 33 Wheatland Trail, Strathmore
Cochrane Fair
The Cochrane Fair includes Classic Bull Riding, Mini Chuckwagons, Trick Riders, Super Dogs, Live Entertainment, Beer Gardens, Farmers’ Market, Farm Days and much more.
When & Where: August 21 @ The Cochrane Ag Society Park,43080 Bow Valley Trail Cochrane
Canmore Summer Theatre Festival
Enjoy live theatre outdoors during Canmore Theatre Festival. See Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare and Minotaur by Kevin Dyer at the football field behind the Canmore Recreation Centre.
When & Where: August 11 to 22 @ Canmore Recreation Centre, 8 Avenue, Canmore
IV. Banff & Jasper
Parkway to Pint
Grab your bike and head out to Banff to begin this biking challenge along the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A.) A 58 km ride takes you right to the quieter side of Lake Louise, at the Summer Gondola. Show the servers at Banded Peak Base Camp your Strava or Garmin activity and receive a free swag bag to take home which includes a Banded Peak beer (355ml) and a Parkway to Pint t-shirt!
When & Where: Through @ Lake Louise Summer Gondola
Sunset Festival
Come and toast summer at the summit of the Banff Gondola. Indulge in local craft beverages, taste a Canadian inspired BBQ menu and soak in the spectacular mountain sunsets with live music and entertainment.
When & Where: Through September 6, 2021 @ Banff Gondola, 300 Mountain Ave, Banff
Interactive ‘tour’ of Jasper Dark Sky Preserve!
Enjoy an entertaining, fun-filled evening of cosmic discovery taht includes three cosmic experiences – Planetarium Experience, Telescope Experience and ‘laser-guided’ dark sky binocular tour.
When & Where: Various Dates @ Jasper Planetarium, 1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper
IV. Central Alberta
Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival
The Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival will celebrate its 30th year. There will be an open mic, workshops, and great performances. There will also be a saloon, perhaps a beer garden, food trucks, and performances by some of the best bluegrass groups from western Canada.
When & Where: August 20 to 22 @ Sundre Rodeo Grounds, 2 Avenue Northwest, Sundre
Have a Cream Day!
Join for Show ‘n Shine at Markerville Creamery Museum. Cream Day festivities celebrates the historic cream cheque day where farmer’s were paid & the family went to town to shop! Join for demonstrations, games & food. Enjoy the sparkle of vintage cars & trucks that line the streets surrounding the museum. There’s something for everyone!
When & Where: August 8 @ Historic Markerville, 114 Creamery Way, Markerville
Red Deer Food Trucks
Get the best food that Red Deer Trucks offer during Food Truck Fridays – experience with many of the local favorites including Filipino cuisine, gourmet grilled cheese, perogies, tacos, frites, mini donuts, and more!
When & Where: August 6, 13, 20 @ Westerner Park North West parking Lot. , Red Deer
Central Alberta Pride Festivities
Join in the festivities and celebrate Pride week through a variety of festivities. Details TBA
When & Where: August 8 – 14, 2021 @ Various Venues, Red Deer
Bentley Fair and Rodeo
With 55 years of history, the Bentley Fair and Rodeo began as a group of three events: a parade, a rodeo, and a country fair. Now, these events blend into each other for a weekend of prairie fun. With a 50/50 draw, evening rodeo performances, a beer gardens, and a celebration of the arts in the community, this event not only celebrates the community, it invites people from out of town to come and have a great time.
When & Where: August – Date TBA @ Various Venues, Bentley
Pioneer Days Festival
Visit Sunnybrook Farm Museum for the Pioneer Days Festival and take part in Pioneer breakfast, tractor pulls, tractor parade, threshing, cookie walk, home-made pie, children activities, concession, face-painting and more.
When & Where: August 14 & 15 @ Sunnybrook Farm, 2879 Botterill Crescent, Red Deer
Gasoline Alley Car Show
S&M Diesel and Mechanical Inc has teamed up with Mudders Wash to host an epic summer event with a multi class car show/dyno event/burnout pit. There will be lots of prizes for different categories, food trucks, music, and a whole ton of wicked rides. This is not only for diesel but for gas too., New, old, rat rod, muscle car, motorbikes, gas, diesel, you name it!
When & Where: August 21 @ 23 McKenzie Cres, Red Deer County
Battle of the Rockies
The Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Association presents another year of exciting races! Don’t forget to check out the Broken Spoke Saloon for nightly entertainment. Returning to the Broken Spoke stage will be Drew Gregory on Friday night & Renegade Station Saturday night.
When & Where: August 20 to 22 @ North Saskatchewan River Park, Range Road 73A, T4T 1B2, Rocky Mountain House
Hanna & District Fall Fair and Horse & Pony Show
Held annually in August, the fall fair is a fabulous time to explore Hannah! See all the best things at Fall Fair bench show, checkout the Horse & Pony show, and the Classic Car Cruise.
When & Where: August 5 to 7 @ 502 Pioneer Trail, Hanna
Ride to Reynolds
Bring the whole family to see a fantastic display of motorcycles presented in the Reynolds-Alberta Museum’s parking lot. Special assigned motorcycle parking creates an amazing display of motorcycles (in 2019 there were more than 1000 motorcycles on the museum grounds).
When & Where: August 21 @ Reynolds-Alberta Museum, Wetaskiwin
V. Edmonton & Area
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. Daily, weekend, and camping passes are available, so gather up friends and family near and far, and get ready to shake your tail feather!
When & Where: July 30 to August 1 @ Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park, 473008 Range Road 10, Mulhurst Bay
Farmers’ Days Rodeo and Exhibition
The weekend event features a midway, carnival games and the Kids Korral which includes a petting zoo, bounce room and activities area.
When & Where: August 20 to 22, 2021 @ Stony Plain Heritage Park – Stony Plain
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Things to Do Edmonton Area in August
Rock’n August
With a host of daily events such as pancake breakfasts, BBQs, a Roadeo, a street dance, and cruises — this event celebrates the town, the people, and classic cars. Rock’n August will celebrate its 25th year of operation as the finest festival of Cars and Music in Western Canada and the City of St. Albert’s third largest annual event. Funds raised support the Alberta Diabetes Foundation.
When & Where: August 6 to 10, 2019 @ Various Venues, St. Albert
Edmonton International Fringe Festival
The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is one of the best-loved Fringe Festivals in the country and features performers from all over the globe bringing their fine work to Edmonton’s stages. See how many shows you can catch at the variety of venues throughout town. You may just end up seeing a part of Edmonton you’ve never seen before.
When & Where: August 12 to 25 @ Old Strathcona, Edmonton
Together Again Concert Series
There is a new physically distant concert series scheduled for August.The lineup includes Dean Brody, Blue Rodeo, Our Lady Peace, Serena Ryder, The Trews and many more.
When & Where: August 6 to September 5 @ Edmonton Exhibition Lands Racetrack Infield, 7515 118 Ave NW Edmonton
Alberta International Airshow
Formerly Edmonton Airshow, Alberta International Airshow returns in 2021 and promises to be an entertainment spectacle that celebrates both the rich history and the modern evolution of aviation, particularly in Edmonton.
When & Where:August 21 to 22 @ Villeneuve Airport, Range Road 271, Villeneuve
Symphony Under the Sky Festival
Join Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Hawrelak Park and listen to two programs of sensational music.
When & Where:August 26 to September 5 @ Hawrelak Park, Groat Road Northwest, Edmonton
Redwater Discovery Days
Take part in the annual fair. This year’s events include a Drive-In family Movie , a Bench Show, Show & Shine , Inflatables , Food Trucks , and Fireworks.
When & Where:Aug 20 – 21 2021 @ Various Venues, Red Water
Vegreville Country Fair
With tons to see and do make sure you don’t miss the Vegreville Country Fair this summer. Whether it’s your child’s first ride on the midway, the pounding hooves at the chuckwagon races, a majestic display of horses, or a rousing night of entertainment in the Grandstand, you’re sure to have some fun!
When & Where: August 4 to 8, 2021 @ Vegreville Agricultural Society
VI. Northern Alberta
Bonnyville Chuckwagon Championship Races
The thundering pound of the horses’ hooves, the crowd cheering, and those final moments when the horses, wagon and rider simultaneously round the last bend is something that you just need to see live from the stands.
When & Where: August 5 to 8 @ Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds
Elk Point Heritage Days
Visit Elk Point for a day and celebrate the Town and surrounding area’s heritage.
When & Where: August 7 @ Elk Point
Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache
Do you have what it takes to cheat death? Or are you interested in watching people who are brave enough to try? Join for difficult ultra-marathon that features high elevation, team races, solo races, and even a race for kids.
When & Where: July 31 to August 1 @ Grande Cache Recreation Centre, Grande Cache
Bear Creek Folk Festival
Grande Prairie’s Bear Creek Folk Festival features an excellent lineup including Brad Lynch Band, Caleb Hart, Celeigh Cardinal, The DandyLionesses, Halo Tribal, Maria Dunn, Matt Andersen, and many more. There are also food and arts vendors on the grounds, so you’ll have plenty to take in alongside the music. Check out the website for a full list of details for the 4th year of this stellar music festival. Details
When & Where: August 14 to 15 @ Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie
Paddle The Peace
Experience the beautiful Peace River through this 28 km journey! Halfway through your adventure, you will be treated to a complimentary lunch at the Strong Creek Campground.
If you are not able to participate in the event, you can always paddle the river at your leisure.
When & Where: Saturday, August 21st @ Shaftesbury Ferry Launch Site to the Lower West Peace Boat Launch, Peace River
Blue Heron Fair and Rodeo
Enjoy a good ole’ small town country fair with parade, rodeo, bench show, food and games for every age!
When & Where: August 12 to 14 @Barrhead Agrena, 5607 47 St, Barrhead
Paddle into the Past
Join for a fun filled time at Metis Crossing. Paddle into the Past is a 4-hour immersive Indigenous experience linking two historic sites with a Voyageur canoe trip along a historic fur trade route.
When & Where: Fridays in August @ Metis Crossing
Race on a Cardboard Boat
Credit: MS Roxanne Wood/CF Snowbirds
Spend your days in the sun during Aqua Days this August long weekend! Airshow, Cardboard Boat Races, vendors, family activities, sparkle tattoos, bouncy castles, BBQ, water inflatables, free non-motorized watersport rentals, and fireworks (at dusk).
When & Where: July 31 to August 1 @ Cold Lake Kinosoo Beach Cold Lake
All In
Enjoy the best of Slave Lake in one weekend!! All In features live concerts, parade, market, food vendors, beer garden, pancake breakfast. car show and fireworks.
When & Where: August 26 to 28 @ Various Venues, Slave Lake
