Banff 
Between music festivals, historical celebratory events, and rodeos, August is the perfect month to explore the diverse regions of Alberta.
Credit: Paddle the Peace
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
Canada Strong Pass
Visit Parks Canada sites, Provincial and Territorial Museums, this summer for free or with discounted admission.
Free admission for children aged 17 and under, 50% off admission fees for youth aged 18 to 24 until September 2, 2025, for Alberta’s provincial museums. All Parks Canada national parks and national historic sites are free for all.
- Royal Alberta Museum — Edmonton
- Royal Tyrrell Museum — Drumheller
- Reynolds Museum — Wetaskiwin
- Remington Carriage Museum — Cardston
- Oil Sands Discovery Centre — Fort McMurray
- Rutherford House — Edmonton
- Stephansson House — Red Deer County
- Frank Slide Interpretive Centre — Crowsnest Pass
- Fort George and Buckingham House — County of St. Paul
- Historic Dunvegan — near Fairview
- Head-Smashed-in Buffalo Jump — Fort MacLeod
- Lougheed House — Calgary
- Victoria Settlement — County of Smoky Lake
- Turner Valley Gas Plant — Diamond Valley
Alberta on Plate
For ten delicious days, show your support by visiting one of the 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 8 to 17, 2025 @ 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 16 & 17, 2025 @ Across Alberta
RCMP Musical Ride
Showcasing the equestrian skills of the cavalry, the Musical Ride is performed by a full troop of 32 riders and their horses performing choreographed cavalry drills to music.
- August 1 to 3, 2025 – Strathmore & District Agricultural Society (Strathmore Stampede), 33 Wheatland Trail, Strathmore
- August 6 and 7, 2025 – Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede, 2055 21 Avenue SE, Medicine Hat
- August 9 and 10, 2025 – Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, 260 Century Downs Drive, Rocky View County
- August 13 and 14, 2025 – Camrose Regional Exhibition and Agricultural Society, 4250 Exhibition Drive, Camrose
- August 16, 2025 – Athabasca District Agricultural Society, Athabasca Agriplex – Highway 813 & RR 224, Athabasca
- August 17, 2025 – Wabasca Lions Club, Wabasca Rodeo Grounds – Eagle Ridge Road, Wabasca
- August 20, 2025 – High Level Agricultural Society, 8720 88 Street, High Level
- August 21, 2025 – La Crête Field of Dreams Rodeo Club, 15411 Township Road 1060, La Crête,
- August 26, 2025 – Fairview Agricultural Society, Waterhole Rodeo Grounds – Range Road 33, Fairview
- August 27, 2025 – Smoky River Agricultural Society, 5003 3 Street, Donnelly
- August 29, 2025 – Whitecourt District Agricultural Society, Whitecourt Rodeo Grounds – 130019 Township Road 593A, Whitecourt
- August 30, 2025 – Mayerthorpe Agricultural Society, Gymkhana Grounds – 530 50 Avenue, Mayerthorp
Perseid Meteor Shower
The 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, paddle, kayak or white water rafting this August.
- Fun Water-Based Activities and Adventures For This Summer in and Around Edmonton
- Fun Water-Based Activities and Adventures For This Summer in and Around Calgary
- 8 Ways to Discover Banff National Park’s Aquamarine Lakes and Rivers
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
Pick Your Own Flowers
Within Alberta are various 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!
Sports
Cheer Alberta’s home teams as they play their way through to championship titles in the CFL, CEBL, and CPL games.
II. Southern Alberta
Historic 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 neighbourhood, imparting a true sense of place to those eager to listen.
When & Where: Various Dates in August @ Towne Square (603 1st St SE)., Medicine Hat
Haunted Trolley Tour
All aboard the Haunted Medicine Hat Trolley Tours for a spine-tingling journey through Canada’s Sunniest City! Explore eerie landmarks, hear chilling local legends, and uncover ghostly tales at historic sites like the old train station and Strathcona Park. Perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, this guided tour offers haunting stories that reveal Medicine Hat’s mysterious, darker side.
When & Where: Various dates @ Miller’s Herbs & Haunts, 214 South Railway Street, Medicine Hat
See mud racing
Visit Medicine Hat Drag Strip and cheer the participants taking part in the Annual Mud Bog.
When & Where: Saturday, August 16 @ 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 21 to 23, 2025 @ Confederation Park at 50 Ave/50 Street, Taber
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 23 @ 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 – August 4, 2025 @ Various regions, Crowsnest Pass.
- Best Things to Do in Southwest Alberta
- Alberta Scenic Drive: Crowsnest Highway (Hwy 3) – Medicine Hat to Coleman
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: August 1 to 3 @ Dorva MX Motocross Track, Drumheller
15 Minutes of Fame Open Air Festival
15 Minutes of Fame Open Air Festival is a unique celebration of music, storytelling, and creativity in Alberta’s Badlands. Headlined in 2025 by Joel Plaskett and Shaela Miller, it features emerging and established artists for an unforgettable weekend under the prairie sky.
When & Where: Sunday, August 24 ,2025 @ West Opera House Green Space, Rosebud
Badlands Amphitheatre Concerts & Festivals
Experience unforgettable music and outdoor adventure in Alberta’s stunning Badlands! The Badlands Amphitheatre hosts concerts by Amanda Marshall (Aug 8), Jann Arden (Aug 9), and Alan Doyle (Aug 10), plus guided hikes and tours. On Aug 23, Go Badlands: Outdoor Adventure & Music Festival blends nature, creativity, and community with workshops, performances, and a Saturday night concert featuring Kate Stevens, Celeigh Cardinal, and Shakura S’Aida.
When & Where: Amanda Marshall – August 8
Jann Arden – August 9
Alan Doyle – August 10
Go Badlands: Outdoor Adventure & Music Festival – August 22-24 (Kate Stevens, Celeigh Cardinal, Shakura S’Aida) @ 605 17 Street SW, Drumheller
Old Time Ranch Rodeo at Bar U Historic Ranch
Time-honoured and traditional skills of ranching come 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 17, 2025 @ 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: August 1 to 4 @ Nanton.
Southern Alberta Music Festival
Get together with friends and enjoy two days of Southern Alberta’s best music and support STARS® Air Ambulance. Artists for the 2025 festival include Trevor Pancza, Brayden King, Tacoma, Shannon Smith, Traveling Mabels and many more!
When & Where: August 8 & 9, 2025 @ Aspen Crossing, Mossleigh
III. Calgary & Area
Okotoks Summer Round Up ft. Chili Cookoff
Western-themed activities take over downtown Okotoks, including the central event – a chilli cook-off. Come down to taste the chilli creations or register a team and compete! Spice up your weekend with chilli sampling, children’s activities, live music, and an outdoor artisan street market!
When & Where: Saturday, August 23, 2025 @ 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 16 & 17, 2025 @ 306097 192 St W Millarville
Calgary’s Globalfest
Come and watch the biggest fireworks 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 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 2025 @ Elliston Park, 1827 68 St. S.E., Calgary
Country Thunder Alberta
Enjoy three days filled with epic country music!
Lineup: Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, Old Dominion, Ashley McBryde, Jake Owen, Riley Green, Tim Hicks, James Barker Band, Clint Black, Lindsay Ell, and Owen Riegling
When & Where: August 15 to 17, 2025 @ Confluence Historic Site and Parkland, 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Strathmore Stampede
Rodeo events, chuckwagon races, and running with the bulls. The whole Stampede package can be found in August in Strathmore. 2025 marks the 59th year of the Strathmore Stampede — that’s 59 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: August 1 to 4, 2025 @ Strathmore Stampede Grounds, 33 Wheatland Trail, Strathmore
Cochrane Food Fest
Enjoy delicious food & drinks crafted by local vendors, a beer garden showcasing some of the local favourites, along with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a marketplace!
When & Where: August 10 @ Cochrane & District AG Society Grounds, 43080 Bow Valley Trail, Cochrane
Canmore Highland Games
With an expanded slate of events from Saturday morning to Sunday night, participants and spectators alike will be provided with non-stop entertainment. All events are steeped in rich Gaelic traditions and will offer a unique experience to visitors.
When & Where: August 10 @ Centennial Park, 506 Fifth Ave, 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 @ Ride the Bow Valley Parkway to the Lake Louise Summer Gondola (3 hours 20 min average time).
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 1, 2025 @ Banff Gondola, 300 Mountain Ave, Banff
Interactive ‘tour’ of Jasper Dark Sky Preserve!
Enjoy an entertaining, fun-filled evening of cosmic discovery that 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
Have a Cream Day!
Join for the annual Markerville Creamery Museum. Cream Day festivities celebrate the historic cream cheque day where farmers were paid & the family went to town to shop! Join for Butter Making and Ice Cream Making demonstrations, Face Painting, Entertainment and more!
When & Where: August 13 @ Historic Markerville, 114 Creamery Way, Markerville
Ellis Nature Centre Tours
Ellis Nature Centre offers diverse experiences: hike forest trails with binoculars, explore wetlands with dip nets, or stroll serene garden paths near the historic Ellis farmstead. Visit the interpretive centre for wildlife displays, hands-on bee education, and join citizen science projects like the Butterfly Count—fun for all ages and interests.
When & Where: August @ 39502 Range Road 260, Lacombe County
Red Deer Filipino Music & Food Street Festival
The 2nd Red Deer Filipino Music & Food Street Festival brings vibrant Pinoy culture to Central Alberta! Enjoy a DJ dance kickoff, OPM rock concert headlined by The Steadies, family fun activities, 17 Filipino food vendors, and 12 market stalls. Celebrate music, flavors, and Filipino pride all weekend!
When & Where: Aug 8–10, 2025 @ Canada 150 Square, Red Deer
Pioneer Days Festival
Visit Sunnybrook Farm Museum for the Pioneer Days Festival and take part in a variety of activities, including a Pioneer breakfast, tractor pulls, tractor parade, threshing, cookie walk, homemade pie, children’s activities, concession, face-painting, and more.
When & Where: August 16 & 17, 2025 @ Sunnybrook Farm, 2879 Botterill Crescent, Red Deer
Viking Days
Visit the Danish Canadian National Museum for Viking Days. It is North America’s largest annual Viking re-enactment event, featuring immersive battle demonstrations, crafts, and trades in an authentic Viking Village. Visitors of all ages—even little Vikings—can engage with history through hands-on experiences and thrilling live-action encounters.
When & Where: August 15 to 17 @ 35544 Range Rd 31, Spruce View
Battle of the Rockies
The Rocky Mountain Chuckwagon Association presents another year of high-octane chuckwagon racing, incredible local vendors & food trucks and 5 days of non-stop western action.
When & Where: August 13 to 17 @ 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 the Fall Fair bench show, annual Fall Fair Parade, and check out the car show.
When & Where: August 7 to 9 @ 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.
When & Where: August 9 @ 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: August 1 to 3 @ Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV Park, 473008 Range Road 10, Mulhurst Bay
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Things to Do in the 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 29th 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 5 to 9, 2025 @ 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 14 to 24 @ Old Strathcona, Edmonton
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
This year’s edition promises to be all that and more for the Edmontonians, visitors and volunteers who will claim their patch of grass on the hill at Gallagher Park to listen and move to the beat of more than 60 music-makers from the four corners of the globe.
When & Where: August 7 to 10 @ Gallagher Park, 9411 – 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton
St. Albert Ribfest
The Western Canada Rib Fest Tour returns with award-winning ribs, delicious food trucks, live entertainment, and fun for the whole family! Bring your friends, family, and neighbours to enjoy great food, good vibes, and a finger-lickin’ good time in St. Albert.
When & Where: August 8 to 10 @ Century Casino Grounds, 24 Boudreau Rd, St. Albert
Symphony at Snow Valley
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra presents four outdoor concerts at Snow Valley, featuring two programs. Sparkling Festival Hits brings chart-toppers, Broadway, and Hollywood favourites, while Summer Classics offers Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, and more under the evening sky—conducted by Bob Bernhardt with a special solo by ESO’s Ryan Garbett.
When & Where: August 20 to 23, 2025 @ Snow Valley, 13204 Rainbow Valley Rd NW, Edmonton
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 6 to 10, 2025 @ Vegreville Agricultural Society
Devon’s 75th Anniversary Block Party Weekend
Visit Devon for an unforgettable weekend as Devon celebrates its 75th anniversary with a variety of exciting events, all supported by the amazing local community groups. From nostalgic moments to fun-filled activities, there’s something for everyone!
When & Where: August 8 to 10, 2025 @ Various locations, Devon
96th Running of the Canadian Derby
Don’t miss the 96th Running of the Canadian Derby—the biggest event in Western Canadian racing! Celebrate tradition and thrill as top horses and riders compete in this iconic thoroughbred race. It’s Edmonton’s premier horse racing and social event of the summer!
When & Where: August 23, 2025 @ Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, 4711 Airport Perimeter Road, Nisku
Augtoberfest Craft Beer Festival
Spend an afternoon or evening sampling quality craft beers by breweries from across Alberta. There will be food trucks as well as a DJ to ensure you have the best time possible, all while getting to #cheerstocharity!
When & Where: August 23, 2025 @ Heritage Pavilion, 5100 41 Ave, Stony Plain
VI. Northern Alberta
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: August 2 to 3 @ Grande Cache Recreation Centre, Grande Cache
Bear Creek Folk Festival
Grande Prairie’s Bear Creek Folk Festival features an excellent lineup including Walk Off the Earth, Begonia, Caleb Hart w/ Sonic Alley, 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 15 to 17 @ 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 16 @ 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 9 to 10 @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: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1 pm. @ Metis Crossing
Race on a Cardboard Boat
Spend your days in the sun during Aqua Days this August long weekend! Cardboard Boat Races, vendors, family activities, sparkle tattoos, bouncy castles, BBQ, water inflatables, free non-motorized watersport rentals, and fireworks (at dusk).
When & Where: August 2 @ Kinosoo Beach, Cold Lake
Explore the Town of Slave Lake
For an unforgettable trip to northern Alberta, explore Slave Lake and Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park. Spend sunny days at Devonshire Beach, hike scenic trails, go birding at the Boreal Centre, or paddle across calm waters. Enjoy local art, museums, and shopping in town. Stay overnight to catch sunsets, stargaze, and fully experience the area’s rich culture, wildlife, and natural beauty—making the most of every season in this northern beach paradise.
