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 7, 2026, 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)
- Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (Lamont County)
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 7 to 16, 2026 @ 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 15 & 16, 2026 @ Across Alberta
Alberta Day
The fifth annual Alberta Day celebrations will be held with a full day of festivities in both Edmonton and Calgary on August 30, marking the establishment of the province on September 1, 1905.
When & Where: August 30, 2026 @ Across Alberta
Main celebrations with drone shows and concerts in Calgary & Edmonton
Drive-in Movies
Gather your family and friends and enjoy your favourite films from the comfort of your own vehicle. Whether you’re reliving the nostalgia of the traditional drive-in or experiencing it for the very first time, this is a summer event you won’t want to miss.
- Medicine Hat – The Greatest Showman – August 1, 2026 | 10:00 PM MDT @ Co-op Place
- Medicine Hat – The Conjuring – August 1, 2026 | 11:45 PM MDT @ Co-op Place
- Lethbridge – Grease – August 7, 2026 | 10:00 PM MDT @ Excite Lethbridge
- Lethbridge – 21 Jump Street – August 7, 2026 | 11:45 PM MDT @ Excite Lethbridge
- Lethbridge – The Greatest Showman – August 8, 2026 | 10:00 PM MDT @ Excite Lethbridge
- Lethbridge – The Conjuring – August 8, 2026 | 11:45 PM MDT @ Excite Lethbridge
- Edmonton – Footloose – August 13, 2026 | 10:00 PM MDT @ Edmonton Valley Zoo
- Edmonton – 21 Jump Street – August 13, 2026 | 11:45 PM MDT @ Edmonton Valley Zoo
- Edmonton – The Greatest Showman – August 14, 2026 | 10:00 PM MDT @ Edmonton Valley Zoo
- Edmonton – IT – August 14, 2026 | 11:45 PM MDT @ Edmonton Valley Zoo
- Lloydminster – Grease – August 15, 2026 | 9:30 PM MDT @ Cenovus Energy Hub Arena
- Lloydminster – 21 Jump Street – August 15, 2026 | 11:30 PM MDT @ Cenovus Energy Hub Arena
- Lloydminster – Toy Story – August 16, 2026 | 9:30 PM MDT @ Cenovus Energy Hub Arena
- Lloydminster – IT – August 16, 2026 | 11:30 PM MDT @ Cenovus Energy Hub Arena
- Calgary – Grease – August 20, 2026 | 9:30 PM MDT @ Badlands Parking Lot
- Calgary – Deadpool – August 20, 2026 | 11:30 PM MDT @ Badlands Parking Lot
- Calgary – Disney Cars – August 21, 2026 | 9:30 PM MDT @ Badlands Parking Lot
- Calgary – The Notebook – August 21, 2026 | 11:30 PM MDT @ Badlands Parking Lot
- Calgary – Jurassic Park – August 22, 2026 | 9:30 PM MDT @ Badlands Parking Lot, Impark
- Calgary – The Conjuring – August 22, 2026 | 11:30 PM MDT @ Badlands Parking Lot
- Red Deer – Grease – August 28, 2026 | 9:00 PM MDT @ Westerner Park
- Red Deer – 21 Jump Street – August 28, 2026 | 11:00 PM MDT @ Westerner Park
- Red Deer – The Greatest Showman – August 29, 2026 | 9:00 PM MDT @ Westerner Park
- Red Deer – The Conjuring – August 29, 2026 | 11:00 PM MDT @ Westerner Park
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 15 @ 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 27 to 28, 2026 @ 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 22 @ 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 30 – August 3, 2026 @ 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: July 31 to August 2 @ Dinosaur Downs Speedway, 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 30, 2026 @ 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 54•40 and The Trews (August 7), Hunter Brothers (August 8), plus guided hikes and tours. On Aug 22, Go Badlands: Fireside Acoustic Night blends nature (guided hike) and a concert featuring Kate Mallory Chipman and Friends: Scott Cook, Billie Zizi, Pamela Mae, Brett Hansen and Cam Neufeld.
When & Where: 54•40 and The Trews – August 7
Hunter Brothers – August 8
Go Badlands: Fireside Acoustic Night – August 22 ( Mallory Chipman and Friends: Scott Cook, Billie Zizi, Pamela Mae, Brett Hansen and Cam Neufeld) @ 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 16, 2026 @ 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 31 to August 3 @ 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 2026 festival include Craig Moritz, Ben Chase, Garrett Gregory, Fraid Knot and many more!
When & Where: August 7 & 8, 2026 @ 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 22, 2026 @ 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 15 & 16, 2026 @ 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 27 to 30 @ Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Strathmore Stampede
Rodeo events, chuckwagon races, and running with the bulls. The whole Stampede package can be found in August in Strathmore. 2026 marks the 60th year of the Strathmore Stampede — that’s 60 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 3, 2026 @ Strathmore Stampede Grounds, 33 Wheatland Trail, Strathmore
Marda Gras Street Festival
Marda Gras Street Festival is a pedestrian-friendly event and enjoys discovering new sounds, tastes and wares during this New Orleans-themed festival. Come and enjoy live music, dance and cultural performances, a fun kids area, unique shopping and lots of great food!
When & Where: August 9 @ Marda Loop, 33rd Ave SW, Calgary
NMC Presents: Eddy Fest
In honour of the King Eddy’s 120th anniversary, the National Music Centre presents Eddy Fest, a three-day music festival, celebrating every chapter of the venue’s history. Eddy Fest showcases an eclectic mix of performances that represent the venue’s past and present — from blues and rock to country and singer-songwriters!
When & Where: August 14 to 16 @ National Music Centre | Studio Bell, 300-851 4 Street SE, Calgary
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 7, 2026 @ 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 9 @ Historic Markerville, 114 Creamery Way, Markerville
Fun at Stephansson House
Step into the preserved Alberta home of Icelandic poet Stephan G. Stephansson, where costumed interpreters, original furnishings and fresh baking bring the 1920s to life. August activities include traditional games, harvest demonstrations and hands-on household chores, from butter making to laundry, offering families a lively glimpse into prairie history.
When & Where: August @ 2230 Twp Rd 371, Red Deer County
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 3rd Red Deer Filipino Music & Food Street Festival brings vibrant Pinoy culture to Central Alberta! Enjoy a DJ dance kickoff, family fun activities, 17 Filipino food vendors, and 12 market stalls. Celebrate music, flavors, and Filipino pride all weekend!
When & Where: Aug 7–9, 2026 @ Parkland Mall, NE Parking Lot
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 15-16, 2026 @ 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 14 to 16 @ 35544 Range Rd 31, Spruce View
Nashville Takeover
For three unforgettable days, more than 15 surprise songwriters from Nashville and Canada will turn breweries, patios and hidden spaces into intimate stages. Expect acoustic stories, spontaneous bar hops and late-night after-parties. It is not simply a festival, but a full musical takeover bringing Nashville closer than ever to home.
When & Where: August 7-9 @ Sylvan Lake
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 12 to 16 @ 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 8 @ Reynolds-Alberta Museum, Wetaskiwin
Bro-Tel Backyard Festival
What began as a small house concert in 2015 quickly grew into a backyard music festival at Derwent’s Bro-Tel. Featuring professional and amateur performers, open-stage moments and visitors from across Alberta and beyond, the festival has since become a beloved summer tradition known for its welcoming, communal atmosphere and charm.
When & Where: August 14-16, 2026 @ John Dudar Park, Jackfish Lake
Tofield Western Days
Tofield Western Days brings rodeo excitement, community spirit and plenty of entertainment to the sportsgrounds and Main Street. Visitors can enjoy bull riding, a food truck fair, a lively street fair, pancake breakfast, beer gardens, live music and a rodeo dance, with multiple performances rounding out the weekend celebration.
When & Where: August 6 to 9, 2026 @ Tofield Sportsgrounds and Main Street
Mundare Agri Days
Mundare Agri-Days brings the community together with a lively parade, ball tournament, beach bash, street market and bench show. Visitors can enjoy live entertainers, a petting zoo, bouncy castles, games, a car and motorcycle show, barbecue, burnout competition and fireworks, all wrapped in a welcoming small-town celebration for every generation.
When & Where: August 14 to 16, 2026 @ Various Venues, Mundare (Fireworks on Saturday)
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 31 to August 2 @ 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 4 to 8, 2026 @ 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 13 to 23 @ 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 6 to 9 @ 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 7 to 9 @ Century Casino Grounds, 24 Boudreau Rd, St. Albert
Boots and Hearts West
Boots and Hearts is expanding west, with Boots and Hearts West debuting at Fan Park. Russell Dickerson headlines Friday, while Shaboozey leads Saturday. The lineup also features Midland, Max McNown, Tyler Joe Miller, Travis Denning, Thelma & James, Graham Barham, Kalsey Kulyk and several rising Canadian artists to the stage.
When & Where: August 28 to 29, 2026 @ Address: Fan Park @ Ice District, 10104 104 Ave 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 5 to 9, 2026 @ Vegreville Agricultural Society
97th Running of the Canadian Derby
Don’t miss the 97th 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 22, 2026 @ Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, 4711 Airport Perimeter Road, Nisku
Horse & Wagon Mural Tours
Stony Plain turns its streets into an open-air gallery, with more than 40 murals created by 23 Canadian artists. During the town’s annual horse and wagon tours, families can ride through downtown, discover the stories behind the artwork, and meet the people and history that shaped the community over time.
When & Where: August 8 and 22, 2026 @ Red Brick Common, 4905-51 Street, 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 1 to 2 @ Grande Cache Recreation Centre, Grande Cache
Bear Creek Folk Festival
Grande Prairie’s Bear Creek Folk Festival features an excellent lineup including Alex Cuba, Amanda Panda, The Arrogant Worms, Blue Moon Marquee, 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 16, 2026 @ 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 15 @ 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 8 to 9 @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 1 @ 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.
