Around Alberta: Events Worth Getting Out For (July/August 2026)
As July and August roll around, Alberta settles into some of its very best days of the year. Farmers’ markets are bustling, patios are full, festivals pop up in every corner of the province, and there’s something special about those long summer evenings that seem to invite us to slow down and enjoy them.
Whether you’re looking for live music, community celebrations, outdoor activities, or a reason to take a day trip somewhere new, summer offers countless ways to stay connected and make memories. It’s also a wonderful time to check out what’s happening through local seniors’ centres, community leagues, and neighbourhood organizations, many of which offer special seasonal programming and events.
Here are just a few ideas to inspire your next outing and help you make the most of Alberta’s sunny season.
July 2026
July 1 - 5: Spruce Meadows North American in Calgary. The ‘North American’, presented by Rolex, is a celebration of the close ties between the horse and the military. The pounding hooves of the competitors are amplified by the marching cadence of our military celebrations. The pageantry of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) 100 Man Guard as they perform the Feu de Joie ceremony on Saturday and Sunday is spectacular when we Salute our Heroes. With the Lord Strathcona’s Horse Musical Ride, live entertainment, displays, shopping and more, this week is perfect for a family trip or an outing with friends, or even a date!
July 3, 4, 5 at the Vegreville Agricultural Grounds: 53rd Annual Pysanka Festival. Enjoy a three-day event at the Vegreville Exhibition Grounds with grandstand shows, dance competitions, Pioneer demonstrations, a Cultural Showcase, Ukrainian cuisine, Folk Art Displays, crafts, workshops, a farmers’ market, Yarmarok Market shopping, and evening Zabavas with live bands. On-site camping available.
July 3 - 12: Edmonton Street Performers Festival. What do unicyclists, puppeteers, tightrope walkers and acrobats all have in common? You’ll find them all at the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival this July, celebrating over 40 years! Performance artists will transform the city into busker central with their zany, witty or just plain silly performances.
July 3 - 12: Calgary Stampede. From rodeo action to midway games, live music and so much more, the Calgary Stampede brings 10 days of excitement in July.
July 4 - August 2 at The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In the high-stakes world of competitive spelling, six awkward adolescents face off with more than a trophy on the line. Bursting with clever wordplay, infectious songs, and laugh-out-loud humour, only one will be crowned champion of the bee! Tickets start at $40 and are available at citadeltheatre.com or by calling Box Office at 780-425-1820.
July 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at GFLS (Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society) in Calgary: Stampede Breakfast. Join us for a fun-filled Stampede Breakfast & Dance at the GFLS Centre. Enjoy a hearty western-style breakfast, lively line dancing, and live music throughout the morning. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Stampede spirit with friends, food, and fun!
July 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre in Calgary: Stampede BBQ. Savour a delicious lunch accompanied by live music. $20.00 for Members and Super Members; $35.00 for non-members.
July 11: Wetaskiwin Reynolds Museum: The Ultimate Car Show. Stroll the grounds to see a stunning line-up of cars, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, and exchange stories with their owners along the way. Watch starting demonstrations of Museum vehicles from the early 1900s. Purchase your admission tickets in advance. Admission includes the car show, access to the main Museum building and the Aviation Display Hangar. The display is very large with more than 600 vehicles in a grass field, and there will be no shuttle service, so be prepared.
July 14 - 22: Taste of Edmonton at Sir Winston Churchill Square.
Taste of Edmonton is back, bigger, and more delicious than ever! Dig into Western Canada’s largest outdoor food festival! Sample over 200 mouth-watering menu items from 50+ of Edmonton’s favourite local restaurants and food trucks, including some exciting new additions. Bring your crew for the ultimate outdoor feast, then dance it off with live music all day and into the night on the McLennan Ross LLP Stage, featuring 180+ local performing artists and Canadian headliners. THE MARKET by Wholly Handmade returns with 75+ local artisans, while a newly expanded Kids Area makes this a festival the whole family can enjoy.
July 16 - 19: Wild Rose Old Time Fiddle Festival at the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan. Join for the ultimate gathering of fiddle enthusiasts at the 41st Annual Wild Rose Fiddle Festival! From July 16-19, 2026, the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan will come alive with traditional music, spirited competitions, and lively Old Time dancing. Don’t miss this vibrant community event featuring talented performers and exciting contests with over $16,000 in prizes.
July 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at BSC (Bowness Seniors’ Centre) in Calgary: Monthly BINGO; Card sales begin at 11:00 a.m. There’s always a variety of games to play, including Early Bird, Odd or Even, Regular Card games, and a Progressive Pot. Concession items are available. Come out and join us for a fun afternoon!
July 17: Lac La Biche FCSS Senior Staycations. For seniors 55+, join us for our summer staycations as we tour around. Prices and times vary by trip. For this Staycation, we’ll be visiting Bellis Greenhouse. For more information, contact Kristen at Kristen.shewchuk@laclabichecounty.com.
July 17 - 19: Hardisty Rodeo. Get ready for an action-filled weekend at the Hardisty Rodeo! Enjoy two exhilarating days of rodeo events, the Combine Crunch, and thrilling chuckwagon and chariot races. Be sure to check out the parade, street fair, pancake breakfast, car show, beer gardens, games, races, and dances.
July 24: ASSIST Taste of Heritage at 810 and 820 Saddleback Road in Edmonton. A free community event open to everyone to experience a vibrant celebration of diversity. Free sample foods and drinks from over 20 countries and enjoy captivating cultural performances. Feel free to drop by and enjoy the day with us. For more information, please call (780) 429-3112 or email info.assistcsc.org.
July 24 - 25: Legal Fête au Village. Join us in Legal, Alberta, where community spirit comes alive. This vibrant annual festival brings locals and visitors together for a weekend packed with excitement! From the roar of the demolition derby and classic car show to delicious food trucks, dazzling fireworks, and a high-energy parade. With family-friendly fun, kids’ entertainment, outdoor games, and a lively evening cabaret, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come for the fun and stay for the connections, laughter, and memories that make Fête au Village truly special.
July 25 - 26: Sherwood Park Highland Gathering at Broadmoor Lake Park. Join us for an incredible weekend at the Sherwood Park Highland Gathering! Held at Broadmoor Lake Park’s Salisbury High School Athletic Fields, the event features piping and drumming competitions, massed band performances, Highland Dance competitions, and thrilling Scottish heavy games. Enjoy children’s activities, food trucks, beer gardens, a community market with local makers and Scottish Clan booths, and more! You won’t want to miss this exciting event!
August 2026
August 1 -3: Edmonton Heritage Festival. This is your one-way ticket to a world of flavours! Take a peek at Pakistan, taste the flavours of Fiji, feel the beat of Burkina-Faso, and explore cultures from Afghanistan to Wales. The Edmonton Heritage Festival is a family-friendly mingling of nations sharing their entertainment, music, culture, and cuisine! You can attend this legendary festival at Borden Park located beside the Edmonton EXPO Centre!
August 6-9: Edmonton Folk Music Festival. The hills are alive with the sound of Folk Fest! Four magical days of eclectic performers, delicious food and drinks, plus a remarkable setting make the Edmonton Folk Music Festival the summer’s premier musical event. Nestled in the natural amphitheatre of Gallagher Hill, you’ll find toe-tapping performances and so much more!
August 7 - 9: Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival in Edmonton. Cariwest, Edmonton’s annual celebration of Caribbean arts, music, and culture, is taking over Churchill Square! The 3-day event includes a Friday Night Costume Extravaganza, the iconic Saturday Cariwest Parade, and a Caribbean Village throughout the weekend, including live entertainment, the Kids Korner, savoury Caribbean cuisine, and the Caribbean Marketplace.
August 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at BSC (Bowness Seniors’ Centre) in Calgary: Monthly BINGO; Card sales begin at 11:00 a.m. There’s always a variety of games to play, including Early Bird, Odd or Even, Regular Card games, and a Progressive Pot. Concession items are available. Come out and join us for a fun afternoon!
August 16: Ukrainian Day at Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. Enjoy a vibrant afternoon of traditional music, song and dance at this annual celebration of Ukrainian culture and heritage.
August 20: Lac La Biche FCSS Senior Staycations. For seniors 55+, join us for our summer staycations as we tour around. Prices and times vary by trip. For this Staycation, we’ll be visiting Christy Creek Honey Farm. For more information, contact Kristen at Kristen.shewchuk@laclabichecounty.com.
August 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at BSC (Bowness Seniors’ Centre) in Calgary: Community Garden Grand Opening and BBQ; Bring the whole family and come celebrate the opening of our Community Garden with us! Ceremonial ribbon cutting at 11:00 a.m. and BBQ at 12:00 p.m. A fun afternoon filled with music and dance!
Looking Further Ahead
September
September 11 from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm at Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre in Calgary: Seniors Olympics 2026. Free registration. Lunch is available for $15.00. A wide range of events. Amazing prizes for the winner of each event.
September 23: Lac La Biche FCSS Senior Staycations. For seniors 55+, join us for our summer staycations as we tour around. Prices and times vary by trip. For this Staycation, we’ll be visiting Mayfield Dinner Theatre. For more information, contact Kristen at Kristen.shewchuk@laclabichecounty.com.
Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre has moved!
Effective July 15, you will find them at 110 1111 - 57 Ave N.E, Calgary.