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Hang onto summer with affordable late summer festivals in Southern Alberta
As summer winds down and we return to regular schedules, it's natural for FOMO to start to set in. But we're here to remind you that there are still plenty of events happening in and around Calgarty and southern Alberta for you to hang on to the dog days of summer just a little bit longer!
From live music to cultural celebrations, these festivals and events are sure to keep you entertained through August and well into September. Most of these events are free or modestly priced too, to make for affordable outings to stretch that summer budget.
Alberta Open Farm Day
August 16
Admission: free
A celebration of summer's bounty! Head to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site to taste local foods, meet the growers and producers, check out haying demonstrations (pictured above) and learn more about where our food comes from and the farm life.
Whoop-Up Days, Lethbridge
August 19-24
Admission:
$10-15 for general access
$58 for ride wristbands
For more than 125 years, Whoop-Up Days has marked the culmination of summer for southern Albertans. Exciting programming and events await at this year's celebration including the annual Whoop-Up Days Parade, the midway, SikSikaitsitapi Powwow, live music, food trucks, beer gardens, and so much more! Admission: $10-15 for general access, wristbands for midway rides are $58.
Taber Corn Fest, Taber
August 21-23
Admission: free
Come celebrate all things corn! Taber Corn Fest is the largest free family festival in western Canada.
TABER CORN
In 2025, the event celebrates its 40th anniversary! While corn holds top billing this is a community celebration where neighbours come together to enjoy the best the region has to offer.
Eastern Slopes Music & Arts Festival, Calgary
August 23
Admission: $50.00 (kids 12 and under are free)
Eastern Slopes is a vibrant celebration of Calgary's local talent, bringing together a dynamic mix of music and visual art. From folk and rock to country sounds, the festival highlights performances by homegrown and out-of-town bands and musicians.
Alongside the music, an art market features work from local artists and creators, offering a unique showcase of the city's creative spirit.
Huckleberry Fest, Castle Mountain Resort
August 23
Cost: free / up to $94.99 (chairlift rides/dinner tickets)
Castle's summer tradition returns with the 29th annual Huckleberry Fest! Activities include live music, berry picking, food and drinks, a mountain market, games for the kids, scenic chairlift rides and more.
Live music, fresh huckleberries and bbqs make for good times at Castle Mountain Resort.
Many of the base area activities are free, however there are costs associated with the chairlift rides, lunch combos, and dinner tickets.
Muslim Heritage Day, Calgary
August 23
Admission: free
This one-day celebration aims to introduce Muslim culture and heritage to fellow Canadians while building bridges between diverse cultural communities. Events include guest speakers, food and retail vendors, henna tattoos, a petting zoo, and more.
YYC Fan Fair, Calgary
August 23
Admission: free
This exciting event gathers a diverse array of vendors featuring top-tier comics, toys, video games, trading cards and collectibles.
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Explore rare gems, unique memorabilia, and hidden treasures while connecting with local artists presenting their original, handcrafted creations.
Calgary Pride Festival, Calgary
August 30-31
Admission: free
Calgary Pride is an annual festival that celebrates and promotes equality for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion.
It features a parade, a festival with live performances, vendors, and various events aimed at fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Waynestock, Wayne
August 29 - September 1
Admission: $35.00 - $165.00
Set up your tent or park your trailer for this three-day music festival loaded with genre-spanning live music including roots, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, alternative, soul, and more!
WAYNESTOCK
It all goes down at the historic Last Chance Saloon in the ghost town of Wayne, Alberta.
Afro Caribbean Festival, Calgary
September 6-7
Admission: free
Celebrate the vibrancy of African and Caribbean culture at this lively, family-friendly festival showcasing the music, dance, fashion, food, and art of the Afro Caribbean diaspora.
This free event brings the community together in a joyful tribute to diversity, heritage, and cultural pride.
From rich agricultural experiences to awesome music festivals, southern Alberta keeps the vibe strong late into the summer and rolling into the fall. The best way to soak up the best of the season is to keep rolling right along with it.
There's plenty more happening around the rest of Western Canada too! Sign up to our newsletter to ensure you never miss out, and keep exploring the scene below.
