Alberta comes alive in the summer with a dazzling lineup of festivals that celebrate music, culture, community, and cowboy spirit. Here are the top 10 must-attend summer festivals across the province in 2025:
1. Calgary Stampede
Dates: July 4–13, 2025
Location: Calgary, AB
Why Go: Known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede features rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, live concerts, Indigenous exhibitions, a massive midway, and nightly grandstand shows. It’s Alberta’s most iconic event.
2. K-Days (formerly Capital Ex)
Dates: July 19–28, 2025
Location: Edmonton, AB
Why Go: A vibrant mix of amusement rides, nightly concerts, local food trucks, and cultural exhibits. K-Days is Edmonton’s biggest summer celebration and draws over 700,000 visitors.
3. Sled Island Music & Arts Festival
Dates: June 18–22, 2025
Location: Calgary, AB
Why Go: A genre-bending festival spotlighting indie music, comedy, art, and film. This year’s lineup includes hundreds of performances at 30+ venues around the city.
4. Big Valley Jamboree
Dates: July 31–August 3, 2025
Location: Camrose, AB
Why Go: One of Canada’s top country music festivals with headliners like Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, and Jason Aldean. Expect camping, tailgates, and a true honky-tonk vibe.
5. Calgary Folk Music Festival
Dates: July 24–27, 2025
Location: Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, AB
Why Go: A relaxed, family-friendly fest featuring 70+ artists from around the world performing in a riverside setting. Ideal for folk, roots, and world music fans.
6. Edmonton International Jazz Festival
Dates: June 20–29, 2025
Location: Edmonton, AB
Why Go: Showcasing top-tier jazz talent ranging from classic to experimental, with performances across indoor and outdoor venues.
7. Country Thunder Alberta
Dates: August 15–17, 2025
Location: Fort Calgary, Calgary, AB
Why Go: A three-day celebration of all things country. Past lineups have included Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Kane Brown.
8. Badlands Music Festival
Dates: July 3–13, 2025
Location: Calgary, AB
Why Go: EDM meets western flair at this 11-day festival featuring top DJs like Tiësto and deadmau5. Perfect for Stampede afterparties.
9. Pigeon Lake Music Festival
Dates: August 1–3, 2025
Location: Mulhurst Bay, AB
Why Go: A boutique festival in a scenic lakeside setting. This year includes performances by Matthew Good, Crash Test Dummies, and more.
10. Alberta Métis Fest
Dates: June 13–14, 2025
Location: Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake, AB
Why Go: A celebration of Métis culture with traditional music, jigging, local artisans, and Indigenous cuisine. A culturally rich experience in a beautiful historic setting.
Plan Your Festival Tour
Whether you’re after twangy tunes, jazzy vibes, or a cowboy hat and boots kind of day, Alberta’s summer festivals offer something for everyone. Be sure to book early – accommodations and passes sell out fast!
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