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Ten Lesser-Known Alberta Music Festivals You Need On Your Calendar This Summer
Posted on May 29, 2024 by Britanny Burr
Okay, music lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re a fan of live music, we don’t need to tell you that Alberta has an incredible music scene. Some of that scene makes international headlines – the Calgary Stampede, for example – and some of it is a little more underground. If you’re like us and you think there’s nothing better than listening to live music on a warm summer evening as the sun goes down, this article is for your eyes. We’ve rounded up a list of some lesser-known Alberta music festivals that you should probably throw on your calendar for summer.
North Country Fair
Held Annually in June, near the shores of Lesser Slave Lake, the North Country Fair is a four-day outdoor camping and festival for music lovers gathering to commemorate the spirit of the community and ring in the longest day of the year. As one of the longest-running festivals in Alberta, it’s a vibrant celebration of the arts, culture, and friendship. The festival features everything from folk and country, to rock music and the blues. Camping is always free at the North Country Fair, so get your festival tickets and book your campsite today!
South Country Fair
Although a slightly smaller-scale festival than its northern counterpart, the South Country Fair is set to take place from July 19-21, in Fort Macleod. For over 30 years, the South Country Fair has been providing music fans with a fun-filled weekend of music, and art, celebrating community spirit, with a charming camping festival style. Weekend passes start at $145 so head to their website to purchase your tickets today.
Beaumont Music Festival
Discover the magic of live music, and culture as Beaumont celebrates an all-Canadian artist lineup June 21-22, for a fun-filled two-day outdoor festival. Held annually at the Four Seasons Park in Beaumont, just 10 minutes south of Edmonton, festival-goers can participate in an unforgettable weekend, and relax in the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying performances from some of Canada’s most beloved musicians.
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival
Held annually in August, in Stony Plain, this festival offers bluegrass fans a chance to connect. It has been a staple in Alberta for over 30 years and features a variety of local and international bluegrass musicians. This festival highlights a fantastic lineup of bluegrass musicians, open mic stages, workshops, jam sessions and a friendly vibe. On August 2-4, grab your banjo, polish up on your best dance moves, and experience the wonderful sounds bluegrass music has to offer.
Pembina River Nights
Set along the scenic banks of the Pembina River, at Rangeton Park in Evernsburg, Pembina River Nights offers fans a relaxed and intimate musical experience. Held annually in July, this family-friendly festival offers a variety of music genres from folk and bluegrass, to country and rock. Known for its natural setting, cool vibe and small-town crowd, Pembina River Nights is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a weekend of live music under the clear Alberta skies.
Wild Mountain Music Festival
This festival brings together a diverse lineup of musicians offering a unique mix of music and art. You can expect acts like Gord Bamford, The Sheepdogs, Romi Mayes, Caliegh Cardinal, and more. Held July 19-21, at Entrance Ranch, just minutes north of Hinton, this scenic setting is celebrated for its beautiful atmosphere in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Tickets are available starting from $115 and offer various options including full-weekend passes with camping, to single-day passes.
Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival
Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival is an exceptional outdoor festival that brings together a blend of authentic bluegrass music, impromptu jam sessions, and a vibrant, friendly community, held July 12-14th, at the Sundre Pro Rodeo grounds. Ticket prices vary with single-day or full-weekend access passes along with camping. It’s a fantastic way to experience the sounds of bluegrass in a laid-back and fun environment, creating an intimate and interactive musical experience.
Cornstock ‘24
On July 25-2, pack up your belongings and your favourite band-T, and head to Taber, the “Corn Capital of Alberta” for a three-day classic rock music festival. This festival is set to feature a lineup of premier Canadian classic rock bands, celebrating the rich history of rock music. Weekend passes and camping options are available starting at $169. Get ready to “rock on” this summer!
Bow Valley Boot Stomp
Gather your friends and family and head to the Bow Valley Boot Stomp this July 19-20th at the Cochrane & District AG Society for a good ol’ country hoe-down. The festival promises a lively weekend of music, dancing, and a whole lotta fun. The lineup includes well-known artists like Aaron Goodvin, Doc Walker, and Kalsey Kulyk, along with a host of other talented artists. Grab your tickets and dancing boots, and join the local community to celebrate great music, good company, delicious eats, and the great outdoors.
WayneStock
Set in the historical hamlet of Wayne, at the Last Chance Saloon, in the Dinosaur Valley, WayneStock is a four-day music festival featuring roots, rock, blues, bluegrass, country and soulful music. Held annually over Labour Day long weekend, WayneStock is known for its rustic and off-the-beaten-path charm. It attracts people looking for a fun, laid-back, and music-filled environment in Alberta’s badlands.
Each of these festivals offers something special. They foster a tight-knit community, feature fantastic venues, and showcase excellent music from a variety of genres. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to explore Alberta’s diverse cultural scene and discover new musicians, all while taking in the beautiful surroundings along the way. This summer, take a musical adventure on the road less travelled. You just might have some fun!
Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
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