Who doesn’t want to keep the little ones entertained? Visit the Bow Island Children’s Festival on Father’s Day (June 16). It’s free to take part in crafts, jumping tents, face painting and more. Bow Island is in southeast Alberta, approximately 320 kilometres south of Calgary – along Highway 3 between Taber and Medicine Hat.
Water fun. All things involving the combination of water and paddles will be celebrated at MEC Paddlefest in Calgary on June 22. Mountain Equipment Co-op hosts the all-ages event and provides clinics, kids activities, paddling demos and more at Carburn Park from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Check out more ideas for Alberta water fun on page 38.)
Art at Work. Edmonton hosts North America’s largest annual free, outdoor art and design festival: The Works Art & Design Festival. This year, it will run June 20 to July 02 in the capital city’s downtown core (main site and stage in Sir Winston Churchill Square). Visitors from near and far can see demonstrations, be a part of workshops and take part is discussions involving more than 600 artists.
O Canada! Most cities in Alberta celebrate their Canuck-ness on the days leading up to and including Canada Day (July 1), with pancakes, fireworks, parades and, depending on the location, maybe a chuckwagon race, too. Refer to your local community newspapers and website as the special day approaches to find out what you can do without even having to leave your city.
Stock Cars. Medicine Hat houses the only operating stock car oval in southern Alberta and, on July 6, its gates open at 5:30 p.m. for Fan Appreciation Day. The races for Hobby Stock, IMCA Stock, Renegade Trucks and mini sprints start at 7 p.m. Fans are celebrated with the chance to win some great prizes.
See travelalberta.com for more information and events
