From City Streets to Mountain Stages: Some Alberta Festival Picks for Summer 2025
June 24, 2025 | Calgary, Edmonton, ALberta, Events, What's Happening
Summer has officially arrived in Alberta, and what better way to enjoy the season than by experiencing the vibrant arts, culture, and music scenes that come alive across the province? While iconic events like the Calgary Stampede and Edmonton’s K-Days tend to steal the spotlight, there are plenty of hidden gems worth exploring this summer. From jazz to bluegrass, multicultural rhythms to street performances, there’s something for everyone.
Calgary
JazzYYC Summer Festival | June 23 – 29
Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or just jazz-curious, JazzYYC’s annual summer festival delivers seven days of unforgettable performances. Featuring international headliners, celebrated Canadian talent, and some of Calgary’s finest musicians, this event is a must for music lovers.
Calgary Bluesfest | July 31 – August 3
The Calgary International Blues Festival brings together blues musicians from across the globe for a week of soul-stirring music, workshops, and special events. Expect electric performances and a welcoming, toe-tapping atmosphere.
Inglewood Sunfest | August 15 – 17
At the Inglewood Sunfest, there is fun for everyone. Visit 9th Ave SE in Inglewood for a day of free entertainment, shopping, food trucks and patios! Inglewood is host to over 200 vendors that include artisan crafts, small businesses, community organizations and more. Inglewood Sunfest features magic, music, dance, circus, theatre performances, and more!
Edmonton
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival | July 4 – 13
Churchill Square becomes an open-air stage during this beloved festival. From acrobatics and comedy to music and mime, StreetFest features top-tier performers from around the world. Interactive workshops and roving acts bring joy to all corners of downtown.
Found Festival | July 10 – 13
Found Festival brings art to unexpected places—parks, alleys, even rooftops. With performances across multiple disciplines, this unique festival challenges the traditional boundaries of where and how art should be experienced.
Edmonton Heritage Festival | August 2 – 4
Held over three days, the Edmonton Heritage Festival is the largest multicultural celebration of its kind. With global food, crafts, and performances—plus free admission—this family-friendly event is a celebration of cultural diversity at its finest.
Southern Alberta
Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival (Sundre) | July 18 – 20
Set against the scenic backdrop of Snake Hill in Sundre, the Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival offers a weekend of exceptional music, jamming sessions, and workshops. A true community event, it’s organized entirely by volunteers and has become a regional favourite.
Loud As Hell (Drumheller) | August 1 – 3
If you’re craving something a little heavier, Loud As Hell delivers an unforgettable weekend of metal mayhem. Set in Alberta’s badlands, this high-energy festival promises blistering performances, mosh pits, and a strong sense of camaraderie.
Coulee Fest (Lethbridge) | September 13
Coulee Fest is southern Alberta’s ultimate community celebration—a vibrant day filled with live music, local flavor, and family fun. Held on the Lethbridge College campus, the festival offers a bit of everything: mouthwatering eats from global and local vendors, a lively artisan market and an energetic beer garden featuring refreshing craft brews.
Northern Alberta
Wild Mountain Music Festival (Hinton) | July 18 – 20
Nestled at the edge of the Rockies, Wild Mountain is known for its non-stop music, beautiful setting, and two-stage format. The festival has hosted everyone from Colin James to Blue Rodeo, offering a genre-blending lineup that appeals to all musical tastes.
Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival (Stony Plain) | August 1 – 3
The only kind of blue you’ll be feeling at the Blueberry Bluegrass & Country Music Society Festival will be vibrations from speakers that boom with choice bluegrass music—none of the sad kind of blue. Bluegrass and country musicians from around Canada and the United States make it to this music festival.
Bear Creek Festival (Grande Prairie) | August 15 – 17
Set on scenic Borstad Hill in Muskoseepi Park, the Bear Creek Folk Music Festival transforms the heart of Grande Prairie into a musical wonderland each summer. With four stages and more than 30 acts, the festival showcases an eclectic mix of genres—from folk and roots to blues, Celtic, gospel, bluegrass, and world music. Featuring artists from across Alberta, Canada, and beyond, Bear Creek is the perfect setting to discover new sounds, connect with community, and soak in the rhythm of the north.
There’s so much more to explore!
This is just a sample of the many incredible events happening across Alberta! West Anthem, an advocacy organization dedicated to the growth and sustainability of Alberta’s music industry has an events list of music festivals across the province! The best way to support Alberta’s art and music communities is to take part. Check out West Anthem’s event page and start planning your next festival experience! AllEvents is another great resource to find a community event near you!