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Your Last-Minute Long Weekend Guide to Alberta
HOW is it almost the August long weekend already?! If you’re anything like me, this weekend somehow manages to sneak up on you every year. It’s not until someone inevitably asks ‘Any plans for the long weekend?’ that I realize I’ve failed to see it coming yet AGAIN, as I answer ‘This weekend is the long weekend?? Well I guess I have no plans!’
So while I do think there’s a lot to be said for the ‘no plan-plan’, it’s not too late to make some actual plans for the upcoming weekend. And no matter where you are in the province, there’s something great happening- here are just a few!
Polynesian Days at Alberta Beach
For over four decades, Alberta Beach has hosted Polynesian Days (Poly Days) over the August long weekend. Over 20 great locally-sponsored events occur throughout the weekend, with the main attraction being the Alberta Beach Music Festival, located in Gazebo Park and running all afternoon and evening on Saturday! There’s also a great kids area featuring face painters, balloon artists, slides and bouncy castles!
JAWS at the Lake – Sylvan Lake
Imagine watching the movie JAWS… while in the water! Well you can on August 6th when the Town of Sylvan Lake, in partnership with Fresh Air Cinema and Movies on the Beach presents Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic. So be sure to bring your floatie, or if you’re more of a cautious type, the double sided screen lets you watch from dry land too. The event is FREE, dependent on the weather and JAWS is rated PG13. There’ll be food trucks on hand for when you get hungry and and special deals from Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash!
Loud as Hell Festival – Drumheller
The Loud As Hell Metal Festival in Drumheller is one of the top underground music festivals in Canada and is celebrating year 6 for 2017! Organizers say ‘We encourage everyone to camp and probably consider booking Tuesday off to recover your ears, livers and lungs. We’ve got our best lineup yet, ready to melt your face and kick off our biggest festival to date!’ The event is all ages but keep in mind there are licensed beer gardens as well, so organizers just ask that everyone respect those around them.
The Edmonton Heritage Festival is a three-day event where you can try delicious food, watch dozens of great performances and truly experience the multiculturalism of Canada! Make sue you bring your walking shows when you take in the tastes, sights, smells and sounds from 100 countries and cultures at 71 pavilions. Exploring the festival and enjoying the entertainment is free and food tickets can be purchased on site. Check out the menu here!
Hike to the Drive Lanes: Moon of the Buffalo Rut – Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump
On Saturday August 5, take in some fascinating history as you hike to ancient buffalo drive lanes accompanied by Blackfoot guides! You’ll hear stories of how the plains people hunted the mighty buffalo as you navigate this amazing World Heritage Site. You’ll need to be prepared for an off-trail hike and you should dress appropriately for inclement weather. You’ll also want to bring lunch and water bottle along. Register in advance as space is limited. This program is not recommended for small children.
Crowsnest Pass Open Doors and Heritage Festival
The Crowsnest Pass is excited to launch its 12th annual Doors Open and Heritage Festival weekend! The theme is Lawmen: Rum Running in Crowsnest Pass. Throughout the weekend, the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and the community of the Crowsnest Pass will be highlighting the story of the Rum Runners. You’ll enjoy guided hikes, presentations and events highlight the Crowsnest Pass and the amazing stories of Emilio Picarello, the Red and Black Routes and the Whiskey Six, just to name a few. The Crowsnest County Market, Car Show, Teddy Bear Picnic, and Coal Miners’ Picnic are just a few of the great events taking place over the weekend- click here for a full list of events!
Pigeon Lake Music Festival – Mulhurst Bay
To commemorate it’s 30th anniversary, Hilah Ayers Wilderness RV park will be hosting the inaugural Pigeon Lake Music Festival on August 5th &6th- visitors, campers and music-lovers alike are invited to attend what is sure to be an unforgettable affair! An impressive roster of emerging, iconic and talented musicians has been assembled guaranteeing the weekend will be filled with memorable performances and good times. Organizers say the outdoor ambiance, intimate & interactive setting, and event exclusivity will create an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come. Click here for the full line-up.
That’s just a handful of things happening over the next several days- for even more check out these great resources:
Whatever you end up doing this weekend, have lots of fun and stay safe!
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