May – December
ART IN THE LIBRARY
Airdrie Public Library
Throughout the year, Airdrie Public Library (APL) plays host to local, regional and travelling art, with regular exhibits changing every few months. Check online for an exhibit schedule. www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca
May 30-Oct. 3
AIRDRIE FARMERS MARKET
Plainsmen Arena
Open Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7 p.m., rain or shine. Enjoy the adjacent park space, which includes amenities for children.
June – September
CROSSFIELD FARMERS MARKET
Crossfield Community Centre Parking Lot
Celebrating its 43rd year in 2018, the market runs every Thursday, June through September. Find the best in local produce, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more, plus assorted weekly entertainment and demos. An AB Approved Farmers Market with make it, bake it or grow it vendors. Watch Facebook for other market events. www.crossfiledagsociety.com
June 21
CLAYS FOR THE COTTAGE
Silver Willow Sporting Club
Second annual sporting event in support of the Children’s Cottage. An all-day, outdoor experience in Carstairs that tests the skills of avid clay shooters and aspiring shooters alike. Door prizes, raffles, auctions, other fun outdoor activities, and delicious food and drink.
June 23-24
JOHNSON MS BIKE RIDE
Airdrie to Olds
Join the fight to end MS. Register as a rider or cheer on participants! A two-day, 180 kilometre road ride with 800+ cyclists through scenic rural Alberta. Weekend celebrations include beer gardens, a live band and more! Dollars raised go to fund MS research. 8 a.m. June 23 to 4:30 p.m. June 24.
June 28
CANADA DAY FARMERS MARKET
Crossfield Community Centre
Hosted by the Crossfield Farmers Market, offering the best in local produce, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Check Facebook for details.
June 28 – July 2
51st ANNUAL AIRDRIE PRO RODEO
Airdrie Rodeo Grounds
With exciting highlights such as bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, steer riding, team roping and barrel racing, the Airdrie Pro Rodeo always draws a great crowd. Only a short drive away, the Airdrie Rodeo Ranch is located west of Airdrie on Highway 567. June 28: Bull Riding Bonanza 7 p.m.; June 29-30: junior rodeo 6 p.m., pro rodeo 7 p.m.; July 1-2: junior rodeo 2 p.m., pro rodeo 3 p.m. New this year: enjoy mini broncs June 30-July 2, giving youth the chance to compete in the saddle and bareback bronc events. Live entertainment June 29-July 1. More details and tickets www.airdrieprorodeo.com
July 1
CANADA DAY PARADE
Main Street
Enjoy great floats and entertainment. Parade 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Note: roads closed 9 p.m. till 30 minute after parade ends. City Hall open for use of washrooms.
July 1
CANADA DAY STREET FESTIVAL
City Hall
Begins following the Canada Day parade. Enjoy food, drink and family-friendly fun. Approx. 11-4 p.m. Visit www.airdrieparades.com
July 1
CANADA DAY FIREWORKS
Chinook Winds Park
Fireworks start at approximately 10:45 p.m. Visit www.airdrieparades.com
AIRDRIE AG SOCIETY RANCH HAND COMPETITION
July 21
Airdrie Rodeo Grounds
See how a working ranch operates. Spectators see firsthand the cattle handling skills used by local area ranchers and farmers. Events include simulated branding; team sorting; team penning; simulated doctoring and trailer loading of cattle; and, for the kids, a calf scramble. The rodeo grounds are 6.5 kilometres west of Airdrie on Hwy 567. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 12 to 4:30 p.m. www.airdrieagsociety.com
July 29
MIGHTY MACHINES DAY
Main Street Square/Airdrie Public Library
A celebration of trucks, vehicles, machines, and all things that go, held in the Main Street Square parking lot. Airdrie Public Library will host story times and other literacy programming. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca
July 27-29
BIKES & BULLS CHARITY EVENT
Airdrie Air Park
This 8th annual community fundraiser is hosted by the Airdrie Oilmen’s Association, featuring pro bull riding, a show and shine, bike rally and live music.
Aug. 10-12
49th ANNUAL SHOW AND REUNION
Pioneer Acres (Irricana)
The museum’s main event of the year features virtually every piece of equipment running, as well as demos, displays, equipment, crafts and more. The 2018 show feature is Allis Chalmers and Rumely tractors and equipment. www.pioneeracres.ab.ca
Aug. 11
AIRDRIE SUMMER CLASSIC CHARITY CAR SHOW & SHINE
Nose Creek Park
Presented by the Time Traveller’s Car Club of Airdrie. A family event offering a little bit for everyone. All proceeds donated to local charities. No admission fee for spectators but a food bank donation is requested. For spectators the show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Entry fee for show vehicles is $15; registration 8 a.m. to noon.) New for 2018: a poker run and cruise Aug. 10, 6-8:30 p.m.
Aug. 18-19
ALBERTA OPEN FARM DAYS
Assorted Farms
A collaborative, province-wide event that gives Albertans and visitors an opportunity to experience the farm and understand where their food comes from. Great family fun with more than 100 farms participating, and a choice of 16 culinary events.
Sept. 7-8
AIRDRIE FEST
City Hall
Celebrating all that’s Airdrie. Help kick off airdrieFEST Sept. 7, 6-10 p.m. and enjoy beer gardens and live music at ‘Music on Main’ (new in 2018). Street festival takes place Sept. 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.airdrie.ca
Sept. 8-9
STEAM AND STATIONARY ENGINES
Pioneer Acres (Irricana)
An event that highlights several stationary and portable steam engines as well as a 65 HP Case steam tractor. Visitors can also enjoy an impressive collection of internal combustion engines. Early settlers used these stationary engines to pump water, lift grain in elevators, operate blacksmith and woodworking shops, produce electricity and perform a host of other tasks. www.pioneeracres.ab.ca
September
SLAM ON AIR
Bert Church Theatre
Don’t miss the live concert that wraps up this great original songwriting/performing competition. Prior to the concert, contest entries are reviewed by a judging panel of music industry professionals. The judges then select their top picks to perform live on stage and compete to win a prize package. www.slaminairdrie.com
Sept. 22
ART OF THE HARVEST
Airdrie Ag Park
The Airdrie and District Agricultural Society (ADAS) is proud to host this annual event showcasing horse teams and vintage equipment used to harvest grain planted in the spring. This informational demo and event offers something for the very small to the very tall, from the city dweller to those with rural roots. Free admission, free parking, free beef on a bun or hot dog for the first 300 people. There will also be a Farm Safety demonstration with interactive displays and lots more! Located three kilometres west of Airdrie on Big Hill Springs Road. 11 a.m.-to 2 p.m. Weather dependent – check website before event. www.airdrieagsociety.com
Sept. 22
12th ANNUAL EMPTY BOWLS ARTS FESTIVAL
Airdrie Food Bank
This family-friendly celebration of community in the Airdrie area brings awareness to local hunger issues and raises funds for Airdrie Food Bank. Features local music, art, kid’s activities and free soup lunch! Handmade pottery bowls are available for purchase for a suggested $20 donation. All proceeds support Airdrie Food Bank programs. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. www.airdriefoodbank.com
October
AIRscares HAUNTED ATTRACTION
Location TBA
Presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie (with all proceeds directly supporting the club). A haunted attraction offering tricks and frights sure to scare! NOTE: not for young children. www.airdire.bgcan.com
October
AIRDRIE’S GHOST WALK
Location TBD
A haunted guide to Airdrie’s past, bringing history to life. Details on Facebook.
Nov. 3
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Crossfield Community Hall
Hosted by the Crossfield Farmers Market with a focus on fresh, local and handmade ingredients and products, this market features seasonal vendors and product as well as regulars from the summer season. Free admission, food bank donations accepted. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.crossfieldagsociety.com
Nov. 2-3
AIRDRIE CHRISTMAS SHOW
Town and Country Centre
Regular farmers market vendors as well as baked goods and holiday-themed crafts and gifts.
Nov. 24-25
HOLIDAY MARKET & FESTIVAL OF TREES
200 East Lake Cres
An annual fundraiser in support of Airdrie Food Bank and the Boys & Girls Club of Airdrie. The market features everything from homemade items to delicious treats. Entry is free with a donation to Airdrie Food Bank. Visit Facebook for details.
Dec. 1-31
AIRDRIE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Nose Creek Park
Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk-thru light show, the Airdrie Festival of Lights has been dazzling visitors for 23 years. Enjoy train rides, hot chocolate, Santa’s gift shop, and some good old-fashioned family fun and holiday cheer 6 to 9 p.m. every night in December, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission by cash donation; parking is free. www.airdriefestivaloflights.com
Dec. 1
SANTA CLAUS PARADE
Main Street
Welcome Santa and a parade of floats as they light up downtown! A fun, festive way to get ready for the holidays. Details at www.airdrieparades.com
Dec. 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS
Ed Eggerer Athletic Park
A fun 15-minute fireworks display to start off the new year. Behind Genesis Place. Details at www.airdrieparades.com
Coming in 2019
Jan. 26
AIRDRIE MAYOR’S NIGHT OF THE ARTS
Bert Church Theatre
Join Airdrie’s arts and culture community at this evening full of live entertainment on the Bert Church Theatre stage as awards are presented to the art community and its patrons. Details at www.creativeairdrie.ca
March 16
SHAMROCK SHIMMY
Town and Country Centre
An adult-only event celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and raising funds for the Airdrie Food Bank. Event includes dinner, dance, cash bar, entertainment, raffles, silent and live auctions. Tickets available through the Airdrie Food Bank and online. 6 p.m. to midnight www.airdriefoodbank.com
April
SPRING FARMERS MARKET
Crossfield Community Centre
Hosted by the Crossfield Farmers Market, offering the best in local produce, baked goods, handmade arts and crafts and more. Check Facebook for details. Enjoy a variety of home and lifestyle solutions at this popular annual event.
April 27-28
AIRDRIE HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW
Genesis Place
Enjoy a variety of home and lifestyle solutions at this popular annual event. Visit www.airdriehomeshow.ca for details.
AIRDRIE ARTS MARKET
April 27-28
Genesis Place
A large art show and sale hosted by the Airdrie Regional Arts Society. Free admission. www.airdrieartssociety.ca
May
OLD TYME SPRING SEEDING EVENT
Airdrie Ag Park
Ever driven by a field in the summer and wondered how our ancestors managed to grow anything without the use of modern technology? The Airdrie and District Agricultural Society (ADAS) is pleased to host this special seeding demonstration where visitors will see horses and antique tractors and equipment used. The field will be prepared with the turning of soil in the morning in preparation for seeding in the afternoon. An informative and exciting event for all ages. Note: weather dependent; check website details before event. www.airdrieagsociety.com
