Get ready to experience the energetic heart of our community.
During airdrieFEST on September 12 from 11 am to 4pm, residents can look forward to a vibrant celebration of community spirit and local culture. Since 2010, the gathering has grown from a “small not-for-profit showcase into one of Airdrie’s signature annual events,” according to Kendal Masson, City of Airdrie event services coordinator.
The free, family-friendly event now attracts more than 8,000 visitors each year.
“airdrieFEST is Airdrie’s largest outdoor street festival, celebrating everything local,” adds Masson.
“It is one of the best ways to experience Airdrie in one place. The event appeals to all residents, new and old. Whether you go every year or have never been – it’s an event that keeps changing each year leaving something new to discover.”
Unforgettable Atmosphere
Masson says the best part of the event is the energetic feeling created in the crowded streets just outside of City Hall.
“The highlight is always the atmosphere — thousands of residents coming together to support local organizations, enjoy live entertainment and discover new businesses,” she says.
“The energy along Main Street and Market Square is what makes airdrieFEST stand out year after year.”
Festivalgoers can look forward to exploring a full vendor corridor spanning throughout Main Street, Market Square, and Towerlane Mall. While final numbers are confirmed closer to event day, this year’s festival will feature a wide mix of local makers, businesses, not-for-profits, sport groups, and food trucks.
Exciting Activities
Bringing together artisans, businesses, community groups, sport organizations, and food vendors, the event provides endless options for all ages. Families can enjoy live entertainment, hands-on activities, community group demonstrations, local shopping, food trucks, and interactive booths.
Exploring the site at your own pace is easy, as many vendors offer kid-friendly crafts, games, and giveaways. To add even more excitement, the city is hosting balloon artists, henna tattoos, face painting, and Indigenous games.
The ARTwalk
Adding a special showcase of creative talent to this year’s lineup, the ARTwalk is hosted by the Airdrie Arts Council at Inspire. Running from 11 am to 4 pm in tandem with airdrieFEST, the this event gives community members a chance to meet artists, check out what they’ve been up to and view their beautiful work.
Plan Your Visit
Masson says the event runs rain or shine, so residents should plan for the weather and give themselves plenty of time to explore the full festival area. She reminds attendees that the festival “showcases the people, businesses and groups that make our community unique.”
To make travel quick and convenient, there is a free shuttle service down to Main Street running every 10 to 15 minutes. All event details, including parking, maps, and vendor information, are available online at airdrieFEST.ca.
