Summer is over but it doesn’t mean that the festival season has stopped in Alberta. Fall is a season of all things, pumpkins and harvest and you can get all that and more with these 5 fall festivals in Alberta. So, grab your latte, pull on your wellies and lets get exploring.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival
When: October 12-21
Where: Jasper, Alberta
Events: Schedule of Events can be found on the Dark Sky website
Did you know that in 2011 Jasper was designated a Dark Sky Reserve, by the Royal Astronomical Society “due to its limited light pollution that creates ideal conditions for dark sky viewing” (source)
Jasper National Park is one of 17 designated Dark Sky Preserves in Canada. We are the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, and we are the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve – meaning there’s a town within the limits of the preserve. – Jasper Dark Sky Festival
Not your typical ‘fall festival’ there are no farms, pumpkins but the dark sky festival is unlike any other you’ll attend this fall. With both free and paid events, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to world famous scientists, astronauts, go star gazing or take photography workshops. Plus… you’re in Jasper and there are lots to do with the family while you’re there as we’ve written about before (tips for staying in Jasper inexpensively are here, for food with kids click here).
Wainwright Scarecrow Festival
When: Sept 22
Where: Downtown Wainwright Library & 3rd Avenue (921 3 Ave)
Wainwright Scarecrow Festival this year has LOTS of stuff to do:
- an outdoor market,
- car show and shine
- kids crafts and activities,
- bouncy castle
- food
- and of course Scarecrows!
Come out for the day or build a scarecrow and enter for a chance to win $100.
Pumpkin Festival in Smokey Lake
When: October 5-7 Gates open at 9:00 am and the fun starts at 10:00 am.
Where:
Growers from around Alberta bring their pumpkins, squash, and gourds to the world famous Smoky Lake Great White North Pumpkin Fair and weigh-off.
Other activities:
- Iron Cruisers Show & Shine, featuring cars and trucks from all over Alberta. As you are walking through the show you can stop at the bakery or enjoy a treat from the many outside vendors or town restaurants.
- kids can go to the petting zoo or go for a ride in the mini midway.
Kayben Farms Autumn Jubilee
When: September 29-30, October 6&7, and October 13&14 9am-5pm
Where: Kayben Farms, 316034 32 St E, Okotoks
Three awesome weekends of fun in Okotoks!
- Family photoshoots,
- horse-drawn wagon rides,
- pumpkin painting and craving, crafts
- plus the full Sunshine Adventure Park experience (
- corn maze included) . . .
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online
Andrew Garlic Festival & Special Farmers’ Market
When: October 13
Where: Andrew Community Centre, 5401-51 Ave
Andrew’s 20th annual Garlic Festival and it’s a gooder. Start the day with a pancake breakfast (from 9am-12), and stroll from the pancake breakfast over to get yourself a perogy (11:30am-1pm). Lots of great things for families including:
- wagon rides
- country family hoedown (tickets separate)
- balloon animals
- guest speakers on garlic
- silent auction
- beer gardens
We’d love to add any more amazing festivals this fall! If you’re not able to make these festivals, there’s tonnes of corn mazes to check out to get your harvest on.