CULTURE ACTIVITY GUIDE
IMAGE: SHIRIN YAMOLKY
OKOTOKS CULTURE, HERITAGE & EVENTS
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Exciting changes are coming to the downtown area this summer with nearby construction, but don’t worry—the Okotoks Art Gallery and Okotoks Museum and Archives will remain open as usual! While you may see some work happening outside, inside, you’ll still find the same engaging exhibits, hands-on programs, and vibrant cultural experiences you love.
We appreciate your patience during this time and encourage you to continue visiting. Whether you’re stopping by for a new gallery exhibition, workshop, or a stroll through history, our doors are open! Stay tuned to our social media for updates, and thank you for supporting local culture and heritage.
OKOTOKS ART GALLERY
Unfolding the Wonders of Wildlife
Shirin Yamolky
‘Unfolding the Wonders of Wildlife’ brings nature to life through oil paintings in an origami inspired style, where animals emerge from books, paper, and ice. Each piece captures the beauty and resilience of wildlife, blending imagination with reality, and inviting viewers to experience the untamed spirit and interconnectedness of the natural world in unexpected ways.
May 10 - Jun 27 Large Gallery
Opening Reception May 10 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Uncanny Creatures
Sophia DePaoli
Borrowing from fairy tales, urban fantasy, and mythology, Sophia DePaoli’s ‘Uncanny Creatures’ is a transmogrification of steel, bronze, and ink into otherworldly specimens that are ready to come alive at a moment’s notice. With an emphasis on exploration, replication and re-imagination, this surrealist exhibition transforms the monotonous everyday. Entry poses a challenge: Might you be ready to transform too?
May 10 - Jun 27 Small Gallery
Opening Reception May 10 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Members’ Show and Sale
OAG Artists
A summer tradition, this show features original art made exclusively by our local, OAG members. Support your community artists and shop local!
Jul 5 - Sep 4
Large Gallery
Colour Your World
Back by popular demand, visit the OAG this summer and try our life-sized colouring pages! Fun for the whole family!
Jul 5 - Sep 4
Small Gallery
OKOTOKS MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
Top Toys of All Time
What do Cabbage Patch Kids, yoyos and the slinky have in common? They are all on the list of the Top Toys of All Time, and they are all on display at the museum. Yes, that Cabbage Patch doll you played with as a kid is old enough to be in a museum!
Until May 5 Second Floor
The Liberation of POWs
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of prisoners of war during World War II. This exhibit shares the remarkable stories of three local men who endured years of unimaginable suffering first in the camps and then on heartless marches until their liberation in April 1945. This exhibit also honours the Okotoks area service men who helped liberate Holland in May 1945.
Apr 1 - May 31 Main Floor Hall
A Trunk Full of Dreams
Many early immigrants came to Western Canada with the hopes and dreams of providing a better life for their families. This is a common thread woven into the stories of many local families. This exhibit shares the stories of patience, perseverance, hardships and triumphs in making Okotoks their new home.
Until Nov 15 Main Floor
The 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Learn the stories of the remarkable men and women of Okotoks who served in World War II, as well as the efforts on the home front. This exhibit marks VE Day -- Victory in Europe Day – on May 8, 1945, which was the official end of the fighting in Europe. It also marks VJ Day -- Victory in Japan Day -- on Aug. 15, 1945, which marked Japan’s surrender and the end of the war in the Pacific.
May 8 - Nov 15 Second Floor
One-Room Schools of the Foothills
The Foothills district had close to 60 oneroom schools operating in the first half of the 1900s. Memories and photos help share the history of how these one-room schools shaped the lives of the students who went there. Learn the history behind their unique, descriptive names such as Ballyhamage School, Round Mound School, Uphill School and Last Chance School.
Until Aug 30 Second Floor
The Beaver
The beaver became a national symbol of Canada in 1975, however, its importance dates back long before that. This exhibit looks at the environmental, cultural and economic significance of the industrious beaver.
Mar 25 - Sep 30 Second Floor
Little Moccasins
The 2014 documentary film, Little Moccasins, shares the story of St. Joseph’s Residential School, also known as Dunbow Residential School northeast of Okotoks, and honours the children who died and are buried at the school. Also on display are some of the 215 shoes from the 2021 memorial at the Okotoks Municipal Centre. These shoes are preserved to ensure these children – as well as all children who did not make it home from residential schools – are not forgotten.
Ongoing Second Floor
Up in the Attic
Did you know there is a children’s playhouse in the museum’s attic? Children and their parents/caregivers can enjoy selfdirected play including dress-up, books and wooden toys. The playhouse is available during museum hours (except when formal school programs are held). Drop-in or call the museum to ensure availability.
Ongoing Attic
OLD CHURCH THEATRE
Dewdney Players presents: Squabbles
Presented by special arrangement with Concorde Theatricals
This hilarious play pits a father-in-law against a mother in a comedic succession of squabbles. Jerry Sloan is a successful writer of advertising jingles married to an equally successful lawyer. Living with the happy couple is the not-so-happy Abe Dreyfus, Jerry’s curmudgeon of a father-in-law. Abe is a funny guy to the audience, but not to Jerry. The situation is exacerbated when Jerry’s mother, Mildred, loses her house in a fire and needs a place to stay. Abe and Mildred can’t stand each other! This play is one hilarious confrontation after another until the heart-warming finale in which the oldsters discover that, really, each is not so bad.
May 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17
Acoustic Nights
The Okotoks Arts Council and the Town of Okotoks invite you to another season of Acoustic Nights at the Old Church Theatre. Bring your musical instrument for a night of music and comradery. Acoustic Nights offer a safe place to learn and play and sing and enjoy. Open to all ages and levels of ability.
May 6 & 20
Doors 6:30 pm
Show 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Free Admission
Watch for the new 2025/26 Old Church Theatre Season coming out this summer!
PROGRAMS
Exploring Modern Watercolours with Ashley Gaboury
Ages 13+
Do more with your watercolours from trying unique grounds to making monoprints and “ghost” prints using watercolours. Be inspired by GOLDEN Artist Educator Ashley Gaboury to create one-of-a kind textural paintings. This workshop is a great way to loosen up with watercolours and ignite and reaffirm your love for the medium. All supplies included.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Sat May 3 1:00 - 4:00 pm
COURSE ID 23360 $50
Erratic Poetry Contest
Attention all Okotoks and area writers! Okotoks Culture & Heritage is pleased to announce our very first Erratic Poetry Contest! In conjunction with the Month of the Artist 2025, we are looking to publish and celebrate local voices. Our team of esteemed judges will choose up to eight winners. Each winner will be published in a physical pamphlet, the Culture & Heritage website and social media channels. All winning writers will be celebrated at an inperson reading scheduled in September. We are looking for poems that celebrate people and places related to Okotoks and the surrounding area. To be considered, your poem should highlight an aspect of the local landscape, history, or the general “essence” of Okotoks. There are no other restrictions on content or form. You can submit a sonnet, a haiku, a prose-poem, or free verse!
Submissions Open May 1 - Jun 30
Max submission: 5 poems (15 pages)
ENTER AT culture@okotoks.ca WINNERS
ANNOUNCED July 31, 2025
Erratic Poetry Workshop Series
Ages 14+
These workshops are designed with the Erratic Poetry Contest in mind, walking participants through exercises, lessons in technique, literary history, and the finer details of polishing and submitting your writing for publication. Register in advance as space is limited!
Write More Now: A Generative Poetry Workshop
Get your creative juices flowing in this generative writing workshop! Explore different prompts, solutions for overcoming writers’ block, and more with a published poet.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Thu May 1 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24031 $5
Ekphrastic Poetry:
Writing About Art
Ekphrasis is the process of writing in response to art. In this workshop, explore current exhibits at the Okotoks Art Gallery, learn about the history of ekphrastic poetry, and participate in generative writing exercises.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Thu May 15 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24032 $5
Submitting Your Work for Publication
If you’ve ever wanted to be a published writer, this workshop is for you! Learn the ins and outs, ups and downs, and pros and cons of publishing in Canada from a local author with over 12 years of experience publishing experience.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Thu May 22 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24033 $5
Poetry as a Window to the Past
Are you inspired by history and storytelling? In this workshop, examine how we can use poetry to connect with local history and speak to our present moment.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Thu Jun 5 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24034 $5
Poetry and Place
Here in Okotoks, we are surrounded by natural beauty as well as historic and modern architecture. In this workshop, we will draw on the places we call home to write poems that capture the essence of our local area.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Thu Jun 19 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24035 $5
OAG Art Club
With Christine Walker
Join local artist, Christine Walker, weekly for an art session with friends! Enjoy working on your own project or develop an idea in watercolour, oil, acrylic, or mixed media and receive help with composition, colours, and techniques. This unique class gives participants the opportunity to explore the art world in a fun and supportive environment. Beginners welcome.
Old Church Theatre
Thu May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 12:00 - 3:00 pm
COURSE ID 24036 $150
Old Church Theatre Thu Jun 5, 12, 19, 26 12:00 - 3:00 pm
COURSE ID 24037 $120
Studio Night for Teens
Ages 12 - 19
This program invites teens to explore their artistic side in a relaxed and open environment. Whether you’re into painting, writing, or any other art form, our studio is your canvas. Each session offers a structured activity to spark inspiration and guide creativity, but participants are free to follow their own artistic path using our art supplies! Please note: Registration is now required.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Wed May 14 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24040 Free
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Wed Jun 11 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24041 Free
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Wed Jul 9 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24042 Free
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Wed Aug 13 6:00 - 8:00 pm
COURSE ID 24043 Free
EVENTS CALENDAR
Wylie Athletic Park, Okotoks Recreation Centre parking lot, Percy Pegler Greenspace
GUIDED WALKS
*If REQUIRED
Wednesday Walkabouts
Join Kathy Coutts of the Okotoks Museum and Archives for free guided tours of Okotoks every Wednesday during the months of July and August. Each week will have a different theme and will last approximately 1-1.5 hours. Meet at the museum, 49 North Railway Street. Watch social media for weekly themes.
Okotoks Museum and Archives
Wed Jul - Aug 10:00 - 11:30 am
No registration required Free
Full Moon Ghost Tour
Discover what lurks downtown after dark during the annual Full Moon Ghost Tours, hosted by the Okotoks Museum and Archives and the Okotoks and District Historical Society. Three tour times are available. Tickets are required in advance and will go on sale July 9.
Okotoks Museum and Archives
Sat Aug 9 After Dark TICKETS ONLINE okotoksculture.ca $5
Nooks & Crannies Festival Tour
The Nooks & Crannies Festival is a great opportunity to explore Okotoks’ beautiful downtown core while seeing some innovative works of art. On this guided walking tour, you will enjoy a look at each of the projects on display, and hear some behind-the-scenes tidbits and learn about each work of art. Spots are limited; PreRegistration is recommended.
Adult Tour
Okotoks Art Gallery Fri Aug 8 6:00 - 7:00 pm
COURSE ID 24038 Free
Family Tour
(Only 1 registration required/ family)
Okotoks Art Gallery Sat Aug 9 10:00 - 11:00 am
COURSE ID 24039 Free
NOOKS & CRANNIES FESTIVAL TOUR
Festival Highlights
Find local art bringing forgotten spaces to life
The Nooks & Crannies festival showcases temporary site-specific installations all throughout downtown Okotoks. This art festival sees artists repurpose and animate ‘forgotten’ places with ‘forgotten’ materials, bringing public art to all corners of downtown Okotoks. Individual artists and teams use recycled products to create installations that raise environmental awareness, animate spaces, and entertain audiences. For more information, visit Okotoks.ca/Nooks
Scavenger Hunt & Map
Visitors explore each installation while searching for hidden symbols to win a prize.
Guided Walking Tours
Artists can share their creative process and insights with the public.
PO Box 20, Station Main, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1K1
@HeritageOkotoks
@okotoks_culture
Okotoks Art Gallery
53 North Railway Street 403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sundays and holidays Closed
Okotoks Museum & Archives
49 North Railway Street 403.938.8969 culture@okotoks.ca
Monday – Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sundays and holidays Closed
Old Church Theatre
3 Elma Street East 403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca