Events

MOUNTAIN PRIDE

Celebrate love in Canmore and Banff! This fall, both mountain communities will host their own pride events to bring people together and celebrate the community. Featuring the best food, the best parties, and lots of family-friendly fun, these are two festivals you won't want to miss!

Canmore Canmore Pride (p 41) started last year when a group of dedicated community members noticed the lack of celebrations in town and got together to make it happen. The festival focuses on creating a community for residents and visitors to feel safe, accepted, and welcome.

Taking place on the third week of September, the festival will host expanded celebrations this year, including experiences for the whole family. Look out for events at BLAKE (p 85), Sauvage (p 85), and artsPlace (p 43).

Banff In early October, Banff Pride (p 41) celebrates with brunches, drag shows, and live performances. Take part in the signature events at the Fairmont Banff Springs and experience the luxury and love of the Castle in the Rockies.

The annual Taste the Rainbow event includes Pride themed drinks and delectables from restaurants in town, including Rundle Bar (p 79), Tooloulou's (p 82), Farm & Fire (p 80), The Prow (p 79), Sky Bistro (p 79), and Nourish Bistro (p 79).

More than just the festival itself, Banff Pride hosts activities throughout the year including guided hikes, rock climbing, and other social events. Visit banffpride.ca to see what's on!

JUNE

BANFF-JASPER RELAY Race between Banff and Jasper, 260 km/162 mi in 15 stages along the Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway. Two phases run simultaneously. Post race celebration in Jasper. Proceeds support Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. June 4

BANFF MARATHON. Marathon, half-marathon, and 10k. Marathon Festival weekend including free kids run, shopping, and the beauty of Banff National Park. June 19

JULY

CANADA DAY Celebrate Canada's birthday with family friendly activities in Canmore and Banff. Outdoor activities, parades, evening events, and something for everyone. July 1

CANMORE ENDURO A banger outing on the bikes! Six stages of mountain bike races including 2 new routes this year, post race BBQ and beer garden, great prizes, and more. Canmore Nordic Centre. July 24

CANMORE FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Alberta’s longest running folk festival! Over 30 performers in a family friendly setting. Four stages, evening performances, kids areas, and vendors. Centennial Park and Miners’ Union Hall, Canmore. July 30-Aug 1

AUGUST

CANADIAN ROCKIES 24 Bringing 24 hour racing to Canmore! Categories for solo racers, teams of 4-5, or corporate teams of 6-10. Kids race before the main event. Canmore Nordic Centre. Aug 27-28

BANFF INTERNATIONAL STRING

QUARTET FESTIVAL An in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at the thrill and heartbreak of a live chamber music competition with 10 of the world’s best young string quartets. Member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions and widely recognized among the top events of its kind. Concerts, lectures, excursions, and more. The Banff Centre. Aug 29-Sept 4

RUN THE ROCKIES

Racing in the Rockies is back! Lace up for the BanffJasper Relay (left) and raise money to support the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada's research. The popular Banff Marathon (left) takes runners through the stunning mountains of Banff National Park and directly supports Banff's YWCA. In September, Melissa's Road Race (below) fills up fast, with shorter 5k and 10k distances in addition to the half-marathon. This popular run boasts fun events after the race! -TAYLOR JAINE

SEPTEMBER

HIGHLAND GAMES Heavy sports, tug of war, British car and motorcycle show, sheep dog demo, highland dancing, and Taste of the Highlands. Centennial Park, Canmore. Sept 3-4

CANMORE PRIDE Celebrate Canmore’s second annual Pride festival! Enjoy events around town including at BLAKE and Sauvage. Talks, march of unity, family friendly events, and so much more. Sept 16-19

CANMORE FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CREATIVITY Ten days of free events including theatre, Indigenous performances, concerts, market, and storytelling. artsPlace, Canmore. Sept 17-26

CANADIAN ROCKIES QUILT SHOW

Quilts, demos, prizes, and workshops. Visit Sugar Pine Co. (p 73), the "best quilt shop anywhere". Canmore Recreation Centre. Sept 24-25

MELISSA'S ROAD RACE Popular running event with 5k, 10k, and half marathon races. Live music, cheer stations, and post race festival with beer gardens. Banff. Sept 24

OCTOBER

BANFF PRIDE Something for everyone with events throughout town. Enjoy signature events at the Fairmont Banff Springs or Taste the Rainbow at various restaurants in town. Oct 1-10

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM & BOOK

FESTIVAL Promoting appreciation of mountain places through sharing experiences, ideas, and visions. The World Tour reaches more than 40 countries on 7 continents, making this the largest adventure film tour on the planet. Banff Centre. Oct 29-Nov 6

NOVEMBER

CREATIVE COMBAT Watch artists go head to head in a 20-minute challenge at this annual fundraiser. Demonstrations, silent auction, and workshops. artsPlace, Canmore. Nov 19

BANFF CHRISTMAS MARKET

Experience the magic with over 80 artisanal vendors, live music, outdoor fire lounge, Stanta's House and Reindeer Stables. Warner Stables. Nov 18-20, 25-27, & Dec 2-4