Spring has sprung and folks in the Athabasca region are feeling their oats with how many events are happening! From Farmers’ Markets to jet boat rallies to music festivals, there is plenty to do in the region this June and July!
Spring Fling – May 28 & June 4
Hosted by the Boyle and District Agricultural Society, the Spring Fling Barrel Racing series showcases some of the best barrel racers in the area. The riders compete for a jackpot prize every Sunday in May. The event features adults, youth and pee-wee competitors and their amazing horses. Sure to offer exciting racing action!
The races run from 10 am to 4 pm at the Boyle Rodeo Grounds, just east of the Village of Boyle.
Rotary Golf Classic – June 2
The Rotary Club of Athabasca is gearing up for their 21st Annual Golf Classic. Held at the beautiful Athabasca Golf and Country Club, this annual event offers a day of fun, food and prizes. The challenging course keeps golfers on their toes amidst the Boreal Forest backdrop.
This fundraising event allows the Rotary Club to support community projects and initiatives to better the quality of life in the community.
If you didn’t get a chance to register for this year’s event, be sure to mark your calendar for next year.
Jet Boat Rally – June 3
Get your motors running for the annual Athabasca River Jet Boat Rally and Poker Run! This year the event is hosted by the Athabasca Riverboat Association.
The event starts off at the Athabasca Riverfront Park, with registration happening at 10 am until 12 pm. Then the boats launch off for their poker run, picking up cards at 5 spots. The boats end up at the Riverside Recreation Area for food, live music and camping.
The next day, the Arnold Gorski Memorial Jet Boat Rodeo gives the boaters a chance to show off their skills.
The Play That Goes Wrong – June 9, 10, 11
Looking for a fun date night? Come out and experience “The Play That Goes Wrong” performed and produced by the Big River Arts Society. The Play That Goes Wrong was originally produced and performed on the West End Stage and on Broadway.
“An unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can’t play dead, a ruffled detective, and a word-mangling butler and others must battle against technical gaffes, forgotten lines, and sabotaging scenery in a quest to arrive all in one piece at the final curtain call.”
Start the evening with drinks and a delicious dinner at the Athabasca Seniors Centre. Then wander over to the Nancy Appleby Theatre to take in the show.
Purchase Tickets and Learn More Here
Athabasca University Homecoming – June 17
June 17 is going to be a big day in Athabasca! Come out and help Athabasca University’s Graduating Class of 2023 celebrate their convocation! Students, friends and family will take part in a day of activities ranging from campus tours, swimming at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex, a street dance, a BBQ contest and the Athabasca Farmers’ Market.
AU Students Celebrate Convocation
Students and their guests will be arriving from Edmonton around 10 am for campus tours, lawn games with staff and faculty and activities at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex. Then the celebrations move to Downtown Athabasca for the Farmers Market, checking out Downtown businesses and the Alley Cat Street Dance.
Alley Cat Street Dance
The Alley Cat Street Dance is being presented by the Athabasca Chamber of Commerce and the Athabasca Advocate newspaper. They will be taking over 49th Street with all sorts of festival activities.
There will be local dance troupes performing, a cat adoption event, garage sale tables and businesses and non-profits with displays and sales.
Kick Off Summer
The Athabasca District Ag Society is celebrating the Summer with its “Kick Off Summer” event.
If you love BBQ, then one of the main attractions at the Kick-Off will be the “Show Us Your Meat” BBQ Ribs contest. Contestants will be slow cooking their ribs for the glory of the Best Ribs in Athabasca!
The rest of the activities include a bench show, petting zoo, kids rodeo, and equipment sales and displays. The 4H Club will be hosting the concession. This family-friendly event ends with a dance and cabaret!
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration – June 21
Join the Athabasca Native Friendship Centre in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day!
Starting at 4 pm, at the Athabasca Riverfront Park, there will be a free BBQ, door prizes, arts and crafts for the kids and Indigenous dancers and drummers performing.
The Magnificent River Rats Festival – June 30/July 1
One of the Athabasca Region’s cornerstone events is the Magnificent River Rats Festival! This annual event is 26 years running and showcases national and local talent, and celebrates Canada Day.
The two-day celebration centred at the Athabasca Riverfront Park offers performances on the Riverfront Stage, a Farmers’ market, kids’ activities, a beer garden, an art show and sale, a classic car show and more!
Day one, June 30, will be Rock themed with a Heart tribute band, Punch Drunk Cabaret and with Jimmy and the Sleepers headlining. Day two, Canada Day, is country themed with Duane Steele headlining.
Purchase Tickets and Learn More Here
Celebrate the Athabasca!
The history of the Athabasca River is part of the history of the Indigenous Peoples and explorers who used it as a transportation route for trade.
One of the settlements along the river, Fort Assiniboine, is celebrating its bi-centennial. To help mark the occasion the Canadian Voyageur Brigade Society will be travelling on the river and making stops along the way.
The final stop will be the Athabasca Riverfront Park, where Town officials will be welcoming them ashore.
Learn more about the history of the river, Athabasca Landing and the people who travelled here at this family-friendly event. There will be entertainment and refreshments.
Athabasca Airport Fly-in BBQ – July 15
Another long-standing event in the Athabasca region is the Athabasca County Fly-in BBQ held at the Athabasca Regional Airport.
“Each year the Athabasca County Fly-In Barbecue includes more people from the aviation community and the local community. The Fly-In sees over 1,000 people attend the event and pilots “Fly-In” from all over Alberta. Incredible! Those who attend are welcome to check out some aircraft, displays, cars, and activities for the kids and learn about our airport.”
Starting at 11 am, pilots and guests can take in an airshow, free BBQ, a car show and much more.
Farmers’ Markets
Athabasca Famers’ Market – Saturdays 10 – 2 PM
During the summer months, the Athabasca Farmers’ Market is held outdoors at the Riverfront Park from 10 am to 2 pm.
Spend the afternoon checking out artisan crafts, locally grown food and yummy treats.
Boyle Farmers’ Market – Thursdays 12 – 3 PM
The Boyle Farmers’ Market is held every Thursday from noon to 3 pm at the Boyle Community Centre. Enjoy home baking, crafts and local produce.
Coming Up In August and September
Some upcoming events to watch for are:
- The Rochester Fair
- Boyle Fiesta Days
- The Boyle Wildberry Festival
- Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon
Be sure to check our Events Calendar regularly to stay up to date with events happening in the Athabasca Region. We update it every Friday. You can also submit your own event here. All submitted events require admin approval.
So if you are looking for a fun weekend or day trip, keep the Athabasca region in mind! Not only do we have spectacular Nature, and deep History but Events that will keep you entertained all summer long!