It's Always Events Season!
Whether you are a visitor or a local, The Athabasca Region has a calendar of year-round annual events for you to enjoy.
Dance to live music outside in the grass, enjoy a burger while watching aircraft land, or take on the back country on your snowmobile! The Region’s culture is well represented by our slate of annual events.
Come and celebrate our culture with us!
Check out our Events Calendar for dates, times and venues.
Magnificent River Rats Festival
The very first River Rats Festival in 1995 was, in fact, on the river. Local jet boaters held races and competitions over the Canada Day long weekend. Today, the Magnificent River Rats Festival has become one of Northern Alberta’s premier outdoor music festivals, attracting local and national talent to its unique riverfront stage.
With genres varying from country, rock, and pop to blues, swing, and the golden oldies, there’s a bit of something for everyone – and the chance to listen to something new. This family-oriented festival boasts more than 16 hours of live music, a kids’ zone, a marketplace, and lots of food. A Canada Day parade, classic car show, and fireworks are a fantastic way to celebrate Canadian music talent and kick-start your summer.
Athabasca Farmers' Market
From May to September, on Saturdays at the Athabasca Riverfront you can get the best in Make It – Bake It – Grow It the region has to offer! 10 am to 2 pm. On occasional Saturdays, other events happen at the Riverfront, so look for the Farmers’ Market at the Seniors Centre or another venue.
From October to January, you’ll find the Athabasca Farmers’ Market at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex
Boyle Farmers Market
May to September, Thursdays from 3 to 6 pm, you’ll find an amazing selection of artisan crafts, baked goods and in-season produce at the Boyle Farmers’ Market! The market is hosted at the Boyle Community Centre in Downtown Boyle.
The Boyle Farmers’ Market also has special markets throughout the year including the Wildberry Festival, a market at Skeleton Lake, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Boyle Farmers’ Market is hosted by the Boyle Agricultural Society.
Jet Boat Poker Rally
All Jet Boats and water crafts are welcome to participate! The rally is a popular event with boat owners from throughout the region and beyond, and is a great way to get introduced to the mighty Athabasca River. The run operates like any other poker rally: stop in at the checkpoints to add a card to your hand, and the best poker hand wins. The fun doesn’t end there – live music, kids’ scavenger hunt, concession, cash prizes, and lots of door prizes make this an event for the whole family. Everything wraps up at Riverside Recreation Park, where you can camp for the night and participate in the boat rodeo on Sunday.
The rally is hosted by Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures: call (780)689-0567 or (780)689-6096 for more information.
Athabasca Regional Airport Fly-In BBQ
Athabasca County is very proud of the Athabasca Regional Airport. They host this event each year in July to showcase the airport, the improvements that have been made to it, and the potential for growth in its future.
It’s a free barbecue and event that is open to the public and the Alberta aviation community. Displays from aviation businesses and organizations inform the public of the importance of the airport for Northern Alberta.
In the past, the event has offered visitors the opportunity to win a ride in a helicopter, fighter jet, or a skydiving experience.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Athabasca Native Friendship Center hosts a celebration at Riverfront Park!
There is musical performances, dancing and delicious food to share!
Visit their website for more information.
Boyle "Hell on Hooves"
Hosted by the Boyle Agricultural Society, the annual Boyle “Hell on Hooves” entertains with barrel racing, bronco riding and even kids get into it with sheep riding!
They have food trucks and a beer garden during the performance and you can stay for the dance!
Rochester Fair
The annual Rochester Fair brings hundreds of visitors to see the Main Street parade and enjoy the show & shine, traditional jamboree, heavy horse pulls, marketplace, and lots of activities for the kids.
Come for the day and bring your family – a pancake breakfast, great concessions, beer garden, and classic steak supper in the evening will keep you well-fed while you enjoy the festivities.
Boyle Wildberry Festival
The Wildberry Festival held the second weekend of August celebrates the best of Boyle, all centred around a “wild berry” theme.
This street fair and market happens in Downtown Boyle, with vendors, entertainment and kids activities. There is also a jam session and pancake breakfast.
Hosted by the Boyle Community Betterment Committee and the Boyle Agricultural Society.
Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon
The Kapâwinihk Wilderness Triathlon is held on the first Saturday of September. This unique race combines trail cycling, paddling and trail running for a triathlon event like no other! competitors start on their bikes in Downtown Athabasca, ride the trails at Muskeg Creek, switch to their watercraft on the Athabasca River, paddle to River Meadows and run the trails!
The day ends with prizes, food and festivities! Visit the website for info and to register!
Moonlight Madness
When Christmas is just around the corner, downtown Athabasca gets in the spirit! The local Chamber of Commerce organizes a Friday evening in November when stores are open late, Santa Claus leads the parade, and fireworks fill the sky. The event encourages residents to shop local, but also offers some great deals, contests, and activities for visitors.
For more information, visit the Athabasca & District Chamber of Commerce website.
The Athabasca Loppet
Each year, usually in March, the Athabasca Nordic Ski & Bike Club hold their annual Loppet.
Skiiers of all ages from around the province are invited to this fun and challenging race!
After the race is finished there is food to eat, prizes and award!
Visit their website for more information and to register.
Athabasca River Runners Annual Snowmobile Rally
Everyone is welcome to participate in the region’s annual snowmobile rally, which offers a short route and long route along scenic trails that are maintained by the Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Club.
Registrants receive a poker hand and free hot dog lunch along the trail. The rally often attracts more than 200 sledders and is a great way to explore the hundreds of kilometres of trail that the club maintains every winter.
Heartwood Folk Club Spring & Fall Concert Series
A long-running staple of the Athabasca arts & culture scene is the Heartwood Folk Club.
Each spring and fall they present a series of performances from Canadian folk, blues, and traditional music artists. Each season has multiple genres to enjoy.
All Heartwood performances are held at the charming Nancy Appleby Theatre in Downtown Athabasca!
Athabasca Pottery Club show & Sale
Every May, the Athabsca Pottery Club hosts its Annual Show & Sale.
The members of the club offer the wares they have created over the past year for sale or put them on display.
The club has been in existence since 1961 and uses locally found clay.
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