Signature Events & Festivals

Duck under towering farm equipment as you get up close and personal with the latest and greatest technology in agriculture. Then dig your hands deep into the city’s farming roots at the North American Seed Fair — and grab yourself some heirloom seeds while you’re at it!

Exhibitors from across the globe gather in Lethbridge (the heart of Canada’s Premier Food Corridor) to showcase products and services that can directly affect, and improve, agricultural production.

With 350,000 sq ft of exhibition grounds, both inside and out, this is western Canada’s premier agricultural exposition. Uniting cutting-edge technology and equipment with traditional, hard-working farm culture, the Ag Expo offers thousands of visitors a view into the industry at the heart of Southern Alberta.

Connect directly with major producers and marketers of crops and livestock while finding the tools and resources you need — all in one place.

Ag Expo at a glance

• How to get there: Head to the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre, just east of Henderson Lake, where there’s more parking than you can shake a stick at.
• Where to stay: Book a room at The Coast Hotel just off Mayor Magrath Drive, or at the Lethbridge Sandman Hotel for a quick drive to the exhibition grounds.
• What to bring: Money for the seed fair, a cowboy hat (yes, boots too), and a healthy dose of curiosity.

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Lethbridge is proud to host the International Peace Pow-wow, where harmonious chanting and the thunder of drums meet dazzling displays of Indigenous culture that saturate the VisitLethbridge.com Arena every February, as Niitsitapi (People of the Blackfoot Confederacy) from across Turtle Island gather to celebrate culture.

The Pow-wow lasts two days and gives attendees a glimpse into traditional regalia, music and art that has defined the area for thousands of years. If you’ve never attended a Pow-Wow before, brush up on respectful etiquette.

Learn About Powwow Etiquette

Learn More about The International Peace Pow-wow

International Peace Pow-wow at a glance

• Date: Last full weekend of February
• How to get there: Located at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena, at the south end of Scenic Drive, the Peace Pow-wow is easy to get to by car – with tons of parking.
• Where to stay: The Quality Inn and Suites is the event’s ‘host hotel’ and offers a discount Pow-Wow price. The Lethbridge Holiday Inn is another great option, as it’s a quick, 5-minute drive to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.

What to bring: A friendly smile and money for the Pow-wow Marketplace

Join us and experience these incredible stories bright and loud on the big screen!

The Lethbridge International Film Festival (LIFF) is a multi-day celebration of cinema that brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences from around the world. Presented by the Friends of the Galt Museum & Archives, the festival showcases a diverse selection of local, national, and international films across a variety of genres, styles, and perspectives.

Hosted at venues throughout Lethbridge, LIFF features film screenings, premieres, filmmaker appearances, question-and-answer sessions, live performances, and special events designed to create meaningful connections between audiences and the stories on screen. The festival is committed to highlighting underrepresented voices and fostering dialogue through the power of film.

Whether attending a thought-provoking documentary, discovering emerging local talent, or experiencing international cinema, visitors can enjoy a vibrant cultural event that celebrates creativity, community, and storytelling. LIFF continues to strengthen Lethbridge’s arts and culture scene while connecting local audiences with filmmakers and perspectives from around the globe.

If you're looking for good fun and a plethora of food trucks, look no further than Food Truck Fridays hosted at Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens! 

Food Truck Fridays is held at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden every Friday throughout the summer, featuring the largest variety of food trucks in Lethbridge!

For more information on the event and to see the full line up of food trucks, visit their website.

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Nikka Yuko Food Trucks at a glance

• Dates:  Every Friday from mid-May through mid-September
• Location: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden 
• What to bring: Money for food trucks‍
• Admission: Free

Lethbridge & District Exhibition hosts not one but two Farmers’ Markets throughout the year!

The Saturday Lethbridge Farmers’ Market presented by UFA runs from June to October at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. Since 1962, The Lethbridge and District Exhibition has put on the market, which is Lethbridge’s only Alberta-approved Farmers’ Markets. This means that 80% of our market products are made, baked, or grown right here in Alberta! Find crafts, fresh fruit, vegetables, local meat, homemade baking, artwork, handmade clothing, and much more!

Lethbridge & District Exhibition and Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) also produce the Downtown Lethbridge Farmers’ Market presented by 94.1 CJOC from July through September. Shoppers can stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, homemade crafts, custom clothing, and much more!

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Lethbridge Farmers’ Markets Info

When:

SATURDAY

• Dates: Every Saturday June through to mid-October
• Time: 8 A.M. – 1 P.M.
• Location: UFA Hall, Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre, 101 Exhibition Way S. 
• Admission: Free

WEDNESDAY

• Dates: July - early September
• Times: 9 A.M. - 2 P.M.
• Location: Festival Square (Downtown Lethbridge), 600 3 Ave. S

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Admission: Free

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Lethbridge Farmers' Markets

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When is the Lethbridge Farmers' Market open in 2026? 

The Saturday market at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre runs from June 13 through October 17, with no markets on August 15 and 22 due to Whoop-Up Days. The Downtown Market runs on Wednesdays from July 8 to August 26.

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Where are the Lethbridge Farmers' Markets located? 

There are two locations. The Saturday market is held at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre at 101 Exhibition Way S. (Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre). The Wednesday downtown market takes place at Festival Square, 600 3 Ave. S in the heart of downtown Lethbridge.

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What are the hours for the Lethbridge Farmers' Markets? 

The Saturday market runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., while the Wednesday downtown market runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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Is admission to the Lethbridge Farmers' Market free? 

Both markets are free to attend. Note that if you're visiting the Wednesday downtown market, regular downtown parking rates may apply.

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What can I buy at the Lethbridge Farmers' Market? 

The markets feature fresh fruit and vegetables, local meat, homemade baking, artisan crafts, artwork, handmade clothing, jewelry, and bath products.

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What does "Alberta-approved Farmers' Market" mean? 

The Lethbridge Farmers' Market is Lethbridge's only Alberta-approved Farmers' Market, which means at least 80% of vendors must make, bake, or grow their products right here in Alberta. The Alberta Approved Farmers' Market Program is overseen by the provincial government and helps ensure markets and vendors meet quality and safety standards.

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How long has the Lethbridge Farmers' Market been running?

The markets have been running annually since 1962 and have become a beloved community tradition in Lethbridge and Southern Alberta.

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Where should I park for the Saturday Farmers' Market? 

Guests are encouraged to park in the south parking lot at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre for closer access to the market entrance.

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Cheer your heart out at this spectacular summer festival as the splash of water and the beat of drums fill the air around Henderson Lake.

The festival’s main event, Dragon Boat Racing, is half athletics, half theatre, where teams of 18-20 people fly across the water in dragon-shaped boats. More than a race, the Dragon Boat Festival features a variety of events, like beer gardens, on-stage entertainment, vendor stalls and a kids’ zone. It’s a veritable hive of activity around Henderson Lake.

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Dragon Boat Festival at a glance

• Date: Last weekend of June
• ‍How to get there: Drive, ride or walk to Henderson Lake, located just off Mayor Magrath Drive. Bikebridge Cycling Association even offers secure bike storage for festival-goers.‍
• What to bring: Water, sunscreen, a light jacket, and money for food trucks

Price: Free!

Enjoy the freedom to be you at this celebration of pride and the many colours it comes in, with each vibrant hue enveloping Lethbridge’s downtown each June!

Lethbridge Pride Fest is more than a parade — it’s a month of art shows, festivities and music designed to support, uplift, and give platform to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the city and across Southern Alberta. From drag nights and brunches, to the dances and the parade itself, Pride organisers keep the events coming throughout June! No matter how you choose to show your pride, there is a way for everyone to celebrate in Lethbridge!

Pride Fest at a Glance

• Dates: Events happen all over the city throughout June, with the Pride Parade usually taking place on the third Saturday of the month.
• How to get there: Events happen all over the city, so be sure to click the button below to check out our events calendar for specific shows and venues!
  
• Where to stay: Stay close to downtown at a local Airbnb, or choose the Sandman Signature or the Days Inn to make transportation to Pride events as easy as can be.
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• What to bring: The brightest, shiniest, and most vibrant outfit you have in your closet!

Price: The Pride Parade is free to attend; however, pricing depends on each event/show

From the roar of souped-up engines to sunlight glinting off kilometres of chrome and purple pearlescent, Street Machine Weekend is the ultimate celebration of cars and car culture.

This three-day event hosts over a thousand vehicles – from classic American muscle to wild customs, hot rods and European sports cars. Friday night kicks things off with live music, beer gardens, and an evening cruise, all happening along 3rd ave. S. So grab a couple pals, pull up a lawn chair, and enjoy the show!

Learn More about Street Wheelers Weekend!
‍Visit Street Wheelers Car Club

Street Wheelers at a glance

• Date: Second weekend of July
• How to get there: Head to 3rd ave. S., or gather anywhere along Mayor Magrath Drive for Friday night’s cruise; Park at Rocky Mountain Turf Club Grandstand for Saturday’s 100-foot dash. Check out the Exhibition Grounds for the autocross and meander to Galt Gardens downtown for Sunday’s Show and Shine.
• Where to stay: Book a room at The Coast just off Mayor Magrath Drive, or Lethbridge Lodge, located at the beginning of 3rd ave. S. For budget options, cruise some Airbnb listings (specifically in and around Henderson Lake) for a spot close to the action.
  Find Accommodations
• What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and money for food trucks‍
• Price: Most events are free

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2026 Tourism Lethbridge Poker Run

Start your engines and fasten your seatbelt. The Tourism Lethbridge Poker Run is back again to add another level of fun to Street Machine Weekend. Join us Thursday, July 10th for a race around the city and earn the chance to win amazing prizes valued over $1000!

• Date: July 10, 2026
• Time: 11am
• Where: Pick up your first card and the list of stops at our Visitor Information Centre - 2805 Scenic Dr S
• What to bring: Yourself, your car (all vehicles can participate!), and your friends and family!
• Price: Free!

Sign up now!

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Leave the car at home (or at the hotel) and enjoy the peak of summer while you bike or walk over to this sustainable art and music festival.

The festival is put on by The Geomatic Attic, one of Lethbridge’s top music venues for new and upcoming artists. Festival-goers are encouraged to arrive at the event using sustainable means of transportation, be it walking, cycling, or skating. These free outdoor shows are held at the Lethbridge Park and Ride Parkade and outside of the Sandman Signature Lodge.

Learn More About Wide Skies Festival.

‍Visit Wide Skies Festival

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Wide Skies at a glance

• Dates: July 28-29, 2026
• How to get there: Held downtown, Wide Skies is easy to access by foot or by bicycle. Parking, however, is limited.‍
• Where to stay: Stay downtown to make your walk to the venue easier at either the Sandman Signature, Days Inn, or Wingate.

Alberta Open Farm Days is your free, behind-the-scenes look at the province's agriculture and local food system.

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Alberta Open Farms Days is an incubator for agri-tourism and rural sustainability. Bringing together Albertans and visitors alike, they offer educational agri-based experiences.

Learn where your food comes from and enjoy farm-to-table culinary events from some of the region's most talented chefs showcasing Alberta products.

Learn More about Alberta Open Farm Days

‍Visit Open Farm Days

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Open Farm Days at a glance

• Date: August 15 & 16, 2026
• How to get there: Participating farms change from year to year. Check out the Alberta Open Farm Days webpage to learn about the farms participating this year. Please note most farms are located outside of the city and there may be gravel roads to get to the farm.
• Where to stay: There are a few hotel options located just off 43rd St. S. on the east side of town. There’s also The Coast or The Sandman on Mayor Magrath Drive if you want to be closer to the downtown and some amazing local restaurants.
  ‍Find Accommodations‍
• What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and money for events at the farms or to buy local goods!

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Whoop-Up Days is where our community comes together to celebrate, experience, eat, laugh, and ride. Where the midway lights brighten up the southern sky, where the authentic west still runs wild, where cultures come together and memories are made. 

Whoop-Up Days is for everyone. It should be fun, friendly, and accessible. Let’s celebrate together. 

As summer winds down, we’re just getting started. We’re more than just your fair — we’re your community.

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Parade

‍Don't forget the Whoop-Up Days Parade! The Whoop-Up Days Parade is the iconic start to Lethbridge’s most popular and longest-running community fair. 

Showcasing the people, businesses, and organizations who call Lethbridge home, the parade is a celebration of the region’s heritage and future.

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Whoop-Up Days at a glance

• Date: August 18 - 22, 2026
• How to get there: Cycle or drive to the Lethbridge & District Exhibition east of Henderson Lake. Parking is plentiful at both the exhibition grounds for a price or around Henderson Lake itself if you don’t mind a bit of a walk.
• Where to stay: There are hotel options located just off 43rd St. S. that are conveniently close to The Water Tower Grill & Bar and Pure Casino Lethbridge, a local restaurant and brewery. There’s also The Coast or The Sandman on Mayor Magrath Drive — both within a five-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) to the exhibition grounds.
  ‍Find Accommodations

• What to Expect:
  • Marketplace
  • Food Trucks
  • Community Events
  • Buskers
  • Midway
• What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and money for food trucks

Learn more about Whoop-Up Days and get your tickets here: Buy Tickets

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LETHBRIDGE & DISTRICT PRO RODEO FEATURING THE RELAY RACES

August 20-22, 2026 | Gates 5:30pm | Rodeo 7:00pm

Lethbridge & District Exhibition is proud to once again host the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo from August 20-22, 2026. This three-day event is the only CPRA rodeo in Lethbridge that showcases the history, people, and culture of Southern Alberta. 

From its inception over 125 years ago, professional rodeo has had some of its finest moments at Whoop-Up Days throughout the decades. The rodeo will include nearly $100,000 in cash prizes up for grabs!  

Featured nightly, the relay races are one of the most high-intensity elements of the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo. Often referred to as “North America’s original extreme sport” the races have been a part of Indigenous life for hundreds of years.

The Rodeo itself also features themed nights for each of its three days, with a Blackfoot Confederacy Celebrations Night on Thursday, Family Night on Friday, and AG Community Night on Saturday. Experience horse racing like never before as riders race bareback in laps around a track and exchange horses after every lap by jumping from one horse to another.

Take a stroll downtown en plein air and soak up Lethbridge’s local art scene al fresco with Lethbridge Art Days!

Uniting local businesses and galleries, Arts Days in Lethbridge brings the incredible talent of Southern Alberta artists out of the gallery and into the streets. From street performers to art walks, this event spans ten days, running the gamut from live art tutorials to riveting theatrical performances curious enough to pique all interests.

Arts Days Lethbridge is an annual celebration of the arts held in conjunction with provincial and national Culture Days. The Allied Arts Council works with AAC members and member organizations to support and celebrate a variety of events throughout the City of Lethbridge.

Arts Days Lethbridge 2026  events take place between September 4 – 30 during Alberta’s Month of the Artist!

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Arts Days at a glance

• Dates: September 4-30, 2026 – with different events daily! 
• How to get there: Arts Days is primarily held downtown, making it a very walkable event. However, it also includes fine arts events at the University of Lethbridge, which will require a car or public transit.
  Public Transportation
• Where to stay: Stay close to downtown at the Sandman Signature, Days Inn, or Wingate and enjoy your short walk to all the events! Find even more accommodation
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What to bring: A sense of curiosity, an open mind and the usual: water, a jacket, and money for downtown eats!

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Enjoy the quiet of a dark winter night — the crunch of your feet in the snow and colourful Christmas lights winking between bare branches.

Winter’s not the typical time to take in a garden walk, but Nikka Yuko’s Winter Lights Festival stands tradition on its head. The garden, designed by landscape architects from Osaka, Japan, is breathtaking year-round — especially with the hours volunteers work to decorate with lights. Add a hot drink and Lethbridge’s chilly winter nights get a lot warmer, brighter, and cozier!

Learn More About the WInter Light Festival

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Nikka Yuko Winter Lights at a Glance

• Date: December through January
• How to get there: Nikka Yuko is nestled between the shores of Henderson Lake and Mayor Magrath Drive and comes with plenty of parking.
• Where to stay: For budget options, stay at the conveniently-located Superlodge or Travelodge. For a more upscale experience, head to The Coast.
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What to bring: Winter clothing and money for a hot drink and a snack!

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