Cochrane Discovery Days is back for its second year, promising four packed days of heritage, culture, and entertainment from August 29 to September 1.
The town-wide festival features more than 80 events across five districts, anchored by the historic Cochrane Lions Rodeo and the Labour Day Parade.
“This is the weekend to visit Cochrane,” says Callandra Caufield, Executive Director of Explore Cochrane. “Discovery Days was designed to showcase the spirit of our town by uniting dozens of organizations under one banner.”
The festival has expanded in 2025, offering wagon rides through the historic Cochrane Ranch, Wild West shootouts on Main Street, Indigenous markets, cowboy poetry, hide-tanning workshops, and a concert by Canadian band New Law.
“The Wild West shootout will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and the wagon rides through the ranch bring history to life in such a unique way.”
Families can also look forward to food trucks, roping demonstrations, a magician, birds of prey shows, a family carnival, and the Old Tyme Family Picnic with a pie tasting contest in support of the Cochrane Food Bank.
“It’s a great way to spend time with your family while learning about art, culture, and ranching.”
“There really is something for everyone.”
To make the weekend more accessible, the Town of Cochrane is offering a hop-on, hop-off shuttle that connects the main festival districts, making it easier for visitors to leave their cars at home.
While some events such as the rodeo, the cabaret, and the historic beer bike tour require tickets, the majority of Discovery Days activities are free.
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Discovery Days is a collaborative effort supported by the Cochrane and Area Event Society, Cochrane Environmental Action Committee, Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society, Cochrane Public Library, Cochrane Lions Club, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery, the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation, and Wazin Îchinabi Ti.
“We’re so grateful to our community partners for helping us bring this festival to life,” says Caufield.
Full event details and shuttle schedules are available HERE.