Labour Day long weekend: Events across Central Alberta

The Labour Day long weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and communities across Central Alberta are hosting events to celebrate.

From food festivals and live music to outdoor markets and family-friendly activities, there’s plenty to do before fall routines begin.

Here’s a roundup of events happening in the region:

Friday, August 29

• Taste of Clive & Movie in the Park – Centennial Park, Clive

  • Food sampling from 6–8 p.m. featuring regional vendors, restaurants, and mixologists as part of Alberta Day celebrations.

  • Each person receives three free tickets for samples; additional tickets are $1 each.

  • Outdoor movie screening of "Transformers" begins at 9 p.m.

• Capstone Night Market – Canada 150 Square, Red Deer, 5–9 p.m.
  Vendors, food trucks, and live music downtown.

• Street Legal Drag Races – Central Alberta Raceways, Rimbey
  Gates open at 5 p.m. Entry is $30 to race or $5 to watch.

• Wild Rose Carnival Show – Parkland Mall, Red Deer (Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 12–11 p.m.)
  Midway rides, games, and fair food all weekend long.

Saturday, August 30

• Inclusive Community Clothing Swap – Snell Auditorium, Red Deer Public Library, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Hosted by the Queer Neighbours Society of Red Deer.

• Goat Goodbye – Ellis Nature Centre
  Goat-themed activities including a photo booth, bingo raffle, milking demonstrations, and the chance to walk a goat at noon.

• Community Mural Paint Day – Old Buffalo Hotel Lot, Red Deer (5031 50 St.), 12–4 p.m.
  Community BBQ, mural painting, and family activities.

• Alberta Day in Sylvan Lake – Centennial Park, 1–5 p.m.
  Bannock and tea, tipi displays, and cultural experiences.

  • 4–5 p.m. Indigenous singing, drumming, and dance.

• Carnivore Show & Shine – Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, Red Deer, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  Car show, market, music, food trucks, and a fundraiser for the Red Deer Food Bank. Donations of cash or non-perishable items encouraged.

• Historic Downtown Walking Tour – Michener House Museum, Lacombe, 4 p.m.
  Final tour of the summer.

• Art in the Garden – Michener House Museum, Lacombe, 1–4 p.m.
  Last summer session, featuring paper pinwheel making.

• Red Deer Vipers Exhibition Game – Servus Arena, Red Deer, 6:30 p.m.
  Tickets: $5 for adults, seniors, and students. Kids 12 and under free.

Saturday & Sunday, August 30–31

• Red Deer Folk Festival – Westerner Park, 12–10 p.m.
  Free, family-friendly festival with live performers, vendors, beer gardens, and food trucks.

Sunday, August 31

• Samson Cree Nation Summer Send-Off – Ashoro Park, Wetaskiwin (1–5 p.m.)
  Hoop dancers, local artisans, and free food.

Monday, September 1 (Labour Day)

• Community Labour Day BBQ – Canada 150 Square, Red Deer, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Featuring live music, food trucks, and family activities including face painting.

• Ellis Nature Centre – Open for the day
  Explore the grounds and enjoy the end of summer outdoors.

If You Go

• Bring cash: Some markets, food vendors, and fundraisers may not accept cards.

• Check the weather: Events are outdoors, so bring sunscreen, hats, or light jackets for cooler evenings.

• Plan parking early: Larger events such as the Red Deer Folk Festival and Sylvan Lake Alberta Day celebrations may have limited parking.

• Family-friendly options: Many events are free or low-cost, with activities for all ages.

• Support local: From artisans to food trucks, this is a great weekend to explore and support Central Alberta’s small businesses and community groups.

Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. 

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@centralalbertaonline.com.

CentralAlbertaOnline encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the CentralAlbertaOnline app