Celebrating Thanksgiving in Central Alberta: Family-Friendly Activities for the Long Weekend  

Thanksgiving is all about spending time with loved ones, and this long weekend in central Alberta you’ll find plenty of ways to do just that! From festive dining experiences to interactive experiences and outdoor adventures, there are activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here’s your guide to what’s happening this Thanksgiving weekend.

Family-Friendly Activities 

Mini Break Day Camp: Creature Feature 

Date: October 10 - 11
Location: Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day 

No school means more fun! Send your kids (ages 6 to 12) to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre for two days of nature exploration, games, and crafts. Thursday will focus on furry creatures, while Friday will dive into the spooky side of nature. 

Limited spaces are available, so pre-registration is required.

To register for Thursday, click here.

To register for Friday, click here.

Fall Harvest Vegetable Carving 

Date: October 12
Location: Fort Normandeau
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Celebrate the season with an age-old tradition of vegetable carving! Bring your creativity and help carve pumpkins and turnips while enjoying the classic pastime of toasting fresh seeds. 

This is a FREE drop-in event. Everyone is welcome, and donations are appreciated. 

Se-Kim-Acimonah: Indigenous Ghost Stories, Spooky Legends, and Tales 

Date: October 12
Location: Kerry Wood Nature Centre
Time: 6:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. -9:45 p.m.

Gather around the campfire for an evening of Indigenous ghost stories shared by local Knowledge Keeper Clare Butterfly. This immersive experience offers a unique way to wind down after a day of exploring the great outdoors.

$5/person. Due to limited seating, pre-registration is required. The deadline to register is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10.

To register for the 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. session, click here.

To register for the 8:15 to 9:45 p.m. session, click here.

Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt 

Date: October 14
Location: Fort Normandeau
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Explore the original site of the Red Deer River Crossing with a scavenger hunt. Use clues to discover items that residents would have been thankful for during their time.

This drop-in event is FREE, with donations appreciated. 

Gasoline Alley Farmer’s Market 

Hours:

• Friday, 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.

Location: 558, Laura Ave, Red Deer County, AB T4E 0A5

Celebrate the Thanksgiving season with a visit to the Gasoline Alley Farmers' Market! Discover fresh produce, local meats, handmade goods, and baked treats from some of Central Alberta's best vendors. With a warm community vibe and endless dining options, this market is a must-visit to gather ingredients for your holiday feast or enjoy a relaxing meal with your family. 

Don’t miss the $5 Market Breakfast Special running all day on Sunday!

Kraay Family Farm 

Hours: 

• Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m.
• Holiday Monday, 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. 

Location: SITE 6 BOX 9 RR 1, Lacombe, AB T4L 2N1

With over 50 attractions and amenities, Kraay Family Farm is your destination for world-famous adventures and Farmtastic fun all season long. From navigating the iconic corn maze to enjoying the farmyard, jumping pillow, mini-golf, and more, the fun never stops. It’s also the perfect spot for capturing those picture-perfect fall family portraits, with beautiful farm backdrops and golden autumn colours adding a touch of magic to your memories.

Check out our guide to Kraay Family Farm to start planning your trip today!

Last day of the season is October 19th. 

Food and Dining 

$5 Market Breakfast Special 

Date: October 13
Location: Market Kitchen, Gasoline Alley Farmers' Market
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with family for just $5 per person! The menu features tasty options like Fried Chicken & Bacon Waffles, Breakfast Sandwiches, and Dutch Mini Pancakes. It’s a great way to fuel up before a day of fun! 

Thanksgiving Long Table Buffet Feast With Live Music 

Date: October 13
Location: WestLake Grill
Time: 9:50am, 11:50am, 1:50pm

Indulge in a delightful Long Table Thanksgiving Buffet featuring local flavours. Enjoy dishes like Smoked Brisket, Roasted Turkey, and Peach Bourbon Ham, accompanied by live music from Allen Christie. A perfect way to celebrate with loved ones! 

Book your table.

Thanksgiving Take Home Feasts

Date: October 10-14
Location: Sunterra Market

Let Sunterra handle your Thanksgiving meal with their family-style feasts available for delivery or pickup. Choose from herb-rubbed turkey, cranberry-glazed ham, prime rib, or vegetable wellington, all served with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and pumpkin pie. Save with their Family Feast option, serving four for the price of three.

Pre-order required.

Markets and Shows 

Quick Times - Red Deer Swap Meet 

Date: October 12
Location: Westerner Park, Neeralta
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Clear out your unwanted items or find something new at Alberta’s centrally located swap meet. It’s a great place to hunt for hidden treasures! 

Westerner Dairy Showcase 

Date: October 14 - 20
Location: Westerner Park, Agricentre East & West
Details: Western Canada’s largest dairy show featuring both Holstein and Jersey open shows, a Junior Show, and more. 

LAST Red Deer Farmers Market of the Season 

Date: October 12
Location: Red Deer Polytechnic
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

Don't miss the last outdoor farmers market of the season! Enjoy farm-fresh produce and a wide array of local goods, services, and entertainment. 

Concerts and Entertainment 

Punksgiving 2024

Date: October 13
Location: Bo's Bar and Stage
Time: Doors at 5:00 p.m., Show at 6:30 p.m. 

Join Pulley, Old Wives, Trashed Ambulance, Rag Ripper, Teacup Romance, and the Offsailors for an amazing evening of punk rock. Grab your tickets today!

U15 AAA Rebels Fall Classic 

Date: October 10 - 13
Location: G.H. Dawe Community Centre Twin Arenas, 6175 67 St, Red Deer, AB 

Join us for the 2nd Annual U15 AAA Rebels Fall Classic! This exciting tournament will feature teams from across Western Canada and the United States, showcasing the talents of the best U15 players. With 42 games, there’s plenty of high-caliber hockey action to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to see aspiring young athletes in action! 

For more information, and the tournament schedule, check out their website.

This Thanksgiving weekend, Red Deer offers a wonderful mix of activities and events for all ages. Happy Thanksgiving!