Guide to Westerner Week!

Guide to Westerner Week | July 19-23, 2023

Westerner Days Fair & Exposition is Central Alberta’s ultimate summer celebration! This fun five-day extravaganza features concerts and live music, thrilling midway madness, pony chuckwagons, vibrant market vendors, and an enticing array of over 30 food trucks! Don’t forget to acquaint yourself with the full schedule to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of this remarkable event and check out our list of fun things to do while you’re visiting Red Deer!  

Website: www.westernerdays.ca  
When: July 19 – 23, 2023 from 12 pm (noon) to 12 am (midnight)  
Where: Westerner Park (4847A 19 St, Red Deer, AB)

Backyard Bower-BBQ | Saturday, July 15, 2023

Mark your calendars for the official kick-off of Westerner Days festivities – the Backyard BBQ at Bower Place Shopping Centre. Delve into a diverse selection of food and drink options while engaging in a variety of backyard games that everyone can enjoy. Live music and market vendors will also be on site to enhance the atmosphere. Don’t miss this exciting community barbecue on July 15, 2023, starting at 11 am, as it sets the perfect tone for the thrilling fun that lies ahead!  

Website: www.bowerplace.com/bbq/  
When: July 15, 2023 (11 am – 4 pm)
Where: Bower Place, Hudson’s Bay Parking Lot (4900 Molly Banister Dr, Red Deer, AB)

Downtown Parade | Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Don’t miss out on the lively downtown parade, a spectacular event highlighting the valued sponsors and community partners for Central Alberta’s largest summer celebration – Westerner Days! This enticing parade makes its way through the bustling core of the city, beckoning everyone to partake in the exhilarating escapades of Westerner Days.  

Website: www.westernerdays.ca  
When: July 19, 2023 (9:30 am)

Boot Scootin' BBQ | Thursday, July 20, 2023

Indulge in the delectable selection of burgers and hotdogs, all while supporting Paws & Claws Animal Rescue through generous donations, at the Red Deer Regional Airport's Boot Scootin’ BBQ! What makes it even better is that this event is suitable for the whole family. Bring everyone along and watch as kids have a fantastic time with face painting, inflatables, crafts, and engaging activities! Don’t forget your chance to win a carload pass to the Red Deer Regional Airshow or a $100 Travel Voucher.  

Website: www.facebook.com/event  
When: July 20, 2023 (11 am – 2 pm)
Where: Red Deer Regional Airport (3800 Airport Dr, Red Deer, AB)

Arkells – Live at Westerner Days | Saturday, July 22, 2023

Coined as “the right kind of band for this decade,” by The Globe and Mail, Arkells have earned their reputation as one of the most dynamic, enthusiastic, and sought-after live acts of our time. Arkells will take center stage as the headlining act for this year’s event, promising an unforgettable experience. Brace yourselves for an exhilarating showcase of their innovative sound and fresh music in an electrifying performance.

Website: www.westernerdays.ca
When: Saturday, July 22, 2023 | Doors 7 pm | Concert 8 pm
Where: Westerner Park (4847A 19 St, Red Deer, AB)  

Pancake Breakfast | Sunday, July 23, 2023

Head down to the Gasoline Alley Farmers' Market for the second annual pancake breakfast to wind down after the Westerner Days weekend! This event kicks off at 10 am in the west parking lot while visitors are served with pancakes, sausage, and free coffee! All proceeds are going to be generously donated to Habitat for Humanity Red Deer, a non-profit dedicated to supporting low-income, working families in Central Alberta.

Website: www.gasolinealleymarket.ca
When: Sunday, July 23, 2023 (10 am - 12 pm)
Where: Gasoline Alley Farmers' Market (558 Laura Ave, Red Deer County, AB)

Discover more fun things to do while you're in town!

1. Sample Red Deer’s food scene

All your culinary desires will be fulfilled in the delightfully diverse dining scene in Red Deer! Whether you seek a warm and inviting restaurant, a trendy brewery, a lowkey lounge, a cozy café, or even a fun food truck, the city boasts a plethora of options to tantalize your taste buds! Click here for a detailed list of recommended venues.  

Website: www.visitreddeer.com/eat-drink  

2. Appreciate live theatre at Bower Ponds  

Red Deer’s famous summer Shakespeare festival is back at Bower Ponds for another magical year of live theatre! Make sure to join us for the pastoral comedy As You Like It or the historical Henry IV throughout our Bard on Bower summer Shakespeare series!

Website: www.primestocktheatre.com  
When: July 14 – 30, 2023 | Tuesday – Saturday (7 pm) | Saturday & Sunday (2 pm)
Where: Bower Ponds (4715 Fountain Drive, Red Deer, AB)

3. Experience the thrill of the Canyon Coaster

Feel the exhilarating thrill of riding the Canyon Coaster at Canyon Ski Resort in Red Deer, as you glide along the luge track, navigating through ski slopes and forest trails. This exciting coaster spans an impressive length of over 1300 meters and offers an incredible vertical drop of 440 feet. The attraction officially opened on Friday, August 5, 2022, making it Alberta’s first and only Alpine Coaster.  

Website: www.canyonski.ca/coaster/  
When: 10 am – 7 pm  
Where: Canyon Ski Resort (38433 Range Road 264A, Red Deer County, AB)  

4. Visit Discovery Canyon Water Park

Try Alberta’s most unique outdoor water play areas, where you’ll discover the most captivating aquatic wonders! Discovery Canyon boasts a breathtaking landscape built around a mesmerizing river-fed water pool. Embark on a journey down the gentle river, gliding effortlessly into bubbling pools of water. Tube rentals are available, and guests are welcome to bring their own.  

Website: www.rbgra.ca/discovery-canyon  
When: 11 am – 7 pm
Where: Discovery Canyon (3800 Riverbend Drive, Red Deer County, AB)

5. Explore our parks & trails

The Red Deer trail system has garnered a well-deserved reputation as being one of the best in Alberta. With over 110 km of conveniently accessible, paved paths, it caters to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike, seamlessly connecting park enthusiasts to beautiful green spaces and park attractions. Prepare to be enthralled by the splendor of nature and the breathtaking sights that await you along the trail.

Website: www.visitreddeer.com/parks-trails

Make the most out of your summer and discover what makes summer in Red Deer so unforgettable! As you soak up the sun, explore captivating trails, experience breathtaking landscapes, and participate in thrilling outdoor activities, embrace the joy and excitement that Red Deer has to offer.  

Stay up to date about the exciting events and activities happening in Red Deer by reading a copy of our 2023 visitor guide. Find a copy online or visit the Tourism Red Deer office for more information.