Summer comes alive at Central Alberta’s very own Westerner Days Fair & Exposition. Enjoy five days of nonstop excitement with electrifying concerts, thrilling midway rides, daily pony chuckwagon races, a bustling market, and delicious food from a variety of vendors.
Website: www.westernerdays.ca
When: July 17-21, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Where: Westerner Park (4847A 19 St, Red Deer, AB)
Here is your guide to making the most out of Westerner Days 2024!
Tickets & Passes
General admission passes provide access to the grounds, including entertainment stages, Pavilion activations and pony chuckwagon races. Additional fees apply for midway rides and certain activities within Pavilion activations. You can buy general admission passes in advance online or in person at the Tickets Alberta Box Office in the lobby of the Peavey Mart Centrium. General admission passes can also be purchased at the gate when entering Westerner Park.
Plan ahead and maximize your Westerner Days experience by purchasing Ride All Day (RAD) passes in advance online. Buying ahead not only secures your savings but also includes general admission to the grounds.
For those looking to attend multiple days, save big with the new multi-day passes! Available in packages of 2 to 5 days, these passes let you turn your visit into a mini vacation. Enjoy two, three, four, or even five days of nonstop FUN and maximize your experience and savings.
Discount Days
Experience Westerner Days with special discount days throughout the event!
On Wednesday, July 17, kick off the festivities with their Opening Day Special: $10.00 per guest. Then on Thursday, July 18, seniors can enjoy Seniors’ Day with admission priced at $10.00 per senior guest.
Wrap up the week on Sunday, July 21, with Family Day Passes available for $30.00 per carload (up to legal capacity, max 6 people per vehicle). All guests must enter to enjoy this offer!
Onsite Entertainment & Attractions
From electrifying entertainment to immersive attractions, discover why this year’s Westerner Days promises to be the highlight of your summer.
Entertainment
Music
Immerse yourself in the music scene all 5 days of Westerner Days! Catch daily performances at The District and on The Junction stage.
Fireworks
Enjoy nightly fireworks displays beginning at 10:45 pm every night of Westerner Days. You can catch the dazzling show from either The District or the Racetrack.
Please note, that fireworks timing is subject to change based on the weather conditions, the sunset and concert scheduling.
Attractions
Midway
Hours: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Step into the Midway at Westerner Days and discover a world of excitement! From thrilling rides that will have you on the edge of your seat to family-friendly attractions perfect for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This year, new additions like SPEED, THE HIMLAYA, THE FRENZY and FIREBALL are guaranteed to elevate your Midway experience! Thrill-seekers can soar on rides like the YOYO and ZIPPER while families can enjoy classics such as the TILT-A-WHIRL and CAROUSEL. For younger guests, there’s an array of kiddie rides and games, including the ever-popular Prize Every Time games.
Throughout the day, catch exciting performances like the Area 51 Monster Trucks and Global FMX shows. Whether you’re here for rides, games or fair food, the Midway promises endless fun from noon until midnight every day of Westerner Days!
Kidventure
Hours: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Parkland Pavilion
Ideal for: Kids aged 12 and under
Kidventure at Westerner Days is a paradise for young explorers! Escape the heat, grab a sweet treat, and dive into a world of excitement. Meet Doo Doo the Clown, conquer the Junior’s Firefighter Challenge, bounce through the giant inflatables, and enjoy the whimsical Hula Hoop Circus. From crafts to a Zen Zone for relaxing, Kidventure promises endless fun for your little ones!
Find a detailed schedule of activities at Kidventure, here.
Agventure
Hours: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Agricentre
Step into Agventure, a family-friendly exploration connecting with the agricultural roots of Central Alberta. Explore interactive farmyard displays, meet the animals in their livestock exhibits, and take a ride on the kid’s tractor pull. Catch Red Deer County Agri-Life video presentations throughout the day to discover more about the local farming community.
Find a detailed schedule of activities at Agventure, here.
Pony Chuckwagons Championships
Wednesday, July 17 – Saturday, July 20: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 21: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: Racetrack
The North American Pony Chuckwagon Championships offer five days of thrilling racing with the Pony Chuckwagons, Chariots, and the Stars of Tomorrow! Organized by the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon & Chariot Association (APCCA), renowned for their entertainment since 1968, the championships promise exhilarating races across the prairies.
Don’t miss the Racetrack BBQ, opening with the first race, and enjoy beverages served trackside.
For more details, visit the Alberta Professional Chuckwagon & Chariot Association website.
The District
Hours: 12:00 pm-2:00 am
Location: Southwest Parking Lot (Located across from the car dealerships on 49th Ave)
Bring your appetite to The District! Here you will find a diverse lineup of food trucks, refreshing beverages and live music daily, creating a feel-good atmosphere for enjoying with friends and family.
Here’s the lineup of headliners for the week:
July 17, 9:00 pm – 10:45 pm | Nice Horse
July 18, 9:00 pm – 10:45 pm | The Sheepdogs
July 19, 9:00 pm – 10:45 pm | Kim Mitchell
July 20, 9:00 pm – 10:45 pm | BC/DC
July 21, 9:00 pm – 10:45 pm | Preston Pablo
Find The District’s full schedule here.
The Junction
Hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: Neeralta Pavilion
Head over to the Junction, for a mix of live music, drinks, food and captivating displays. Live music runs daily from 2:30 pm to 9:45 pm. Explore the 70-foot interactive digital art display and Lockdown Escape Rooms making it an entertainment hub not to be missed during Westerner Days.
Find a detailed schedule of activities at The Junction, here.
The Market
Hours: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Exhibition Hall & Neeralta Pavilion
Discover a new experience designed for relaxation and enjoyment away from the bustling energy outside. The Market offers food and drinks, live music, and lifestyle exhibits that create a unique atmosphere. Located in the Exhibition Hall and the Neeralta Pavilion, this space showcases everything from art, culture and lifestyle with a variety of shopping opportunities with over 100 exhibitors.
In addition to browsing The Market, be sure to catch an Extreme Dogs performance. These high-flying canine athletes will be performing throughout each day.
The Central Alberta Pavilion
Hours: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Prairie Pavilion
Experience the NEW Central Alberta Pavilion this Westerner Days! Discover Central Alberta’s rich tapestry through displays from local archives and municipalities. This attraction explores every aspect that has shaped Central Alberta into what we know and love today.
Refresh at the bar and navigate through an indoor maze revealing the history of Westerner Park and Westerner Days, complemented by footage from RDTV.
Plan Your Visit: FAQs and Tips
What does general admission include?
General admission to Westerner Days includes access to a wide variety of attractions and entertainment options. This year, all concerts are included with general admission passes. You can also experience Kidventure, The Market, Agventure, Pony Chuckwagons, The Junction and the new Central Alberta Pavilion. Please note that while these attractions are included, Midway rides and games require an additional cost. Additionally, some activities within Pavilion activations may also require extra payment.
What should I wear to Westerner Days?
While the forecast is looking great for Westerner Days, be prepared for anything Central Alberta weather may throw at you. Dress in comfortable clothing and layer up if you plan on staying for the evening. Supportive footwear is a must, as you will be walking a lot! Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses and consistent sunscreen application. Bring a lightweight rain jacket just in case. A small backpack for essentials is handy, and adding a cowboy hat or boots can get you in the Westerner Days festive spirit!
Where can I cool off and grab a bite?
The Pavilion activations, including Kidventure, The Junction, The Central Alberta Pavilion, The Market, and the Agventure, provide cool, air-conditioned spaces packed with entertainment and fun activities.
Food options include: The District, featuring 19 food trucks (note: this is located outdoors); Kidventure, offering candy, treats, hot dogs, smokies, and cold refreshments; The Junction; providing light refreshments and eats; The Market; featuring fresh food and items to bring home, Pony Chuckwagons, serving BBQ and providing bar service.
Washrooms are conveniently located throughout the grounds: Harvest Centre, Peavey Mart Centrium lobby, Kidventure, the gallery between The Central Alberta Pavilion and The Junction, The Market, Agventure, Racetrack, and The District.
First aid and security services are located in the Chalet for any medical needs or security concerns.
How do I get to Westerner Days?
There are several options for getting to Westerner Days:
1. Driving and Parking
Enjoy free parking on-site in the North Parking Lot. You can access parking from 19th Street via 46th or 40th Ave. There is a one-way system to improve traffic flow in the gated parking lot, so enter on 46th Ave and exit through the northwest gate onto 49th Ave. Additionally, there is a drop-off zone where car share services can use the loop around the Donald Administration Building Roundabout.
2. Public Transit
Taking the bus is a great way to get to Westerner Days. You can take public transit to Bower Mall and ride the Westerner Days Shuttle, which will bring you right to the park. Shuttle buses will depart from Bower Mall starting at 11:30 am daily. The last shuttle will leave Westerner Park at 11:30 pm from Wednesday to Saturday and at 7:30 pm on Sunday. Shuttle buses will run every 30 minutes.
3. Bikes, Scooters & Walking
Consider using an electric scooter or biking to Westerner Days for a fun way to travel! Walking is also a great option for avoiding traffic and parking hassles. With open sidewalks in and around the park, pedestrian access is easy and convenient, ensuring a stress-free arrival at the gate.
How can I book accommodation?
Turn your visit into a mini getaway by staying overnight! Explore our member hotels here and secure your discounted stay today to extend the fun, relax, and create lasting memories!
Westerner Day Offsite Experiences and Community Events
Experience the excitement of Westerner Days beyond the park with a lineup of community events. Discover local happenings and ways to engage with Red Deer’s spirit of celebration.
Downtown Westerner Days Kick-Off Parade
Wednesday, July 17, 9:30 am
Head to downtown Red Deer for the Westerner Days Parade, the traditional kick-off to Central Alberta’s Largest Summer Celebration! The parade winds through the heart of Red Deer, captivating crowds of spectators each year.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the kickoff of Westerner Days with our local community!
Road closures to accommodate the Westerner Days Parade will begin at 8:30 am. Stay updated through the City of Red Deer social media or by checking the Traffic Impact Map, here.
Pancake Breakfasts
What better way to kick off the festivities than with a stack of fluffy pancakes? Red Deer has outdone itself this year with an extensive selection of pancake breakfasts.
July 17 | Downtown Red Deer Business Association
Time: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: 5023 Ross (50th) Street, Former Buffalo Hotel Site
July 17 & 18 | Red Deer Resort and Casino
Time: 8:00 am –11:00 am
Location: Red Deer Resort and Casino (3310 50 Ave)
July 18 – Aligned Together, Calyx, Three Broke Sisters, Starbucks & Acuti Eyecare & Eyewear
Time: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Location: Sharpe Ave Complex (20 Sharpe Ave)
July 19 | Red Deer Polytechnic
Time: 8:30 am –10:30 am
Location: Parking Lot C on Main Campus (100 College Boul)
July 19 | Western RV Country
Time: 7:00 am –10:00 am
Location: 65 Burnt Park Drive
July 20 | Parkland Nurseries and Garden Centre
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: 26554 HWY 1
July 21 | Gasoline Alley Farmers Market
Time: 10:00 am –12:00 pm
Location: Gasoline Alley Farmers Market (558 Laura Ave, Red Deer County, AB)
Community Events
Here are some exciting community events happening during Westerner Days.
July 17 | Downtown Red Deer Business Association
Time: 11:00 am –1:00 pm
Location: 5023 Ross (50th) Street, Former Buffalo Hotel Site
Cowboy Up Family BBQ
July 17 | Living Stones Church
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: 2020 40 Ave
Family BBQ
July 17-21 | Paint of Interest
Time: Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: 7-4946 53 Avenue
Westerner Days – Paint it Western
Enjoy window paintings, a Western wonderland studio, interactive fun, discounts, and more!
July 18 | Red Deer Regional Airport
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Skywings Aviation Hangar (Red Deer Regional Airport, 3801 Airport Drive, Springbrook Alberta)
Boot Scootin’ BBQ
July 21 | Famoso Italian Pizzeria
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: 5016 51 Ave Unit 5
Serving Famoso’s Classic Pizza
Now equipped with this ultimate guide to Westerner Days 2024, it’s your turn to plan and make unforgettable memories at Central Alberta’s biggest summer celebration!
