Hold Court at the Fort
Celebrate this July 1st like a true Canadian pioneer. At the Fort Battleford Fort Fest and field dance, you can participate in some historic weapon demonstrations, like firing a muzzle-loading field rifle. Or watch an old-time blacksmith ply his trade and partake in some traditional First Nations children’s games. The North West Mounted Police will also be trotting by on horseback. Of course, there’s more modern fun to be had as well, including disc golf, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, musical entertainment and evening fireworks. July 1
C’est la vie!
As one of the best French cultural gatherings in Saskatchewan, Saskatoon’s Cinergie International Francophone Film Festival showcases a variety of French-Canadian and international short films. With nearly a dozen films playing over the six-day fête, there is something for everyone—including English speakers, as all films are subtitled. The festival will also include some post-screening discussions with film directors and producers. Check online for the complete lineup and showtimes. May 2–7
Lyrical Legacy
Return to the era of penny candies and sarsaparilla while taking in travelling performances. This summer, the historic Lyric Theatre in Swift Current celebrates a decade of its Chautauqua Summer Theatre Festival. Originally a Vaudeville and silent film theatre, the playhouse today razzle-dazzles with four highly acclaimed one-act plays, featuring local, national and international artists. July 6–8
A Very Berry Affair
It’s a town-wide block party and everyone’s invited! The town of Mortlach transforms into a mini-city during its famed Saskatoon Berry Festival. With arts and crafts vendors, children’s games, wagon rides and a parade, it’s the perfect family day out. The best part: Sampling a slice of the tasty Saskatoon berry pie that the festival is named after. In Mortlach, you really can have your pie and eat it too! July 8
Songs of the South
The Gateway Music Festival attracts fans of folk, rock, blues, alternative and country. And it turns the small southern town of Bengough into a toe-tapping, family-friendly celebration of music and culture. In addition to three main stages for local and international performances, the Culture and Concert Crawl is a must-do. Catch a free gig near Main Street, then climb aboard the bus to learn the history of the area with stops at the Big Muddy Rock Shop and the local museum. July 21–23
Pucks and Paddles
Grasslands National Park and the village of Val Marie have teamed up to present the Grasslander Classic. This unique celebration pays tribute to Canada’s 150th, as well as 100 years of the National Hockey League. Hometown legend and seven-time Stanley Cup winner Bryan Trottier will be there, as visitors face off in a ball hockey tournament. Or swap hockey sticks for kayak paddles with a leisurely cruise around the Frenchman River Valley. Guests can also take a horse-drawn wagon ride and tour the bison facility in the park. July 28–30
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Check out what’s happening this summer in Alberta
Fine Art Finesse
A celebration of Canadian art is on display at Regina Centre Crossing. Artists from Scott Nicholson Fine Arts are showcasing works of realist, abstract and contemporary traditions that reflect the diverse culture and heritage of our great country. Until July 31
Fringe Feats and Eats
Sample grilled-pineapple skewers as you watch a street performer juggle fire torches while teetering atop stilts. The PotashCorp Fringe Theatre and Street Festival is ten days of food trucks, indoor theatre, a fringe flea market and buskers. Street performers will entertain crowds along Saskatoon’s Broadway Avenue. Stay late to take in one of the many live theatre performances. Aug. 3–12