September means the summer season is officially behind us, but we don’t have to leave the fun behind with it. Leap into autumn with some of these ideas—including a few for Labour Day weekend—and get ready for the beautiful colours of the season to take over Alberta.
Celebrate being Albertan
The provincial government recently declared September 1 as Alberta Day. While it isn’t a statutory holiday, it’s a good opportunity to celebrate the beauty of our province and discover more about its past. Whether you want to learn about Indigenous history at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump—use your AMA membership to get a 10% discount—or attend an official event hosted by the province, we have all the details on How To Celebrate Alberta Day.
50 Yards of Battle Alberta
It’s a Labour Day tradition that sees the classic Battle of Alberta—football style! The Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders face off in their annual early-September clash that will end with only one of Alberta’s two largest cities earning bragging rights. The Stamps and Elks will battle in Calgary at 2:30 p.m. on September 5.
Say Good-Baaaah to Summer
Head to Fort Saskatchewan to take part in a heartwarming family event on Labour Day: the annual Sheep Leaving Parade. Flocks of sheep keep the grass trim in the city’s parks during the summer, but the fuzzy friends get fall and winter off. Join the fun at the parade on September 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., to witness the sheep carrot-feeding frenzy!
Learn about the fall harvest
Wetaskiwin’s Reynolds-Alberta Museum is hosting its annual Harvest Festival from September 3 to 4. Head there to learn more about farming in Alberta. You can witness methods of crop gathering from back in the day with the museum’s fully functional historical equipment. Use your AMA membership to get 10% off admission! Along with demonstrations, the festival includes carnival games, a petting zoo and live music.
Come From Away
The Broadway hit Come From Away is coming to Alberta this September! The musical explores the remarkable true story of when a small town in Newfoundland welcomed thousands of stranded passengers after planes were grounded on 9/11. The Canadian-created, Tony-award winning show is not to be missed. The touring version will stop by Edmonton at the Northern Jubilee Auditorium from August 30 to September 4. It will then head to Calgary September 6 to 11 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Calgary Film Festival
The Calgary Film Festival kicks off September 22 and runs until October 2. The annual event will showcase more than 175 features and shorts for your viewing pleasure. The 11-day festival screens films of every genre, meaning there’s truly something for everyone. It’s also the largest film festival in Alberta and the sixth largest in Canada! The lineup of films will be finalized by the end of August, but ticket bundles are on sale now.
The Sky’s the Limit
Keep your eyes on the High River skies during the Heritage Inn Hot Air Balloon Festival. Between September 21 and 25 pilots from Alberta, and from as far away as Europe, will participate in various competitions. A highlight of the festival is the Balloon Glow evening—this year on September 23—when the balloons all ground in one location, light up, and welcome guests to meet the pilots. Be sure to take a balloon ride during the festival, limited passenger tickets will go on sale on September 6.