Central Alberta is the go-to place for music festivals, country music concerts, and more live music than you’ll know what to do with. Several summer festivals take place, jam-packed with music and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for that beat to drop or some smooth jazz, here’s where to go in Central Alberta!

Concerts and Festivals

Tail Creek Mud & Music Festival

From June 28th to Canada Day, check out the Tail Creek Mud & Music Festival near the village of Alix. Over a dozen artists and bands will be performing, and there’s camping available too. The festival is all about rock music and high performance motorsports, including amazing racing, all in the heart of Alberta.

Canada’s Gospel Music Celebration in Red Deer

This annual event takes place July 11, 12 and 13, 2019. The Showcase Spectacular tells the stories of how these pillars of faith were made into songs. As well, there will be many guest artists performing their favourite hymns. 

Westerner Days Fair & Exposition

From the 17-21st of July, Central Alberta’s largest summer celebration, Westerner Days Fair & Exposition will bring music, food, rides, and entertainment. On the 18th, Aaron Goodvin will be coming to Alberta for the first time ever to perform on the main stage. On the 19th, you’ll also get to hear Holly Woods with Toronto.

Jazz at the Lake Festival

August 16-18th, 2019 marks the 17th annual Jazz at the Lake Festival. Celebrating Sylvan Lake’s rich music history and jazz routes, Jazz at the Lake is as much about wonderful music as it is about exploring the lakeside community. With concerts and events through the weekend at various locations around Sylvan Lake, this year’s festival features 2019 JUNO winner for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, Laila Biali. Also performing: Jack Semple, Gabriel Palatchi, Johnny Summers Little Big Band and more.

Alberta Master Games – Live Outdoor Concert

Coming to the end of summer, the Alberta Masters Games at Rock Mountain House from 22-24th of August, 2019 will welcome beer gardens and outdoor concerts. The games themselves are open to athletes over 30 years of age for 14 competitive sports over 4 days. Alongside the sporting events, you can see a great lineup of live music including Dennis Bouwman, Sass Jordan, Tom Cochrane & Red Rider, and Scenic Route to Alaska. The backdrop of the North Saskatchewan River is the perfect venue for some live outdoor music.

Concerts at the Abbey Centre in Blackfalds

Blackfalds’ Abbey Centre is host to a ton of free music events throughout the summer months. Stiletto will be performing on June 27th, 9 Second Ride on August 1st, and Two Bit Bandits on August 8th. As well, check out performances at the Abbey Centre’s outdoor amphitheatre every Thursday night throughout the summer. Some weeks will feature musicians others comedians, jugglers and other performers.

Music in Park in Lacombe

Local and regional music in a lovely setting at the Lacombe Memorial Centre. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and head to the Echo Stage for performances which run every Wednesday, June through August. Don’t worry about dinner as there are an assortment of food trucks onsite plus the Lacombe Market. This year, Music in the Park will feature a variety of genres and artists including Randi Boulton, Renegade Station, the Nova Scotiables and more.

Dean Brody at Westerner Park

On October 16th, 2019, Red Deer’s Westerner Park Centrium will be welcoming Dean Brody and Dallas Smith in their Friends Don’t Let Friends Tour Alone tour, along with Chad Brownlee and Mackenzie Porter. It’s an event to look forward to, but even more so, because if you’ve bought your tickets, you can buy this VIP Upgrade for a Meet & Greet, photo op, and intimate performance with both Dallas Smith and Dean Brody, and a bunch of other perks! The upgrade is sold separately from the tickets though, so make sure you get both.

Oldstoberfest

Head to Olds September 13th and 14th, 2019 for a guten time. Along with Bavarian rodeo and biergarten festivities – Oldstoberfest offers some fantastic entertainment. Although the 2019 lineup hasn’t been announced yet, previous performers include Dallas Smith, Tim Hicks and Kira Isabella – so you can expect a world class performance again this year.

Live Music Venues

In downtown Red Deer, you’ll find the locally loved Ross Street Patio Parties. Throughout the summer, enjoy free music from the onsite picnic tables and umbrellas. A relaxing way to get some fresh air, take in the local shopping and food, and listen to some quality music in downtown Red Deer.

If you’re looking for on a night on the town, Bo’s Bar & Stage is a great place to head to in Red Deer for live music nights. In July, Monster Truck with The Capones will be performing on July 4th, Tokyo Police Club on the 20th, and the spirited band, The Motorleague, on the 23rd. In fall, Terrel Edwards will be having A Night of the Classics on September 12th, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta & NWT. Said the Whale will have their night on stage on October 6th, and Hollerado’s One Last Time Tour will be having their Red Deer show on October 21st. 

If you’re in Olds, head to Tracks Pub for live music. August 8th, 2019 catch folk punk artist Jesse Stewart at Tracks. Fun fact: Did you know that Olds has more working artists per capita than anywhere else in Alberta? 

Sylvan Lake’s Open Range Saloon has weekly live music nights throughout the summer. Just south of Lacombe, The Funky Monkey Kitchen + Bar frequently hosts live music nights and other events. You can also check out the live music Saturdays throughout July and August at The Pier – Concert Series.

In Rocky Mountain House, live local entertainment takes center stage at the Market on Main event every Thursday night throughout the summer.

Whether you’re planning ahead and looking to attend a music festival or in Central Alberta camping for the weekend and looking last minute for a live music venue on a whim, we have it. Whatever your taste in music, we hope you enjoy it to the fullest this summer in Central Alberta.

Feature Image: courtesy Oldstoberfest’s Facebook Page