The Alberta Métis Fest is back and in person, with Métis jigging, music, food and cultural demonstrations!
Northeast Alberta Festivals roll out red carpet
Métis Crossing, Vermilion and Athabasca are rolling out the red carpet, their Métis sashes and their white table cloths to celebrate live events again, just ahead of July long weekend.
Hard to believe that it’s been over two years since we’ve really been able to collectively get together through entertainment. Communities across northeast Alberta have a special invitation for you to join them for some music, culture and delicious eats.
#NEAB’s early summer events calendar brings together Métis Crossing, the Town of Vermilion and Athabasca County who all have a special invitation for you.
How these events line up, the schedule can even allow for a special weeklong road trip to take it all in across Alberta’s northeast.
Alberta Métis Fest
Métis Crossing, June 24 - 26
An Alberta first, here is your chance to be part of history. Those who have experienced Canada’s leading Métis cultural attraction, know what is waiting at Métis Crossing (less than an hour and a half North of Edmonton).
Learn the proper way to jig, get out on the water for a paddle, pick up a bow and arrow for some archery and fuel yourself up on some traditional Métis cuisine.
June is National Indigenous History Month, so Alberta Métis Fest allows any festival seeker to not only soak in some good-time festival vibes, but while doing so, further their reconciliation efforts. Discover this celebration of Métis culture!
Ever tried a jig? As Métis dancers will often tell you, it's impossible not to crack a smile while doing it. Go join in the dance at Alberta Métis Fest!
When your day of dancing, music and food is done, consider resting your head at the Lodge at Métis Crossing (newly opened winter 2022), for a unique stay that supports Alberta's premiere Métis heritage site.
Celebration of Vermilion & Multiculturalism
Vermilion AB, June 30
Ladies and gentlemen start your taste bud engines! The Town of Vermilion suggests you start your Canada Day long weekend early and take in their Celebration of Vermilion & Multiculturalism June 30.
Within the Celebration is the return of their very popular Taste of Vermilion event, which serves up a menu of restaurants across the community who have a bunch of tasty fixings waiting for you to sample.
“Time and time again, we always hear how well organized and well attended Vermilion events are with such a great sense of community spirit,” says event organizer Candice Anderson. Anderson is the lead for Vermilion’s Good Life Institute (yes, they are a town of 4,000 people who has a dedicated organization to ensure its citizens – and visitors - enjoy the good life)!
The Magnificent River Rats Festival
Athabasca AB, July 1 - 2
How does a kayak or a stand-up paddle to a full-blown music festival sound? It’s the opportunity that awaits river side in Athabasca (less than two hours straight north of Edmonton) during their Magnificent River Rats Festival.
With 23 events, music and cultural acts on the docket over the two day festival, those in attendance will not be bored.
Think of the last time you’ve been out in a crowd enjoying live music? Do you even remember the feeling of enjoying a beverage under the sun with friends while some great music is being made right before your eyes?
Fill those ears with joy, click into the Magnificent River Rats Festival and make your Canada Day long weekend sing.
Athabasca is a regional gem filled with forests, lakes and little B&Bs and friendly hotels to help you rest between fests. Find places to stay with Visit Athabasca.
As suggested at the top of this story – three events listed above can stack up into an epic week. Over at ZenSeekers we’ve got tons of inspiration to fill in the days before your next fest up in #NEAB through the #TakeItToTheLake in North East Alberta campaign. Let us know what you discover, use the hashtags #NEAB, #FestivalSeekers and #ZenSeekers https://www.zenseekers.com/campaign/takeittothelake
We at FestivalSeekers have been working out butts off these past few months updating our calendar to bring you the latest and greatest events this summer, not just across northeast Alberta, but across all of Alberta and BC. Don’t suffer from FOMO this summer, know and go!
When You Go
Hit the road and make a week of northeast Alberta adventure, with festivals, fun and unique stays.
Here are a few suggestions of places to stay:
Metis Crossing
Experience the hospitality and beauty of a stay at Metis Crossing, at the new Lodge at Metis Crossing.
Athabasca
Find a friendly B&B, boutique accommodations or hotels via Visit Athabasca.
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