A summer fair with rodeo events and midway rides is taking over southern Alberta

Summer isn’t over just yet, and Whoop-Up Days is giving you another reason to get outside and enjoy it while it lasts. The iconic Lethbridge celebration is returning this August with five days packed with midway rides, live entertainment, and plenty of fun for the whole family.

If you’re still riding that Calgary Stampede high or didn’t get the chance to make it out this year, Whoop-Up Days is bringing that same Western spirit back to the province.

Now let’s take a look at what will be happening during the five-day event.

Whoop-Up Days have been a summer tradition in Lethbridge for more than a century, bringing the community together to celebrate the city’s Western roots. According to organizers, the event originally started as an agricultural fair on Oct. 5, 1897, and eventually evolved into a full celebration with midway rides, rodeo events and activities for all ages.

One of the biggest draws is the midway, which features more than 30 rides and attractions. Along with the rides, you’ll also find plenty of carnival-style food, games, and all the classic fair favourites you’d expect to see.

And the entertainment lineup is always a huge part of Whoop-Up Days, with a variety of performances from different genres happening across the five days. According to organizers, the main stage will feature performances from artists including Fefe Dobson, Default, and Gord Bamford.

Beyond the rides and concerts, there’s plenty more to check out on the grounds. Another highlight this year is Hot Summer Night, a professional wrestling event from Lethbridge-based Pure Power Wrestling where wrestlers will go head-to-head and battle it out in front of a live crowd.

Of course, no Whoop-Up Days celebration would be complete without the rodeo. The Whoop-Up Days Pro Rodeo will take place from Aug. 20 to 22, and will feature cowboys and cowgirls of all ages competing for nearly $100,000 in cash prizes.

Dates, tickets, and event details

Whoop-Up Days will take over Exhibition Park in Lethbridge from Tuesday, Aug. 18, to Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of the event or at the gate. If you’re looking to save a few bucks, buying tickets online is the best option, as it’s cheaper than purchasing them at the gate.

After more than 100 years, Whoop-Up Days continues to be one of the biggest ways to celebrate summer in Lethbridge. The event has grown quite a bit since its early days as an agricultural fair, but it still has that same sense of community that has kept people coming back for generations. This year’s celebration is another chance to experience the tradition for yourself.

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18 to Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
Time: Noon to 11:50 p.m.
Where: 101 Exhibition Way S., Lethbridge, Alta.
Cost: General admission starting at $12 online, or $17 at the gate

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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