You can watch bull riding and race zucchini cars at this Alberta country fair

A country fair packed with rodeo action, family activities and some seriously quirky competitions is coming to Chestermere this month. The Chestermere Country Fair is bringing junior bull riding, mutton bustin’, a community parade and zucchini car races to the Chestermere Recreation Centre for a full day of activities.

Now in its 37th year, the annual fair has become a September tradition in the town, with families coming out to take part in festivities year after year.

Here’s what you can expect at this year’s fair.

What to expect at the Chestermere Country Fair

What is the Chestermere Country Fair?

According to organizers, the Chestermere Country Fair is an annual community celebration organized by the Rocky View Chestermere Agricultural Society. It takes place each September and celebrates the city’s agricultural roots with local vendors, family activities and rodeo events for a full day at the Chestermere Recreation Centre.

What can I do while I’m there?

The day will kick off with a community parade, featuring local floats, marching groups and plenty of country spirit. Afterwards, you can head over to the Harvest Market, where local vendors will be selling handmade goods, fresh produce and more.

For families, the Kids Zone will have games and activities throughout the day, including a Junior’s Firefighter Challenge, sheep herding demonstrations and ninja obstacle courses. Butterfield Acres will also be bringing along a petting zoo, where you can get up close with some adorable farm animals.

The fair will also host a Red Ribbon competition, where locals can enter everything from baking and preserves to photography, quilting, and woodworking for a chance to win trophies and prize money.

One quirky tradition at the fair is the Zucchini Car Races, where tiny zucchini vehicles will race down the track. You can pick up a wheel kit and register through the Chestermere Public Library, or enter the “Bring Your Own Wheels” category if you already have a setup.

Then, the rodeo will take over, with junior bull riding, mutton bustin’ and bronc riding on the lineup. There will also be a Charity Bull Riding event, where local riders compete while raising money for their favourite charity.

And of course, a full day of activities calls for a little something to eat. The Chestermere Whitecappers will be serving up pie and ice cream, so you can grab a little sweet treat while taking a break from all the action.

When and where is the Chestermere Country Fair?

The Chestermere Country Fair is happening on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. The fair runs throughout the day, with the parade kicking things off at 10 a.m. from the Chestermere Family Bike Park before heading north along West Chestermere Drive to the recreation centre.

Where can I park?

If you’re driving to the fair, free parking is available at the Chestermere Recreation Centre and nearby areas. Since the event can get busy, it’s a good idea to arrive early, especially if you’re planning to catch the morning parade.

Is it free to attend?

The fair itself is free to attend, so you can stop by and check out the market, parade, competitions and other activities without buying a general admission ticket. If you want to watch the rodeo, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket.

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Chestermere Recreation Centre – 201 West Chestermere Dr., Chestermere, Alta.
Cost: Free to attend

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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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