The Town of Coaldale, Alberta is gearing up for the return of its fifth annual Summer Fest, set to run from August 6 to 9, 2026. This year’s theme, “Honouring Our Past, Building Our Future,” celebrates the community’s traditions while looking ahead to its continued growth, according to the Coaldale Summer Fest website.
The beloved Candy Parade, a staple for over 50 years, hits Main Street on Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. Residents can also look forward to live music, fireworks, a Show & Shine car event, free swims, and local markets throughout the four-day festival.
One highlight returning is the Movie in the Park, and families have until July 18 to vote for which film will be shown. The Town of Coaldale is accepting applications for parade entries, vendors, and food trucks online, inviting local businesses and community groups to take part in the celebration.
Last year’s festival drew widespread participation from across southern Alberta, including representatives from Lethbridge, Taber, and the village of Barons. The Candy Parade alone featured bagpipes, horses, antique tractors, and — as one local resident put it — “kilos and kilos of candy tossed to eager kids.”
With Coaldale’s population reaching 9,644 in 2025 and local businesses growing by over nine per cent, Summer Fest reflects a town on the rise. Organizers say this year’s event will build on that momentum, offering a mix of traditional favourites and new family-friendly activities.
