Carstairs celebrated its 39th annual Beef and Barley Days Festival from July 17 to 19, 2026, drawing crowds with a weekend of free activities including fireworks, a junior rodeo, and the second annual Barley Brewfest. The event, organized by the Carstairs and District Agricultural Society, also marked the society’s 50th anniversary since it was founded in 1976.
Friday evening kicked off with a fireworks display sponsored by the Town of Carstairs and set off by the Carstairs Fire Department at the Carstairs Golf Course. That same night, the Barley Brewfest returned to the Curling Club after a sold-out debut last year, featuring Alberta craft breweries and with pre-sale tickets sold out in advance.
Saturday featured the traditional Lions Club parade with the theme “Salute to Agriculture,” followed by a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Carstairs and Community Chamber of Commerce. Families packed Memorial Park for the Kids Zone, while market vendors, food trucks, and a car show lined the streets.
The Crooked Horn Canadian Junior Rodeo Association ran junior rodeo events on both Saturday and Sunday, open to youth ages 6 to 18. The competition offered young riders a chance to qualify for the Junior National Finals in Las Vegas, making it a highlight for rodeo families across the region.
Charlie Van Arnam, President of the Carstairs and District Ag Society, highlighted the community effort behind the festival. As the largest annual gathering in Carstairs, the event continues to showcase the town’s strong agricultural roots and volunteer spirit.
