The annual Whoop-Up Days festival is returning to Lethbridge this summer, with organizers announcing a five-day lineup running from August 18 to August 22, 2026. This year marks over 125 years of tradition for Southern Alberta, featuring everything from pro rodeo action to live musical performances under the theme of Midway Magic.
The Lethbridge & District Exhibition, also known as Excite Lethbridge, is organizing the event at 101 Exhibition Way South.
The festival week kicks off with a downtown parade on August 18, led by 2026 Parade Marshal Knud Petersen. Mr. Petersen is the first person to hold this role after being selected through the organization’s new community nomination program. Indigenous programming also returns this year, with the Siksikaitsitapi Princess Pageant taking place on August 18, followed by the Siksikaitsitapi Pow Wow on August 19 and 20.
Sports fans can look forward to three nights of pro rodeo from August 20 to August 22. Presented by Dennis Dirtworx, the event will feature stock from the Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo.
Last year’s festival saw significant community interest, with a record-breaking 54,865 attendees. This included nearly 9,075 people at the rodeo, which marked a 47 percent increase in rodeo attendance compared to previous years.
