Wetaskiwin’s Multicultural Heritage Festival returns to Jubilee Park this weekend, bringing food, performances, and family fun from June 19 to 21. The free event showcases more than eight countries through 45 vendors, traditional dances, and carnival rides, all while raising money for local literacy and wellness programs.
Now in its third year, the festival runs Friday through Sunday at 50 Avenue and 54 Street. It started in 2024 as the Wetaskiwin United Heritage Festival, founded by the Wetaskiwin Filipino Community Foundation and chair Marlon Pinaso. Pinaso, a Filipino-Canadian who moved to Wetaskiwin in 2009, says the goal is simple.
“The main goal of the festival is to unite everyone, regardless of cultures or whatever orientations we have,” Pinaso said. “This is all about celebrating diversity and promoting unity in the community.”
Admission is free, and all proceeds go to Wetaskiwin Literacy & Wellness Services (WLWS). The non-profit provides free learning and development services for residents 15 and older at its 49 Avenue location. The City of Wetaskiwin has committed to five years of financial support to help WLWS eventually run the festival on its own, alongside grants from the province.
Visitors can expect international food, crafts, and goods from around the world, plus live entertainment and midway rides from Wild Rose Shows. The festival has grown from a Filipino-led event to include organizers from many cultural backgrounds, reflecting the city of about 14,000 people. Mayor Joe Branco, elected in October 2025, oversees a council that backs the event as part of building a stronger community.
