There is a whole year’s worth of celebrations and festivals in Fort Smith. Here is a collection of events that happen annually – but check the Community Calendar for other great events happening now.
Aurora College Week
An annual event with contests, live music, tours of Aurora College, Thebacha campus, and an outdoor barbecue. Snow or shine! The whole community is welcome.
Wood Buffalo Frolics
A four-day carnival celebrating spring’s impending arrival. Events include dog-team racing, snowmobile racing, a talent show, northern games and competitions, the Mad Trapper’s old time dance, and activities for children. Keep an eye out for the Muffaloose mascot, who just might make an appearance.
Thebacha Loppet
One of western Canada's oldest cross-country skiing events! Beautiful trails along the Slave River held on the first Saturday in March.
Find more information on the Loppet
Fort Smith Ice Fishing Derby
Held annualy in mid- to late-March and is an excellent time to experience winter camping in Canada’s North. The derby is held at a location two hours outside of town by snowmobile.
Red Dress Day
May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) in Canada. Also known as Red Dress Day. The red dresses act as a visual reminder of all the missing women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. The day is about building awareness of this ongoing harm and honouring those who were lost and their families. #NoMoreStolenSisters
The Aurora Open Golf Tournament
This event kicks off the golfing season with a 36-hole event at Pelican Rapids Golf and Country Club, sponsored by Aurora College.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day and a territorial holiday. It celebrates the Indigenous culture and history of the area with a variety of events organized by the Fort Smith Metis Council, Salt River First Nation and Smith’s Landing First Nations.
Treaty Land Entitlement Days
Held near the end of June each year in a grand celebration with live entertainment, locally inspired food and one of the Territories' largest Hand Games Tournament. Hand Games are a traditional Dene team sport where participants show off their skills and wit all combined with singing and drumming. Feel the pulse of the drums, and the energy of the participants during the non-stop action. This event is not to be missed! Organized by the Salt River First Nation.
Canada Day
July 1st is a big celebration and a grand event in Fort Smith. Join the community in cheering on the annual parade to Conibear Park, where activities such as live music, family-friendly games, and concessions continue throughout the afternoon. Save your appetite – local officials serve up dinner at an evening fish fry.
SLFN 196 Treaty Day
Tsambá Nályé Dzıné is an annual celebration to recognize the signing of Treaty 8 by Chief Pierre Squirrel of Smith's Landing First Nation. Treaty 8 territory includes portions of northern British Columbia and northern Saskatchewan, the northern half of Alberta, and the Northwest Territories south of Hay River.
Pine Lake Picnic
It’s all about old fashioned fun in Wood Buffalo National Park at the Pine Lake Picnic. Take part in or cheer on your fellow picnickers at the corn-husking competition, tug-of-war, potato-sack race, canoe races, and Dene hand games; while you enjoy a meal of roasted corn, hot dogs and watermelon! For more information go to: Wood Buffalo National Park
Merchant Classic Golf Tournament
this two-day event is held at the Pelican Rapids Golf and Country Club. Business people and guests from Fort Smith and nearby communities take part each year.
Slave River Paddlefest
World-class big water paddling, 24-hour daylight, warm water and good friends – what’s not to love! Paddlefest includes instructional clinics, river trips, and fun, friendly competitions. There are events for kayaks, canoes, voyageur canoes, kids and adults. The Slave River offers every type of paddling imaginable: from flatwater canoeing around beautiful islands to wild whitewater. For more information: Slave River Paddlefest
Fireweed Festival
Fort Smith’s music, culture and community festival! This festival’s goal is to provide entertainment, community and to develop the Arts scene in Fort Smith. Fireweed Festival takes place during the last weekend in August, every year.
Thebacha & Wood Buffalo Dark Sky Festival
This event takes place in the world's largest Dark Sky Preserve, Wood Buffalo National Park. Invite family and friends to join us for an exciting 4-day journey of exploring the wonders of our universe and the sciences that makes it all work. Exciting science based workshops such as aurora photography, rocket making for the kids and an evening star party are highlights of the weekend! For more information: www.tawbas.ca
Glow Ball Golf Tournament
The stars and aurora borealis make for a spectacular backdrop as you enjoy hot drinks and campfire food while you play. Hosted by The Pelican Rapids Golf and Country Club
The Terry Fox Run
This is held in mid-September at locations across Canada, including Fort Smith. The run raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Run, walk, bike or blade the 5- to 10-kilometre route to support the cause.
Harvest Festival
Held at the end of September to celebrate food that is locally grown, harvested, and produced. Check out the acoustic music, food preservation workshops and even some live animals! Organized by the Desnede Farmers Market.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, originally and still colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day, is to recognize the legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honor the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
Rememberance Day service
This is held on November 11 at the Community Recreation Centre. The service includes hymns and readings, followed by a march to the cenotaph site where wreaths are laid. Later, the local Royal Canadian Legion hall hosts a hot lunch and refreshments.
MAX Arts and Crafts Christmas Sale
With a focus on locally made, handcrafted arts and crafts you can find gems for all your loved ones among them outstanding works of photography, jewellery, quilting, weaving, and other fine arts and crafts.
Winter Wonderland Light up the Night event
Fort Smith lights up for Christmas with a lighting ceremony that includes colourful displays on local homes and businesses.
Breakfast with Santa at the Museum
Meet Santa at the Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre’s pancake breakfast.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration
Join the town in ringing in a new year with a spectacular fireworks display.