Coaldale ready to celebrate Summer Fest August 8-10

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

One of Coaldale’s biggest and best summer celebrations is almost here.  

The Town of Coaldale’s Summer Fest 2025 is set for August 8-10, and will include music, food, entertainment and small-town charm at the annual, high-energy, family-friendly event.  

This year, Summer Fest will feature a variety of things to enjoy, including a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Knights of Columbus, Food Bank barbecue lunch fundraiser, Kinsmen Beer Garden, Show N’ Shine, live entertainment, Domesticated Divas’ Market, petting zoos and other kid’s activities, food trucks, and fireworks.  

This year’s live entertainment line up will include The Road Hammers as part of a Ride for Dad concert fundraiser.

“Summer Fest is more than just a weekend celebration—it’s a reflection of who we are as a community. It’s about small-town pride, big-hearted people, and the strong local values that make Coaldale such a special place to call home,” said Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn. “What sets Coaldale apart is the way our community comes together. From volunteers and businesses to families and visitors, Summer Fest is a showcase of what happens when a town moves forward together, rooted in tradition, driven by connection.”

Van Rijn noted the theme for this year’s event is ‘Proudly Canadian, Locally Driven’ and “highlights our pride in our country while emphasizing the strong local roots that make Coaldale such a unique and welcoming place,” he added. “From our vibrant businesses to our dedicated community groups and volunteers, this festival truly reflects Canadian values grounded in local spirit.”  

Some of the highlights for this year’s Summer Fest include: 

Movie in the Park at Millennium Park on Friday, August 8 at 7 p.m., the Candy Parade takes place on Saturday, August 9, at 11 a.m, – parade entrants may purchase bulk candy from the town, there’s also full day of activities downtown, the Kinsmen Beer Garden with live entertainment will now be hosted in the Civic Square parking lot, just south of Civic Square, Coaldale Custom Cruisers Show N’ Shine takes place on Main Street on Saturday, August 9 at 12 p.m. The Domesticated Divas Market will again be held on the outdoor rink at Civic Plaza, the Pancake Breakfast and Food Bank barbecue will also be held in the Civic Square parking lot, family activities will be provided at the Library and Civic Square, with an outdoor Kids’ Zone in front of John Davidson School. The Road Hammers will headline the Ride for Dad Concert on Saturday, August 9 at 8:30 p.m., which will also feature an expanded lineup with several other performers, and fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday, August 9 at about 10:20 p.m. They will be launched from the Quads, and spectator areas will be set up along the canal bank and in the northwest soccer field. A spectator map is available on the town’s website.

Now in its fourth year, Van Rijn noted that Summer Fest has “become one of Coaldale’s signature annual events.” Summer Fest was officially launched in 2022,  and was the successor to Celebrate Main, a one-time event held in 2021. This event included the newly revitalized Main Street and the idea of incorporating a car show on Main Street, he noted, and since then, the event has grown significantly, with thousands of residents and visitors attending each year.  

Van Rijn said the town is proud to see how the event has evolved and look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to a weekend filled with fun, food, music, and community pride.

“Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here your whole life, Summer Fest offers a glimpse into the best of Coaldale, our hospitality, our creativity, and our unwavering community spirit,” said Van Rijn. “It’s everything we’re proud of, all in one place.”

 For more information or to view the full schedule of events, visit: http://www.coaldalesummerfest.ca