Ten of the best events in Alberta, Canada

Whether it’s Beethoven’s music that makes your heart flutter, a rodeo that gets your pulse racing or a Grand Prix to make your hair stand on end then Alberta, Canada has it all for you in 2008. We have selected the top ten most popular and unusual events sure to meet everyone’s tastes.

1. Classic Winter Festival – 1 – 2 March 2008
Experience rollovers, crashes and very fast cars, snowmobiles and motorcycles at the Winter Festival of Speed, held in Lac La Biche. Featuring the Western Canadian Ice Racing Championships as well as snowmobile drag races, motorcycle, sidecar and quad bike races, kids winter carnival and more! The community of Lac La Biche invites everyone to come out and enjoy this winter wonderland extravaganza!

For more information please visit Laclabiche.worldweb.com/Events/Festivals/

2. Beethoven in the Badlands – June 2008
The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, EnCana and The Rotary Club of Drumheller invite you to experience this spectacular outdoor event, held in the awe-inspiring Canadian Badlands Passion Play Site in Drumheller. Come celebrate some of the best-loved music by Beethoven and other great composers.

For more information please visit Cpo-live.com

3. The Calgary Stampede – 4 - 13 July 2008
The most famous event held in Alberta. Comprised of six main events that are the backbone of the Stampede Rodeo - Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, Ladies Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling and Tie-Down Roping.

The heart of Stampede resides at Stampede Park, but the spirit of Stampede is everywhere. Check out all of the great entertainment, pancake breakfasts and Stampede activities around the city. Why not head to the beach? A new attraction, the beach has everything for the perfect beach experience including sand castles, fashion shows, cool drinks, cool food and cool exhibits.

For more information visit Calgarystampede.com

4. The Canadian Badlands Passion Play – 4 - 13 July 2008
Be carried back 2000 years to the land and events that changed the course of history. This dramatic portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in an acoustically superb natural bowl amphitheatre will make you feel like you are actually there. The scripture-based script and music, realistic set and costumes, quality performances and remarkable similarity to the Holy Land all add to the experience.

For more information visit Canadianpassionplay.com

5. Rexall Grand Prix – 18 – 20 July 2008
Fasten your seatbelts as one of the most exciting motor races in the world returns to Edmonton in 2008. The Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton is 3-days of gas, guts and glory as the world's greatest drivers battle it out on the super fast, technically challenging road course at Rexall Speedway.

For more information visit Grandprixedmonton.com

6. A Taste of Edmonton – 18 – 27 July 2008
A Taste of Edmonton is cooking up a feast this July in Sir Winston Churchill Square. Tantalise your taste buds with ten days of food from some of Edmonton’s best restaurants. The festival started in 1984 with only six restaurants participating. Today with 39 restaurants and 78 menus there’s sure to be something for even the pickiest palettes.

For more information visit Eventsedmonton.ca

7. Big Valley Jamboree – 31 July – 3 August 2008
Canada’s biggest country music extravaganza in Camrose is non-stop action with country music acts, bull riding, Rogers Cirque Quest – with daring acrobatics and precision routines, song writers workshop, casino, gospel jamboree and fun for the whole family at the 9th annual parade.

For more information see Bigvalleyjamboree.com

8. Whoop up days – 19 – 23 August 2008
Yee-Haw! Whoop-Up Days is one fun week! Held in Lethbridge this festival features daily concerts, bull riding, rodeo, indoor and outdoor trade show, stage entertainment, hobby world and lots more for $10 per person! Visit the midways rides – with over 36 rides there’s something for everyone whether it be the tame Ferris wheel or the gut wrenching ‘Zipper!’

For more information or the ‘schedule of events’ visit Exhibitionpark.ca/whoopup.htm

9. Thunder in the Valley – 1 - 2 September 2008
Things will really heat up in Drayton Valley as it hosts the third annual Thunder in the Valley Drag Race this September. Great for both the thrill-seeker and those that like to watch thrill-seekers, this event guarantees action to all spectators. Featuring Canada’s only three jet cars, Rollin’ Thunder, Northern F/X and the HER-A-CANE!

For more information visit Thunderinthevalleydragrace.ca

10. Banff Mountain Festival – 1 – 9 November 2008
Visitors to the Banff Mountain Festival will experience adventure, excitement and inspirational mountain stories as well as the outstanding beauty of the mountain landscapes. Meet the world’s top adventurers and listen to their life changing stories and relive their adventures.

For more information visit Banffcentre.ca