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The 1st Annual Cochrane Discovery Days takes places this weekend in Cochrane, August 30th to September 2nd!
This new town-wide festival displays the rich cultural heritage of Cochrane, built on the foundations of the Cochrane Lions Rodeo and the Labour Day Parade.
Through historical re-enactments, Indigenous performances, Cochrane Discovery Days is a chance for us to honour our past, celebrate our present and to embrace our future.
This weekend history will come alive around Cochrane through a variety of scheduled events.
Most events are free, but some do have associated fees / costs.
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Time Heritage Ice Cream Flavour MacKays Ice Cream Stop into the iconic MacKays Ice Cream to get a taste of the past. During Discovery Days only, MacKays will be offering Heritage Ice Cream a pure cream treat made just like it was in the good old days. | MacKays Ice Cream 220 1 ST W | 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Menu Prices |
| Visit the Cochrane Historical Museum Cochrane Historical Museum Discover part of Cochrane’s history through the eyes of settlers, ranchers, and farmers. Explore the historic museum, the newly opened Westerson cabin, and the historic gardens. | 20 Bow Trail | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Donations Welcome |
| BBQ Lunch Cochrane Lions Rodeo Bite into an old school rodeo burger (you just need to taste it!) | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | FREE |
| Slimdor Ranch Rodeo Cochrane Lions Rodeo The free-admission event, courtesy of Slimdor, features competitions based on actual ranching activities like cattle wrestling and sorting and penning, taking you back in time to see where today’s rodeo originated. These are skills used today to manage their animals and homesteads. Sponsored by Slimdor | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 2:00 PM | FREE |
| Evening Family Entertainment Cochrane Lions Rodeo Free entertainment for the whole family, more details coming soon! |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cochrane Farmers Market Cochrane Environmental Action Committee Visit the Iconic Cochrane Farmers Market. Enjoy the bounty of fresh, local produce that is filling the tables at the market along with the many unique handcrafts. | SLS Centre 800 Griffin Road E | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | FREE |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living History Characters & Musicians Guns of the Golden West Stroll through historic downtown Cochrane and meet Old West characters. Enjoy live music, interactive storytelling, and captivating reenactments at our history festival. Experience a unique journey back in time! Sponsored by Explore Cochrane | Roaming Historic Downtown | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | FREE |
| Scooters Head to Centennial Plaza for discounted bird scooters Sponsored by BIRD Scooters | Centennial Plaza 221 1st Street W | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | DISCOUNT |
| Artist Demonstrations Route 22 Collective Gallery Visit the local collective art gallery to explore artisan work and watch live artist demonstrations. Experience the creativity and skill of local artists as they create stunning pieces before your eyes. | Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery 312 Fifth Ave #18 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | FREE |
| Hide Tanning Demonstration & Teachings Alberta Land Based Education and Wazin Ichanabi Ti Alberta Land-based Education is thirlled to invite you to an interactive demonstration on Moose, Elk, Deer, and Beaver Brain Hide Tanning. Learn from Elders, watch the process, or try it yourself! Sponsored by CCI Group of Companies | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | FREE |
| Tipi Village, Storytelling and Crafts Nakota Îtipi & Ryder Style Craft Explore the Traditional Stoney Nakoda Tipi Village with storytelling by Travis Jimmy John and crafts by Ronine Ryder. Enjoy engaging stories and shop handmade crafts. Sponsored by CCI Group of Companies | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE |
| Wild West Carnival The Cochrane Library Visit an Old West Carnival featuring a “Wanted!” photobooth, Tin Can Alley, Shooting Gallery, and much more. Enjoy fun games and activities for all ages in a lively, historic setting. | The Cochrane Public Library 405 Railway Street W. | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | FREE |
| Natural History Discovery Zone: Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation Visit the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation to learn about the Park’s history with a hands on display, including some artifacts. . | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE |
| Natural History Discovery Zone: The New Wildlife Coexistence Cochrane Program Cochrane Environmental Action Committee The unique landscape around Cochrane is home to both humans and local wildlife. Discover the animals that live in or visit the area and learn how we can coexist with them. Sponsored by Cochrane Environmental Action Committee | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE |
| Natural History Discovery Zone: The Birds of Prey Birds of Prey Centre Have a close encounter with the Birds of Prey and learn about animal conservation. You’ll have a chance to see birds like falcons, hawks or owls at this event. Sponsored by Cochrane Environmental Action Committee | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE |
| Brunch at the Fence and Post Restaurant Fence and Post Start your day off right with delicious Discovery Days brunch at the Fence and Post Restuarant featuring the best local ingredients and a special weekend cowboy breakfast bowl. | Fence and Post Restuarant 214 1 St W | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Menu Prices |
| Cowboy-Themed Kids Crafts The Messy Moose Kids Arts and Sensory Studio Join The Messy Moose Studio at Cochrane Discovery Days for cowboy-themed crafts! Our drop-in studio offers a fun, creative space for children of all ages to explore and express themselves | The Messy Moose 123 2 Ave W #3 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | $21+GST per child over 1 |
| Limited time Heritage Ice Cream Flavour MacKays Ice Cream Stop into the iconic MacKays Ice Cream to get a taste of the past. During Discovery Days only, MacKays will be offering Heritage Ice Cream a pure cream treat made just like it was in the good old days. | MacKays Ice Cream 220 1 ST W | 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Menu Prices |
| Shop Cochrane Souvenirs The Social Spot Pop into the all things local boutique and receive 15% off select Cochrane souvenirs | The Social Spot 218 1 St W (Upstairs) | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | DISCOUNT |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo Grounds Open Cochrane Lions Rodeo Head to the rodeo grounds for tasty food trucks and local vendors. Kids will enjoy bouncy castles, a petting zoo, and face painting. Join the 50/50 draws and win exclusive rodeo buckles. Fun for the whole family! | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 11:00 AM | GET TICKETS |
| Western Horseshoe Art Workshop Route 22 Collective Gallery Celebrate Albertas heritage by creating your own custom piece of western art with Route 22 Gallery & Gift Shop. We will be hand painting real horseshoes, with guidance on design and how to hang it in your home afterwards. All supplies included! | Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery 312 Fifth Ave #18 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | GET TICKETS |
| The Branding Experience Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation Experience true ranching culture with a hands-on branding event in Cochrane. Learn to design your own livestock brand and burn it onto a keepsake piece of barn wood. | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | By Donation |
| Still Water Tea Tasting Still Water Tea Stop into Still Water tea in it’s new location for special tea tastings an bulk tea discounts! | Still Water Tea 123 2 Ave W #2 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | FREE Tasting |
| Old Fashioned Candy Shoppe Horse Creek Heritage Candy & Gifts Discover treat from yesteryear at Cochrane’s cutest candy shoppe, Horse Creek Heritage Candy & Gifts. All weekend receive 10% off purchases over $10. | Horse Creek Heritage Candy & Gifts | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | DISCOUNT |
| Limited Time Heritage Ice Cream Flavour MacKays Ice Cream Stop into the iconic MacKays Ice Cream to get a taste of the past. During Discovery Days only, MacKays will be offering Heritage Ice Cream a pure cream treat made just like it was in the good old days. | MacKays Ice Cream 220 1 ST W | 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Menu Prices |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer Garden (18+) Cochrane Lions Rodeo Enjoy the 18+ beer garden with a variety of brews in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for adults to unwind and socialize. | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Guided Shuttle to Stoney Nakoda Pow Wow Wazin Îchinabi Ti Take a guided shuttle bus to the Stoney Nakoda Pow Wow. Enjoy a 101 lesson on the way, then enjoy the Pow Wow, and return to the station for 4 PM | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | By Donation. First come, first serve. |
| Visit the Cochrane Historical Museum Cochrane Historical Museum Discover part of Cochrane’s history through the eyes of settlers, ranchers, and farmers. Explore the historic museum, the newly opened Westerson cabin, and the historic gardens. | Cochrane Historical Museum 20 Bow Valley Trail | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Donations Welcome |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo Events Start Cochrane Lions Rodeo Step into the thrilling world of hooves, hats, and heart-pounding action. Grab a seat in the stands to watch 16 high-adrenaline rodeo events like bull riding and saddle bronc. | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 1:00 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Horseshoe Art Workshop Route 22 Collective Gallery Celebrate Albertas heritage by creating your own custom piece of western art with Route 22 Gallery & Gift Shop. We will be hand painting real horseshoes, with guidance on design and how to hang it in your home afterwards. All supplies included! | Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery 312 Fifth Ave #18 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bike History Tours Rockyview Brewing Company and the Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS) Take a unique tour on a multi-seater E Bike…pedalling optional! Starting at Rocky View Brewing’s Tap Room, you’ll spend an hour touring through town with a guide from the Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS). Finish your tour with a cold brew at the Tap Room. | Rockyview Brewing Company 420 1st Street W | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo Cabaret Cochrane Lions Rodeo 18+ Details coming soon! | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 8:00 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Location | Time | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Scooters Bird Scooters Head to Centennial Plaza for discounted bird scooters Sponsored by BIRD | Centennial Plaza 221 1st Street W | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | DISCOUNT |
| Living History Characters & Musicians Guns of the Golden West Stroll through historic downtown Cochrane and meet Old West characters. Enjoy live music, interactive storytelling, and captivating reenactments at our history festival. Experience a unique journey back in time! Sponsored by Explore Cochrane | Roaming Historic Downtown | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | FREE |
| Artist Demonstrations Route 22 Collective Gallery Visit the local collective art gallery to explore artisan work and watch live artist demonstrations. Experience the creativity and skill of local artists as they create stunning pieces before your eyes. | Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery 312 Fifth Ave #18 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | FREE |
| Hide Tanning Demonstration & Teachings Alberta Land Based Education and Wazin Ichanabi Ti Alberta Land-based Education is thirlled to invite you to an interactive demonstration on Moose, Elk, Deer, and Beaver Brain Hide Tanning. Learn from Elders, watch the process, or try it yourself! Sponsored by CCI Group of Companies | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | FREE |
| Tipi Village, Storytelling and Crafts Nakota Îtipi & Ryder Style Craft Explore the Traditional Stoney Nakoda Tipi Village with storytelling by Travis Jimmy John and crafts by Ronine Ryder. Enjoy engaging stories and shop handmade crafts. Sponsored by CCI Group of Companies | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE |
| Natural History Discovery Zone: Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation Visit the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation to learn about the Park’s history with a hands on display, including some artifacts. | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE |
| Natural History Discovery Zone: The New Wildlife Coexistence Cochrane Program Cochrane Environmental Action Committee The unique landscape around Cochrane is home to both humans and local wildlife. Discover the animals that live in or visit the area and learn how we can coexist with them. Sponsored by Cochrane Environmental Action Committee | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE |
| Natural History Discovery Zone: The Birds of Prey Birds of Prey Centre Have a close encounter with the Birds of Prey and learn about animal conservation. You’ll have a chance to see birds like falcons, hawks or owls at this event. Sponsored by Cochrane Environmental Action Committee | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE |
| Brunch at the Fence and Post Restuarant Fence and Post Start your day off right with delicious Discovery Days brunch at the Fence and Post Restuarant featuring the best local ingredients and a special weekend cowboy breakfast bowl. | Fence and Post Restuarant 214 1 St W, Cochrane | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Menu Prices |
| Shop Cochrane Souvenirs The Social Spot Pop into the all things local boutique and receive 15% off select Cochrane souvenirs | The Social Spot 218 1 St W (Upstairs) | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | DISCOUNT |
| Limited Time Heritage Ice Cream Flavour MacKays Ice Cream Stop into the iconic MacKays Ice Cream to get a taste of the past. During Discovery Days only, MacKays will be offering Heritage Ice Cream a pure cream treat made just like it was in the good old days. | MacKays Ice Cream 220 1 ST W | 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM | Menu Prices |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo Grounds Open Cochrane Lions Rodeo Head to the rodeo grounds for tasty food trucks and local vendors. Kids will enjoy bouncy castles, a petting zoo, and face painting. Join the 50/50 draws and win exclusive rodeo buckles. Fun for the whole family! | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 11:00 AM | GET TICKETS |
| The Branding Experience Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation Experience true ranching culture with a hands-on branding event in Cochrane. Learn to design your own livestock brand and burn it onto a keepsake piece of barn wood. | The Station at Cochrane Crossing 360 Railway St W | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | By Donation |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer Garden (18+) Cochrane Lions Rodeo Enjoy the 18+ beer garden with a variety of brews in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for adults to unwind and socialize. | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Visit the Cochrane Historical Museum Cochrane Historical Museum Discover part of Cochrane’s history through the eyes of settlers, ranchers, and farmers. Explore the historic museum, the newly opened Westerson cabin, and the historic gardens. | Cochrane Historical Museum 20 Bow Valley Trail | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Donations Welcome |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo Events Start Cochrane Lions Rodeo Step into the thrilling world of hooves, hats, and heart-pounding action. Grab a seat in the stands to watch 16 high-adrenaline rodeo events like bull riding and saddle bronc. | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bike History Tours Rockyview Brewing Company and the Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS) Take a unique tour on a multi-seater E Bike…pedalling optional! Starting at Rocky View Brewing’s Tap Room, you’ll spend an hour touring through town with a guide from the Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS). Finish your tour with a cold brew at the Tap Room. | Rockyview Brewing Company 420 1st Street W | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboy Poetry Open Mic Found Bookstore Come on down to Found for Cowboy Poetry Open Mic ! Poets share witty and heartfelt verses about the rugged cowboy life. Come on in, grab a drink & enjoy this fun, informal event filled with stories of adventure, humor, and the spirit of the Old West. Welcome to young and old, seasoned and novice poets & audience members. |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Parade Entertainment Cochrane and Area Event Society Head to historic Downtown Cochrane early to enjoy the pre-parade entertainment | Historic Downtown | 9:00 AM | FREE |
| Community Pancake Breakfast Cochrane Activettes Nothing says Western Hospitality like an good old fashioned pancake breakfast. | next to Centennial Plaza 221 1st Street W | 9:00 AM | By Donation |
| Indigenous Marketplace Wazin Îchinabi Ti Discover Wazin Ichinabi Ti, the House of Oneness, and shop indigenous made crafts and goods. | Wazin Ichinabi Ti, House of Oneness 521 1 St W Unit 6, | 9:00 AM | FREE |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour Day Parade Cochrane and Area Event Society The labour day long weekend parade is a long standing tradition. Find your spot in Historic Downtown Cochrane to enjoy the Festivities! Parade Map Coming soon! | Historic Downtown | 10:00 AM | FREE Parade Information |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo Grounds Open Cochrane Lions Rodeo Head to the rodeo grounds for tasty food trucks and local vendors. Kids will enjoy bouncy castles, a petting zoo, and face painting. Join the 50/50 draws and win exclusive rodeo buckles. Fun for the whole family! | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 11:00 AM | GET TICKETS |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer Garden (18+) Cochrane Lions Rodeo Enjoy the 18+ beer garden with a variety of brews in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for adults to unwind and socialize. | Rodeo Grounds 109 5th Avenue | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | GET TICKETS |
| Visit the Cochrane Historical Museum Cochrane Historical Museum Discover part of Cochrane’s history through the eyes of settlers, ranchers, and farmers. Explore the historic museum, the newly opened Westerson cabin, and the historic gardens. | Cochrane Historical Museum 20 Bow Valley Trail | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Donations Welcome |
| Activity | Location | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo Events Start Cochrane Lions Rodeo Step into the thrilling world of hooves, hats, and heart-pounding action. Grab a seat in the stands to watch 16 high-adrenaline rodeo events like bull riding and saddle bronc. | Rodeo Grounds 10 |
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In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina, and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 4.
Urban Casual Cochrane is a complete resource of events and community news for your family to enjoy in Cochrane, AB and surrounding areas.
Disclaimer: While we aim to provide the best, most up-to-date information on fun events and activities in and around Cochrane, we cannot guarantee the information on times, dates, admission etc.
These things are out of our control and we encourage you to check in with the event, before you head out to your activity.
