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Cochrane Discovery Days 2024

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.

Full details are on the Cochrane Tourism website: Explore Cochrane

Friday, August 30

ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMMenu 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 Trail12:00 PM – 4:00 PMDonations 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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

Evening Family Entertainment
Cochrane Lions Rodeo

Free entertainment for the whole family, more details coming soon!

Saturday, August 31

 
09:00 AM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMFREE
 
10:00 AM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 Downtown10:00 AM – 4:00 PMFREE

Scooters

Head to Centennial Plaza for discounted bird scooters

Sponsored by BIRD Scooters

Centennial Plaza
221 1st Street W
10:00 AM – 4:00 PMDISCOUNT

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMMenu 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 PMMenu 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 PMDISCOUNT
 
11:00 AM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 AMGET 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 PMGET 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 PMBy 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 PMFREE 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 & Gifts11:00 AM – 5:00 PMDISCOUNT

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 PMMenu Prices
 
12:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMGET 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 PMBy 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 PMDonations Welcome
 
01:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMGET TICKETS
 
03:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMGET TICKETS
 
04:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMGET TICKETS
 
08:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

Rodeo Cabaret
Cochrane Lions Rodeo

18+ Details coming soon!

Rodeo Grounds
109 5th Avenue
8:00 PMGET TICKETS

Sunday, September 1

 
10:00 AM
 LocationTimeTickets

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 PMDISCOUNT

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 Downtown10:00 AM – 4:00 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMFREE

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 PMMenu 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 PMDISCOUNT

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 PMMenu Prices
 
11:00 AM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 AMGET 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 PMBy Donation
 
12:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMGET 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 PMDonations Welcome
 
01:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMGET TICKETS
 
04:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMGET TICKETS
 
05:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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.

Monday, September 2

 
09:00 AM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

Pre-Parade Entertainment
Cochrane and Area Event Society

Head to historic Downtown Cochrane early to enjoy the pre-parade entertainment

Historic Downtown9:00 AMFREE

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 AMBy 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 AMFREE
 
10:00 AM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 Downtown10:00 AMFREE Parade Information
 
11:00 AM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 AMGET TICKETS
 
12:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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 PMGET 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 PMDonations Welcome
 
01:00 PM
ActivityLocationTimeTickets

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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