Carstairs Beef & Barley Days 2026
We invite you to the 39th annual Carstairs Beef and Barley Days Festival. Free entry. July 17 - 19.
The Carstairs & District Agricultural Society is celebrating 50 years. Join us to celebrate together in Carstairs, Alberta, Canada!
Beef and Barley Days is organized by volunteers. Are you interested in volunteering? Sign up here.
Community Parade:
Theme “Salute to Agriculture”
Celebrate the backbone of our community with this year’s theme, Salute to Agriculture! Join us as we honor the farmers, ranchers, and producers who keep our tables full, with tractors, harvest displays, and plenty of country pride.
We welcome community members, local organizations and businesses to participate in the parade.
To register for the Lion’s Parade please call/text Rose (friend of the Lions) at 403-923-1601 or email carstairslions@outlook.com. Please note the Lions must be made aware of any animals (ex. horses) which are in the parade for safety & sanitation purposes. NOTE: For safety reasons, candy must be handed out by parade walkers and not thrown from vehicles.
Update: Click here for the parade line-up map and judging times
Carstairs Beef & Barley Days Highlights
Multi-Day Events:
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When: Friday July 17 to Sunday July 19
Where: Carstairs Memorial Park and Carstairs Tiny Lafleur ParkGive a cheer as teams participate in the slo-pitch tournament across Carstairs, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free to watch.
Update (July 4, 2026): Start times are as follows:
Friday 6pm
Saturday 8:30am
Sunday 8:30am
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When: Saturday July 18 & Sunday July 19: Schedule Link.
Where: Carstairs Rodeo Grounds, 1251 10th Ave, CarstairsEnjoy live rodeo action by incredibly skilled youth rodeo competitors of the Crooked Horn Canadian Junior Rodeo Association (CHCJRA). Free to watch. Food trucks on site.
Check out some of the skilled members of CHCJRA here: https://chcjra.ca/members
Events may include:
Bareback
Saddle Bronc
Bull Riding
Cow Riding
Breakaway
Tie-Down Roping
Barrel Racing
Pole Bending
Team Roping
Goat Tying
“During the 2026 season, members will compete for the Season Leader title, determined by total accumulated points across all six events. At the conclusion of the season, overall standings will determine which members represent CHCJRA at the Junior National Finals in Las Vegas, the Junior Roughstock National Finals in Arizona, and the IMBA Finals in Ogden, Utah.”
Learn more check out https://chcjra.ca/ or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570803686354.
Anywhere from ages 6 to 18 are listed - to enter as a competitor, or see their detailed daily list of events, go to: https://rodeoproducer.com/software/rp-rodeo-schedule.php?org_id=931
Friday July 17 Events:
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When: Friday July 17, 5-9pm
Where: Carstairs Curling Club, 315 Veterans Way, Carstairs“Kick off Carstairs Beef & Barley Days 2026 with a cold one in hand and your community all around you at the second annual Barley Brewfest.
Coming in hot and crisp- celebrating the rich roots of our local agriculture with a showcase of Alberta's finest craft breweries and distillers. Featuring a handpicked lineup of beer, cider, spirits, and non-alcoholic options from local breweries and distilleries who know their way around a good pour. Some returning favorites and some new and fresh creations.
This event is hosted by the Carstairs & District Agricultural Society. Pre-sale tickets are $10. Tickets purchased at the door are $15. Once inside, drink tokens are $2 each and many samples begin at 1 token. Tokens can be purchased with cash, debit or credit.”
Limited tickets available. Pre-purchase tickets at https://events.frontdoorplus.com/event/2292
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When: Friday July 17, 8pm-1am
Where: Carstairs Curling Club upstairs lounge, 315 Veterans Way CarstairsEnjoy some good times at the upstairs Curling Club lounge and play bingo with friends to your favourite songs!
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When: Friday July 17, approx. 10pm
Where: Carstairs Golf Course, 2 Highway 2A North, CarstairsCelebrate the opening of Beef & Barley Days with a fantastic small-town fireworks show!
Thank you to the Town of Carstairs for sponsoring fireworks and the Carstairs Fire Department for setting things off!
(Please note fireworks are weather depending, check out the Carstairs Fire Department Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/p/Carstairs-Fire-Department-100057652231626/)
Saturday July 18 Events:
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When: Saturday July 18, 7:30-9:30am
Where: Carstairs Curling Club, 315 Veterans Way, CarstairsCome enjoy a traditional community pancake breakfast before the parade starts! Optional donations accepted to help support community. Hosted by the Carstairs & Community Chamber of Commerce.
“The Carstairs & Community Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the development and support of the local business community in Carstairs, Alberta. This organization aims to enhance the quality of life for Carstairs residents through various initiatives. These initiatives and services are designed to foster a supportive environment for businesses in Carstairs, ensuring a vibrant and economically robust community.”
Learn more about the role of the Carstairs & Community Chamber of Commerce here: https://carstairschamber.org/About
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When: Saturday July 18, 11am
Where: 10th Ave (Main Street) & Gough Rd., CarstairsCelebrate Carstairs with us! Enjoy a full local parade - from floats, to bands, horses, cars & more! Gather with us on the Main Street and Gough Ave. for an authentic-small town feel as the parade marches through the single lanes of Carstairs. There will also be free candy handed out as part of the parade.
The parade showcases our local businesses, community organizations and individuals. Thank you to Leslie-Anne Cunningham of the Carstairs Lions for organizing the annual parade!
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When: Saturday July 18, 11:30am-3:30pm (some activities 12pm-3pm)
Where: Memorial Park, CarstairsJoin us for fun FREE outdoor field games, inflatable carnival games, kid’s train rides, pedal ponies, glitter tattoos, magician’s show and more!
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When: Saturday July 18, 11:30am-4pm
Where: Carstairs Curling Rink Concession, 315 Veterans Way, CarstairsEnjoy favourite festival foods at reasonable prices. Proceeds help support the Carstairs Playschool Society.
“Carstairs Playschool is a preschool environment that focuses on kindergarten readiness, healthy active living, positive play, and socialization.”
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When: Saturday July 18, 12-4pm
Where: Carstairs Curling Club, inside & outside. 315 Veterans Way, Carstairs
Explore some great market shopping and delicious festival food truck eats, held inside and outside the Carstairs Curling Club. Well over 40 vendors, booths and food trucks to check out!
Indoor Market Info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560419597007
Outdoor Market Info: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BVmhj9fPV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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When: Saturday July 18, 10am-4pm
Where: 1138 Nanton Street, CarstairsDiscover the Carstairs museum and enjoy a great scavenger hunt! In celebration of Beef & Barley Days, the Carstairs Museum is having a special scavenger hunt with prizes. Or explore the historical 1901 McCaig House, the 1901 Grace Presbyterian Church, beautiful heritage-inspired garden, and numerous artifacts.
“Located in the town of Carstairs, Alberta, the Heritage Centre was established to collect, preserve, record, and interpret objects and materials relevant to Carstairs and District from the earliest settlement to the present day. It now acts not only as a museum, but also a Travel Alberta accredited Visitor Information Centre.” Learn more at CarstairsMuseum.ca
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When: Saturday July 18, 10am-4pm
Where: Half Century Club, 1139 Osler Street, CarstairsCome and have a look at wonderful local artwork at the Art Show & Sale. Held by the Carstairs Artist’s Guild, whom promotes and supports art activities and education to area residents. Learn more here.
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When: Saturday July 18, 12pm start
Where: Champion Ford. 1 Champion Rd, CarstairsCelebrate the vibrant car scene in Carstairs with a fabulous car show at the Champion Ford Car Show and BBQ!
Open to all vehicles. No registration required. FREE BBQ on site & free draws. There will also be some amazing vendor booths to check out!
For more info please email Stephanie Mills: Stephanie@championford.ca
Champion Ford Website: https://www.championford.ca/
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When: Saturday July 18, 5-8pm
Where: Carstairs Memorial Arena, 2100 Highway 581, CarstairsJoin us for a wheel-y good time at this FREE family & community in-line skating event held at the arena.
Skates & helmets provided for free, or feel free to bring your own pair. Skate sizes available for ages 5+. Concession available.
Waiver coming soon! Learn more at https://alieninline.com/
Thank you to Carstairs Towing for sponsoring the skate party and making it available for free for everyone. Learn more about Carstairs towing: https://www.facebook.com/carstairstowing/
Sunday July 19 Events:
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When: Sunday July 19, all day (full schedule to be announced)
Where: Adrenalin Motors, 2 Champion Rd. Carstairs“Join us for the Adrenalin Motors Summer Showdown A full day of classic cars, open highways, and small-town horsepower!
July 19th 2026, during this years Beef & Barley Days.
Participants will cruise a county-wide poker rally through Mountain View County before rolling back into Adrenalin Motors Carstairs for a Car Show finale! All in support of the Carstairs & District Agricultural Society.
Great roads. Loud engines. Good people.”
There will be door prizes and free BBQ. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/1163046152426851/
Adrenalin Motors Website: https://www.adrenalinmotorscarstairs.ca/
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When: Sunday July 19, 10am-12pm
Where: Carstairs Memorial Park (by the gazebo), CarstairsGather together for free coffee & donuts at a collaborative interchurch service from multiple congregations in the area. Enjoy worship and live music together.
(In the event of extreme weather, the back-up location is inside the Carstairs Curling Rink. at 315 Veterans Way in Carstairs.)
Raffle:
You could win! Help support the Carstairs Ag Society by purchasing a 50/50 raffle ticket.
Proceeds help bring events like Beef and Barley Days to the community and support the care & maintenance of our Carstairs rodeo grounds. Ticket sales end Saturday July 18.
Click here to enter: https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/carstairs-ag
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License #AGLC-784429; Launched: Wed, Jul 1, 2026; Sales End: Sat, Jul 18, 2026; Draw Date: Sat, Jul 18, 2026; Draw Location: Carstairs Memorial Arena. Carstairs and District Agricultural Society RAFFLE RULES
1. Players must reside in Alberta, be 18 years or older, and use a major credit card, Visa Debit or MasterCard Debit. Credit cards used for payment must have an Alberta Address.
2. Tickets will be available online and sold at a rate of:
1 for $10 – 40 packages available
4 for $20 – 380 packages available
20 for $50 – 112 packages available
100 for $100 – 64 packages available
3. Ticket sales will end on July 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM with the draw taking place at Carstairs Memorial Arena on July 18, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
4. The winner will receive a cash prize of 50% of ticket sales up to a maximum of $10,000.
5. All ticket numbers will be emailed to ticket purchasers by the registered Electronic Raffle Supplier (ERS) (Rafflebox). A physical ticket will not be mailed out for this draw **
6. The winner will be determined by a random draw utilizing an Alberta Gaming Liquor Commission (AGLC) registered Electronic Raffle Supplier (ERS) Random Number Generator (RNG). **
7. The winner will be contacted by phone and email. The winner has 90 days to claim their prize, a second draw from the same numbers will occur after 90 days if the prize goes unclaimed.
8. Draw results will appear under the "Winners" tab found on the main raffle page.
9. By playing you consent to having your name and winning numbers published.
** see the Rafflebox Terms and Conditions: https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/carstairs-ag
Brochure Schedule & Map:
Please note the schedule may be subject to change. See here online or our Facebook Page for the latest schedule.
(Brochure schedule for the 2026 Carstairs Beef and Barley Days Festival)
(Map for the 2026 Carstairs Beef and Barley Days Festival)
For a downloadable version of the brochure and map, please click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fA4TlyGbnR6V1qYyE-KqPWfHAu6AQhx3?usp=sharing
Getting Here & Parking:
Carstairs is located about 5 minutes west of Highway 2, between the towns of Crossfield and Didsbury. We are about 40 minutes north of Calgary city limits, and 25 minutes north of Airdrie.
During the parade, there will be road closures along the parade route, which opens up once the parade is done. Street parking is available in adjacent communities. All street parking is free throughout town, but please respect handicap and fire hydrant zones.
Contact:
Do you have questions or feedback? Are you seeking to volunteer, connect with others and give back to community? Or are you seeking sponsorship opportunities or wanting to participate greater in Beef & Barley Days? Please email us at carstairsag@gmail.com. Thank you!
*Please note we are not a rodeo association, but offer rental of our rodeo grounds to participating rodeo associations. Contact us for more information about rental opportunities.