Thank you for Beef & Barley Days 2026
Thank you to all those who made the 39th annual Carstairs Beef and Barley Days Festival happen.
Stay tuned for next year, we will be celebrating our 40th annual event on July 16th - 18th, 2027.
Beef and Barley Days is organized by volunteers. Are you interested in volunteering? Sign up here.
Past Event:
2026 Lion’s 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 Leslie-Anne at 403-796-4881 or email at carstairslions@outlook.com.
Guidelines: Parade entries must fit within the theme, and 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 distributed by parade walkers and not thrown from vehicles.
UPDATE: Click here for the parade line-up map & judging times
Carstairs Beef & Barley Days Highlights
Friday July 17, 2026 Events:
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When: Friday July 17, 5-9pm
Where: Carstairs Curling Club, 315 Veterans Way, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DV79MZBhFWHJG8p1A“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 now SOLD OUT. At-the-door tickets are only going to be available as Pre-Sale ticketed patrons leave the venue. Therefore at the door tickets are NOT guaranteed. At-the-door tickets, if available, will be $15.
Once inside, drink tokens are $2 each and many samples begin at 1 token. Tokens can be purchased with cash, debit or credit.”
Barley Brewfest Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/carstairs-curling-club/barley-brewfest-2026/1390487856431533/
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When: Friday July 17 to Sunday July 19
Where: Carstairs Memorial Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/myJs99NPM3jxVnSK9) and Carstairs Tiny Lafleur Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EifULosAxaC8oF2V9)Give 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: Friday July 17, 8pm-1am
Where: Carstairs Curling Club upstairs lounge, 315 Veterans Way Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qohfYtjDyoVBhF4P8EDIT: Rock-n-Roll Bingo has been cancelled, but the lounge will still be open.
Enjoy some good local times at the upstairs Curling Club lounge and enjoy a drink with friends! Learn more about the Carstairs Curling Club: https://www.carstairscurlingclub.com/
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When: Friday July 17, approx. 10pm
Where: Carstairs Golf Course, 2 Highway 2A North, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/akireLZGck5hnJiN9Celebrate the opening of Beef & Barley Days with a fantastic small-town fireworks show!
Thank you to the Town of Carstairsfor 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, 2026 Events:
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When: Saturday July 18, 7:30-9:30am
Where: Carstairs Curling Club, 315 Veterans Way, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pXiAdZUThAbbHmUS7Come 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.
All donation proceeds will support both the Carstairs Elementary School Outdoor Space and the Hugh Sutherland School Arts Department.
“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: Friday July 17 to Sunday July 19
Where: Carstairs Memorial Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/myJs99NPM3jxVnSK9) and Carstairs Tiny Lafleur Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EifULosAxaC8oF2V9)Give 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: Start time: 9am, goes until finish.
Where: Carstairs Rodeo Grounds, 1251 10th Ave, Carstairs on Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p8VSLweZQXAjH74x8Enjoy 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=931ion
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When: Saturday July 18, 11am
Where: 10th Ave (Main Street) & Gough Rd., Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXWVNWdKzow1Ee327Celebrate 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, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pQUnba2bEC7GNU3w6Join 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, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pXiAdZUThAbbHmUS7Enjoy 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.” Learn more: https://www.carstairsplayschool.net/
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When: Saturday July 18, 12-4pm
Where: Carstairs Curling Club, inside & outside. 315 Veterans Way, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pXiAdZUThAbbHmUS7
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, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HvWWw7W7ysgphUBr8Discover 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, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fz6a7S9JHihhHemaACome 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, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1QzAKvVNeEkywCjx5Celebrate 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, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vPRo7LcYD4Mjs6xN6Join 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+.
Available at the indoor arena concession: “Carstairs Pickleball will be doing a Pork on a Bun with coleslaw and drink for $12 and $7 for kids 12 and under. Great family value, for everyone!”
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, 2026 Events:
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When: Sunday July 19, all day (full schedule to be announced)
Where: Adrenalin Motors, 2 Champion Rd. Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UKBUfGm8kaP8U7KVA“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/
“8:00 AM – Rally Registration Opens
Check in, grab your swag bag, and get ready to hit the road.
9:00 AM – Poker Rally Begins
147 km of great roads, awesome checkpoint stops, and plenty of horsepower.
12:00 PM – Car Show Opens
FREE Admission + BBQ
Come check out an incredible lineup of classics, muscle cars, trucks, exotics, and custom builds.
While you're here, enjoy:
Free Face Painting (1-3pm)
Door Prizes
Silent Auction
Great atmosphere for the whole family
2:00 PM – Best Poker Hand Winner Announced
4:00 PM – Best in Show & Furthest Travelled Awards”
Adrenalin Motors Website: https://www.adrenalinmotorscarstairs.ca/
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Item descriptiWhen: Friday July 17 to Sunday July 19
Where: Carstairs Memorial Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/myJs99NPM3jxVnSK9) and Carstairs Tiny Lafleur Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EifULosAxaC8oF2V9)Give 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 8:30amon
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When: Saturday July 18 & Sunday July 19: 9 am start. Goes until entries finish.
Where: Carstairs Rodeo Grounds, 1251 10th Ave, Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zP5du79mD4C3Trb46Enjoy 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
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When: Sunday July 19, 10am-12pm
Where: Carstairs Memorial Park (by the gazebo), Carstairs: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z9f7KYXSBJ4yuFpR7Gather together for free coffee & donuts at a collaborative interchurch service from multiple congregations in the area. Enjoy worship and live music together.
“Outdoor Service at Memorial Park in Carstairs. Sunday July 19th. 10:00am - 10:30am Coffee & Donuts. 10:30am Service Begins
Please bring a lawn chair! All are welcome! Music brought to you by West Zion Bible Church. Testimony by Jesse Sawyer. Message by Pastor Kelly Sikstrom - Bethel Church.
Inter-church service with congregations from the Carstairs Area.”
Donations accepted for the Carstairs Food Pantry Program:
“Located in the Community Services building, the pantry is available to anyone during regular office hours and is entirely community-funded. We continue to welcome donations of sealed, non-expired food items, toiletries, and other essential household items.
Looking for a convenient way to give?
Join Church in the Park during Beef & Barley Days on Sunday, July 19:
- Coffee & Donuts: 10:00–10:30 a.m.
- Inter-Church Service: 10:30 a.m.
- Pantry donations are being accepted, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
For more information about donating or accessing the pantry, please contact the Community Services office at 403-940-3327.” Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1985dFdb6y/
(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
Schedule:
Please note the schedule may be subject to change. See online here or our Facebook Page for the latest schedule and news.
Brochure, Map & Parade Route:
(Download the map for the 2026 Carstairs Beef and Barley Days Festival)
For a folder of all downloadable versions of the schedule 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.
The parade runs south along 10th Street N and turns west onto Gough Road. During the parade, there will be road closures along the parade route, which opens up once the parade is done.
All street parking is free throughout town, but please respect handicap and fire hydrant zones.
Key location of other events are:
Carstairs Curling Club at 315 Veterans Way, Carstairs AB: https://maps.app.goo.gl/btkCFnEyfvBQ1hpY9
Carstairs Memorial Park, 1398 Gough Rd, Carstairs AB: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qnnjg5QmxLPUSsbq9
Carstairs Memorial Arena, 2100 AB-581, Carstairs AB: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RtsJewxsqPcYTc559
Carstairs Golf Club, 2 Highway 2A North, Carstairs AB: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g8hsgA6eYjuSfGQH7
Champion Ford, 1 Champion Rd, Carstairs AB: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xWn1s4aQpSrkMdLv9
Adrenalin Motors, 2 Champion Rd, Carstairs AB: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wT5DJ5pcRUC8KezFA
Tiny LeFleur Field: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HyWnGgWHrxUjCtsv6
See below for details on the Carstairs Rodeo Grounds.
Carstairs Rodeo Grounds
The Crooked Horn Canadian Junior Rodeo will be held at the Carstairs Rodeo Grounds. These grounds are maintained by the our Ag Society. The entrance to the grounds is the first exit north of the Nature Space on 10th Ave S. Look for the metal “Carstairs Rodeo” name.
Google Map Link of the rodeo grounds: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aWSho8pq3GCbj3rHA
Exact GPS co-ordinates: 51.55469° N, 114.09515° W
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Thank you to all our sponsors and partners for making this volunteer-organized event happen! We appreciate your generosity of many - Beef and Barley Days would not be possible without you!
Kid's Zone Sponsors:
Carstairs Elks
QE II Indoor Boat & Self Storage
Rocky 6S Ranch
Theresa & Mike Watson
Town of Carstairs
Fireworks Sponsor:
Town of Carstairs
Inline Skate Party Sponsors:
Carstairs Towing
Town of Carstairs
Event Hosts/Partners:
Adrenalin Motors
Carstairs Artists Guild
Carstairs & Community Chamber of Commerce
Carstairs Church Link
Carstairs Curling Club
Carstairs Fire Department
Carstairs Heritage Centre
Carstairs Lions
Carstairs Playschool Society
Crooked Horn Canadian Junior Rodeo Association
Champion Ford Carstairs
Town of Carstairs
Community Posters:
See below for some more posters about the great events happening in Carstairs during Beef & Barley Days!
Please note The Carstairs Ag Society is not officially affiliated all the below posters. Please contact each organization or business if you have any specific questions about their individual event. Or feel free to message us and we can direct you to their contact.
If your organization or business has a poster to add, feel free to reach out, we are happy to add them. Thank you to our Carstairs community for joining together to celebrate Beef and Barley Days!
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.