19th Doors Open & Heritage Festival

2024 marks the 19th year of the Crowsnest Pass Doors Open & Heritage Festival, a celebration of our unique history, culture, and heritage. This festival is held over the August Long Weekend and attracts over 9,000 visitors annually to Crowsnest Pass. The event offers a variety of in-person and virtual experiences, sharing the region’s amazing stories and history with participants.

Organized by the Crowsnest Heritage Initiative, the festival has a special theme this year: the 100th anniversary of the end of Prohibition in Alberta. The era of Crowsnest Pass’s rum-running heritage ended on May 10, 1924, and this significant milestone will be highlighted throughout the festival.

The festivities kick off on Thursday, August 1st, with KidsFest at the Blairmore Gazebo Park. The weekly market will feature fresh produce, locally handcrafted items, artwork, games, live music, activities, food trucks, and bouncy castles.

The Crowsnest Pass Polish Hall will host a free live radio drama directed by Rebecca Dewey. The Heritage Youth Theatre Company will perform an original drama with sound effects inspired by the Prohibition theme, offering an evening of history, music, and mystery.

The celebrations continue throughout the long weekend with a live concert at Blairmore Gazebo Park. Attendees can enjoy performances by the local Crowsnest Community Orchestra, Second Fiddle, and Terra Hazelton. Bring a lawn chair, relax, and listen to great music.

Additionally, the festival offers scenic Historical Mining E-Bike Tours along the beautiful Crowsnest Pass Community Trail. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the region’s rich mining history, including the aftermath of the Frank Slide.

Join us for a weekend of fun, history, and community! Visit cnpheritagefest.ca for the festival schedule.