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CULTURE ACTIVITY GUIDE

IMAGE: ASHLEY THIMOT

OKOTOKS CULTURE, HERITAGE & EVENTS

APRIL EVENTS!

Toddler Tuesday: Shaving Foam Painting

Ages 2 - 4

Does your toddler like to get messy? Once per month, join us at the Art Gallery for activities you don’t have to clean up! One activity offered per session.

Tue Apr 14 10:30 - 11:30 am

Admission By donation

Okotoks Art Gallery Studio

Introduction to Acting

In this workshop led by Theatre Alberta professionals, participants will receive an introduction to theatre acting, including theatre games, creating and performing a scene, and how to create a character. This workshop is sponsored by Theatre Alberta with funding from The Alberta Foundation for the Arts as part of the ‘Workshops by Request: Hometown Series’.

Ages 6 - 9

Old Church Theatre

Sat Apr 18 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

COURSE ID 25651 $40

Ages 10 - 13

Old Church Theatre

Sat Apr 25 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

COURSE ID 25652 $40

Construction updates We are still open!

Exciting changes are happening around us, but one thing remains constant: our commitment to local culture. Despite the ongoing construction in the area, both the Okotoks Art Gallery and the Okotoks Museum and Archives are operating on their regular schedules!

We appreciate your patience as we grow, and we can’t wait to welcome you through our doors. Stop by today and help us keep the heart of Okotoks culture beating strong!

OKOTOKS ART GALLERY

Earthly Delights

Neil McClelland

Reflecting upon the human delight in gardens and drawing upon his own visits to gardens locally and internationally, Neil McClelland’s Earthly Delights depicts plants as imagined characters, each a complex being with its own relationship to the surrounding world and cosmos. Created through a layered process of photography, digitization, painting, and drawing, these works explore the beauty and fragility of our relationship with the natural world. Each plant suggests a unique presence— part human, part cosmic—inviting wonder at the intricate interconnectedness of all living things.

Apr 11 - Jun 26

Large Gallery

Opening Reception Apr 11 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Ruin & Reclamation: Re-iterated

Beany Dootjes

In Ruin & Reclamation: Re-iterated, Dootjes re-purposes men’s business attire and other textiles into oversized insects using fine craft techniques traditionally associated with women’s handiwork and domestic spaces. By using refined and tactile materials to create unsettling creatures like lice and bed bugs, the work explores our visceral reactions to insects. The tension between attraction and disgust invites viewers to confront discomfort, drawn in by the detailed and delicate construction of these meticulously crafted creatures.

Apr 11 - Jun 26

Small Gallery

Opening Reception Apr 11 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Summer Members’ Show OAG members

A summer tradition, this show features original art made exclusively by our local, OAG members. Support your community artists and shop local!

Jul 4 - Sep 2

Large Gallery

Opening Reception Jul 4 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Won’t You Be My Neighbour?

Ashley Thimot

Thimot’s work celebrates the neighbourhoods she visits every day, presenting her immediate world as something beautiful and worthy of consideration. Each piece shows the viewer how lovely their home can be and invites the viewer to feel what it is like to be a part of that neighbourhood and be, for that moment, a neighbour.

Jul 4 - Sep 4

Small Gallery

Opening Reception Jul 4 1:00 - 3:00 pm

OKOTOKS MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

A Sense of Community

Clubs and organizations provided a sense of belonging to early residents of Okotoks. This exhibit showcases some of the youth groups, fraternities, women’s organizations and service clubs that helped build our community.

Until Aug 29 Second Floor

Raising Baby

Homesteading on the prairies was hard for early pioneers. Parenting on the prairies was equally as challenging. Using artifacts, photographs and local stories, this exhibit shares how pioneers raised their young families in the Okotoks area.

Until Oct 3 Second Floor

Uniquely Okotoks

This exhibit highlights the artifacts that are unique only to Okotoks. From Okotoks Creamery butter labels to a 1905 calendar from Kadey’s Blacksmith Shop, these artifacts are distinctly Okotoks!

Until Jun 27 Main Floor

‘Mr. Watson, come here…’

2026 marks the 150th anniversary of when Alexander Graham Bell uttered the words ‘Mr. Watson, come here – I want to see you.’ Bell’s message, made on March 10, 1876, marked the world’s first telephone call. This exhibit also celebrates the 120th anniversary of the telephone’s arrival in Okotoks in 1906. A collection of telephones will be on display including a wall crank phone that you can use.

Until Sep 29 First & Second Floors

Little Moccasins

The 2014 documentary film, Little Moccasins, shares the story of St. Joseph’s Residential School, also known as Dunbow Residential School northeast of Okotoks, and honours the children who died and are buried at the school. Also on display are some of the 215 shoes from the 2021 memorial at the Okotoks Municipal Centre. These shoes are preserved to ensure these children – as well as all children who did not make it home from residential schools – are not forgotten.

Ongoing Second Floor

GUIDED TOURS

Wednesday Walkabouts

Join Kathy Coutts of the Okotoks Museum and Archives for free guided tours of Okotoks every Wednesday during the months of July and August. These walks are a great opportunity to learn about the history of Okotoks and early residents who called this place home. Each week will have a different theme and will last approximately 1-1.5 hours. Meet at the museum, 49 North Railway Street.

Okotoks Museum and Archives

Wed Jul & Aug 10:00 am

Okotoks Cemetery Tour

Join Karen Peters for a free guided tour of the older section of the Okotoks Cemetery. This year’s tour follows the theme ‘Chinook Country: Influences & Icons.’

Full Moon Ghost Tour

Discover what lurks downtown after dark during the annual Full Moon Ghost Walks, hosted by the Okotoks Museum and Archives and the Okotoks and District Historical Society. Multiple tour times are available. Tickets are required in advance and will go on sale July 25.

Okotoks Museum and Archives Fri Aug 28 After Dark

Tickets $5.00 +GST & fees

Online through Showpass at okotoksculture.ca

Attic Playhouse

Did you know there is a children’s playhouse in the museum’s attic? Children and their parents/caregivers can enjoy selfdirected play including dress-up, books and wooden toys. The playhouse is available during museum hours (except when formal school programs are held). Drop-in or call the museum to ensure availability.

Okotoks Cemetery, 121 Big Rock Trail Sat Aug 1 10:00 am FREE Okotoks Museum and Archives Ongoing 10:00 am - 5:00 pm FREE

OLD CHURCH THEATRE

Over the Moon

Canadian Juno nominated roots/swing duo Over The Moon’s Suzanne Levesque and Craig Bignell are awarding multi-instrumentalists/vocalists that met, fell in love, got married and discovered their voices blend so well together that people often tear up upon hearing them sing. Living on a ranch in the foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains, it’s inevitable there will be a strong sense of place- and the rhythms of the land when you start to make music. Their music is a wild ride from 40’s sounding western swing and Appalachian old-time, to cowboy blues. Simple and sweet, all their material has a common thread that speaks of the Canadian west.

Fri Apr 17

Admission General

Advance

At the door

Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm

$35

$45

Yuk Yuk’s

Headliner: Dale Ward

Dale Ward is a touring comedian and professional artist, he has opened for Bill Burr and Tom Segura and he is featured on a Just For Laughs live standup comedy album!

MC: Johnny Pogo

Through his humour, you will find that Johnny can make light out of the darkest situations and can also make dark out of the lightest.

Featuring: Leah Scheitel

Leah Scheitel is a Calgary-based comedian and writer who loves trivia about dead presidents and cats (not necessarily in that order).

Fri Apr 24 Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm

Admission General Advance

At the door

$25

$35

Steel Magnolias

Presented by Dewdney Players

The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service.

May 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm

Admission General Senior

Advance

At the door

Matinees

May 16 & 23

$25

$20

$30 $25

Doors 1:30 pm Show 2:00 pm

Admission General Senior

Advance

At the door

$25 $20

$30 $25

Watch for the 2026-2027 Old Church season coming out this summer!

PROGRAMS

Sunshine Play Days

Ages 2 - 5

Join us at the Art Gallery for outside playtime! Sensory stations, water activities, toys and more. Weather dependent.

Okotoks Art Gallery front lawn

Fri Jun 26 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Sat Aug 8

$5/family

Green Living Workshop: Pollinator Week

Join us at the Environmental Education Centre for this workshop in honour of Pollinator Week! Learn about pollinators and their role in our environment while enjoying a free art activity! Open to all ages.

Environmental Education Centre

Wed Jul 22 6:30 - 7:30 pm FREE

Nooks & Crannies Festival: Family Tour

The Nooks & Crannies Festival is a great opportunity to explore Okotoks’ beautiful downtown core while experiencing fun and innovative art pieces. On this interactive walking tour, you will enjoy a look at each of the projects on display. Spots are limited; Pre-Registration is recommended (Only 1 registration required/ family).

Okotoks Art Gallery

Sat Jul 25 10:00 - 11:00 am COURSE ID 26419 FREE

Art for Tots

Ages 2 - 4

Does your toddler like to get messy? Once per month, join us at the Art Gallery for activities you don’t have to clean up! One activity offered per session.

Fri July 10 Aug 14 Fri Fri

Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Fri May 15 10:30 - 11:30 am June 12 By Donation

YOUTH & ADULT

Block Printing: Mother’s Day Cards

Ages 12 - 17

Join us at our May Youth Night Spotlight Series to take part in our Block Printing Mother’s Day Cards workshop! Carve your own design into a block, then paint it and stamp it onto your card for a beautiful, personalized piece of art. Pre-registration is required as spots are limited.

Okotoks Recreation Centre Youth Centre Fri May 8 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Mixed Media: Tools, Texture & Technique with Ashley Gaboury

Ages 15+

Guided by GOLDEN Artist Alumni Ashley Gaboury, you will learn how various products, tools, and approaches interact to build luminous layers and compelling surfaces. Through demonstration and hands-on exploration, you will have the opportunity to experiment, ask questions, and discover techniques you can carry into your own practice. Some supplies are included. Teens and adults are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. We will take a short break for lunch.

Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat Jun 6 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

COURSE ID 26416 $65

Ladies’ Day Out: Papercutting Workshop

Ages 16+

Join us for a ladies’ day out! Participants will be led in the creation of Tree of Life-themed papercutting artworks while enjoying sips and nibbles (non-alcoholic beverages only).

Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat May 9 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

COURSE ID 26415 $80

Indigenous Beading: Fringe Earrings

Ages 16+

Shermayn Menicoche is back by popular demand and will lead participants in the creation of their very own fringe earrings. All supplies provided.

Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Thu Jun 11 6:00 - 9:00 pm

COURSE ID 26417 $50

Nooks & Crannies Festival: Adult Tour

Ages 16+

Okotoks Art Gallery Fri Jul 24 7:00 - 8:00 pm

COURSE ID 26418 FREE

Indigenous Beading: Orange Shirt Pins

Ages 16+

Shermayn Menicoche returns to lead participants in the creation of an Orange Shirt pin, in support of Truth and Reconciliation Day in September.

Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Thu Aug 20 6:00 - 9:00 pm

COURSE ID 26420 $50

Calm and Creative: A Mindfulness Art Workshop

Ages 10 - 16

Facilitated by Art Therapists from Bloom Art Therapy, this workshop starts with a mindfulness activity before diving into creating a Garden of Self. Participants will use a variety of different art materials to create an image of a garden that represents themselves. A number of resiliency themes will be explored: growth, tolerating uncertainty, boundaries, support systems, and more. No art (or gardening) experience needed! Pre-registration is required as spots are limited.

Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat May 2 1:00 - 3:00 pm

COURSE ID 26421 FREE

EVENTS CALENDAR

BOOKING EVENT SPACES

VIKING RENTALS CENTRE EVENTS HALL

OLD CHURCH THEATRE

Located at 204 Community Way, this modern, adaptable venue features a large divisible hall, three breakout rooms, a full commercial kitchen, and plenty of parking. Ideal for trade shows, banquets, and community events.

Set in the beautifully restored 1905 Methodist Church, this 150-seat theatre is perfect for performances, weddings, meetings, and private events. Flexible rental options and technical support are available.

Our rental options go beyond recreation! Looking for a large, unique space for your event? The Viking Rentals Centre also includes two full-sized arenas, and there are three additional areas around town all suitable for trade shows, graduations, festivals and large-scale events. For outdoor venues like the Olde Towne Plaza, contact outdoorbookings@okotoks.ca.

Hidden Gems & Recycled Wonders

Nooks & Crannies 2026

JUL-AUG 18-22

Get ready to look at downtown Okotoks through a whole new lens! From July 18 to August 22, the Nooks & Crannies Festival returns to turn the “forgotten” into the “unforgettable.”

This isn’t your typical gallery show. Local artists and creative teams are heading into the crevices, corners, and hidden spots of downtown to install temporary masterpieces made entirely from recycled materials. Learn more at Okotoks.ca/nooks

address

@HeritageOkotoks @okotoks_culture

53 North Railway Street 403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca

Summer Hours (June, July & August)

Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays and holidays

49 North Railway Street 403.938.8969 culture@okotoks.ca

Summer Hours (June, July & August)

Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays and holidays

3 Elma Street East 403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca