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CULTURE ACTIVITY GUIDE
IMAGE: SHIRLEY HAUCK
TABLE OF CONTENTS EVENTS, TOURS, WE’RE STILL OPEN!.................. 3 OKOTOKS ART GALLERY............................... 4 OKOTOKS MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES............... 6 OLD CHURCH THEATRE................................. 8 PROGRAMS.............................................. 10 GINGERBREAD STATION............................... 14 BOOKING EVENT SPACES............................ 15 All prices in this guide do not include GST or any ticketing fees. Please note that all event dates and times are subject to change.
OKOTOKS CULTURE, HERITAGE & EVENTS Mailing address PO Box 20, Station Main, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1K1 @HeritageOkotoks @okotoks_culture
Okotoks Art Gallery 53 North Railway Street 403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca Fall Hours Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, and holidays Closed
Okotoks Museum & Archives 49 North Railway Street 403.938.8969 culture@okotoks.ca Fall Hours Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, and holidays Closed
Old Church Theatre 3 Elma Street East 403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca 2
Hours of operation are subject to change.
okotoksculture.ca
EVENTS GHOST TOURS Ghost Tours Discover what lurks downtown after dark during the annual Ghost Walk, hosted by the Okotoks Museum and Archives and the Okotoks and District Historical Society. Tickets are required in advance for this event and are available at www. okotoksculture.ca. Tickets will go on sale Sept. 22. Recommended age is 13+. Dress for the weather. Okotoks Museum and Archives
Oct 28,29,30
Dates & Locations: Subject to change, learn more at okotoks.ca/events.
SEP
SEP
19
30
Art on the Lawn
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
NOV
NOV
11
20
Various Timeslots
$5 plus fees Online through Showpass at okotoksculture.ca
Tickets
CALENDAR
Remembrance Day
Light Up Okotoks
DEC
24 Santa’s Christmas Eve Parade
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!
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OKOTOKS
ART GALLERY FREE ADMISSION
The Elementals: A Celebration of the Women of Creation Esther Neufeld
It has been understood since back beyond the distant mists of time immemorial that there are four great elements of creation -Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. Everything we know and understand is enmeshed in and governed by these realities, and all that they oversee is imbued with the generative power of change and transformation.
Sept 19 - Nov 6 Opening Reception
Large Gallery Sep 19
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.
Sep 19 - Nov 6 Opening Reception 4
Small Gallery Sep 19
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Spirit of Christmas OAG members
During the holiday season, the Okotoks Art Gallery will be transformed into the Spirit of Christmas, your best choice for holiday gift shopping, all crafted by local artisans. The Spirit of Christmas showcases one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments, jewelry, and cards, and the walls will be filled with original, local artwork for sale. Everything in this holiday showcase will be priced under $250 so you can enjoy this brilliant, yet affordable, original art.
Nov 20 - Dec 23
Large Gallery
Tree of Warmth Share the warmth this holiday season with our Tree of Warmth. You can bring in your brand new, unopened gifts to the Okotoks Art Gallery to decorate our Tree of Warmth. Most needed items include toys/games/warm clothes for all ages, gifts for seniors and adults, gift cards for teenagers, and baby items. All the items collected will be donated to local charities.
Nov 20 - Dec 12
Large Gallery
Gingerbread Station The Okotoks Art Gallery will become the Gingerbread Station for the holiday season. Drop in to see some fantastic gingerbread creations. Prizes will be awarded based on public voting. Viewing and voting begins on November 20. Visit www.okotoks.ca/gingerbread for details and to register. Everyone is welcome to participate. Registration deadline is November 14.
Nov 20 - Dec 12
Small Gallery 5
OKOTOKS
MUSEUM & ARCHIVES FREE ADMISSION
Uniquely Okotoks Okotoks has a unique history – unlike any other community in the Foothills. 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 Nov 14
Main Floor
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 Oct 31
Second Floor
The Art of Photography This exhibit celebrates the work of three Okotoks photographers -- John Vanderpant, Wesley (Mac) McLellan, and Doug Riches. They were all professional photographers, but their careers followed completely different paths. ‘The Art of Photography’ showcases Vanderpant’s commercial photography, McLellan’s World War II photography, and Riches’ newspaper photography. It also includes some photographic equipment from the museum’s artifact collection. This exhibit opens in September to mark ‘Month of the Artist’.
Sep 1 - Nov 24
Good Old School Days Okotoks was once home to two large brick public schools. Known as the Upper and Lower Schools, these schools served generations of Okotoks families. Using photographs, stories and artifacts, this exhibit is sure to bring back memories of the good old school days in Okotoks.
Oct 1 - Dec 19
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Second Floor
Second Floor
An Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebrate the sights and sounds of an old-fashioned Christmas at the Okotoks Museum & Archives. Many of the Christmas traditions that we enjoy today were brought to Canada by early pioneers. Discover where some of our favourite customs originated, from the stockings hung with care on the mantle to the plum pudding steaming on the stove.
Nov 20 - Dec 19
Main Floor
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
Toys Over Time From Teddy Bears to Tiddly Winks to Toy Story figurines, this exhibit is all about toys! Some of the top toys of each decade, dating back to the early 1900s, will be on display. Yes, even the Cabbage Patch Doll you played with as a kid is represented in this exhibit.
Nov 1 - Jan 30
Second Floor
Museum 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.
Ongoing
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
FREE
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OLD CHURCH
THEATRE ONLINE TICKET SALES
okotoksculture.ca Beetlejuice Movie Party Haunt along with the ghost with the most, babes! Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse…BETELGEUSE! Well, we’ve summoned him, guess we might as well throw a movie party for him. BEETLEJUICE is the timeless tale of a ghostly couple and the troublesome “bio-exorcist” they employ to help scare away the living inhabiting their house. It’s megawatt Michael Keaton at his kookiest, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis and Catherine O’Hara at their dreamiest, and vintage Tim Burton from start to finish.
Fri
Sep 18
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
Admission
General
$15
Erratic Players presents:
Robin Hood
”It’s a tale that’s been told a thousand times. Although never quite like this.” In this fast-paced, witty reimagining of the classic legend, Oliver Emanuel strips away the massive armies to bring you the heart of Sherwood Forest with just two performers and a whole lot of imagination. Follow the world’s most famous archer as he robs from the rich, dodges the Sheriff, and fights for justice with a side of anarchy. Come for the archery, stay for the activism, and see how two people can play an entire forest. You’re in for a wild ride! Sherwood is calling!
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
Oct 2, 3, 9, 10
*Free crafts downstairs before the show!
Doors 1:00 pm Show 2:00 pm
Admission Advance At the door
Child (under 16) $10 $15
Oct 3 & 10
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General $20 $25
6 Minute Warning 6 Minute Warning is a Canadian vocal group based out of Edmonton, Alberta. The group consists of six members with extensive backgrounds in rock, pop, jazz, classical, and choral music. 6 Minute Warning is renowned for its exceptional singing tight harmonies, seamless phrasing, thrilling lead solos, and intricate beatboxing. Their love for singing and their ability to create a soundscape with their voices continues to inspire audiences both young and old. The group’s repertoire ranges from the upbeat stylings of rock and pop music to the complex nuances of jazz, drawing influence from Boyz II Men, Take 6, Michael Jackson and many others.
Sat
Sep 26
Admission Advance At the door
General $40 $50
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
Tulua
Dewdney Players presents:
Hailed by The Irish Independents as “one of the hottest young prospects in traditional Irish music,” the phenomenal four-piece band TULUA is taking the global folk sense by storm. Meaning ‘tribe of many paths,’ Tulua have been deeply exploring and sharing traditional Irish music of their local area and other parts of Ireland, bringing the audience with them on a captivating journey of songs about love, tunes about life and everything in between.
Wed
Oct 28
Admission Advance At the door
General $40 $50
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
Hurry Hard
When Bill and Sandy’s marriage split up, so did their curling team – splintering off into a men’s team and a women’s team who begrudgingly share the ice at the Stayner Curling Club. Now, a medical emergency has left the men’s team short a player the day of the big Regional Bonspiel. If they have any hope of beating neighbouring rivals, Meaford and taking the trophy for Stayner, they’ll have to put aside their personal differences and unite as one team. This hilarious Canadian play was first produced by Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Port Dover, ON, in July 2019. Hurry Hard by Kristen Da Silva.
Nov 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 21 Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm No show Nov 20 Doors 1:30 pm Show 2:00 pm
Nov 14 & 21 Admission Advance At the door
General $25 $30
Senior $20 $25
Valdy Paul Valdemar Horsdal, commonly known as Valdy, is a Canadian folk and country musician whose solo career began in the early 1970s. He is known for “Rock and Roll Song”, his first mainstream single. Valdy is the winner of two Juno Awards for Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year and has received seven additional Juno nominations. His fourteen albums, including four which are certified gold, have achieved sales of nearly half a million copies.
Wed
Dec 16
Admission Advance At the door
General $40 $50
*Ticket prices do not include taxes or ticketing fees.
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
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PROGRAMS REGISTER ONLINE
okotoksculture.ca FAMILY & CHILD
Up in the Attic: Preschool Playtime Ages 1 - 4 Join us ‘up in the attic’ for preschool playtime! Explore our attic playhouse while you and your child/ren are lead in themed, facilitated play by an Early Childhood Educator - from story time to songs, games, and activities. *We gratefully acknowledge the Okotoks and District Historical Society for their support of this program.
Okotoks Museum and Archives Sep 9 & 23 Oct 7 & 21 10:00 am Wed Nov 4 & 18 12:00 pm Dec 2 & 16 FREE
Bits, Bolts, & Bots: Create a Robot Ages 6 - 10 Join local artist Jennifer Stables and build a robot with personality! Kids will use wood blocks, found objects, bolts, buttons, wire, springs, and acrylic paint to create a one-ofa-kind robot character. This playful workshop invites children to experiment, problem solve, and discover the creative possibilities in everyday materials.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat
10:00 - 11:30 am
Oct 3
COURSE ID
27345
$25
Art for Tots Does your toddler like to get messy? Bring them to the Art Gallery for activities you don’t have to clean up! One activity offered per session, while supplies last. Older and younger siblings welcome.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
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Fridays
10:30 - 11:30 am
Drop-in
By donation
Butterfly Paintings
Sept 11
Fingerpainting Autumn Trees
Oct 9
Sensory Bins
Nov 13
Holiday Cards & Ornaments
Dec 11
Rod Puppet Workshop
Holiday Crafts at the Art Gallery
with Jennifer Stables
Ages 6+
Ages 3+ Inspired by the ancient tradition of wooden rod puppets, families are invited to create their own whimsical puppet using wood and a variety of colourful materials. Explore creative techniques while adding personality with paint, fabric, paper, and found objects. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are encouraged to create a puppet of their own! Note: the $40 registration fee covers one adult and one child. Additional children can be registered for $5 each, please contact the Art Gallery for assistance.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat
Nov 7
COURSE ID
10:00 - 11:30 am 27360
$40/one child & one adult
Join us at the Art Gallery in December for holiday crafts! Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Each person participating in the craft must register (adults attending solely to accompany/assist their child do not need to register themselves). Two sessions each day, sessions run approximately 60 minutes.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio 10:00 am and Saturdays 2:00 pm $5 Tea Light Snowmen COURSE ID Penguin & Snowman Decorations COURSE ID Waterless Snow Globes COURSE ID
Dec 5 AM
27333
PM
27334
Dec 12 AM
27335
PM
27336
Dec 19 AM
27337
PM
27338
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REGISTER ONLINE
okotoksculture.ca YOUTH & ADULT
Foundations of Acrylic Painting
Indigenous Beading: Poppy Pins
with Janifer Calvez
Ages 16+
Ages 16+ Join local artist Janifer Calvez in capturing the unique splendour of prairie landscapes. Janifer is known for the extraordinary way she captures the beauty of our prairie landscapes – in particular, our vast skies. In this class, you will learn some foundational techniques with acrylic paints in the creation of your very own prairie sky painting. All supplies included. Beginners welcome.
Join Shermayn Menicoche of Midnight Sun Elegance to create a beautiful beaded poppy pin, just in time for Remembrance Day. All supplies included. Beginners welcome.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Wed Nov 4 COURSE ID
6:00 - 9:00 pm 27364
$50
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat
Oct 17
COURSE ID
10:00 am - 4:00 pm 27331
$100
Needle Felting: Owl and Nest Ages 15+ Join us for a cozy two-evening needle felting workshop as we create an adorable little owl nestled safely in its own handmade nest. Owls have long been symbols of wisdom, intuition, and quiet guidance, making this a beautiful keepsake to treasure or gift to someone special. Using soft wool and natural fibres, you’ll learn the art of needle felting while adding your own unique personality to your tiny woodland companion. We’ll weave in a little intention, creativity, and connection as we craft together. No experience is needed, and all supplies are included.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Thu
Nov 5 & 12 COURSE ID
12
6:30 - 8:30 pm 27332
$65
Holiday Pet Portraits and Hot Chocolate Bar Ages 12+ Celebrate the holiday season with a creative experience that is sure to warm your heart! If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to paint your beloved pet with watercolour and capture their unique personality, this cozy mini-class is the perfect winter activity. Join GOLDEN (& QoR) Artist Alumni Ashley Gaboury as she guides you through creating a one-of-a-kind watercolour portrait of your four-legged family member. You’ll explore watercolour and pen & ink techniques while creating a handmade keepsake you’ll treasure for years to come. All supplies are included, and beginners are welcome.
GINGERBREAD STATION
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat
Nov 28
COURSE ID
10:00 am - 1:00pm 27344
$55
The Gingerbread Station returns to the Okotoks Art Gallery for its 9th year of festive fun! This exhibit invites participants of all ages to create imaginative gingerbread structures using 100% edible materials! Entries are divided into Youth (15 & under) and Adult (16+) categories. Creations will be displayed in the gallery from late November to early December, with the public voting for their favourites. Prizes are awarded to the top entries in each category. Registration is free and opens in the fall, with entry forms due November 14 and drop-off dates to follow. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time builder, the Gingerbread Station is a sweet way to celebrate the season and showcase your creativity. To register or learn more, visit okotoks. ca/gingerbread or call 403‑938‑3204.
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As winter arrives, downtown Okotoks transforms into a glowing wonderland for Light Up Okotoks, an iconic celebration now entering its 34th year! Winner of the 2025 Canadian Event Award for “Best Event for a City or Municipality” and voted GOLD in the Best of the Foothills People’s Choice awards for over six consecutive years, this marquee festival draws up to 20,000 visitors to the heart of the community. Marking the official kickoff to the holiday season, the event features shimmering light displays, live entertainment, and seasonal markets and sales from local stores and vendors. A holiday tradition if you’re a long-time resident and a magical experience if you’re a first-time visitor. Light Up Okotoks is a glowing celebration of community, connection, and holiday magic! To get involved or learn more at Okotoks.ca/Light Up. 14
BOOK THE OLD CHURCH THEATRE The Old Church Theatre is located in the former 1906 Methodist Church and boasts excellent acoustics. The theatre is available for rent for performances in periods from as little as three hours to several weeks. A full range of technical support is available for users booking the facility. The theatre seats a maximum of 140. The theatre can also be booked for a variety of private meetings, public forums, weddings, funerals, and birthday parties. Book at Okotoks.ca/Old-Church-Theatre.
BOOK THE VIKING RENTALS CENTRE EVENTS HALL The Viking Rentals Centre Events Hall is a flexible, modern space perfect for weddings, concerts, trade shows, fundraisers, and community events. Located at 204 Community Way, it features a large main hall that can be divided into smaller sections, three breakout rooms and a fully equipped commercial kitchen. With plenty of onsite parking and customizable layouts, it’s an ideal venue for gatherings of all kinds. To learn more or book the space, call 403‑995‑6347 or visit okotoks.ca/vrc-hall.
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Mailing address PO Box 20, Station Main, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1K1 @HeritageOkotoks @okotoks_culture
Okotoks Art Gallery 53 North Railway Street 403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca Fall Hours Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, and holidays Closed
Okotoks Museum & Archives 49 North Railway Street 403.938.8969 culture@okotoks.ca Fall Hours Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, and holidays Closed
Old Church Theatre 3 Elma Street East 403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca
All prices in this guide do not include GST or any ticketing fees.
okotoksculture.ca
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C U LT U R E A C T I V I T Y G U I D E