Schedule | Map | Where to Stay | What to Expect | What to Bring | FAQ
Schedule
Friday, June 12th, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. | Fish Fry and Burgers |
| 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. | BINGO |
| 7:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M. | Métis Jamboree • Rockin’ Fiddle • Lee & Michelle Arcand • Open Mic Karaoke |
Saturday, June 13th, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:45 A.M. | Grand Entry |
| 10:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. | Opening Ceremonies |
| 10:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. | Alberta Métis Music Showcase |
| 3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. | Homeland Hour: Donny Parenteau |
| 4:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. | Jigging Competition |
| 5:30 P.M. – 6:15 P.M. | Dinner |
| 6:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. | Battle of the Bands |
Map
Where to Stay
Get ready to lock in your spot for Alberta Métis Fest camping! Whether you’re looking for comfort or bringing your own setup, we’ve got options for you:
- Trappers Tents
- RV Camping
- Overflow Camping
Reservations open May 1, 2026 — don’t miss out!
Plan ahead and get all the details at MetisCrossing.com
Accommodations within Smoky Lake are limited; therefore, it is recommended to reach out to hotels within Fort Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and the surrounding areas to book accommodations.
What to expect?
Join us for two thrilling days filled with Métis culture and celebration including music performances such as the Métis Jamboree, and the Alberta Métis Music Showcase, and our new event Battle of the Bands! Plus check out our famous Jigging Competition, or our huge Vendor Market, Cultural Activites and much more!
- This is an all-ages event and everyone is welcome to attend!
- There will be no alcohol permitted on the festival grounds.
- Designated smoking areas will be marked throughout the grounds, please stay in the designated areas.
- For ease of access of seniors and those with mobility issues, golf carts with multiple stop locations are set up around the festival grounds. Please reach out to festival volunteers if you require assistance.
What to bring?
- Please dress for the weather. Feel free to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and any additional apparel you require.
- Please bring your lawn chairs and blankets! When available, please offer seating to seniors and those with mobility issues.
- We recommend bringing your own food, snacks, and refreshments. Though food trucks will be on site, we recommend bringing your own snacks for your convenience, and if you have any dietary restrictions.
- There will be service ATM’s on site in the cultural gathering centre. But we do recommend that guests bring cash or other payment options – just in case.
- There is limited cell service. Be prepared to not have access to your phone or GPS.
When is the 8th Annual Alberta Métis Fest?
The 8th Annual Alberta Métis Fest will take place from June 12th-June 13th, 2026.
Do I need to register or purchase a ticket/admission?
No, this is a free public event. You do not need to register, purchase a ticket, or pay admission to attend Alberta Métis Fest.
What is happening on Friday, June 12, 2026
On Friday, please join us for dinner, which will be a wonderful fish fry (while supplies last)! After dinner, we will spend the evening playing BINGO. Following BINGO, we will enjoy a Métis Jamboree featuring Métis Country.
What is happening on Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Join us for Grand Entry and opening ceremonies at 10:00 am. The day’s entertainment starts at 11:00 am, and guests will be entertained by a great line-up of Métis Performers on the mainstage. This year, we will also have a secondary stage where guests can enjoy interactive family activities and additional performances!
- Guests can also participate in cultural activities, children and youth activities, receive vendor bucks prizes, and visit the Artist Market. Be sure to enter or watch the jigging competition too! After the FREE dinner (while supplies last), the evening will include a Battle of the Bands competition! Please see the agenda for more information.
Where is Alberta Métis Fest taking place?
Métis Crossing: 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake, AB T0A 3C0
Can I come for one day?
Absolutely, please join us whenever works for you!
When is the jigging competition and what are the age groups?
The jigging competition will take place on Saturday, June 13th 2026, from 4:00pm-5:00pm. The age groups for the jigging competition are as follows: 0-6, 7-12, 13-17, 18-59, 60+
Will there be youth activities available?
Yes! Youth activities will include quill earring making, dot art, and more! All youth tent activities will be drop-in, and don’t require prior sign-up. We also will have cultural activities throughout the festival, including: fish scale art, voyageur games, a Michif scavenger hunt, a dry meat demonstration, medicines & tea teachings, and traditional storytelling.
Are washrooms on site?
Yes, washrooms, including accessible, will be available on site.
Are there ATMs available?
There will be an ATM on site. It is recommended that guests bring cash or other payment options.
Will the 8th Annual Alberta Métis Fest go ahead if it is raining?
Yes, rain or shine the 8th Annual Alberta Métis Fest will take place.
Where can I park?
Parking will be available in the overflow field across from Métis Crossing. Parking is free for all guests.
Parking on the event ground parking lots (campground, artisan market, Cultural Centre, and Lodge) is restricted to event parking pass holders. There will be golf cart shuttles to assist event attendees with mobility challenges to travel to the event grounds from the overflow public parking area.
Is the event indoors or outdoors?
Weather permitting, the 8th Annual Alberta Métis Fest will take place entirely outdoors. If the weather does not allow the event to go ahead outdoors, everything will be moved inside the Gathering Centre at Métis Crossing.
What should I bring?
Please dress for the weather. Feel free to bring a lawn chair, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and any additional apparel you require.
Where can I stay?
There will be camping available at Métis Crossing, please contact Métis Crossing directly to book a spot.
Camping spots at Métis Crossing will become open to the public on May 1st, 2026. Accommodations within Smoky Lake are limited; therefore, it is recommended to reach out to hotels within Fort Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and the surrounding areas to book accommodations.
Do I need to be a Citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta to attend Alberta Métis Fest?
All are welcome! You are not required to be a citizen to attend. This year’s Alberta Métis Fest will allow for both Métis and non-Métis alike to gather, share stories, and experience all that Métis Crossing has to offer. We would love for you to attend and experience this amazing event with us.
Will citizens receive mileage if they attend the 8th Annual Alberta Métis Fest?
Unfortunately, citizens will not receive mileage for attending this event.
What are my food options?
- Food Trucks and food services will be on site Saturday, June 13th from 11 am-7 pm for guests to purchase their own meals and refreshments throughout the day.
- In addition, we have 2 FREE dinners: Fish Fry Dinner on Friday, June 12th and a free dinner on Saturday, June 13th. Both meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Due to the size of this public event, individuals with specific dietary needs should consider bringing their own food items, snacks, and/or refreshments to ensure their needs are met throughout the day.
Is this a pet friendly event?
As we look to protect the permaculture at Métis Crossing, please adhere to the following rules related to pets:
- No animals are permitted in the Métis Crossing Cultural Interpretive Centre, Deck, or all lands east of the Campsite entry access road.
- Pets are welcome and permitted only within the Campsite of Métis Crossing.
- Pets are not permitted near or within the Comfort Camping Trapper tent sites.
- Pets are not permitted at Métis Crossing canoe launch beach.
- Pets must always be kept on a leash no more than 2M in length.
I have additional questions, who can I contact?
Please email us at abmetisfest@metis.org or reach out on social media.