The world’s only Bavarian rodeo is soon taking over this Alberta town

Grab your cowboy boots and get ready to say prost, because Oldstoberfest is returning to Olds this weekend. The two-day celebration features professional rodeo action, outdoor concerts, and an Oktoberfest-style celebration that carries on into the evening.

Now let’s get into the full lineup and what you can expect at Oldstoberfest this year.

What to expect at Oldstoberfest?

What is Oldstoberfest?

Oldstoberfest brings two very different Alberta traditions together for one weekend in Olds. The annual event pairs professional rodeo with Bavarian-inspired celebrations, live music, outdoor concerts, and a Biergarten.

Billed as the “World’s First and Only Bavarian Rodeo,” the festival has become an annual September tradition in Olds, drawing thousands of visitors.

What can I do on Friday?

On Friday, Sept. 11, the doors will open at 4:30 p.m., and the festival will kick off at 6 p.m. with the Canada-sanctioned pro rodeo. Once the rodeo wraps up, the evening will continue with Epic Eagle and the Definitive Eagles Tribute, performing on the outdoor stage at 8:30 p.m.

Then the Biergarten will open up at 9:30 p.m., and you’ll have an opportunity to grab a drink and catch some live tunes.

What can I do on Saturday?

Saturday, Sept. 12, will follow a similar schedule, starting with the pro rodeo at 6 p.m., followed by a performance from Brandon Wisham at 8:30 p.m.

After the concert, the Biergarten will reopen at 9:30 p.m., with more Bavarian-inspired festivities to finish off the night.

Are there any contests at Oldstoberfest?

Oldstoberfest will host a Stein Holding Contest and a Bier Relay Race during the event. The Stein Holding Contest involves holding a one-litre beer stein at arm’s length, while the Bier Relay Race has teams racing through the rodeo arena carrying two full beer steins.

When is Oldstoberfest happening?

Oldstoberfest is happening this weekend, from Friday, Sept. 11 until Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, with festivities running from 4:30 p.m. until late on both Friday and Saturday.

Where is Oldstoberfest happening?

The festival will take place at the Olds Regional Exhibition Grounds, which is situated about an hour north of Calgary. The pro rodeo and concerts are held outdoors, so you’ll want to keep the September weather in mind when planning what to wear.

How much are tickets?

Oldstoberfest offers a few ticket options, depending on whether you want to attend one night or both. If you only want to attend one night, adult tickets are $48.60, including fees, for either Friday or Saturday.

An adult all-weekend pass costs $91.60 and gets you access to both nights of the festival, pro rodeo, and Biergarten.

For youth ages 4 to 12, a single ticket is $22.80, while an all-weekend pass costs $40.80, including fees.

Where can I purchase tickets?

You can purchase tickets for Oldstoberfest online through the festival’s ticketing page. You can also purchase tickets at the gate when you arrive, so you don’t necessarily need to buy them online ahead of time.

Oldstoberfest

When: Friday, Sept. 11 to Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Time: Starting at 6 p.m. each night
Where: Olds Regional Exhibition Grounds – 5116 54th St., Olds, Alta.
Cost: Single-day passes: $48.60; All-weekend pass: $91.60

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