CULTURE ACTIVITY GUIDE
OKOTOKS CULTURE, HERITAGE & EVENTS
SHEEP RIVER ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Gary Briggs & Wendy Madell Automata & Trout Conservation
This year’s Sheep River Artist in Residence brings together sculptor Gary Briggs and painter Wendy Madell, known for their whimsical, story-driven automata, mechanical sculptures activated by cranks or levers.
During their residency, the duo will explore trout habitat conservation in the Sheep River, inspired by a recent Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) report on widespread habitat degradation. By consulting with scientists, industry reps, and the public, they’ll create interactive artworks that highlight environmental challenges and potential solutions.
Their pieces will be portable and handson, designed to spark curiosity and conversation. Throughout September, the artists will host open studios, workshops, school visits, and a final presentation at the end of their residency.
Catch them in action and discover how art can inspire change, one crank at a time.
For upcoming residency events, visit: Okotoks.ca/ArtistInResidance
SEPTEMBER IS MONTH OF THE ARTIST
Celebrate the creativity and talent of Alberta’s vibrant arts community during Month of the Artist! Throughout September, we recognize the important role artists play in shaping our culture, enriching our lives, and building strong, connected communities.
Stay tuned to social media for special events, programs, and opportunities to connect with and support local artists all month long.
OKOTOKS ART GALLERY
Rock Stars: My Spatial-Temporal Universe | A Dance Between Reality
and Imagination
Sylvie Pinard
Step into a universe where art and science converge. Rock Stars invites you on a poetic journey through time, space, and transformation. Inspired by the circular forms of geodes and celestial bodies, the exhibition reflects the beauty of natural forces and the mysteries that shape existence. It encourages us to imagine new possibilities for the universe—fluid, boundless, and ever-evolving. Through striking visual forms, it explores our connection to the cosmos and our role within it. Let yourself be immersed in a space where the tangible meets the unknown, and where each moment invites personal reflection and cosmic wonder.
Sep 13 - Nov 7 Large Gallery
Opening Reception Sep 20 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Force Field
Bonnie Conly
Force Field is an installation of 100 original Motanka (Мотанка) dolls—Ukrainian talismans believed to embody female spirit and power - created here as a metaphor for the resoluteness of Ukrainian women and contextualized as a message of hope for the Ukrainian people. Motanka-making is an ancient art—a channel for the continuous connection between generations of family—past, living, and unborn. Once the cloth pieces are prepared, no needles or scissors can be used for assembly, ensuring safety for the ancestor-protectors.
Sep 20 - Nov 14 Small Gallery
Opening Reception Sep 20 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Spirit of Christmas
OAG Artists
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.
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 and regional charities.
Nov 21 - Dec 20 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 21. Visit www.okotoks.ca/gingerbread for details and to register.
Nov 21 - Dec 13 Small Gallery
OKOTOKS MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
Wash, Rinse, Repeat
Laundry was a tedious task for the pioneering housewife. Just when you think you were caught up, you discover the laundry basket was full again. This exhibit showcases a timeline of washing implements – from the scrub board to the hand-cranked machine to the gas-powered washer.
Aug 25 - Nov 15 Main Floor
Museum’s 25th Anniversary
In 2000, the stately house that was located at 126 Elizabeth Street was saved from destruction and moved by truck to its new home on North Railway Street. This September marks 25 years since that house was transformed into the Okotoks Museum and Archives.
Sep 5 & 6 Main Floor
A Trunk Full of Dreams
Many early immigrants came to Western Canada with the hopes and dreams of providing a better life for their families. This is a common thread woven into the stories of many local families. This exhibit shares the stories of patience, perseverance, hardships and triumphs in making Okotoks their new home.
Until Nov 15 Main Floor
The 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Learn the stories of the remarkable men and women of Okotoks who served in World War II, as well as the efforts on the home front.
Until Nov 15 Second Floor
The Art of the Autograph Album
To recognize September as ‘Month of the Artist’, this exhibit celebrates the beautiful penmanship, artwork and quirky poems found in the pages of autograph albums from the museum’s collection. ‘Yours till the United States drinks Canada dry!’
Sep 2 - 27 Second 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.
Sep 2 - Dec 20 Second Floor
An Old-Fashioned Christmas
The Okotoks Museum & Archives celebrates an old-fashioned Christmas with stockings hung on the mantle twinkling lights on the tree. Upstairs, not a creature was stirring in the children’s bedroom, as they await Santa’s visit.
Nov 21 - Dec 20 Main & 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
OLD CHURCH THEATRE
Rocky Horror Picture Show
‘50th anniversary’– an interactive movie experience!
Get ready, set...let’s do the time warp again!! Singing, shouting and chucking things encouraged! Dress-up and be a part of the show as you take audience participation to a whole other level using your own prop bag (included in the ticket price). First time attending this staple cult classic experience? Not to worry, you will quickly catch on! Come early and learn the common call-outs and prompts like when to throw your rice or just dive in and join the seasoned moviegoers in the audience and quickly come into the campy fold. Be a part of the experience, let loose and have a great time being appropriately inappropriate.
*Props packages included in price of admission.
*RATED R, Ages 18+, ID must be provided at the door
Sat Oct 4 Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
Admission General Advance
At the door
$25
$35
Dewdney Players presents:
Woman in Black
The framework of this spine tingler is unusual: a lawyer hires an actor to tutor him in recounting to family and friends a story that has long troubled him concerning events that transpired when he attended the funeral of an elderly recluse. There he caught sight of the woman in black, the mere mention of whom terrifies the locals, for she is a specter who haunts the neighborhood where her illegitimate child was accidentally killed. Anyone who sees her dies! The lawyer has invited some friends to watch as he and the actor recreate the events of that dark and stormy night. A classic of the genre.
The Woman in Black, by Stephen Mallatratt and Susan Hill, based on the novel by Susan Hill, presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Oct 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, Nov 1
Matinees: Oct 25 & Nov 1
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
Doors 1:30 pm Show 2:00 pm
Admission General Senior
Advance $25 $20
At the door
$30 $25
Sid Marty & Wailback
Sid is a singer/guitarist performing original songs about western Canada at various venues and on radio. He is also a writer and poet. His most recent book of poetry “Old Man’s River –New & Collected Poems” won the inaugural Al and Eurithe Purdy Poetry Prize in 2024. He has teamed up with Alberta musicians Jim McLennan (lead guitar) and James Van Leeuwen (vocals and acoustic guitar) who are renowned musicians in their own rights. Wailback, based in Pincher Creek, concentrates on original songs about Alberta, featuring well-aged cowboys, crazy weather, despairing lovers, mountaineers, poets and some charismatic megafauna – as well as the common snipe and miscellaneous other critters.
Thu Nov 6
Admission General
Advance $35
At the door $45
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
Christmas with Buzz Brass
Join us for a night of classics that conjure up all the magic of the holiday season! The Canadian Buzz Brass quintet has been travelling the world and captivating classical music lovers since 2002. The ensemble has given over 1,950 concerts and won over more than 500,000 music lovers across North America, Europe and China. Over the years, Buzz Brass has earned numerous awards and honours—including Canada’s OPUS, ADISQ, and Trille Or prizes—in recognition of the quality and renown of its performances. With its innovative programs, acclaimed recordings, unique repertoire and broad appeal, the group has become one of Canada’s most reputable brass quintets.
Wed Dec 10
Admission General
Advance
At the door
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
Yuk Yuk’s
Headliner: Lori Gibbs
Known as the human antidepressant, Lori’s magnetic style seamlessly transitions between polished material, crowd work, and improv with expert precision. Not only are you in for a show that surprises you, but chances are, she is too! In addition to nearly a decade in Calgary radio, Lori has been featured coast to coast in Canadian comedy. She has delighted at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, is a regular on CBC’s The Debaters, and was nominated for Best Stand-up Comic at the Canadian Comedy Awards.
MC: Will Collisson
Will started comedy while attending the University of Lethbridge in 2018. During his time in Lethbridge, he created his community radio show and honed his skills by travelling to small towns. Since the end of the pandemic, Will has been on the move, sharing his high-energy take on self-deprecating topics and figuring out what’s going on most days with as many people as possible. Will has been described as having a childish sophistication, and with six years in comedy, he possesses the charm of one of those weird mature kids.
Featuring: Chris Wipf
Born to an ex-Hutterite father and a Peruvian mother, Chris is a comic artist based in Calgary. He’s known for his high-energy stories and clever writing and will often leave you with more questions (and laughs) than answers!
Fri Nov 14
Admission General Advance
At the door
$25
$35
$40
$50
Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm
GINGERBREAD STATION
The Gingerbread Station returns to the Okotoks Art Gallery for its 8th 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 in mid-November 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.
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.
BOOK THE OLD CHURCH THEATRE
The Old Church Theatre is located in the former 1905 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 150.
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
PROGRAMS
Toddler Tuesday
Ages 2 - 4
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
Tue Oct 7 Sponge Painting Turkeys 10:3011:30 am
Tue Dec 9 Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
By Donation
Monster Puppets
with Jennifer Stables
Ages 6 - 11
Join local artist Jennifer Stables to make Monster-themed hand and rod puppets, just in time for Halloween! All supplies included.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Sat Oct 25 1:00 - 3:00 pm
COURSE ID 25107 $25/ Drop In
Photos with the Grinch
All Ages
Who needs Santa? Come to the Old Church Theatre and take your holiday photos with the Grinch!
Guests will watch the cartoon How the Grinch Stole Christmas (26 minutes) before heading downstairs for their photos with the Grinch. Children can partake in crafts while waiting for their photo. Please note, guests are responsible for taking their own photos.
Old Church Theatre
Sat Dec 6 10:30am and 1:30pm $5/person Tickets at Showpass.com
Holiday Fun with Clay
Ages 10+
This hands-on workshop guides participants through the process of making their own holiday-themed figurines! All supplies included. No experience necessary.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat Dec 13 1:00 - 4:00 pm COURSE ID 25112 $15
Blue Skies and Prairie Gold
with Christine Walker Ages 16+
Capture the vast beauty of an Alberta afternoon in this acrylic painting class focused on prairie landscapes. You’ll learn how to layer color, build depth, and create movement in your skies and fields. Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your technique, this class will guide you step by step as we explore light, composition, and the unique charm of the prairie in summer. All supplies included.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Sat Sep 20 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
COURSE ID 25109 $60
Wildflowers
with Janifer Calvez Ages 16+
In this class, you will learn some foundational techniques with acrylic paints in the creation of your very own wildflowerthemed painting. Bring a photo or paint from your imagination as popular local artist Janifer Calvez guides you in creating your masterpiece. All supplies included. Beginners welcome.
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio
Wed Oct 1, 8, 15 6:30 - 9:00 pm
COURSE ID 25108 $115
Foundations of Watercolour
with Christine Walker Ages 16+
Discover the joy and spontaneity of Watercolour in this beginner-friendly class. Each session will introduce you to the foundational techniques of Watercolour painting—including washes, layering, blending, and brush control—while guiding you step-by-step through a complete daily project. Whether you’re new to painting or looking to refresh your skills, this class offers a fun and encouraging environment to explore your creativity and build confidence with Watercolour. All supplies included.
Old Church Theatre Thu Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 10:00 am12:00 pm
COURSE ID 25110 $120
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Wed Nov 5, 12, 19, 26 7:00 - 9:00 pm
COURSE ID 25111 $120
Holly Berries Christmas Cards
with Christine Walker Ages 16+
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this is a fun and relaxing way to get into the holiday spirit. We’ll capture the rich reds of holly berries, the lush greens of the leaves, and maybe even add a touch of snow for that perfect seasonal charm. All materials provided—just bring your holiday cheer!
Okotoks Art Gallery Studio Sat Nov 29 1:00 - 4:00 pm
COURSE ID 25113 $25
*If REQUIRED
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 - 30 Various timeslots $6.30
Acoustic Nights
The Okotoks Arts Council and the Town of Okotoks invite you to another season of Acoustic Nights at the Old Church Theatre. Bring your musical instrument for a night of music and comradery. Acoustic Nights offer a safe place to learn and play and sing and enjoy. Open to all ages and levels of ability.
Old Church Theatre
Acoustic Christmas Night
It’s the most magical time of the year! Join us for an enchanted evening of music and holiday cheer at the Acoustic Nights: Christmas Edition. In partnership with the Okotoks Arts Council, this FREE concert is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit with friends and family.
Old Church Theatre
Tue Dec 16 7:00 - 9:00 pm Free
Light Up
Light Up Okotoks is Okotoks’ annual kickoff to the holiday season—an enchanting evening of tree lighting, music, wagon rides, markets, and festive entertainment across downtown. Since its inception in 1992, it has become a cherished community tradition, drawing over 15,000 attendees each year!
Downtown?
Tue Sep 2 & 16
Oct 7 & 21
Nov 4 & 18 Dec 2 7:00 - 9:00 pm Free
Fri Nov 21 5:00 - 9:00 pm Free
ERRATIC POETRY CONTEST
In May and June, 2025, Okotoks Culture and Heritage held the first ever Erratic Poetry Contest. The poems were required to celebrate people and places related to Okotoks and the surrounding area, and/or to highlight an aspect of the local landscape, history, or the general ‘essence’ of Okotoks. To read all of the winning poems, please visit Okotoks.ca/ Poetry-Contest
First Place
50.7037° N, 114.0771° W
by Christine Victor-Horner
She sits as she always has counting the phases of the moon, ticking the centuries on her well-worn face of this ice age or that ice age.
An erratic waiting until they came and gave her a part, a position, a name—Okatok.
Legends of tricksters tugged at her lips while a steady beat thrummed at her feet. The story of her, this place, our land, told and told and told.
The chinook winds teemed, softening her edges, rounding her spine. Stooping, she carries the stories of the First Peoples—and those that came after. Permanence on the wind-swept prairie.
Second Place
Okotoks The moving stone
by Lorraine Boerchers
As I walk towards you
A soft, cooling breeze
Refreshes me
The grasses sway, making a quiet chaffing sound
You look like you were pushed
Up through the earth
And then split apart
Rugged and angular Cracks and crevices
Give you character
In contrast to your surroundings
Pure prairie, not a tree in sight
How did you get here
Geologists say a glacier dragged you
All the way from Jasper
Siksika tells us at the beginning of time
Napi gifted you his buffalo robe
As it became colder he wanted it back
When you refused Napi snuck up and grabbed it
You chased him, rolling after him
Until you came to rest here
How you got here
Only you know
Wild roses grow beneath your overhangs
And amongst the debris field
Where you have split apart
Grasses have found a way to grow
As I follow the path that encircles you
I am amazed by your sheer mass
By the rocks balancing on ledges
Please don’t tumble down now
In your fissures and protrusions
Did people find refuge there
You have stood here for centuries
People have climbed you
Painted with red ochre on you
You have witnessed ancient ceremonies
Tools were created from the quartzite cobble
You left in your trail
You were a landmark to the ancient ones
Safe crossing of Sheep River here
You are still a landmark
Admired and protected
You continue to awe
The past is the present
In the faded drawings on you
The red ochre worn away by the sun and wind
Their stories remain a mystery
Buried with our ancestors
@HeritageOkotoks
@okotoks_culture
53 North Railway Street
403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays, Mondays and holidays Closed
49 North Railway Street
403.938.8969 culture@okotoks.ca
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays, Mondays and holidays Closed
Museum & Archives Old Church Theatre
3 Elma Street East
403.938.3204 culture@okotoks.ca Okotoks Art Gallery