The desire for more local festivals and events, especially multicultural ones has long been expressed. As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, in one of the fastest growing provinces, Airdrie has seen immense growth in the diversity of its residents. The 2023 consensus highlighted that approximately 17% of Airdrie residents identify as immigrants, and over 20% identify as a visible minority. 

Both our long term residents and newcomers to Airdrie have longed for a multicultural festival that fosters a sense of belonging for everyone who has chosen to call out city home. Over the years, many groups have approached the city to pursue this dream. In early 2024, with a little help from the City of Airdrie, a group of impassioned community residents and leaders of cultural organizations began to gather. The planning committee grew to be 17-people wide representing approx. 14 different cultural groups, all with one thing in mind: inclusion. It was out of these grassroots that Airdrie CultureFest was born. 

Our mission was clear - create a festival that will act as a safe space for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to meet, build relationships, and foster a deeper sense of community based on their similarities but more importantly, their differences. In the same way, attendees who do not identify as visible minorities will be welcomed into the same safe space to learn and celebrate Airdrie's growing diverse populations. This became the foundation on which the bricks for CultureFest were laid.

The planning committee worked tirelessly to create an inclusive and celebratory festival and on July 1, 2024 the marquee event was held. Despite mother nature trying to rain on our parade, the festival was attended by over 4,000 people from all walks of life - including Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith! 

It was then, looking out into the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd of smiling Airdrie residents that the Airdrie CultureFest Planning Committee realized our event was not only a success, but something we would have to repeat.

In November 2024, The Airdrie CultureFest Society was incorporated and attained its non-profit status. The Society is led by 7 committed repeat-planning-members who provide the logistical framework for the wider planning committee to dream bigger, and plan even better CultureFest festivals. Together, our collective goal remains the same: for each culture to showcase and celebrate the things they love, share their bounties of knowledge, and allow attendees to form meaningful connections within and between cultural groups to feel welcomed and valued in Airdrie.

Click here to learn about our team.