This is a special edition of our events guide! It covers everything Ukrainians are doing to celebrate Independence Day across Canada.
ALBERTA
UNITED FEST
Canmore August 24, starting at 9:00 AM
About the event. To celebrate Independence Day, Ukrainians are organizing an amazing festival amidst the Canadian Rockies. The event will take place in Canmore, which will be transformed into a blue and yellow city for a day. Organized by the local branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and UCAN Radio, the festival promises numerous activities, including a hike to the summit of Ha Ling Peak, standing at 2,407 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of Canmore. There will also be yoga sessions, a tea ceremony by the river, children's workshops, an acting workshop, and a vibrant concert on the main stage. The event also supports a noble cause – all funds raised will be donated to the "Butterfly House" children's hospice in Ukraine.
Cost. Entry to the festival grounds is free, but organizers encourage the purchase of charity tickets (minimum donation – CAD 7.50) to support the "Butterfly House" children's hospice in Chernihiv. Each ticket allows participation in a charity raffle, which will be held on the main stage during the concert. Additionally, some seminars and workshops require extra registration, which may involve a fee.
Details: surl.li/vxwloj
Distance from Calgary: 104 km
Travel cost. By car – CAD 20 (one way), approximately 1.5 hours. For those without a car, special shuttles have been arranged. Buses will transport attendees from downtown Calgary to the festival site in Canmore and back for CAD 20.
Accommodation (if needed): CAD 300-400 per night for a 3-4 star hotel in Canmore.
Ukrainian Day in the Park
Calgary, Ukrainian Pioneer's Park (intersection of 7th Ave and 6th St. NE – near the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
August 24, 4:00 PM
About the event. In Calgary, the celebration will be held at the Ukrainian Pioneer's Park. Supported by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, this festival will feature Ukrainian dances, music, and cuisine. The program includes performances by local dance ensembles and bands, as well as workshops on Ukrainian folk art. There will be a gastronomic fair and outdoor entertainment. Organizers suggest bringing chairs or blankets.
Cost: Free
Details: surl.li/dfxfhx
TNMK Consert
Calgary, The Palace Theatre, 219 8 Ave SW.
August 24, 7:30 PM
About event. As part of a major North American tour, the band "Tanok na Maydani Kongo" (TNMK) will perform in Calgary. The organizers note that Ukrainian hip-hop classics Fagot and Fozzy will be giving concerts in the USA and Canada for the first time in 20 years. This is a charity tour, with the musicians raising donations to support one of the special units – "Artana."
Details: surl.li/gwdvrp
Cost: Starting at CAD 70
Indepandance Day Celebration in Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Edmonton
August 25, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About the event. Independence Day celebrations will be held at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. This place is like a Ukrainian Canadian village with old houses – an open-air museum recreating the atmosphere of the daily life of Ukrainians who lived in Canada 100 years ago. The celebration will include a concert and authentic entertainment.
Details: surl.li/kcbpdr
Distance from Calgary: 300 km
Travel cost:
By car: ~ CAD 50 for fuel, 3 hours travel time
By plane: from CAD 120 one way
Accommodation: Cost for a 3-4 star hotel – from CAD 160 per night.
Other Canadian Provinces
Vancouver (British Columbia)
Sunset Beach
August 24, 2:00 PM
About the event. In Vancouver, the celebration of the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's independence will take place in an open-air park. It will be a picnic featuring Ukrainian dishes. Additionally, visitors will enjoy modern and folk songs and dances, local Ukrainian businesses, charitable organizations, and a children's playground.
Details: surl.li/acgwpi
Distance from Calgary: 970 km
Travel cost:
By car: ~ CAD 120, travel time – 11-12 hours
By plane: CAD 150-400, flight time – 1.5 hours
Accommodation: ~ CAD 151-554 per night
Winnipeg (Manitoba)
ACCESS Centre, 48 Holland Rd, West St.Paul, MB
August 24, 4:00-10:00 PM
About the event. Winnipeg will host a family celebration featuring performances by local folklore groups. There will also be soccer games, singing, and socializing.
Details: surl.li/lbqgma
Distance from Calgary: 1,330 km
Travel cost:
By car: ~ CAD 170, travel time – 14-16 hours
By plane: CAD 250-500, flight time – 2 hours
Accommodation cost: ~ CAD 83-223 per night
Ottawa (Ontario)
August 24
About the event. Canada's capital will also celebrate the 33rd anniversary of independence on a large scale. An official ceremony will be held on the square in front of the Parliament, featuring Ukrainian and Canadian politicians. The stage will host performances by an orchestra and choral groups.
Additionally, a potluck picnic will be held in Vincent Massey Park, where everyone is welcome to bring their favorite dish to share. Cultural performances with Ukrainian music and dance, as well as various family activities, are planned. This is a great opportunity to meet with the Ukrainian community in Ottawa and celebrate this day together.
Details: surl.li/hqtqzl
Distance from Calgary: 3,390 km
Travel cost:
By car: ~ CAD 480, travel time – 38-42 hours
By plane: CAD 350-700, flight time – 4.5 hours
Accommodation cost: ~ CAD 128-134 per night
Toronto (Ontario)
256 Centennial Park Rd
August 24, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
About the event. The celebration of the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's Independence Day will take place in Centennial Park. The program will be led by famous Ukrainian artists, including bands and ensembles, with various cultural events and exhibitions also taking place.
Details: surl.li/dgyvtf
Distance from Calgary: 3,400 km
Travel cost:
By car: ~ CAD 450, travel time – 36-40 hours
By plane: CAD 300-600, flight time – 4 hours
Accommodation cost: From CAD 223 per night
Montreal (Quebec)
August 24, 12:00 PM
About the event. The celebration will feature people wearing traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts near an open microphone, along with performances by folklore groups.
Details: surl.li/zgivmi
Distance from Calgary: 3,600 km
Travel cost:
By car: ~ CAD 480, travel time – 39-43 hours
By plane: CAD 350-750, flight time – 4.5 hours
Accommodation cost: ~ CAD 190 per night
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