The Cochrane Integrated Arts Society (CIAS) is inviting the community to come out and celebrate creativity during its sixth annual Culture Days, happening September 6th to 7th. The weekend will be packed with performances, local art, and family-friendly activities showcasing Cochrane’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Since 2020, Cochrane has been part of Culture Days, a nationwide celebration that shines a spotlight on arts and culture across Canada. For CIAS President Jane Kaczmer, it’s an event that has become a highlight for the community.
“It's part of Alberta Culture Day,” said Kaczmer. “It's an important event to hold so that the people of Cochrane and the surrounding area can come out and enjoy our local arts and culture scenes.”
Kaczmer noted that Cochrane is home to many talented arts groups, and Culture Days provides a stage to highlight them.
“Culture Days is a chance for people to realize how many different things are going on with arts and culture in our community,” she explained. “The people of Cochrane don’t always hear about them, and we get to feature just a few of them each year.”
This year’s lineup of performers includes the Drowsy Maggies, Stoney Mini Thni Dancers, Ga-On Taekwondo Academy, Circles of Rhythm, Cochrane Pipe Band, and Hippocratic Oath.
“Taking advantage of the summer, we picked these performances as they are better suited for outdoors,” Kaczmer said. “These are the kinds of performances that do well on the small stage.”
The weekend will also feature artisan offerings and cultural experiences. On Sunday, Wazin Ichinabi Ti – House of Oneness – will host an artisan sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and lead a traditional tipi raising at The Station green space. For children, Imagine That YYC Face Painting will bring a splash of colour and fun.
Cochrane Culture Days 2025 is a collaborative effort with the Cochrane Farmers’ Market, the Cochrane Classic Car Club, and the Town of Cochrane. In conjunction with the festivities, the Men of Vision statue will be re-dedicated on Saturday, September 6, from 5–6 p.m. The following day, Main Street will shine with the Classic Car Club’s annual Show n’ Shine.
For full details on Cochrane Culture Days 2025, visit cochraneartsociety.com.
