2025 Whoop-Up Days to see extra day of festivities added

Programming for Whoop-Up Days has been announced, and Lethbridge's largest summer festival just got even larger with an extra day added.

Whoop-Up Days will be extending its celebrations when the annual festival returns this summer.

The five-day Lethbridge fair kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and new this year there will also be a special Whoop-Up wrap-up party on Sunday, Aug. 24.

“We try to make it a little bit better and a little bit bigger each year, and this year I think we’ve done that,” said Paul Kingsmith, director of event development with the Lethbridge and District Exhibition.

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“We’re able to offer a lower admission cost on (Sunday) – only $5 to get in,” he said. “It won’t have all the frills that Whoop-Up Days has, but it will have the midway food trucks and beer gardens going, so a fun, family atmosphere.”

The festival will begin with the parade on Aug. 19 featuring a ‘hometown heroes’ theme.

The activity will then shift to the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, where West Coast Amusements will bring more than 30 rides and games to the midway.

There will also be a Blackfoot Confederacy Powwow, Siksikaitsitapi Princess Pageant and live entertainment.

The Lethbridge and District Pro Rodeo will be returning from Aug. 21-23.

“We’ve seen four-time world champions Zeke Thurston and many like him here at our rodeo, so we would expect the same this year,” said Kynan Vine, executive producer of the pro rodeo. “We’re expecting top-level quality competitors.”

Rocking the Original 16 Stage this year will be a variety of artists including headliners Trevor Panczak, Canadian legends Trooper, ‘90s Canadian rockers Econoline Crush and country singer Chad Brownlee.

A revamped marketplace and family fun zone have been announced, which includes a community stage, interactive children’s activities and local entertainment.

Gas King will offer its Free ‘Til initiative which allows everyone onto the grounds for free from noon until 3 p.m. from Aug. 19-21.

Kingsmith says its all part of a wider focus on promoting the local community.

“When people walk through Whoop-Up Days, they want to see more of the community groups,” said Kingsmith. “They want to see more of the not-for-profits and charities and learn more about what’s on in this city.”

The 2024 event saw 40,178 people through the gates – the second highest on record.

“Events like these are a big draw for our region,” said Dominika Wojcik, senior director of communications with Tourism Lethbridge. “People can come, they can enjoy the day at whoop-Up Days, they can have some fun on the midway, check out the acts, but then they can also go out to dinner, they can also go shopping.”

Whoop-Up Days 2025 runs from Aug. 19-23.

For more information you can visit the Whoop-Up Days website.