The Cathedral Village Arts Festival (CVAF), a week-long celebration of the arts and community spirit, is set to kick off its 35th year with a new partnership to bring a new cultural element to the event. This year, the Sâkêwêwak First Nations Artists’ Collective will showcase more Indigenous artists by presenting the Sâkêwêwak Stage on Saturday, May 23. Performers will include the Kawacatoose Dance Troupe, Melody McArthur, Teagan Littlechief, Drezus, and more. The festival kicks off on Monday with a community parade beginning at 11:30 a.m. in Holy Rosary Park. It will head down 13th Avenue to Elphinstone Street and will then turn left to Les Sherman Park for the kick-off picnic. Performances by Jesse Lamont as Elvis, the Pacesetters Orchestra, and Hot Dog! Blue Grass will take place at the picnic stage following opening remarks and blessings from Mayor Chad Bachynski, Elder Linda Anderson, and CVAF Festival Chair Rob Truszkowski. First Nations storytellers will be on site, including hands-on stations such as a “texture hunting” workshop by Sacred Circle Healing Arts Studio. Throughout the week, there will be several different events people can take part in at different locations, including musical performances, a ribbon skirt making session, readings from Sask. Book Award winners, a comedy show, and a poetry slam night. As well, eight local artists will open their home studios to the public from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. On Saturday, the CVAF will host its street fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring hundreds of vendors from across Canada. Funville will also take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, featuring a tug of war, ice cream eating contest, and performances. The CVAF will take place from May 18 – May 23, 2026. The festival schedule and map can be found here.
