ED FEST

08/29/2026

Ed Fest welcomes Side Hustle to the stage!

Hailing from the heart of the East Kootenays, Side Hustle is a Cranbrook‑based five‑piece known for turning every stage into a full‑throttle party. Blending Classic Rock, Country, and Heavy Metal with their own high‑energy edge, they deliver a dynamic setlist that keeps dance floors packed and crowds coming back for more.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Paul Dyson, the band’s sound is driven by the melodic keys of Gordon Michael Clark, the rock‑solid grooves of drummer Rene Volf, the electrifying guitar work of Boyd Buckley, and the unmistakable low‑end pulse of Dave “Just Dave” Turner on bass. Together, they bring tight musicianship, big harmonies, and a genuine love for the songs that get people moving.

Whether they’re ripping through a rock anthem, sliding into a country favourite, or cranking up the heavy, Side Hustle brings the energy every single time. For festivals, bar nights, private events, and everything in between, they’re the soundtrack to your best nights out.

Don't miss their set on Saturday, September 19th at 7:20pm.
For more info, check out https://www.edfest.ca/mainstage-performances

08/29/2026

COme on down to Rotary Park, September 18th and 19th, to experience the joy and laughter that Ed Fest brings to downtown cranbrook!
With something for everyone, Ed Fest celebrates the arts and music located in the East Kootenays, and gives a place to those who wish to unleash their creative side!

For more information, check out edfest.ca

08/28/2026

Cranbrook Arts returns with many more fun opportunities for all ages!
With workshops like button making and lantern creating coming back, new ones are popping up, like a custom stamp banner for everyone to partake in.

For more info, visit https://www.edfest.ca/

08/27/2026

Prepare for a spectacular sight as Ed the elephant, a giant puppet made from cloth and metal by Marcel Dou Roig of Bohemian Misfits Production, invades downtown Cranbrook during the Ed Fest Stampede. This impressive puppet will roam the streets, engaging with passersby through playful interactions and performing a variety of tricks and stunts.

A group of circus performers will accompany Ed through the streets and entertain the crowd with comedic dialogues and skits, creating a lively and immersive experience. This enchanting performance, reminiscent of those seen at carnivals and the circus, promises to delight children and adults alike. Don’t miss this whimsical and interactive highlight of Ed Fest, bringing joy and wonder to all who attend!

Check out https://www.edfest.ca/ for more info!

08/27/2026

Oops!

The dates were wrong on our previously posted schedules!
Here they are with the dates updated!

08/26/2026

JCI Beer Gardens returns to Ed Fest with good times, bright smiles, and an incredible drink menu!

With drinks like Hey Y'alls, Cider, Wits, and Wines, there's something for everyone!

Beer gardens will be open from 5pm - 9:30 pm both nights of the festival, so be sure not to miss it!

For more info, check out https://www.edfest.ca.

08/25/2026

Brass Roots is a 12-piece jazz ensemble featuring accomplished musicians from across the East Kootenays. With a dynamic horn section and outstanding rhythm section, the band performs an exciting mix of jazz, swing, Latin, funk, and big band music. Their diverse repertoire includes Chick Corea's "Spain," Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love,"the timeless "Sway," the iconic "Mission: Impossible Theme," and swing classics such as "Sing, Sing, Sing." Every performance is energetic, engaging, and designed to entertain audiences of all ages.

Brass Roots brings the sound of a modern big band to the stage with an exciting repertoire that spans generations and musical styles. From jazz standards and swing favourites to Latin grooves, rock classics, and iconic movie themes, the band creates an upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere that appeals to music lovers of every age. Whether audiences are dancing, singing along, or simply enjoying the music, Brass Roots delivers a vibrant and memorable live performance.
Brass Roots will perform Saturday, September 19th at 12:30pm!

For more info, check out: https://www.edfest.ca/mainstage-performances

08/24/2026

Join us for the Cranbrook Arts Lantern Parade! Light up the night with beautifully crafted lanterns and a magical procession through the heart of Cranbrook. Bring your family and friends to this mesmerizing community event and even take part in the building of your own lantern to celebrate the arts in a glow of creativity and wonder. Don’t miss out on this illuminating experience!
Parade will happen at 8:30pm on Friday, September 18th!

For more info, check out https://www.edfest.ca

08/22/2026

Not only is it the 100th anniversary of Ed's escape, but it is also the 100th year of Rotary Park!

In 1922 the local Rotary Club approached the City of Cranbrook with the proposition of jointly converting the area between 10th and 11th avenues, and 1st and 2nd streets, into a children's playground. The area chosen was considered to be a general eyesore at the time, consisting of largely overgrown, swampy terrain with a creek that flooded annually.
Work began in June, 1922, and continued for the next four years, with many local clubs and volunteers lending a hand. The park was drained and levelled, the creek contained, the seasonal City Tourist Auto Camp was moved to Baker Park (where it still exists today), paths were laid, and grass and flowers were planted. The Rotarians supplied the playground equipment.
It was named "The Children's Playground," and officially opened in May, 1926 featuring a speech by Mayor T.M. Roberts, and the singing of "God Save the King." This was immediately followed by a mad rush as scores of children took to the field.
The Rotarians eventually ceded stewardship of the park to the City of Cranbrook. Rotary Park was truly a civic project and has served as a focal point in downtown Cranbrook for one-hundred years.

Story and photo credits: Jim Cameron

08/21/2026

Check out our Saturday Night Headliner:

MY SON THE HURRICANE!

Captured by Jamie Best, Editor & Videographer