Busy week of events at Lethbridge & District Exhibition and Henderson Lake

First Night Market, Dragon Boats, Farmers’ Market, Rib Fest and Canada Day celebrations will bring the community together

Lethbridge, Alta. – Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE) and the Henderson Lake area will be the centerpiece of a series of community celebrations over the next week. Among the events taking place in the region are the Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, Lethbridge & District Exhibition’s first Night Market, the Saturday Lethbridge Farmers’ Market, Western Canada Rib Fest and the City of Lethbridge/LDE Canada Day Celebration on July 1.

Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival powered by ATB

The original blue teak boat, one of the first two Dragon Boats launched on Henderson Lake, is available for public viewing in the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre.

The festivities kick off with the Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival powered by ATB from June 27-29 in Henderson Lake Park. LDE is supporting both the festival and the Dragon Boat Association of Southern Alberta through a new partnership, while showcasing the history of the sport in the region. As a platinum sponsor of the Dragon Boat Festival, LDE is welcoming visitors to view the original blue teak boat, which kicked off the city’s Dragon Boat tradition, dating back to 2001, in the Real Estate Centre Lobby of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre.

“The Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival is a summer staple in our city, and with it happening right next door, we want to support this important event that both unites and gives back to our community,” says Sydney Koppe, Director of Community Engagement, Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “This partnership promotes LDE and the surrounding district as a gathering place for our community. We are an anchor for families, businesses and community members to connect and come together.”

The Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival powered by ATB is one of the region’s largest summer events and is jointly organized by the Lethbridge Rotary Clubs. The Dragon Boat Association of Southern Alberta (DASA) is a non-profit sporting organization that is contracted by the Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival to run practice sessions leading up to the Festival, while also sending teams to attend festivals and events across western Canada and the United States.

“The Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival powered by ATB is excited to partner with Lethbridge & District Exhibition for the 2025 Festival,” says Chris McLean, Festival Chair. “Along with the support of DASA, we know that the festival will have another successful year. Three strong community minded organizations working together for the benefit and entertainment of our community.”

The blue teak boat on display in the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre traces its roots to 2001 when it was one of two boats purchased by the Abreast of ‘Bridge team through a community fundraising effort, becoming the first two Dragon Boats on Henderson Lake. From there, Abreast of 'Bridge, local Rotary Clubs and the City of Lethbridge launched a recognized tradition of hosting Dragon Boat Festivals on Henderson Lake. While the Abreast of ‘Bridge team was eventually able to buy a new boat, they have since put in place a program where the original boats are used to create new interest in the sport.

“DASA makes Henderson Lake its summer home and is looking forward to partnering with our neighbors – Lethbridge & District Exhibition!” says Karen Johnson, President, DASA.

Visitors can check out the original blue teak boat at any time in the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. To learn more about the Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, visit lethbridgedragonfest.ca.

Night Market

A new summertime tradition begins in Lethbridge with the introduction of the Saturday Night Market at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. The first market takes place from 4 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 28.

This free outdoor/indoor market will feature local vendors, food trucks, an outdoor drink patio and live music, creating a unique community gathering place. The Night Market is a collaboration between Lethbridge & District Exhibition and Domesticated Divas Events.

Visit the Night Market at the south entry of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. Learn more on the LDE website.

Saturday Lethbridge Farmers’ Market presented by UFA

Saturday’s Lethbridge Farmers’ Market presented by UFA continues its season with a market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  on Saturday, June 28 in the UFA Hall of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. Admission is free and the market features local food offerings, unique household items, and much more. As Lethbridge’s only Alberta-approved farmers’ market, the market prioritizes items made, baked and grown in Alberta.

Shoppers are encouraged to park in the south lot of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre and visit vendors both indoors in the UFA Hall and outdoors, outside of the venue’s south entrance.

Learn more at lethbridgefarmersmarket.ca.

Western Canada Rib Fest

The Western Canada Rib Fest tour sets up in the south parking lot of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre from June 27 – July 1. The tour brings finger licking good ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and more to Lethbridge. Featuring good food, live entertainment, a beer garden and family fun, it is free to stop by and check out the action.

Learn more at wcrft.ca.

Canada Day celebration

LDE and the City of Lethbridge are teaming up to host Lethbridge’s largest Canada Day celebration in both Henderson Park and at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. Family focused activities will take place in Henderson Lake Park, with the entertainment stage on the north lawn of the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. Food trucks will line Exhibition Way S. More family activities and food offerings will be available inside the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre.

More information can be found on the City of Lethbridge’s website.

With so many activities taking place, parking will be limited at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre and in the adjoining area. Residents are encouraged to carpool, use ride shares, bike or scooter to best access the area.