PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — Prince Albert is preparing to join communities across the country in hosting the 2025 edition of Culture Days, Canada’s largest national celebration of arts and culture. From September 19 to October 12, residents will have the chance to take part in more than 30 free events and activities showcasing the city’s artistic and cultural vibrancy.
Culture Days has grown into a major fixture on the Canadian cultural calendar, drawing an estimated two million participants annually through thousands of free performances, workshops and exhibits in 355 communities nationwide. Prince Albert’s contribution to the three-week celebration is coordinated locally, with financial backing from SaskCulture via Saskatchewan Lotteries, the City’s Municipal Cultural Action Plan, and partner organizations hosting events.
Community Highlights
The city’s program kicks off with the Midtown Mural Celebration on September 19 at 5:30 p.m., hosted at the Midtown Community Hall by Community Building Youth Futures Prince Albert. The event includes a free barbecue and a chance to meet the artists and organizers behind a new community mural project.
On September 20, families can head to the Gateway Mall between noon and 3 p.m. for a Story Book Walk and Interactive Activities, which blend educational displays with engaging experiences for children.
The following day offers an artistic double-feature. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mann Art Gallery will open its doors for a Free Art Day, while the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts will conduct guided theatre tours accompanied by live smooth jazz performances from musicians Mike Langlois and Darcy Sander.
Dance enthusiasts will have their moment on September 25 when the YWCA Wesley hosts an International Dance Party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., highlighting global styles and traditions. That energy leads into one of the festival’s signature weekends: the Tapestrama Cultural Festival, organized by the Prince Albert Multicultural Council, running September 27 and 28 at Carlton Comprehensive High School. Tapestrama promises diverse performances, cultural showcases, and a lineup of food vendors reflecting the city’s multicultural identity.
The Prince Albert Historical Museum will also open its doors free of charge on September 30, offering visitors a chance to explore the region’s past from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Throughout the festival, the Margo Fournier Arts Centre will host a slate of free art programs, including Youth Open Studio sessions, a “Paint Your Own Mug” activity, and outdoor art workshops at Little Red River Park. While free, these programs require pre-registration through the city’s online system.
Building Cultural Connections
Organizers stress that the goal of Culture Days is more than entertainment. It is an effort to deepen community bonds and highlight the diverse cultural identities within Prince Albert.
“Culture Days gives us the chance to be proud of who we are as a community and to celebrate that together,” said Tia Holash, Arts and Culture Coordinator for the City. “When people recognize their own stories, cultures, and creativity being valued and shared, it strengthens their sense of place and home here in Prince Albert.”
To encourage accessibility, the city will also offer free public transit during part of the festival, specifically on Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, making it easier for residents to attend multiple events across the city.
National Context
Since its inception, Culture Days has emerged as Canada’s largest cultural event, fueled by grassroots collaboration among artists, organizations and municipalities. It has provided a platform for communities of all sizes to celebrate their unique stories and traditions while encouraging public engagement with the arts.
For Prince Albert, officials view participation as both an economic and cultural investment, one that highlights the city’s creative industries while building community pride. With events spanning visual arts, music, dance, storytelling, food and heritage, the program is designed to appeal to a broad audience.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 festival underscores the city’s commitment to making arts and culture accessible to all, particularly in a time when affordability is a concern for many Canadians. Free programming, coupled with diverse offerings, positions Prince Albert as an active partner in a nationwide celebration that continues to grow in reach and significance.
Residents can find the complete schedule of events on the Prince Albert Culture Days Hub Page.
