Hi neighbours 👋 From art tours and concerts to farm markets, Oktoberfest, and a chili cook-off, this weekend has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning family fun or an evening out with friends, here’s what’s happening close to home.
✨ In today’s edition
🏞️ Alberta Culture Days: “Most Beautiful Art Tour” returns
📰 Foothills teachers prepare for possible strike action
🎉 Oktoberfest, farmers’ markets & a chili showdown
🎨 Rotary Art Gala & Jim Croce tribute concerts
👨👩👧 Family-friendly library workshops & storytimes
📰 News
📚 Teacher Strike Looming
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has served notice that strike action could begin as soon as October 6 if no deal is reached. The Foothills School Division says families should prepare for possible disruptions, including school closures. Until then, classes continue as normal. Parents are urged to make contingency plans, and updates will be posted on the division’s Labour Relations page.
🎨 Culture Days in the Foothills
This weekend marks Alberta Culture Days, and our region is part of the Most Beautiful Art Tour — with galleries and studios along the Cowboy Trail opening their doors for free tours, workshops, and artist meet-and-greets. It’s a chance to celebrate local creativity and explore hidden gems across the Foothills.
🌟 Community Spotlight
🖼️ Rotary Art Gala & Sale
The Okotoks and High River Rotary Clubs are hosting a two-day art gala showcasing 50+ local artists at the Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks. Half of proceeds go toward expanding the Foothills Country Hospice. Admission is free Friday night, with hors d’oeuvres and a $5 cash bar.
🎶 The Life and Times of Jim Croce
The Old Church Theatre in Okotoks hosts two tribute concerts (Friday & Saturday) celebrating the beloved 1970s folk-rock legend. Expect heartfelt storytelling, timeless hits like Time in a Bottle, and a cozy small-venue vibe.
🎉 Weekend Events (Sept 19–21)
Friday, Sept 19
📚 Preschool Storytime – High River Library, 10:30 am
A fun morning program for little ones with stories, songs, and rhymes.👶 Baby Rhyme Time – High River Library, 11:30 am
An engaging parent-child session with rhymes, bounces, and early literacy fun.🖼️ Rotary Art Gala – Okotoks, 5 pm
A showcase of local artists with proceeds supporting Foothills Country Hospice.🎸 Rockin’ Robbie Live – Spitzee Bar & Grill, High River, 5:30 pm
An upbeat evening of classic 50s–70s rock and roll in a lively pub setting.🎬 Free Bollywood Movie Night: Bride & Prejudice – Okotoks Cinemas, 6:30 pm
A free screening of the Bollywood hit, with food bank donations encouraged.
🎶 Jim Croce Tribute Concert (Night 1) – Old Church Theatre, Okotoks, 7:30 pm
A heartfelt tribute show to 70s folk-rock legend Jim Croce.🍻 FAHR Oktoberfest (Day 1) – Fahr Brewery, Diamond Valley, 4 pm–midnight
A Bavarian-style beer fest with bratwurst, pretzels, music, and seasonal brews.
Saturday, Sept 20
🛒 Millarville Farmers’ Market – 9 am–2 pm
A classic country market with farm produce, food trucks, and artisan goods.🖼️ Art Show at the Library – Turner Valley, 10 am
Local art displays presented by the Sheep Creek Arts Council.🧵 Needle Felting Workshop: Beaver Pals – Okotoks Library, 10:30 am
A hands-on craft workshop teaching needle felting techniques.✂️ Illustrating with Collage Workshop – Okotoks Library, 1 pm
A creative class exploring collage as a form of illustration.📖 Momma Moon Storytime – Okotoks Library, 1 pm
A storytelling session for children featuring tales from “Momma Moon.”🎨 Beyond the Brush (Art Showcase) – Okotoks Library, 1:30 pm
An art event (Ages 13-17) highlighting unique techniques beyond traditional brushwork.🎶 Jim Croce Tribute Concert (Night 2) – Old Church Theatre, Okotoks, 7:30 pm
The second night of this live tribute to Jim Croce’s timeless music.🎯 End-of-Summer Cornhole Tournament – Hub Town Brewing, Okotoks, 2 pm
A friendly competition of bean-bag toss with prizes for winning teams.😂 The Loonie Bin Amateur Comedy Night – Hub Town Brewing, Okotoks, 7 pm
An open-mic comedy night where the audience votes with loonies.🍻 FAHR Oktoberfest (Day 2) – Fahr Brewery, Diamond Valley, 4 pm–midnight
The second night of Oktoberfest fun with beer, food, and live entertainment.
Sunday, Sept 21
🏞️ Most Beautiful Art Tour Continues – throughout the Foothills
A self-guided tour of local galleries and studios as part of Culture Days.🐴 Chore Horse Competition – Bar U Ranch, Longview, 10 am–5 pm
Heavy horse teams compete in an obstacle course showcasing ranch skills.🌶️ Chuckwagon Chili Cook-Off – Bar U Ranch, Longview, ~2 pm
A friendly chili showdown where visitors taste and vote for the best pot.
💬 What Locals Are Talking About
The Oktoberfest buzz in Diamond Valley — locals are excited to don lederhosen, enjoy German music, beer & food outdoors.
Hub Town Brewing has become the go-to for quirky weekend fun — with cornhole and comedy nights drawing in crowds.
Families are planning to hit the Millarville Farmers’ Market while the season’s still running strong.
The teacher strike countdown is on parents’ minds, many discussing backup childcare plans and what October may look like if action proceeds.
👉 Thanks for reading this week’s Scoop! If you enjoyed it, forward it to a neighbour — the more locals in the loop, the better our community stays connected. And don’t forget: subscribing is always free, and we never share your data.
See you around town this weekend 🍂
— The Foothills Scoop Team