Upcoming Events

September

Aklavik Dizzy Daze
Aklavik, September 3-5
Ph: 867.978.2351
Fall celebration Labour Day weekend featuring casinos, competitions and fun activities for the whole family. All events held in the Sittichinli Recreation Centre.

Fiddling and Jigging Talent Show
Hay River, September 3-5
Ph: 867.874.6581
The biggest fiddling and jigging championship North of 60! The event raises funds for music programs, preserves the culture and promotes northern artists. Hosted by the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre.

Indian Summer Daze
Whati, September 3-5
Ph: 867.573.3401
Community feast, dance, hand games tournament, canoe races, traditional games and a fishing derby.

7th Annual Canzeal Cup
Yellowknife, September 4-5
http://sail.ssimicro.com
Great Slave Cruising Club, seventh annual Canzeal Cup race to Moose Bay (25 nautical miles from the City) . Departs on Saturday and returns on Sunday. For those who do not want to race, come out for a great weekend of sailing,stories, social events and potluck dinners!

Yellowknife Golf Club - Glow Ball Tournament
Yellowknife, September 10
Ph: 867.873.4326
This perhaps is one of the largest Glow Ball tournaments in North America. Sign up early! Includes golfing, dinner and prizes awarded. Call Yellowknife Golf Course for more details.

First Air Open Golf Tournament
Ft. Simpson, September 11
Ph: 867.695.2787
Golf Tournament held at the Seven Spruce Golf Club. Contact golf club for more details.

4th Annual First Air - LETR Hercules Pull Challenge
Yellowknife, September 11
Ph: 867.445.7245
Strong minded and bold hearted teams of 15 individuals will compete in a friendly competition to pull together in the ultimate challenge of moving a plane weighing over 90,000 lbs in the fastest time possible. Trophies are awarded to the top teams in each category and all team members are eligible to win a variety of draw prizes. BBQ will follow event.

Hay River Fall Fair
Hay River, September 11-12
Ph: 867.874.2532
This event promotes the arts and crafts of the South Slave region. Arts/crafts demonstrations, food vendors and a petting zoo. Lots of fun for the whole family.

October

Hanna Stewart Memorial Loche Derby
Aklavik, after freeze-up: mid-October to mid-November. Contact the recreation office for date of event.
Ph: 867.978.2351
The 17th annual ice fishing derby is fun for the whole family. The dates depend on the river ice. Prizes for the heaviest, longest, lightest, and shortest loche (burbot or mariah, a cod-like fish).

Halloween Events
Aklavik, October 28-30
Ph: 867.978.2351
Various community events to celebrate Halloween! Contact the recreation office for more details.

November

Community Arts & Fine Crafts Christmas Sale
Fort Smith, November 19
Ph: 867.872.2859
A great shopping opportunity for that original gift from an original place. Arts and fine craft displays by local Fort Smith artists. Come meet the artists!

Great Northern Arts Festival Christmas Craft Fair
Inuvik, November 26-27
Ph: 867.777.8638
Find the perfect northern gift when the Great Northern Arts Society presents this amazing showcase of local arts, culture, and craftsmanship.

December

Christmas Games
Ulukhaktok, December 24 - January 4
Games, dances and community events throughout the holiday season.

Christmas/New Years Eve Events
Aklavik, December 10-31
Ph: 867.978.2351
Various holiday events for the whole family. Contact the recreation office for more details.

January

Sunrise Festival
Inuvik, beginning of January 2011
Ph: 867.777.8618, www.inuvik.ca
The 24th annual celebration of the return of the sun to the community. Bonfire and fireworks on the Saturday closest to the sunrise.

Yellowknife Northern Performers' Festival (Northern Arts and Cultural Centre)
Yellowknife, January
www.naccnt.ca
NACC is proud to present its annual Northern Performers Festival, featuring established and emerging stars on the entertainment scene "north of 60."
Check the NACC website for coming events.

February

Marilyn Sanderson Memorial Hockey Tournament
Fort Resolution, February
Ph: 867.394.4556
Hockey tournament in Fort Resolution. Contact town office for more details.

Fort Liard Art Strategy Art Competition
Fort Liard, February
Ph: 867.770.4104
To bring recognition to all of the talented artists in Dehcho area, the hamlet of Fort Liard hosts an annual art competition. This event is open to all Artists of NWT and consists of seven categories. There will also be workshops and art exhibits.

March

Kamba Winter Carnival
Hay River, early March
Ph: 867.874.6701
A family weekend full of activities with something for everyone- children and adult talent shows, dog races, outdoor activities, raffles, hand games and lots of prizes.

Beavertail Jamboree
Fort Simpson,early March
Ph: 867.695.3300
Winter golf, dogsled races, and a community feast.

Wood Buffalo Frolics/Muffaloose Days
Fort Smith, mid-March
Ph: 867.872.3065 www.fortsmith.ca
The Frolics is a two day event with a community feast, dance, games, a hockey tournament and dog sled races. Most popular is the caban a sucre- the sugar shack- where maple syrup is poured over snow for a scrumptious winter treat!

Polar Pond Hockey Tournament
Hay River, mid-March
Join us on the ice with 10 rinks, a live band, fireworks, beer gardens and other festivities throughout the night. The event is held at the Fisherman's wharf site.

Caribou Carnival
Yellowknife, mid- to late-March
Ph: 867.873.9698 www.cariboucarnival.ca
An outdoor winter carnival in downtown Yellowknife! The Diavik 150 Canadian Championship Dog Derby, Extreme Snowmobile Races, the Quest for the Crown and Caribou Capers.

Canadian Championship Dog Derby
Yellowknife, mid- to late-March
Ph: 867.445.7223 www.diavik150.com

Snowking Winter Festival
Yellowknife, March
Ph: 867.669.1571 www.snowking.ca
The Snowking Winter Festival celebrates its 15th year! Come visit the snow castle on Yellowknife Bay and stay for art exhibits, live music, a film festival, family events, a hockey tournament and great hot chocolate throughout the month.

Spring Carnival
Fort Resolution, late March
Ph: 867.394.4556
A weekend to celebrate Spring. Guitar Hero competition for the kids, the Cecil Lafferty dog races and the annual Victor Lafferty Memorial cribbage tournament.

Moose Deer Carnival & NWT Dogsled Championships
Fort Resolution, late March
Ph: 867.394.4556
Celebrate the end of winter with dog sled races, traditional games and fun activities for the whole family.

Iceolation Art Show
Yellowknife, late March
Ph: 867.920.0711
Annual artist show on the theme of Ice. Opening at the Snowking Castle. Exhibition at Down to Earth Gallery the following week.

Spring Carnival
Whati, late March
Ph: 867.573.3401
For details contact the town office.

Muskrat Jamboree
Inuvik, late March
Ph: 867.777.8618 www.inuvik.ca
This Friday to Monday festival has several skills contests including muskrat skinning, snowshoe races, dog sledding, tea boiling, and log sawing.

April

Mad Trappers Rendezvous
Aklavik, early April
Ph: 867.978.2351
A fun weekend of old time dancing, dog races, snowmobile races and cultural events.

The Annual NorthwesTel Yellowknife Ski Loppet
Yellowknife, early April
http://www.skiyellowknife.com/
Yellowknife Ski Loppet Everyone is welcome, especially families and beginner skiers! Takes place on Vee Lake.

Easter Games
Ulukhaktok, early April
Four days of community events- indoor and outdoor activities, contests, prizes, and a community feast.

Snow Sculpture Contest/Easter Egg Hunt
Fort Resolution, early April
Ph: 867.394.4541
A fun-filled weekend for the whole family.

Peel River Jamboree
Fort McPherson, early April
Ph: 867.952.2428
Contact town office for details.

Spring Fling
Norman Wells, mid-April
Ph: 867.587.3721 www.normanwells.com
Enjoy the first days of spring in Norman Wells with a parade, dance, snowmobile races, youth soccer tournament, ice golf, barbeque and bonfire!

Spring Carnival
Tsiigehtchic, mid-April
Dog sled races, traditional games and skidoo races.

Top of the World Ski Loppet
Inuvik, mid-April
Ph: 867.777.8618 www.inuvik.ca
This annual event organized by the Inuvik Ski Club invites racers to compete in six different races ranging from 150 meters to 150 kilometers.

Beluga Jamboree
Tuktoyaktuk, mid-April
Ph: 867.977.2286
Celebrate springtime on the arctic coast. Exciting events and contests: snowmobile races, log sawing, harpoon throwing, drum dancing, igloo building and square dancing under the midnight sun.

Gwich'in Day
Inuvik, April
Ph: 867.777.8618
Full day of activities with a BBQ lunch.

Fishing Derby
Paulatuk, April 1-30
Ph: 867.580.3709
Come fish for lake trout. Stay for the bragging rights in contests for biggest, longest, and smallest fish. Then enjoy the community feast!

May

White Fox Jamboree
Sachs Harbour, early May
Ph: 867.690.4351

Ptarmigan Ptheatrics Spring Musical
Yellowknife, late April to early May
This theatre company has showcased local talent in musicals at NACC since 1991. Come enjoy this year's production. For information, see www.naccnt.ca.

Boreal Piecemakers Quilt Exhibit
Fort Smith, all year long
Ph: 867.872.2859
Traditional and contemporary arts and fine crafts workshops are offered through the year at Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre.

Fishing Derby
Fort Resolution, mid to late May
Ph: 867.394.4541
Spring fishing derby just in time to catch coneys (inconnu). Contests for biggest, smallest, etc. $20 per person to participate.

June

Storytelling Road Festival (Northern Arts and Cultural Centre)
late May and early June
Ph: 867.766.6101, www.naccnt.ca
A traveling storytelling festival with events in Behchoko, Fort Liard, Fort Simpson, Kakisa, Enterprise, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Fort Resolution.

Community BBQ
Yellowknife, early June
Ph: 867.920.5676
Located at the Somba K'e Civic Plaza

NorthWords Writers Festival
Yellowknife, early June
www.northwordsfestival.ca
The 5th annual writers festival featuring local and invited authors to give readings and promote their works, including open mic events and writing workshops.

Second Annual Fun in the Sun Tourism Week Golf Tournament
Yellowknife Golf Course, June during Tourism Week
Ph: 867.873.5007
This event is being hosted jointly by Northwest Territories Tourism and the Northern Frontier Visitors Association. Registration at 11 am, shotgun start at 1 pm. Registration includes a golfer's pack, 18 holes of golf and dinner.

Beer Barge
Yellowknife, 3rd weekend in June
Ph: 867.873.6078 http://pwnhc.learnnet.nt.ca/nwtminingcentre/
Live entertainment will include music and storytelling. Several dignitaries will speak about Yellowknife history and the importance of the barges. Cost of the event is $25.

Canadian North Midnight Golf Classic
Yellowknife, Mid-June
Ph: 867.873.4326
www.yellowknifegolf.com
A long standing highlight of the summer season. Tee off under the sun at midnight. Banquets and pro workshops. Lots of prizes.

Miners Picnic
Yellowknife, mid-June
Ph: 867.873.5281
Celebrating the Mineral History in the Northwest Territories! Come for a free BBQ, the mine rescue competition, gold panning, and other events

Father's Day Fishing Derby
Fort Resolution, June
Ph: 867.394.4541
$50 per adult to participate and $20 for youth.

Music in the Park
Yellowknife, June
Come on out to Sombe’Ke Park and enjoy the best talent in Yellowknife!

Yellowknife Summer Solstice Festival/National Aboriginal Day
Yellowknife, June 21
Ph: 867.766.3865, www.solsticefestival.ca
Where music and culture meet community spirit... lots of live performances at venues all around Yellowknife. Visit our website for details on time and location.

Kingalik Jamboree
Ulukhaktok, June (Father's Day Weekend)
Ph: 867.396.8000
Celebrate the return of the kingalik (king elder duck) with traditional events such as tea-boiling, duck plucking, fish filleting. Outings with families to greet the ducks, square dancing, traditional events and contests, seal skinning, traditional dress, outdoor events, feasts, bike races, relay races and a scavenger hunt.

Midnight Sun Fun Run
Inuvik, June
Ph: 867.777.8636, www.inuvik.ca

Annual Eco-Challenge
Norman Wells, June
Ph: 867.587.2238
This is a three part race that could include canoeing on the Mackenzie River, followed by a bike race from the river to the start of a hiking trail, and ending with a hike/run to the top of the Hamar Mountain.

National Aboriginal Day
June 21
Territorial holiday with events in all communities. Contact town offices for details.

Open Sky Festival
Fort Simpson, June
Ph: 867.695.3005
The tenth anniversary of this annual multidisciplinary arts festival. A range of art forms including story telling, moose hair tufting, theatre, modern dance, traditional fiddling and new media screenings. Workshops are available for audience participation.

July

Hay Days Festival
Hay River, early July
www.haydays.ca
Hay Days Music, Arts and Cultural Festival takes place in July in Hay River NWT!

Cole Crook Fiddling Camp
Hay River, early July
Ph: 867.874.6680
In honour of a young fiddler who died in a plane crash in Norman Wells. Evening performances Wednesday to Friday. Admission by donation.

17th Annual Fly-Fishing Derby
Great Slave Lake, early July
Ph: 867.873.4334m, www.enodah.com
Hosted at Trout Rock Lodge, come try your hand at fly-fishing at one of the most beautiful locations around. Contests, fly-fishing lessons, shore lunches and more!

19th Annual Ability Cup Regatta
Yellowknife, early July
Race starts at 1:00pm at the Cruising Club by Giant Mine.
Free admission, BBQ, entertainment and fun!
Entertainment from 1pm-4:30pm. Everyone welcome!

Little Buffalo River Fishing Derby
Fort Resolution, early July
Ph: 867.394.4541

Community Arts & Crafts Exhibit
Fort Smith, all summer
Ph: 867.872.2859
A summer-long exhibition of arts and crafts by regional artists and the Northern Life Museum and Cultural Centre.

Le Frolic Bastille Days Celebration
Yellowknife, mid-July
Ph: 867.756.8320
The 11th annual Bastille Day celebration happens at Le Frolic. The weekend features live entertainment, the famous petanque tournament, a fantastic buffet and a cooking competition.

Parks Day
mid-July
www.parksday.ca
An opportunity to participate in one of hundreds of unique and fun events taking place at parks and sites from coast to coast to coast. Events take place in several NWT communities. Contact local town offices for details.

Rampart Rendezvous
Fort Good Hope, mid-July
Ph: Edna 867.598.2154 or Shawna 867.598.2231 ext. 229

Billy Joss Open Celebrity Golf Tournament
Ulukhaktok, mid-July
Ph: 867.396.8000
Each summer the Billy Joss Open Celebrity Golf Tournament is held to raise funds for literacy programs in the north. The three-day tournament includes both day and night golfing under the 24 hour sun.

Folk on the Rocks
Yellowknife, mid-July
Ph: 867.920.7806, www.folkontherocks.com
Yellowknife's own music festival takes the stage at Long Lake for a weekend of fine northern and international music, specialty food and arts and crafts.

Kiwanis Family Day & Fishing Derby
Hay River, mid-July
Ph: 867.874.6727
Enter a good old-fashioned fish derby as a part of the Kiwanis Family Day in the middle of July each year. Family picnic and Sand Castle Building contest. Register between 9AM-11AM. Festivities from 11AM-5PM.

Pine Lake Picnic
mid-July
Annual picnic sponsored by Fort Smith businesses and hosted by Wood Buffalo National Park. Everyone welcome for events, hand games, contests, and prizes.

Great Northern Arts Festival
Inuvik, starts second weekend in July
Ph: 867.777.3536 or 867.777.8638, www.gnaf.org
This annual event occurs in mid-July and lasts for 10 days. The festival features up to 80 visual artists and 40 performers from across the north who gather each summer in Inuvik to celebrate the diversity that is Canada's North. There are Inuit, Inuvialuit, Gwich'in, Dene, Metis and other First Nations, as well as non-Aboriginal artists and artisans.

Shingle Point Summer Games
Aklavik, Second last weekend of July
Ph: 867.978.2351
Shingle Point Camp and Whaling Station- cultural games, outdoor games, competitions and prizes.

Theatre on the Lake
Yellowknife, end of July
www.theatreonthelake.wordpress.com
Theatre on the Lake brings Yellowknifers the experience of the theatre on the stunning shores of Frame Lake. Featuring local playwrights, directors and actors, Theatre on the Lake is the only festival of its kind in the Northwest Territories!

Midnight Sun Float Plane Fly In
Yellowknife, end of July
Ph: 867.873.4036
Enjoy 24 hour sunshine, awesome flying and incredible hospitality! Coinciding with 'Folk on the Rocks', the upcoming Fly In is not to be missed!
Meet & Greet, Pancake breakfast, DC-3 Airplane rides, Art Show, Story telling, and more!

August

Old Town Ramble & Ride
Yellowknife, August long weekend
http://oldtownyk.ca
The Old Town Ramble and Ride Festival is put on by the artists, musicians and businesses of Old Town. It’s a chance for all of Yellowknife to ramble (walk) and ride (bike) down the hill to check out Old Town’s unique character and culture. The Old Town Ramble and Ride is a family and eco-friendly festival.

PaddleFest
Fort Smith, August long weekend
www.fskayak.webs.com
River trips, contests, spectator friendly competition, kayaking and canoeing, whitewater, flatwater, youth kayak games, whitewater rafting, best rapids ever!

Midway Lake Festival
Fort McPherson, August long weekend
Ph: 867.952.2017
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, Midway Lake attracts old-time fiddlers, as well as local bands. There is bus service from Fort McPherson. Bring a tent- food and crafts available at this annual family festival. Held at Midway Lake, 30 km from Fort McPherson on the Dempster Highway

Mackenzie Daze Celebration
Fort Providence, August long weekend
Ph: 867.699.3441
Mid-summer celebration on the upper Mackenzie River with cultural events, canoe races, adult and youth talent shows and more.

Annual Commissioner's Cup Race
Yellowknife/Hay River, August long weekend
http://sail.ssimicro.com
Great Slave Cruising Club- one of the longest fresh-water races in North America. The race starts on Friday at 9 am. Races resumes from Hay River on Sunday at 9 am. Boats return sometime Monday.

Merchants Open
Ph: 867.872.4659
Fort Smith, August long weekend
Golf tournament at Pelican Rapids Golf Course
Phone golf course for more details.

Nahendeh Classic Golf Tournament
Ph: 867.695.2787
Fort Simpson, August long weekend
4 person best ball tournament. Dinner and prizes will follow the event. Located at the 7 Spruce golf course. Call golf course for more details.

The Charlie Cassaway Memorial Golf Tournament
Fort Smith, early August
Ph: 867.872.4659
Golf tournament at Pelican Rapids Golf Course.
Phone golf course for more details.

Gateway Jamboree
Enterprise, early August
Ph: 867.984.3636
Experience an amazing day of family fun and entertainment just a few kilometres north of scenic Twin Falls Gorge. Music! Food! Crafts!

NWT Aboriginal Open
Fort Smith, early August
Ph: 867.872.4659
Golf tournament at Pelican Rapids Golf Course.
Phone golf course for more details.

Centennial / Pokiak River Festival
Aklavik, mid August
Ph: 867.978.2340
Experience traditional games and culture. This year is the centennial celebration for Aklavik! Lots of entertainment for the whole family.

Culture Week on Mission Island
Fort Resolution, mid August
Ph: 867.394.4291
Local instructors teach dry meat making, bannock, canoeing, rabbit snares, drumming, moosehide tanning, and setting fish nets. Participants rotate among the demonstrations. Camping encouraged. Road access.

South Slave Friendship Festival
Fort Smith, mid August
Ph: 867.872.3378, www.fortsmith.ca
23rd annual festival- 3 days of music from the NWT and internationally, every single venue in town is used every evening. Nashville of the North, sharing the music.

Norman Wells Music Festival
Norman Wells, mid August
Ph: 867-587-6678
Hosted at the Ray Persson Memorial Arena.

6th Annual Canadian Zinc Open
Fort Simpson, mid August
Ph: 867.695.2787
Prizes, BBQ, and Hole in One contest.
Located at the 7 Spruce golf course. Call golf course for more details.

Inuvik Fall Fair
Inuvik, mid August
867.777.3267
Held at the Community Greenhouse. Games for all ages. BBQ, face painting, and gardening competition. Contact Inuvik Community Greenhouse for more details.

Ikhalukpik Jamboree
Paulatuk, mid August
Ph: 867.580.3709
Celebrate the return of the Arctic Char with traditional games and drum dances. Crib night, Opening Ceremonies, Jamboree King & Queen, Good Man/Woman competitions (13 events).

Happy Daze
Behchoko, end of August
Ph: 867.392.6500
Softball tournament, family picnic, pancake breakfast - lots of entertainment for the whole family! Contact town office for more details.

Deninoo Days
Fort Resolution, end of August
Ph: 867.394.4556
Join in or watch triathlon, baseball, canoe and boat races, traditional games and cultural activities for all ages.

End of the Road Music Festival
Inuvik, end of August
Ph: 867.678.5426
Come down to the Midnight Sun Complex and to Jim Koe Park to enjoy 2 fantastic days of music, dancing, and festivities.

Kiwanis Open Golf Tournament
Hay River, end of August
Ph: 867.874.6290
Best ball golf tournament at Hay River Golf Club.

Endless Summer Sundays
Yellowknife, end of August
Ph: 867.920.7806
Join us at the Folk on the Rocks Beer Gardens to listen to some fantastic local musicians, and celebrate another incredible Yellowknife summer! 12-7PM.

Oceans Day
Tuktoyuktuk, end of August
Ph: 867.977.2286
Full day of events for the whole family. Parade, community feast, various games for adults and children, relay races and mini-boats races.

Canoe Days
Tsiigehtchic, end of August
Ph: 867.953.3361
Canoe races, talent shows, jigging/dancing contest, drum dancing.

Marilyn Sanderson Memorial Fishing Derby
Fort Resolution, end of August
Ph: 867.394.4541
Named for a community Elder who cared about kids and their families having something to do together. Come on out and join us!

Annual Community Fair
Wrigley, end of August
Ph: 867.581.3321
Youth/adult hand games tournament, community feast, crib tournament and talent shows!