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Whoop-Up Days returns to the Lethbridge & District Exhibition from August 20-24, 2024. (Photo: LNN)

Whoop-Up Days returns for 2024

May 8, 2024 | 3:10 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Whoop-Up Days is back in Lethbridge for 2024, with some new and some familiar attractions.

The event returns to the Lethbridge & District Exhibition (LDE) from August 20-24. Among the attractions back for this year are the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, the Siksikaitsitapi Princess Pageant on August 20 and Powwow on August 21-22, and the Original 16 Stage, which will have five days of musical performances.

Canadian country band Emerson Drive will headline the final day of Whoop-Up Days as they play their final show in Southern Alberta as part of their One For the Road farewell tour. Longtime Canadian band Big Sugar will play in the Friday headline spot, while up-and-coming country star Kyle McKearney will headline Thursday.

In addition to the headliners, a bunch of local southern Alberta musicians will also take the stage over the course of the festival, including Cody Ross, who performed at the announcement on May 8, 2024.

Original entertainment from the Blackfoot Confederacy will also be featured from 3:30-6 p.m. daily. A full list of performers can be found here.

Paul Kingsmith, Director of Community Engagement for LDE said he is very happy with the music lineup, and to be able to show off local talent.

Another big announcement for Whoop-Up Days is the return of the paid admission. The festival experimented with free admission in 2023, but a fee has returned this year. However, with the fee back, LDE says it wants to keep Whoop-Up Days affordable, and has expanded various parts of the festival.

New for 2024 is the Gas King Free ‘Til 3 initiative, which will allow free entry to the grounds from noon until 3:00 p.m. from August 20-22. Additionally, youth aged 12 and under are always free, while advanced pricing is in effect from now through August 19.

LDE acting CEO Kim Gallucci said, “For decades, Whoop-Up Days has brought the Lethbridge and southern Alberta community together in celebration, and we know this year will do the same.”

He added, “Our team is focused on providing a great guest experience, and building entertainment that will thrill people of all ages. The countdown is on towards this incredible event.”

Tickets for Whoop-Up Days are on-sale now at Lethbridge and area Gas King locations and online at the Whoop-Up Days website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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