Westerner Days runs through Sunday, and the pancake breakfast circuit that comes with it is in full swing across the city. Away from the grounds, Ellis Nature Centre is having its busiest weekend of the summer. Seven things worth doing.
The Westerner Days pancake breakfast circuit
Community
A dozen of these run Friday through Sunday, hosted by everyone from Red Deer Polytechnic to Parkland Nurseries to the Legion. Checking in at each one earns points toward free Westerner Days admission, so stringing a few together is worth more than the breakfast itself. The Legion one on Friday at 10 a.m. is free outright.
When: Friday to Sunday, July 17 to 19, mostly 7 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Twelve locations across Red Deer, see the Westerner Days Attractions Pass
Cost: Varies, several are free
Purple Martin condo tours
Outdoors
Staff lower the nesting boxes so you can see inside them, which is not something you get to do most places. First come, first served, and weather dependent: check their social before you drive out.
When: Sunday, July 19, 1 p.m.
Where: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: $8
Wolf Willow beading workshop
Arts
Métis artist Alexa Lizotte walks you through preparing Wolf Willow beads and making a bracelet or earrings, with the history of the plant's use in First Nations and Métis art alongside it. Three hours, and you leave with the thing you made.
When: Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: $25
Basket weaving workshop
Arts
A Fort Interpreter takes you through basket weaving with natural materials at Fort Normandeau. Ages 12 and up, 90 minutes. Pre-registration closed Friday, so call ahead rather than turning up cold.
When: Saturday, July 18, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Fort Normandeau
Cost: $10
Friday Nights at Ellis
Community
The Teahouse Cafe stays open late on Fridays through August, with a menu that changes through the season. Reserve if you want to eat inside. Otherwise take it out onto the grounds and find a spot.
When: Friday, July 17, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Ellis Nature Centre
Cost: Pay per item
Crystal bowl sound bath
Community
An hour of crystal singing bowls at The Forum, late Friday morning. Bring something to lie on if you want to be comfortable. A quiet counterweight to a weekend that is otherwise mostly midway noise.
When: Friday, July 17, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: The Forum
Cost: $20
Open Play: Acro Belt Playground
Sports
Two hours of training time with access to an acro belt. Not a class, and not for beginners: it is for people who already practise and want the height without the risk. Read the listing before you go.
When: Sunday, July 19, 12 to 2 p.m.
Where: The Forum
Cost: $15
Editor's Pick
The purple martin tours. Eight dollars, one hour, and the only chance all year to look inside an active nesting colony. Everything else here runs again. That does not.
Know an event we missed? Tag us @culturealberta or email hello@culturealberta.com.
