Alberta Open Farm Days is an annual two-day summer event that invites Albertans to experience farms firsthand through farmers and ranchers. Since its launch in 2013, the program has encouraged local community engagement and promoted agri-tourism.
In 2024, over 150 farms participated, welcoming more than 52,000 visitors. Host farms included traditional operations, livestock farms (bison, cattle, alpaca, sheep, llama, goat, poultry), organic farms, corn mazes, wineries, craft distilleries, meaderies, breweries, stables, petting zoos, as well as honey, fruit, vegetable, grain, and u-pick farms.
Since 2013, Alberta Open Farm Days has attracted over 235,000 visitors to more than 1,200 farms and ranches, generating over $1.7 million in rural economic impact through on-farm sales. In 2024, on-farm sales exceeded $300,000 for the first time.
The program has also expanded to offer professional development for hosts, providing training in marketing, ticketing, food planning, booking, and insurance to support successful agri-tourism operations.
Participating farms and ranches have had very positive experiences being part of Alberta Open Farm Days.
See what they had to say:
The important factor was having people learn first hand about bison and having a First Nations representative to speak to the importance of the bison to their culture.
– Glengary Bison Ltd.
Visitors were genuinely interested and engaged with what was being shared. Many visitors had never heard of flower farming or alpaca raising in Alberta, so it was a new experience for many.
– Blooms on 7 Flower Farm
Many people were exposed to animals and the rural way of life. They were able to interact with producers and found that they were educated, responsible, articulate and caring people regarding the welfare of their animals and the environment.
– Big Country Agricultural Society
Registration for farms and ranches to participate in the 13th annual Open Farm Days on August 16 and 17, 2025, is now closed.
Visit albertaopenfarmdays.ca to learn more about Alberta Open Farm Days.
Connect with the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies for more information:
780-427-2174