Ed Fest 2025

The festival is a two-day celebration of art, music, dance, literature, theatre, and creativity for all ages. It brings the community together to explore new ideas, celebrate local talent, and be inspired.

Organized by local artists, educators, and community members, the festival offers interactive art installations, captivating performances, and hands-on workshops. From live music to lantern parades, Ed Fest has something for everyone!

Ed Fest is named after Ed the elephant, who famously escaped from a travelling circus in Cranbrook nearly a century ago. The Cranbrook History Centre will share Ed’s full story during the festival. Locals are encouraged to wear whimsical carnival costumes to suit the circus escape theme.

📍 When & Where:
September 6 & 7 at Rotary Park, Cranbrook
🎟️ FREE and open to all ages!

Here’s the Full ED Fest Weekend Schedule! 

Friday, September 5

• 🕓 4:00 PM – Lantern Workshop

• 🎵 8:00 PM – Pretty for the People (Set 1)

• 🕯️ 8:45 PM – Lantern Parade

• 🎵 9:15 PM – Pretty for the People (Set 2)

Saturday, September 6

• 🌽 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM – Farmers Market (Special Edition)

• 🐘 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Ed’s Stampede (Elephant Parade)

• 🎶 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM – Maddisun & Band

• 🏛️ 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Cranbrook History Centre Activities

• 🎷 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM – Ethan Askey & The Elevators

• 💃 2:05 PM – 2:30 PM – Hali Duncan School of Highland Dance

• 🔮 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Anya Tarot (Tentative)

• 🎸 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Miesha and the Spanks

• 🎻 8:15 PM – 9:45 PM – Shred Kelly

• 🍻 9:30 PM – Last Call for Beer Gardens

📌 Schedule subject to change without prior notice.

🎶 Live Music & Headliners

From pop and folk to rock and electronic beats, Ed Fest’s main stage has something for every music lover.

• Shred Kelly – Saturday night

• Miesha and The Spanks – Saturday night

• Maddisun – Saturday afternoon

Expect national and local talent delivering unforgettable performances to keep the energy soaring.

 Festival Highlights

🥕 Farmers Market Special Edition

Cranbrook Farmers Market takes over Rotary Park with fresh produce, artisanal crafts, baked goods, and gourmet treats. Enjoy live demos and music in a bustling market vibe.

🍻 JCI Beer Garden

Relax with local craft beers in a lively social setting.

🍔 Food Trucks

Sample everything from snacks to full meals from local food trucks throughout the festival grounds.

🕯️ Lantern Parade

A magical procession of illuminated lanterns through downtown Cranbrook—perfect for families and photographers alike.

🐘 Ed’s Stampede: Giant Elephant Puppet Parade

Marvel at “ED,” a 16-foot-tall elephant puppet by artist Marcel DuRoig. With circus performers, stunts, and comedic skits, it’s a carnival spectacle for all ages.

📅 Date: Saturday, Sept 6
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Cranbrook

🎨 Workshops & Activities

Interactive art, theatre, dance, literature, and hands-on workshops will run both days. From painting to puppetry, Ed Fest invites all ages to create and explore.

🎭 Theme & Costumes

In honor of Ed the elephant’s historic escape, festival-goers are encouraged to dress in whimsical carnival or circus-themed costumes to add to the playful spirit.

✨ We can’t wait to celebrate with you at Rotary Park! 💛