The Alberta Rockies have some of the best mountain biking trails in the world. Come celebrate mountain bike culture this summer at the Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Festival in Canmore.

Scheduled for June 22nd to June 24th, Plaid Goat is a festival, demo, and expo devoted to all things mountain biking. The three-day event is packed full of activities for the whole family to enjoy, and where better to enjoy some summer days than underneath the tall peaks of the surrounding Rocky Mountains?

One of the main and most exciting events of the Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Festival is the Bike Rodeo. Hosted by the Flannel Crew, this rodeo consists of numerous light-hearted events such as the “Toss a Clunker Challenge, “Adult Tricycle Race,” and “Lowest Bike Limbo Contest.” These absurd twists will have you laughing will you watch the contestants or put your own skills to the test. Bike Rodeo events are scheduled for 5 pm and 7 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 5 pm on Sunday.

If you’re interested in trying out some of the hottest new bikes of the season, then you’ll want to check out the festival’s Demo-licious Days. You’ll be able to take a sneak peek at all of the available bikes on Friday and actually test them out on Saturday and Sunday by adding a Demo Shuttle Wristband to your standard festival ticket. When you choose a bike to demo, you’ll be given a shuttle ride to some of the best trailheads in the Bow Valley.

Bikes will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so try to come early if there is a specific bike that you’re interested in trying. If you do plan on demoing some bikes, then you’ll want to bring your ID and a credit card to the festival. Vendors require that you bring your own bike pedals as well. As this is bear country, you must also bring along bear spray and be familiar with how to use it.

Once you’re finished demoing bikes and are ready to kick back and relax, you can head to the festival’s local craft beer hub. You’ll be able to sample a shortlist of craft beverages from the area’s brewers and distilleries. The beer hub hours are 5 pm to 9 pm on Friday, 2 pm to 9 pm on Saturday, and 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. It is only open to festivalgoers ages 18 and up.

Thinking of bringing along the little ones? The Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Festival offers plenty for kids to do as well. A kids-only hub will be set up with fun activities such as face painting, colouring, a skills and drills area, digger pits, and more! Make sure you also check out the festival’s other family-friendly, non-racing activities such as group rides and coaching clinics.

The beautiful town of Canmore is always worth a visit, and what better time to stop by than during an exciting festival? Whether you’re an experienced mountain biker or just looking to get into the sport, the Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Festival has something to offer for everyone.