Events in Fort McMurray
Experience Fort McMurray's signature events: WinterPLAY Feb 21-25 with Shootout on the Snye hockey tournament, August Blueberry Festival, and interPLAY summer celebration. MacDonald Island Park and Snye Park host Wood Buffalo's biggest gatherings.
Fort McMurray's Signature Annual Events
From WinterPLAY's ice slides and pond hockey to summer's Blueberry Festival, Fort McMurray's 80,568 residents celebrate year-round at Snye Park, MacDonald Island, and venues across Wood Buffalo.
WinterPLAY 2025
Feb 21-25, Snye Park
Fort McMurray's premier winter celebration featuring ice slides, skating on the Snye, Shootout on the Snye pond hockey tournament, and Indigenous cultural programming at Trapper's Tents.
Dates: February 21-25, 2025, daily 10am-8pm
Features: Ice slides, pond hockey, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures
Location: Snye Park & Borealis Pond
Shootout on the Snye
Pond Hockey Tournament
Annual four-on-four pond hockey tournament during WinterPLAY, running since 2009. Teams compete on outdoor ice rinks at Snye Park in true Canadian winter tradition.
Format: Four-on-four pond hockey teams
History: Running since 2009, original WinterPLAY event
Register: Events Wood Buffalo manages registration
Blueberry Festival
Aug 31 - Sept 1
Annual late-summer celebration at Snye Park featuring local blueberries, community vendors, live entertainment, and the Empty Bowls fundraiser supporting local food security.
Dates: August 31 - September 1 annually
Features: Blueberry treats, live music, vendor market
Fundraiser: Empty Bowls event supports local food programs
interPLAY Festival
Summer Music & Arts
Fort McMurray's signature summer festival managed by Events Wood Buffalo, complementing WinterPLAY with music, arts, cultural programming, and outdoor entertainment.
Season: Summer festival season
Features: Live music, cultural programming, outdoor activities
Management: Events Wood Buffalo organization
MacDonald Island Events
Community Recreation Hub
Canada's largest community recreation center (500,000+ sq ft) hosts sports tournaments, cultural events, conferences, and community gatherings in the Suncor Community Leisure Centre and Shell Place.
Facilities: Suncor Community Leisure Centre, Shell Place
Events: Sports tournaments, conferences, cultural events
Capacity: 500,000+ square feet event space
Oil Sands Expo
Industry Trade Show
Major annual trade show connecting oil sands industry professionals, suppliers, and contractors. Features latest technology, networking opportunities, and business development in Canada's energy sector.
Industry: Oil sands technology, equipment, services
Attendees: Industry professionals, suppliers, contractors
Purpose: Networking, technology showcase, business development
Fort McMurray Events Insider Guide
Navigate Wood Buffalo's event calendar with local knowledge for weather, venues, and seasonal timing.
Fort McMurray Event Prep
- • WinterPLAY: Dress for -15°C to -25°C, bring ice cleats for safety
- • Summer events: Prepare for mosquitoes, 18°C average temperatures
- • Snye Park events: Limited parking, arrive early or use RMWB Transit
- • MacDonald Island: 500,000 sq ft venue, check specific event locations
- • Oil sands work schedules: Events avoid crew change days (7-day rotations)
Local Event Intelligence
- • Events Wood Buffalo manages WinterPLAY and interPLAY festivals
- • $210,000 average household income supports premium event experiences
- • Winter events: Plan for -25°C temperatures, ice conditions
- • Summer wildfire season: Monitor air quality, have indoor backup plans
- • Oil sands community: 80,568 residents, strong local business sponsorship
Supporting Fort McMurray's Event Community
From WinterPLAY's -25°C outdoor festivities to summer's Blueberry Festival, Sunshine Dry Cleaners & More keeps Fort McMurray's 80,568 residents looking their best for every occasion. Serving Wood Buffalo's event community since 2013.
Location & Hours
Phone
587-276-2998
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: Closed