Ed Fest Arts & Music Festival is a free-to-attend, two-day celebration of creativity and expression held each fall in Rotary Park, Cranbrook, British Columbia. The festival welcomes attendees of all ages to enjoy a lively mix of music, visual art, workshops, food, and community-driven experiences.
Music, Art & Experiences
The festival features a dynamic lineup of live musical performances, alongside interactive art installations and a signature lantern parade that lights up the park. Festival-goers can also enjoy food trucks and beer, making Ed Fest both a cultural and social gathering.
Workshops and an art competition organized by Cranbrook Arts add hands-on creative opportunities, while an artisan market, presented in collaboration with the Cranbrook Farmer’s Market, highlights local makers, crafts, and goods.
Community & Family-Friendly Fun
Ed Fest is designed to be accessible and welcoming, offering something for art lovers, music fans, families, and curious visitors alike. Costumes are encouraged, and the atmosphere is playful, creative, and community-focused.
The Story Behind Ed Fest
The festival draws inspiration from a remarkable moment in Cranbrook’s history. In August 1926, during a visit from the Sells-Floto Circus, 14 elephants escaped, and one in particular, later known as Cranbrook Ed, evaded capture for over a month. Ed roamed the forests and hills around Cranbrook, capturing the imagination of residents and making headlines before being found near Jimsmith Lake on September 12.
Ed’s escape has since become a powerful local symbol of freedom, adventure, and resilience. Ed Fest does not celebrate animals in captivity. Instead, it honours the spirit of Ed’s journey and the sense of unity and imagination it sparked within the community. The festival embraces this metaphor of breaking free, encouraging creativity, self-expression, and connection.
Plan Your Visit
Ed Fest is a celebration of art, music, history, and community. Mark your calendar and join Cranbrook in celebrating creativity, expression, and a story that continues to inspire nearly a century later.
