June festivals on tap around Alberta

ALBERTA If you want to stay far from the madding crowds at the national parks as we head into the thick of Canada150 celebrations, here are a few festivals and places to discover. Most of them will let you celebrate in your own style with music, beer, biking or food.

Plaid Goat Mountain Bike Fest — June 23 to 25 — Canmore. You’re close to Banff National Park but still not in it. This new mountain bike festival has attitude to spare and lets riders check out the best trails in the area. You can also see new gear at the on-site gear expo and sample some craft beers in the “hub.”

Medicine Hat Jazz FestivalJune 28 to 25 — It doesn’t matter how you like your jazz, chances are you’ll find it in Alberta’s sunniest city. There’s something extra special about enjoying a music festival in a more intimate setting. Like on top of a parkade or an airplane hangar. Yes, those are just two of the unique venues lined up during this festival. Be sure to take a coffee tour, too. Medicine Hat is home to a bunch of local coffee roasteries. Jazz and a few cups of Joe a will get you fuelled for the show.