2026 Whoop-Up-Days announced as organizer honoured with Blackfoot-name

One of the most anticipated celebrations of the year is just around the corner. The 2026 Whoop-Up Days has been announced, with a lineup that includes the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, the Siksika-its-itapi Powwow, performances on the Whoop-Up Days Stage, and more. BCN’s Heidi Echavarria has the details.

During the announcement, Paul Kingsmith, Director of Event Development with Excite Lethbridge, was honoured to receive a Blackfoot name. Let’s take a look at his reaction.

One of the most anticipated celebrations of the year is just around the corner. The 2026 Whoop-Up Days has been announced, with a lineup that includes the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo, the Siksika-its-itapi Powwow, performances on the Whoop-Up Days Stage, and more. BCN’s Heidi Echavarria has the details. During the announcement, Paul Kingsmith, Director of Event Development with Excite Lethbridge, was honoured to receive a Blackfoot name. Let’s take a look at his reaction.

The party will be bigger than ever as Whoop-Up Days returns to Lethbridge from Aug. 18-24, 2026. This year marks the fifth year of both the Lethbridge & District Pro Rodeo presented by Dennis’ Dirtworx, and the Siksikaitsitapi Powwow and Princess Pageant, and to celebrate, Excite Lethbridge has announced a series of parties on each night of the annual fair. Along with returning favourites and exciting new program areas, Whoop-Up Days is poised to build on the momentum which saw a new modern-day paid attendance record set last year with nearly 55,000 guests. The celebrations include the new Whoop-Up Days kickoff party in the Beer Gardens presented by BigSteelBox on Aug. 18, the new Siksikaitsitapi Music Showcase presented by PCL Construction following the first day of the Powwow on Aug. 19, and the exciting new 18+ Rodeo Cabaret on Aug. 20-22. The Kick-off Party and Siksikaitsitapi Music Showcase are included free with Whoop-Up Days admission.