Best Community Events in Fort St John

In April of 2024, we here at Energeticcity.ca ran the North Peace People’s Choice Awards. With these awards, the people of the North Peace region voted on who was the best of the best in a wide variety of categories. You can find the full list here, but we wanted to share some of the winners and runner-ups in specific categories to help showcase the awesome businesses and organizations that make our region a great place to live.

In this article, we are showcasing the Top Five Community Events in Fort St John based on the number of votes they received. Throughout the year, Fort St John and the surrounding communities hold multiple events that bring everyone together. No matter the season, there is always something fun going on for you to check out.

#1: High on Ice Winter Festival

Takes Place in February

Each year, the High on Ice Winter Festival transforms our dark, long and cold winters into something magical, artistic, and vibrant. According to the City of Fort St John Recreation Department, they continue to improve the event for the community and work together with groups, local businesses, volunteers, and visiting professional artists and carvers who travel the world. This event continues to build connections within the community by embracing our northern climate. In the past few years, they have begun to incorporate temporary public art as a way to light up the community and celebrate how dark and cold our area gets, and they hope to continue having bright, fun and interactive art installations with this annual event. Our community loves this event, and each year the City of Fort St John continues to showcase local and visiting talent. In 2025, the High on Ice Winter Festival will be celebrating 20 years in the area, and organizers cannot wait to share with the community ice carvings, live music, food, workshops, StoryWalk®, snow games, free activities, free busing, and, if they are successful – another temporary public art installation that will be interactive for the whole community to enjoy again!

#2: The FSJ Rotary Ribfest

Takes Place in July

Since 2020, the two Fort St John Rotary Clubs have joined together to bring the Western Canadian Ribfest to the Energetic City. The FSJ Rotary Ribfest brings together four award-winning BBQ specialists to cook up some ribs, chicken, and more. The FSJ Rotary Clubs share that the key to the success of this event is thanks to their sponsors, community partners, and volunteers for helping to put on a great show. Not only is there delicious food, but there is also live music, drinks, and more. This year’s Ribfest is happening on July 12-14, 2024.

#3: City of Fort St John Canada Day Celebrations

Takes Place in July

Kicking off summer every year, the Canada Day Celebrations in Fort St John always provide a fun time for the whole family. Every year, the Fort St John Fire Department kicks festivities off with a pancake breakfast. Then, the Canada Day Parade is next, leading residents down to Centennial Park for a ton of fun activities. The celebrations happen every Canada Day on July 1.

#4: North Peace Fall Fair

Takes Place in August

Taking place just north of Fort St John, the North Peace Fall Fair is an old-time country fair that focuses on fun for the entire family! According to the organizers, the fair kicks the weekend off with Tractor Pulls, a Light Horse Show, and a Music Jamboree! They have a large variety of animal shows including horses, beef, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, cats and pigs. There are exhibits that display photography, handicrafts, art, baking, flowers, grains, canning, fruit and vegetables. The Fall Fair has face painting, wagon rides, talent shows, and a family dance to be enjoyed. Plus, they host log sawing and spike-driving contests as well as horseshoe and cribbage tournaments. You can eat delicious food at a variety of food vendors and shop at the open air market, as well as take in demonstrations on weaving, quilting, pottery and antique threshing. The weekend wraps up with a crowd favourite of Heavy Horse Pulls. Organizers encourage anyone of any age to come out and participate in entering exhibits or events to try their hand at winning prizes, or just coming out to enjoy the sights. There is a free shuttle bus that runs multiple times daily from Fort St John out to the Fairgrounds for your convenience. The North Peace Fall Fair Society credits its success each year to its many generous sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. This year is the 77th North Peace Fall Fair and will be happening from August 16-18, 2024.

#5: The Moose FM Block Party

Takes Place in September

For over ten years, 100.1 Moose FM has put on the Block Party in Fort St John. Originally taking place on their block in the downtown sector, the party has expanded to Centennial Park in recent years. The event sees circus performers, bouncy castles, local music, and local food all in one spot for everyone to enjoy. The 11th Annual Moose FM Block Party is happening this year on September 7, 2024.