The 17th Rubaboo Indigenous Arts Festival serves up 12 days of music, comedy, theatre, visual art, and fashion from Indigenous artists. The name comes from a traditional Métis stew full of good things, and the festival takes the same approach.
It opens with a free outdoor celebration at Beaver Hills House Park featuring Celeigh Cardinal, Northside Baby, Jay Gilday, and Donita Large, plus art installations.
From there, the lineup includes a vinyl listening night at the CKUA Arts Den, two nights of the Must Be Nice Comedy Showcase, and a dance party with DJ Kookum. There's also an artist talk on traditional nêhiyawi bow making with Elder Jerry Saddleback, and an exhibit featuring an interactive Indigenous horror game.
Later highlights include Cabaret Hoka Hey with Donita Large & The Small Band, burlesque, and poetry; Josh Languedoc's satirical play Elon Muskrat; and the Deadly Fashion Show, followed by a wrap party.