Banff Culture Weekend
A weekend of cultural celebration

Banff, Alberta (March 26, 2008) - On the weekend of August 9 and 10, 2008, the streets of Banff will come alive with art and culture. Banff Culture Weekend combines two heritage events: Banff Culture Walk and Doors Open Banff.  This annual event provides opportunities for visitors and locals to visit the area’s most interesting historical and cultural attractions.

“Banff Culture Weekend celebrates Banff’s rich cultural heritage”, said Grant Canning, Executive Director of Banff Heritage Tourism, one of the partners hosting the event.  “It’s through initiatives like this that we are able to capture Banff’s unique and long standing connection to the arts and local culture while showcasing some of the tremendous local talent that calls the Bow Valley home”.

Numerous events are scheduled all weekend long.  On Saturday, Banff Culture Walk will provide a variety of town-wide special events, including an opportunity to meet and interact with artists at various different locations and galleries.  One such event is “Art En Plein Air” at The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. Join artists as they create under the open sky by the Bow River on the Museum’s back grounds.  The artists will be happy to answer questions as they work to capture the beauty of their surroundings. Guests will also have the opportunity to create their own piece of artwork. 

On Sunday, Doors Open Banff invites visitors and local residents to step back in time to peek into some of Banff’s most interesting heritage homes and buildings.  Experience the cultural, social, environmental, and spiritual evolution of Banff by taking a self-guided walking tour of over 15 featured properties.

“Doors Open Banff focuses on Banff’s rich inventory of heritage homes and buildings”, said Megan Squires, Heritage Planner for the Town of Banff. “This event promotes a greater understanding and appreciation for the people, places and events that have shaped this community for over 100 years”.

Banff Culture Weekend is open to everyone and most events are free to the public.  The event is designed to be a self-guided walking tour with a complete schedule of events and venues available online at www.banffculturewalk.com or www.banff.ca.  Banff Culture Weekend is a heritage tourism event hosted by Banff Heritage Tourism, Banff Heritage Corporation, Doors Open Banff and Banff Culture Walk partners.

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