Eclectic Events and The Chef and Cook's Association Present:

Canadiana Fest: A Celebration of Music, Food and Culture (and beer EH?!) in Kalamazoo MI October 7, 2023

Benefitting: The South Michigan Food Bank and the Chef & Cook's Association Scholarship Fund.

Save $5 on your adult ticket purchase using the code: SAVE5eh Remember, kids 12 and under are free!

Immerse Yourself in the Best of Canada! Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Canada at Canadiana Fest! This annual festival is held in Kalamazoo, MI on the first full weekend in October and offers a unique experience that you don't want to miss. Discover the rich cultural heritage and vibrant energy of Canada through music, food, and entertainment. Enjoy live performances by award-nominated musicians, honed tribute bands and cultural sounds. Sip custom crafted Canadian Style beer from the best breweries in the region as well as enjoy your favorite Canadian domestics. Savor mouth-watering Canadian cuisine that will dazzle your taste buds. Come and shop the vetted artists and vendors of all things Canada.

Current Musical Lineup:

Henpecked Dawgs - the sounds of early Canadiana, French, Celtic and Sea Shanty music.

Andrew Rathbun Ensemble- Twice Juno Award nominated Jazz musician, featuring songs from his new recording "The Speed of Time" on Steeplechase Records.

Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Band - Gordie approved tribute band! Listen to the smooth sounds of this iconic Canadian folk musician including "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" among many others you know and love.

Tom Sawyer A Tribute to RUSH- heralding from Chicagoland, this authentic 3-piece band will bring all the sounds of the original progressive rock sounds of one of Canada's best-loved rockers in a dynamic three hour show!

Activities:

Parade Led by the Kalamazoo Pipe Band – join us in a celebratory romp through the park! We will wind up the opening ceremonies with performances by the Southern Straight Singers of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Canadian Cosplay Contestants are welcome to join in the parade! 

Canadian Cosplay Contest Do you think you're a dead ringer for Mike Meyers as Austin Powers? or maybe you'd give Celine Dion, Shania Twain, or Alanis Morissette a run for her money? How about either of the Ryans? Maybe Red Green? C'mon out and dress as your best Canadian self for a shot at our Grand Prize, a $200 voucher and tickets to see Howie Mandel at Bronze sponsor Ceasars Windsor Hotel & Casino!

Canada Culture Tent for the kids with fun and educational activities.

The Canada Car on display – Halle Halle is travelling all the way from Dundas Ontario to share her Art Car with us!  

Curling Lane for Change! Sponsored by Millennium Group & Kalamazoo Curling Club, they invite you to throw a rock for charity! All proceeds to be donated to South Michigan Food Bank to fight hunger.

Lacrosse!  We will have a lacrosse net set up for you to give it a go with the Kalamazoo United lacrosse team!

Food and Drink:

Check out the inaugural World Champine Poutine Competition for the best of the best! Eight vendors will be vying for the Golden Gravy Ladel, try a sample and vote for the People's Choice Award! Get your Poutine Passport and when you complete it, you'll get a button that says WORLD CHAMPINE POUTINE COMPETITION CANADIANA FEST 2023 AND I EH'T 'EM ALL!

Beer Garden operated by the Chefs and Cooks Association, to enjoy delicious craft beers alongside your favorite imported Canadian favorites.

Food Trucks will be taking over Edwards Street with many local and regional food vendors offering delicious takes on Canadian Cuisine and local favorites.

• Zkede! First Nations BBQ Truck
• Clark’s Special Kitchen
• Center Street Taphouse
• Motor Mouth food truck
• Brooklyn Street Local
• 13 Cookies
• Kona Ice of West Michigan
• Roberts Brothers BBQ
• Casa de los Abuelos GR
• Firekeepers Casino
• HUB Tavern & Grill
• Best Coast Provisions
• Nani Shani Samosas

You will be transported to the heart of Canada as you immerse yourself in the festivities and soak up the authentic Canadian culture. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Canadian music and cuisine or simply looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a fall weekend, Canadiana Fest is the perfect destination for you. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this incredible celebration of Canada. Get your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable weekend that you will cherish forever!

TICKETS ARE 100% TRANSFERABLE AND GIFTABLE! Why not send them to a friend who would love to go?

JUST ADDED TO THE VIP EXPERIENCE: Jones Dairy Farm is bringing their grill and they're serving up their Canadian bacon and other fine products. Enjoy Canadiana Fest in style! Enter at the west gate on Koopsen’s Alley for NO WAITING! The VIP ticket includes delicious finger foods, bites and tastings across the day served by local chefs, as well as a master sommelier from the Niagara region of Ontario who will be serving samples of Ontario wines! There's also ccess to a private luxury portable bathroom, covered tables and seating area, a no wait dedicated craft beer trailer, exclusive access to the stage with outdoor cocktail tables and seating. Everyone needs a ticket to access the VIP area, including kids. Adults who are drinking will need the 21+ wrist band acquired by showing ID at the gate.

FOR MORE DETAILS, INCLUDING THE EVENT SCHEDULE, GO TO HTTPS://CANADIANAFEST.FUN

CLICK HERE to sign up for Canadiana Fest Alerts.