One hundred years after Ed the Elephant’s famous escape, the beloved local legend returns to Cranbrook as Ed Fest takes over Rotary Park.
Ed Fest returns September 18 and 19 with a community celebration of arts, music, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include dozens of mainstage performances, art installations, hands-on workshops, and evening beer gardens—offering something for everyone to enjoy.
(Photo Credit: Brian Clarkson)
In August of 1926, the Sells-Floto Circus appeared in Cranbrook, bringing with them dozens of performances, including elephants.
Shortly after they arrived, the elephants stampeded. Most were caught quickly, except one: Charlie Ed.
Later renamed Cranbrook Ed, Charlie Ed spent nearly a month wandering through Cranbrook, Aqam, and the surrounding areas before finally being caught.
Now entering its fourth year as a local festival, Ed Fest is an annual celebration of Charlie Ed’s wonder, spirit, and perseverance.
Ed Fest features Canadian artists, including the high energy sounds of My Son the Hurricane, Lemon Bucket Orkestra’s “Slavic brass punk” sound, local band Brass Roots with a repertoire of swing, Latin, and standard jazz, the one woman band, Heather Gemmel, the soulful bluesy tunes from Cara Luft with Clayton Parsons, and Side Hustle playing an eclectic mix of fan favourites.
(Photo Credit: Brian Clarkson)
More local performers will be taking the stage, including the Dean Smith Trio, Cranbrook Community Dance, the Kootenay Women’s Choir, and the Kimberley Pipe Band.
Not only will there be musical performances throughout the entire festival, but there will also be live painting tents, where visitors can watch local artists work on their pieces, and even buy a few.
On September 18, there will be a lantern making workshop and a special crankie story time: An Elephantastical Tale by Rico and Sioux B, which leads the night straight into the beloved Lantern Parade.
September 19, will be the iconic Elephant Stampede which features a 16- foot-tall Ed the elephant puppet, handmade by Marcel Dou Roig. Ed will be accompanied by a ragtag band of circus performers who will continue to entertain throughout the day.
This year’s Ed Fest will be overflowing with the same wonder and mystery that Charlie Ed’s original escape created in Cranbrook and the surrounding areas a century ago.
Visit edfest.ca for more information and to see the detailed schedule of events.
Free to attend.
Date: September 18 and 19, 2026
Location: Rotary Park, Cranbrook.
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