Waynestock is taking over one of Alberta’s coolest ghost towns for a weekend of live music, camping, and good times. Set in the Wayne Valley near Drumheller, the three-day festival brings live performances from more than 40 bands, pancake breakfasts and plenty of time to soak up the Badlands scenery.
Here’s what to know before you make the trip.
What is Waynestock?
According to organizers, Waynestock first launched in 2015, when the Last Chance Saloon decided to bring a three-day music festival to Wayne over the September long weekend. The festival grew into an annual event, and in 2019, WayneStock hosted more than 2,000 attendees. Today, the festival continues to bring musicians and music lovers to Wayne for a weekend of performances, camping, and community.
What can I do while I’m there?
With more than 40 bands performing across the three days, you can bounce between the festival’s stages and catch everything from rock and blues to country and bluegrass. And when you need a break from the performances, you can grab some in-house smoked meats, sip on local craft beer, and hang out around the grounds.
Saturday and Sunday mornings will start with a pancake breakfast that is available by donation, so you can fuel up before a day packed with music and festivities.
Can I camp at Waynestock?
Onsite camping is available for both tents and RVs, so you can stay right near the festival grounds instead of making the trip back home after the music wraps up.
Campers will have access to parking, the restaurant and basic amenities during their stay. Since availability can vary during events, contact Last Chance Saloon directly to arrange your campsite.
Can I stay somewhere other than a campsite?
If you’d prefer to skip the tent, you can stay at the Rosedeer Hotel, which is attached to the Last Chance Saloon. The historic hotel has themed rooms including the Miner’s Room, Cowboy Room, Music Room and more.
When is Waynestock?
Waynestock will take place over the Labour Day long weekend, from Sept. 4 to Sept. 7, 2026. The festival starts Friday evening and continues through Sunday night.
Friday, Sept. 4: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 5: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Where is Waynestock taking place?
WayneStock takes place at the historic Last Chance Saloon in Wayne, Alta., a small community tucked into the Canadian Badlands near Drumheller.
Where should I park?
If you’re driving, you can park for free on-site at the festival. If you’d rather skip the crowds and leave the car behind, a complimentary shuttle runs between Last Chance Saloon and Dinosaur RV Park in Drumheller, with multiple drop-off points along the way.
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices depend on how long you want to attend. Friday night passes are $40.95, while Saturday and Sunday full-day passes are $77.95. For the full three-day experience, weekend passes are $174.95.
If you’re looking to camp at the event, full weekend camping passes are available for $69.95. Camping is separate from your festival admission, so you’ll need to purchase a camping pass in addition to your event tickets.
When: Friday, Sept. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Time: Friday: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Last Chance Saloon – 555 Jewell St., Wayne, Alta.
Cost: Friday Night Pass: $40.95, Saturday Full Day Pass: $77.95, Sunday Full Day Pass: $77.95, Weekend Pass: $174.95
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Kaiya Williams
Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.
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