About
What is Ed fest?
Inspired the mysticism surrounding the escape and wild adventure of a circus elephant, who came to be known as Cranbrook Ed, Ed Fest is a free to attend Arts & Music Festival held to celebrate the music, creativity, talent, and expression of our community. Held at Rotary Park, the festival runs for two days and offers an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
The festival boasts a dynamic lineup of creative souls. In addition to musical acts, there will be interactive dance performances and art installations throughout the weekend, including the beloved Lantern Parade. And did we mention the beer garden and food trucks?
Festivities will also include a downtown “elephant stampede” using a life-size puppet of Ed the Elephant. Attendees are encouraged to wear carnival themed attire and join in on the fun!
Cranbrook Arts will host a booth with workshops and crafts for the whole weekend! They are also supplying activities, starting on August 15th, for the entire month leading up to the festival, including the “Where’s Ed?” Scavenger Hunt.
Key City Theatre will be hosting numerous music artists at the outdoor mainstage throughout the weekend. Musical acts will be broken up by Community Dance and Emcee speeches, supplying a little something for everyone
This year’s festival marks the 100th anniversary of Ed the Elephant’s infamous escape, therefore it will be the biggest yet! Ed Fest is sure to recreate the same air of mystery, excitement, and community as Ed’s escape caused a century ago.
So, whether you are an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a family-friendly event, Ed Fest 2026 promises a unique experience for everyone. Mark your calendars for September 18th and 19th at Rotary Park, Cranbrook, and join the celebration of community and creativity!
The story of ed
In August 1926, the tranquil town of Cranbrook, British Columbia, was jolted into excitement by an unexpected event: the arrival of the Sells-Floto Circus. This American circus, renowned for its spectacular animal acts, brought with it a parade of elephants. However, the situation quickly turned chaotic when 14 elephants stampeded out of their enclosures.
Most of the elephants were swiftly recaptured, but one elephant, later named Cranbrook Ed, managed to evade capture for over a month. His escape captivated Cranbrook and the surrounding areas as the elephant roamed the forests and hills, becoming a local legend as residents reported sporadic sightings.
Ed’s story has since become an integral part of Cranbrook's cultural heritage, symbolizing a spirit of adventure and resilience. Today, Ed Fest celebrates this unique history, inviting the community to come together in a joyous and creative celebration. The idea of Ed's escape has become a lasting image of breaking free. We celebrate this metaphor as we break free of the usual, and allow our imaginations and creativity to soar.
Importantly, Ed Fest does not celebrate animals in captivity but rather honours the spirit of Ed’s adventure and the community's unity during that extraordinary time.
During his time on the loose, Ed traversed a variety of terrains, from dense woods to open fields. People were both fascinated and fearful, as it was not every day that an elephant wandered the Canadian wilderness. Efforts to capture Ed included organized search parties, the use of tracking dogs, bait and traps, aerial searches, and the involvement of local law enforcement and wildlife authorities. The community played a crucial role, reporting sightings and helping to track Ed's movements.
Ed’s adventure came to an end on September 12, when he was found near Jim Smith Lake, feasting on local produce. His capture marked the conclusion of a remarkable saga that had gripped Cranbrook and made headlines.
