Millarville Farmers' Market & Racetrack:
A Hub for Community Events & Rural Tradition
By Diane Richardson · Alberta Town & Country · CIR Realty · 2026
Millarville Farmers' Market and Racetrack: The Heart of Community Life
When the robins return and the crocuses peek through the snow, you know that spring has arrived in the Alberta Foothills. And in Millarville, spring means one thing: the return of the Millarville Farmers' Market Kicking off 2026 with the Spring Market on Saturday, May 9, from 9 am to 2 pm.
For nearly four decades since 1988, the Millarville Farmers' Market has been a fixture of rural life in Foothills County. Every Saturday from mid-June through early October, the Millarville Racetrack transforms into a bustling marketplace, with over 160 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to artisan crafts and locally raised meats.
"The Millarville Market is more than just a place to shop—it's a gathering place for the community. You see your neighbours, catch up with friends, and really feel that small-town connection."
2026 Hours, Dates & Location
The Millarville Racetrack hosts three distinct market events each year. Here is the full 2026 schedule:
Spring Market
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Millarville Racetrack, RR 1, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0
The beloved opening day of the market season — a wonderful way to welcome spring with local vendors, fresh goods, and community spirit.
☀️ Summer Farmers' Market
Days: Every Saturday
Season: Mid-June through Early October
Hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Vendors: 160+ local producers, artisans, and food vendors
The heart of Millarville summer life — fresh produce, baked goods, live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, and the popular Market Buds children's program.
Christmas Market
Dates: November 5–8 & November 12–15, 2026
Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Millarville Racetrack
A magical holiday tradition featuring unique artisan gifts, festive food, and the warm glow of community — a beloved Millarville institution since 1988.
Getting to Millarville Racetrack
The Millarville Racetrack is located approximately 45 minutes southwest of Calgary, an easy and scenic drive through the rolling Foothills.
Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society
RR 1, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0
Located on Highway 762, west of Highway 22
From Calgary: Take Highway 22X west to Highway 22 south. Turn west onto Highway 762 and follow the signs into Millarville. The racetrack is well-signed from the highway junction.
Get Directions on Google MapsA Millarville Tradition Since 1988
The Millarville Farmers' Market began in 1988 with just a handful of vendors. Today it is one of the largest outdoor markets in Alberta, attracting visitors from across the province. The market's success is a testament to the vibrant agricultural community in Foothills County and the growing passion for locally sourced, sustainably produced food.
Beyond fresh produce and homemade jam, the market is a showcase for the creativity of local artisans, with vendors offering handcrafted pottery, jewelry, wood carvings, and metalwork. Live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, and the beloved Market Buds children's program, connecting kids with local farmers through tastings, crafts, and hands-on learning, make it a festive experience for the whole family.
The Millarville Racetrack: More Than Just Horses
The Millarville Farmers' Market takes place at the historic Millarville Racetrack, which has been a centre of community life since 1905. In addition to the market, the racetrack hosts a full calendar of events throughout the year celebrating Alberta's western heritage:
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May 9, 2026 Spring MarketThe beloved season opener. 100+ vendors, 9 am–2 pm. A perfect family morning in the Foothills. |
June 2026 Millarville RodeoClassic western rodeo with barrel racing, bull riding, and all the excitement of Alberta's cowboy culture. |
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July 1, 2026 Canada Day Family Fun DayThoroughbred horse racing returns to Millarville for a spectacular Canada Day celebration for the whole family. |
August 2026 Run to the Farmers' MarketThe popular Half Marathon and 5K returns in 2026 after a brief hiatus — starting and finishing at the racetrack. |
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Late August 2026 Priddis & Millarville FairThrilling chuckwagon and chariot races under the lights, plus a full agricultural fair celebrating Foothills heritage. |
Nov 5–8 & 12–15, 2026 Millarville Christmas MarketA magical holiday tradition since 1988 — unique artisan gifts, festive food, and a warm community atmosphere. |
These events showcase the western heritage and community spirit that define life in the Foothills. Whether you are cheering on the chuckwagon racers, browsing the Christmas Market, or simply enjoying a sunny Saturday at the market, there is always something happening at the Millarville Racetrack.
Experience the Millarville Lifestyle
For many people, a visit to the Millarville Farmers' Market or an event at the racetrack is their first introduction to the unique lifestyle of the Foothills. With its wide-open spaces, stunning Rocky Mountain views, and strong sense of community, it is no wonder that so many people fall in love with the area and decide to make it their home.
As of early 2026, Foothills County sits in balanced market conditions: 271 active listings, a benchmark price of $676,700, and an average sale price of $840,849 with approximately 2.63 months of supply. Millarville-area properties command premium values of $1.3M to $3M+ due to exceptional lifestyle appeal and very low turnover.
If you are considering a move to the Millarville area, you will find a wide range of properties to choose from:
Country Homes & Rural Properties
Spacious rural homes with mountain views, mature trees, and the peace and privacy of Foothills living — within easy reach of Okotoks and Calgary. Browse all rural Foothills County homes for sale.
Equestrian & Horse Properties
Established horse properties with paddocks, arenas, barns, and tack rooms — everything in place for serious equestrians. See all horse properties in Foothills County.
Spacious Acreages
Hobby farms, private parcels, and large acreages from 2 to 100+ acres. The perfect canvas for the rural lifestyle you have been dreaming of. Browse acreages for sale in Foothills County.
Your Guide to Foothills County Living
As a long-time REALTOR® specializing in rural properties, I have had the pleasure of helping many families find their dream homes in the Millarville area. If you are considering a move to the country, I would love to show you what makes this corner of Alberta so special.
Contact me today to start your Foothills County real estate journey — and mark your calendar for the May 9 Spring Market. I will see you there!
Millarville & Foothills County Real Estate Resources
→ Rural Foothills County Homes for Sale
→ Horse Properties in Foothills County
→ Acreages for Sale in Foothills County
Explore Millarville Real Estate
Browse current MLS® listings in Millarville and the surrounding Foothills County area. Contact me for more information or to schedule a viewing.
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403.397.3706 • diane@mypadcalgary.com


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