For the fourth year running, organizers with the Rocky Mountain House Filipino-Canadian Community Association will be hosting its annual, free Food & Music Festival in Rocky Mountain House.

Organizers say this year’s venue, the Pioneer Center (4939 52 St.) will be alive with the rich sounds, sights and smells of Filipino culture.

The event has been growing every year, says organizer Fely Mackay, which started outside the library in 2021, but has since moved indoors to the Pioneer Centre the past few years.

The turnout every year has been tremendous, says Mackay, with around 200 people attending the fully booked Pioneer Centre venue during the event.

People throughout the region are invited to sample many types of Filipino cuisine, absolutely free of charge, says Mackay.

“There will be lots of food, we’re not asking for anything to pay for it,” says Mackay. ” We are thankful to the Town of Rocky Mountain House for sponsoring some of it, as well as West Fraser and donations that fund our association.”

Mackay says the organization is expecting a big turnout, and has planned accordingly as there will be plenty of food for everyone.

Turnout at Food & Music Festival in Rocky Mountain House. (Photo by Rocky Mountain House Filipino-Canadian Community Association)

Folks from all backgrounds are invited, says Mackay, as its a great opportunity for everyone to get a taste- literally and figuratively- of Filipino culture.

Music will be part of the event, as Filipino artists will be played during the event, with possibly plans for a bigger focus on music at future events, says Mackay.

Founded as a fledgling organization in 2010, Mackay says the Filipino-Canadian Community Association has been growing in scope year by year, becoming an official non-profit organization in 2016.

Mackay says that while the Food & Music Festival is the largest annual event for the organization, plans are in the works for other fun events throughout the year, including the organization’s annual community Christmas Party, as well as early plans for a Filipino Independence Day Celebration planned for June 2025.

The Food & Music Festival happens on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Pioneer Centre.

(Photo by Rocky Mountain House Filipino-Canadian Community Association)