Country Thunder cancelled thanks to Farkas' Music Crackdown
Country Thunder Alberta said the new noise restrictions prevent it from delivering a “world-class event.”
Country Thunder Alberta cancelled their annual mega-festival less then two days before the event in response to bylaw changes supported by Calgary city council and Mayor Jeromy Farkas
The left wing caucus of Calgary city hall recently doubled down on the anti-music NIMBY law that is already set to severely impact events during the week of Stampede.
“Today, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Country Thunder Alberta 2026,” reads a statement posted to social media.
“Country Thunder has been in direct communication with the City of Calgary to resolve escalating challenges,” the statement said, adding that construction, loss of critical infrastructure, and a “restrictive noise bylaw” made it impossible for the event to proceed.
Bylaw 32M2023 typically sets quiet hours (10 p.m.–7 a.m. weekdays, 10 p.m.–9 a.m. weekends/holidays) and noise limits of 65 decibels by day and 50 decibels at night, subject to exemptions. The noise levels would require concerts to reduce volume to the level of a regular, everyday conversation during those times.
A June 15 permit for the 2026 Cowboys Music Festival tightened noise limits to 70 dB before midnight and 65 dB after midnight on weekends, down from the previous year. Country Thunder, which does not run as late, was still affected by the changes.
In its statement, Country Thunder Alberta writes that it cannot offer a “world-class event” with these new restrictions.
“We are deeply sorry to everyone who planned their summer around this. Refunds will automatically be processed back to the original form of payment in as little as 30 business days.”
“You cannot create the energy, atmosphere and connection that define a country music festival under those conditions,” added Kim Blevins, Executive Director for Country Thunder.
“For months… we pushed hard and we explored every possible path forward. Unfortunately, we were promised access that was never delivered.”
The 2026 lineup was slated to include country stars Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Cooper Alan, and more.