Cultural District Venues
Canadian Cultural District enjoys variety of musical, artistic, and cultural events
in venues across the district every year. Come join the fun!
Canadian River Music Festival – May
Fourth of July Festivities, Rodeo Competition, and Dances
Beach Club Calf Fry & BBQ Cook-Off and Dance – September
Canadian Fall Foliage Festival – October
In addition to the four major festivals each year, take a look at our calendar for information on art shows, writers workshops, children's and community theatre productions, music in the park, outdoor movie nights, junior and ranch rodeo events, and much more.
In addition to its museum collection in the historic mansion and surrounding sculpture garden, The Citadelle Abraham Gallery hosts three exhibits from collectives across the world annually. Total attendance and programs reached more than 9,000 in 2016. Of those, 1,800 were from area school districts, traveling over 2 hours.
This 1,240 square foot museum has been completely renovated and now features state-of the-art displays and videos. Over 600 attended the Quilt Show during the 2017 Fall Foliage Festival, where 80 vintage quilts were on display in the Gallery Room. Scheduled visits from retirement centers and churches are welcomed throughout the year.
In addition to the many who enjoy walking and biking the bridge year round, it is a great venue for the Annual Run for Life 5K Fun Run/1 Mile Walk sponsored by Knights of Columbus. The race begins on north side of bridge. T-shirts are included and medals are awarded to competitors.
This spacious 4,000 square foot gallery is home to several one-man-shows throughout the year. Resident artist, Peyton Aufill, opened last year with his extensive collection entitled “Life in Technicolor.”
Canadian Arts Alliance Community Theater performs each year in October. Talented actors have staged Dearly Beloved, Steel Magnolias, Arsenic and Old Lace and Who’s in Bed with the Butler. A Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performance brings 350 to the hall.
Home of the Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian/Hemphill County Economic Development Council, the Visitors’ Center is the information hub for many activities throughout the year. Brochures, maps, and lists of activities are provided to visitors and residents alike. Capacity: building and grounds 300.
Sunset Park, created by Mert and Betty Cooper, is home to a world-class sculpture collection that includes works by Sandy Scott, Joan Andrew, Linda Prokop, Conrad Cooper, and local artist Kerry Westbrook.
The Stumblin’ Goat Saloon books 50 Texas and regional bands per year. The intimate space, with seating for 147, allows patrons to listen to singers/songwriters performing original Texas and Oklahoma Red Dirt music.
Rodeo grounds and pens, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, driving range, fishing ponds, Frisbee golf, RV camping, and the Jones Pavilion are within the bounds of this well-used park. Capacity: 2,000+.
This 12,700 square foot library, built by the local Women’s Christian Temperance Union chapter in 1911, has the charm of the past and the facilities of the future.
Canadian River Art Academy sessions, September through May, are divided into four age groups. Pre-K – K, 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 5th and older. Students sign up by the month and attend classes once a week. Average attendance is 12-14 students per age group. Two week-long summer camps average 15-20 per session.
Built in 1909, the Palace Theatre still continues to thrive in the heart of downtown Canadian. The theatre, purchased by Salem and Ruth Ann Abraham in 1997, was restored in 1998. Entertaining thousands of guests every year, the 289 seat auditorium welcomes everyone with 4k 3D cinema and THX certification.
This shady neighborhood park and gazebo is home to public and private events throughout the year. Weddings, family reunion picnics, annual live Christmas Nativity, and Music in the Park events have been held here.
Thousands gather each July Fourth on the courthouse square to watch the parade. The Smiley Johnson Memorial Band fills the air with patriotic music. Food vendors set up under the trees and serve everything from cotton candy to homemade jerky and tacos.