Located in Drumheller, at the heart of Canada’s Badlands and just a 90-minute drive northeast of Calgary, Badlands Amphitheatre is an extraordinary open-air theatre and music venue. This natural amphitheatre, set within a 30-acre canyon bowl, offers stunning scenery and exceptional acoustics, making it a perfect setting for live performances and concerts. Discover more about this unique venue on calgary-trend.
What Are the Canadian Badlands?
Seventy-five million years ago, southern Alberta was a subtropical region teeming with towering sequoias, massive ferns, and dinosaurs. Today, these once-fertile plains have transformed into a landscape of colorful canyons and wind-carved hoodoos, with dinosaur bones preserved as fossils.
Stretching from Drumheller to the Saskatchewan border and south to the U.S., the Canadian Badlands cover an area of 90,000 square kilometers, larger than Portugal. Known for their maze-like gullies, sharp ridges, and hoodoos, the region attracts fossil hunters, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking dramatic sunsets and unique hiking experiences.
Among the fascinating finds in the Dinosaur Provincial Park is a pterosaur, a dinosaur-relative that roamed the planet 225 million years ago and could fly. Even more intriguing, a tooth from a small predatory dinosaur was discovered lodged in its bone!
The Badlands are home to a range of unique flora and fauna, including green rattlesnakes, short-horned lizards, and several cactus species. This region also hosts one of Alberta’s darkest skies, offering incredible stargazing opportunities at the Cypress Hills Observatory.
Cultural Programs at Badlands Amphitheatre
Opened in 1991, Badlands Amphitheatre is a natural canyon venue hosting annual events such as theatrical performances, operas, fireworks, movie screenings, and festivals. Among its highlights is the Roots, Blues & BBQ festival, held every September. Visitors can enjoy fantastic music and barbecue in the breathtaking Badlands landscape.
Another popular event, the Badlands Lightfest, takes place from November to December. This free-entry light show, funded by the Canadian government, features artistic installations and activities suitable for all ages.
Other audience favorites include the annual Badlands Passion Play in July and the Canadian Icons Concert Series in August.
In the 2020s, construction began on a new arts center featuring an indoor café, rehearsal spaces, and a small theatre, ensuring year-round cultural offerings.
The amphitheatre’s unique natural setting fosters a sustainable community with economic, cultural, social, and environmental benefits, while also supporting arts education and tourism.
The Badlands Passion Play
For those interested in religious theatre, the Badlands Passion Play is a must-see event held annually in July since 1994. It transports audiences to the first century to recount the story of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The play, originally written in the 1960s, has become a hallmark of the venue.
More than 500 volunteers from across Western Canada participate in the production each year. The amateur cast is supported by professional actors, directors, and technical teams, creating a world-class theatrical experience.
The local Drumheller community plays an essential role in the production, preparing months in advance. Riders transform into Roman soldiers, families sew costumes, farmers lend animals, and men grow beards to portray priests.
Each year, the script is reviewed and sometimes adapted. Some versions emphasize musical elements, while others focus more on the action, scaling back costumes and set designs. For example, the 2019 production was presented as a musical. The amphitheatre’s dramatic topography bears a striking resemblance to the rural surroundings of Jerusalem, making it an ideal setting for the play.
The meticulous attention to props and costumes has earned the Badlands Passion Play international acclaim, with numerous awards recognizing it as Alberta’s top cultural attraction and one of North America’s top 100 events. The play has also been the subject of academic literature.
Whether for spiritual enrichment, a journey into Christian history, or simply an engaging theatrical experience, the Badlands Passion Play is a unique event worth attending at least once. The play also contributes significantly to Alberta’s economy, generating $3.8 million in 2022 despite reduced attendance following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Tips for Visiting the Amphitheatre
If you plan to attend an event at Badlands Amphitheatre, keep the following tips in mind:
- Dress appropriately: The venue is open-air, so bring sunscreen, a hat, a raincoat, or warm clothing, depending on the weather.
- Bring a cushion: Seating consists of wooden benches, which may not be the most comfortable.
- Buy tickets in advance: Save time and money by purchasing tickets for events and parking online.
- Plan ahead: Check event details and rules regarding food and drinks.
Like much of Canada, the best time to visit the Badlands is during the warm months between June and September.
