Western Financial Place

05/11/2026

Canada Celebrates is coming to Cranbrook! The fan experience will take place at Balment Park on Saturday, June 27, 2026, starting at 12pm.

This special fan activation is a free, family-friendly event with a live match viewing, football-themed activities, cultural programming, music, food and shared moments of national pride. City of Cranbrook Visit Cranbrook KESA- Kootenay East Soccer Association Sport Canada Government of British Columbia

04/08/2026

Today, FIFA proudly unveils the route for Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a first-of-its-kind programme that will unite communities across the tournament. Swipe to reveal dates! City of Cranbrook Visit Cranbrook KESA- Kootenay East Soccer Association Sport Canada Government of British Columbia

04/08/2026

Canada Celebrates is coming to Cranbrook!

FIFA World Cup 2026TM is coming to Canada and FIFA is kicking off a first-of-its-kind programme bringing communities across Canada together to celebrate the biggest FIFA World CupTM in history. From shared match moments to culture, community and celebration, this is where Canada comes together as one – and Cranbrook is part of the journey!

Stay tuned for more info soon. City of Cranbrook Visit Cranbrook KESA- Kootenay East Soccer Association Sport Canada Government of British Columbia

04/01/2026

Making plans for the Easter long weekend? Just a quick heads-up that Western Financial Place and our Aquatic Centre is closed on Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6) - that means no pool, arenas, squash, or concourse walking on those days.

The good news? We’re open Saturday and Sunday, with the pool and squash courts open from 12:00 to 8:00 pm, and the concourse open for walking both days from 6am to 8pm. Arena rentals are available, too.

Whether you’re squeezing in a workout or booking ice time, we’ve got you covered. Have a great long weekend!

12/01/2025

Declining ticket sales and lower attendance at large music festivals across the industry overall have led Council to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 edition of Rock the Kootenays, originally scheduled for August 7–9, 2026.

With economic uncertainty looming in the year ahead, and the loss of just over $14,000 from Rock the Kootenays 2025, Council decided it is not willing to further risk taxpayer dollars for a 2026 event. The City of Cranbrook earned $77,535.10 from Rock the Kootenay 2023 and $133,843.73 in 2024 before incurring a $14,011,69 loss in the 2025 event.

Council thanks all of the City staff, concertgoers, sponsors, community partners, and volunteers who have helped make Rock the Kootenays a success over the past three years, and looks forward to other potential opportunities for concerts and events like this in the future. City of Cranbrook

10/07/2025

Rock the Kootenays is set to return as a three-day festival scheduled for August 7, 8, and 9, 2026, following Council’s approval Monday night for staff to move forward with planning the event for a fourth installment.

For the past three years, Rock the Kootenays (RTK) has brought thousands of visitors to Cranbrook as the region’s premier classic rock festival, normally held the weekend following the BC Day long weekend. The event has proven successful in creating significant economic and tourism benefits for the community. Conservative estimates of direct economic impact exceed $2.5 million.

While RTK 2025 experienced slower ticket sales despite a strong lineup, the festival has overall delivered positive financial results. The City of Cranbrook earned $77,535.10 from RTK 2023 and $133,843.73 in 2024 before incurring a $14,011.69 loss in 2025.

“We have developed a lean operational budget and some new strategies to try to address rising artist fees, while continuing to build upon strong sponsorship partnerships,” says Trevor Thors, Director of Recreation and Culture. “With Council’s approval of the three-day event model, we will immediately begin booking artists and arranging logistics to ensure another vibrant and successful Rock the Kootenays weekend in 2026.”

Watch for more information about Rock the Kootenays 2026, artists and tickets coming later this year @ https://www.rockthekootenays.ca/. City of Cranbrook Rock the Kootenays Visit Cranbrook

09/15/2025

We’re excited to share some wonderful news for our community!

Western Financial Group has renewed its naming rights agreement for Western Financial Place for another five years. Since 2012, Western Financial Group has been an incredible partner, helping ensure Cranbrook’s largest recreation and entertainment venue remains a hub for sports, concerts, and community gatherings across the Kootenays.

A heartfelt thank you to Western Financial Group for your ongoing support, commitment, and investment in Cranbrook. Together, we’re building community spirit and keeping Western Financial Place a vibrant gathering space for everyone.

Learn more - https://cranbrook.ca/news/western-financial-group-renews-commitment-to-cranbrooks-leading-recreation-center

08/10/2025

08/08/2025

🤘 Are you ready to rock?

🎸 A reminder that Rock the Kootenays 2025 concert goers can pick up their VIP passes, wristbands, and tickets now at Western Financial Place (WFP).

🗓 Here is the pickup schedule:

• Friday, August 8th – 9am to 9pm (WFP Lobby & Ticket Tent @ Festival Entrance)
• Saturday, August 9th – 12pm to 9pm (Ticket Tent @ Festival Entrance)
• Sunday, August 10th - 12pm to 9pm (Ticket Tent @ Festival Entrance)

🚨You will need valid photo ID to pick up your tickets. All VIP ticket holders will have a separate entrance to enter the festival grounds, which will open 30 minutes prior to the regular gate.

ℹ For more info about the Rock the Kootenays, visit https://www.rockthekootenays.ca/.

08/06/2025

Who invited the moose to the ROCK THE KOOTENAYS FESTIVITIES? WE did, along with a few thousand more friends.