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July 6, 2025 - Sǫ̀mbak'è/Yellowknife, NT - 19th Annual Old Town Ramble and Ride Festival

 

Get ready for the Old Town Ramble and Ride Festival, August 1 to 3 in Sǫ̀mbak'è (Yellowknife), located on Chief Drygeese Territory, home of the Yellowknives Dene and traditional lands of the North Slave Metis! 

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This year's festival showcases incredible live performances, from jazz and classical guitar to Zimbabwe hip hop. Visual arts initiatives include a commissioned public art mural by Christopher McMillan, live painting with Diane Boudreau and the annual Trashformation Art Show organized by Ecology North and sponsored by Guy Architects. Local businesses will be offering specials and hosting events in their venues.

 

Festival-goers can enjoy an array of local vendors, offering art, crafts and culinary delights. 

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Expect hours and hours of fun for kids, including bouncy castles, face painting and childrens’ performers.

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The Friday night Kick-Off concert welcomes local feature performers Ryan McCord, who’s been singing and playing folk music in Yellowknife for over 20 years; Munya Mataruse, a high-energy crowd pleaser; Juno-nominated Carmen Braden and a band of talented contemporary musicians as well as Taylor Saracuse and Other Dead People which is sure to leave everyone in high spirits. 

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Saturday and Sunday performers include:

  • Jonathan Antoine

  • Alex Ketchum

  • 9 Sixx

  • Sunaira

  • Stray Dogs

  • Yellowknives Dene Drummers

  • DJ Sami

  • Peekaboo Kazoo

  • MT with Kerry Wheler

  • LJJ

  • Johnny Vu

  • Ben Cornel

  • Gi Debogorski

  • Andrea Bettger Duo

  • Great Shave Lake

 

Take a listen to a sample of our performers with the Old Town Ramble and Ride Playlist! 

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“Ramble and Ride is the best free festival in Yellowknife, highlighting the joys and quirks of Old Town. As a street festival with a block party vibe, going 19 years strong, we take pride in supporting and showcasing local businesses and artists. This year, we are augmenting content for kids with more family friendly fun across the festival grounds. Even our festival artwork was designed by 7-year-old artist Sam McCreesh!”

- Amber O’Reilly, Festival Coordinator 

 

Other Festival Activities:

  • Over 35 vendors offering food, arts and unique gifts throughout Old Town

  • Family-friendly fun like face painting, bouncy castles and special children’s performers

  • Full-day garage sale (Saturday)

  • Hot dog BBQ and Ice cream sale

  • Passport to Old Town Prize Draw

  • Architectural Walking Tour with Wayne Guy

  • Far North Photography Festival Photo Gallery

  • Latham Island Neighbourhood Association Bike Parade

  • Somba K'e Paddling Club's Annual Latham Island Paddle Race

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The Old Town Ramble and Ride Festival 2025 is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and funders.

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Look out for the full festival schedule at OldTownYK.com!

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @oldtownrambleandride 

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Media Contact:

For artist interviews and inquiries, email: Amber O’Reilly at oldtownrambleandride@gmail.com 

© Old Town Ramble and Ride.  All Rights Reserved

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