THE VIEW DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS
Located just off the beaten path, the Satellite Music and Art Festival is worth the adventure to get here. Only a 1.5 hrs drive East from Calgary, this majestic land has a rich history that is packed with it’s own mystery and intrigue.
Up the hill overlooking the Satellite grounds, resides Big Daddy Hoodoo, the largest hoodoo in the Drumheller Valley.
Ancestors of the Indigenous Blackfoot and Cree nations claimed that the hoodoos were petrified giants who would come to life at night and throw stones at intruders in order to protect the sacred land.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN A BIT MORE ABOUT THE LANDS HISTORY
The land that Satellite resides on was once a busy little mining town called Monarch. It was affectionately called “Cactus Flats” by John Graham Senior who was a beloved farmer in the Drumheller Valley.
John’s father, also John, originally came from Scotland in 1913 and settled in Drumheller. After seeing the inefficient ways the coal was being extracted from the coal mines, he realized that what Alberta needed was the Shetland ponies from back on Shetland Island. He imported a small herd to Drumheller by boat, trained them and introduced the ponies into the industry here. The very mine you see from the festival, used these ponies in its operations as did the others in the area. Most Shetland ponies in Canada originated from the Graham Farm.
Going back even further, the land also boasts remnants of a rich prehistoric history. You can still find petrified wood, fossils and sometimes even a dinosaur 🦕 bone.
Another cool thing about the area is the UFO 🛸 sightings. Maybe you’ll spot a silvery disc checking out the festival!
GETTING TO SATELLITE FESTIVAL
The drive to any festival is where the magic starts! The scenery, the music playing and the laughter of friends in anticipation of a weekend of fun and connection. We want to make sure you get here safe and sound.
There may not be cell service every step of the drive so we recommend sending your driving instructions to your phone, printing them or saving a digital copy on your phone/laptop as a backup.
DRIVING NOTES: The best marker for locating the Satellite Festival site is if you Google, “Atlas Coal Mine”. Satellite is on the same side of the river, across Hwy AB-10. When leaving Drumheller you will be taking AB-10 E/AB-56 S. You will pass Rosedale, Hoodoos Trail and East Coulee. Shortly after East Coulee, you will see the Atlas Coal Mine on your right. You’ll go over the river. Instead of turning right into the mine site, you’ll go a tiny bit further and turn left. There will be signs along the road/entry.
YOUR STAY WHILE YOU’RE HERE AT SATELLITE
The event takes place in a very rural setting, this is land that has not been used for ages which is a huge part of the charm. It is natural and wild and beautiful!
We have divided the camping into two main zones: General camping and VIP camping. You must purchase a camping pass in addition to your festival ticket.
All spots are assigned on a first come-first serve basis, so come early to claim your space. Please respect this sacred land while you are our guests. You must take out everything that you bring in. Keep the area clean, dispose of all garbage and please not littering ( this include cigarette butts ).
Part of the land has been leveled but we still encourage you to wear suitable footwear for your own safety. There is also NO running water or public electricity so come prepared. There will be vendors and food trucks on site so bring cash in case the internet is finicky! ( which happens as we are out in the wilderness ) There will be limited debit machine service onsite. We do have Star Link but this is reserved for staff and vendors only.
ON SITE SERVICES
- Porta Potties
- Hand Wash Station (not drinkable water)
- First Aid Area
- Potable Water
- Food & Drink Vendors
- Amazing Entertainment
- Vendor Marketplace
- Performances & Art
- Workshops & Services
NOT ALLOWED ONSITE
-
- Pets
- Weapons of ANY Kind
- Drugs
- Absolutely NO Fires
WHAT TO BRING CHECKLIST
- Natural bug spray and sunscreen
- An umbrella or hat if you need extra sun protection
- Practical shoes as this is newly cleared land and still rough in spots.
- Water!!! We will have some available for sale
- Portable battery packs for your phone
- Snacks if you don’t want to buy food
- A light jacket in case the evening gets cold
- Cash
- Foldable chairs if you desire sitting off the ground
- ID for check in
- Waiver ( to save time )
- Handheld fan/mister
- Have fun with your wardrobe! Bring something fun to express your bold style.
IF YOU ARE CAMPING:
- Porta potties will be available, but no showers.
- Bring proper footwear.
- Spots are assigned first come first serve.
- Bring your own supplies.
- Take out absolutely everything you bring in!
- Please respect the land, owners and volunteers while staying here. Unruly behavior will result in removal from festival.
- NO PETS!
- NO OPEN FIRES! If you are camping, and plan to cook, please bring a safe camp stove/bbq.
EXPERIENCE CHECKLIST
- Yoga Mat
- Pillow
- Light Blanket
- Journal and Pen
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We acknowledge the land on which we gather as a sacred land. This is the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations). Other Nations who are a part of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta also call this place home, which includes the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). This territory is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.