After two years away, Sustainival is returning to Fort McMurray after COVID-19 forced them to cancel the annual sustainability-themed festival in 2020.

This was the first time since they began in 2011 that they had not produced an event.

Brent Oliver, Executive Director for Sustainival says they had tried to return in June of 2020, then again in 2021, but restrictions hadn’t been lifted until July 1.

More than a festival, Sustainival prides itself on powering everything using zero-carbon or renewable energy, including biofuel generators.

“This commitment to keeping the footprint at zero makes us stand out and educates, while also entertaining,” explained Oliver.

“Fort McMurray, despite being a tenth the size of Edmonton, routinely did between 5000 and 10,000 people a day at the midway, doubling attendance from Edmonton,” said Oliver.

Sustainival will again be free to attend with no gate admission with all-day ride wristbands at $35.

To maintain the low cost, Oliver says they receive sponsorships and support from private companies and public bodies such as the Government of Alberta and the municipality.

“We couldn’t make Sustainival work without the support of our partners,” says Oliver.

The event will run June 16-20 at MacDonald Island Park.