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That's a Wrap on Elevate — See you in 2026!

Our fourth annual Elevate Acro Festival was an uplifting experience. We will be back next year. Keep watching our site for details.

Pre-Fest 2025:
Connections & Alignments in Acro with Heidi Blais

Start Elevate off right with a five-hour, all-levels workshop featuring acro instructor and circus artist Heidi Blais from Montreal. We start with handstands, moving to two-highs and techniques in proper and safe falling and spotting. Then we'll work with all-levels variations in foot-to-hand, hand-to-hand, then hands-free Rev Star.

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About Heidi Blais​

Heidi is the real deal. She’s worked for more than a decade as a full-time acroyoga instructor, circus artist and movement educator. Based in Montreal, Heidi is an innovator in partner acrobatics, with deep roots in group acrobatics, hand-to-hand, contact improv and slackline.


She’s worked for Cirque Éloize (a troupe that emerged in the same era as Cirque du Soleil), and is an instructor with the widely regarded Acroyoga Montreal Teacher Training. And if that weren’t enough qualifications in creating beautiful structures, Heidi is also a trained architect!

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Pre-Fest Schedule

10am-3pm

Our
Venue

Alberta Avenue Community League Hall

9210 118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB

 

Once again, Elevate will be hosted in the cozy, surprisingly large Alberta Ave. Community Hall — just a 5-min drive from downtown Edmonton, a 10-min walk from the LRT and on major bus routes. The large hall is 3,500 sq ft and will be mostly covered with gymnastics mats, while the 1,600 sq ft secondary space is perfect for folding mats. The venue also has a full kitchen with fridges, a third room is set aside for meals and snacks, and a chill space for community connection and self care.

Our Values

Community is at our core. We believe that acro is about so much more than just the physical activity. We want to create events that foster connection, compassion, and care for one another. 

       

Diversity & inclusivity we are committed to celebrating the diversity in our community and creating a more inclusive space for people of different races, ethnicities, sexualities, genders, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses. We acknowledge power dynamics and different levels of privilege in the community and know that there will always be more work to be done to make Elevate more inclusive. Elevate will not tolerate Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Transphobia, or hate at the festival and recognize that these are systemic and ingrained issues in society.

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Growth We know there will always be room for personal and community growth and healing. There will always be things that we can do better to stay in line with our values. We are open to feedback!

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Sustainability Environmental, emotional, and financial sustainability are important at Elevate. We want to continue offering this festival year after year and have minimal negative impact on our planet.

About Us

Elevate Acro Festival is a Non-Profit (Elevate Acro Association) run festival that was first brought to life in October 2022. We, Aiden, Erica, and Niall, had a vision to create a festival founded in values. We wanted to create an opportunity to elevate the community, each other, and our Acro practices.  

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Our first three festivals have been a roaring success with attendees from across the country and beyond. We are excited to continue building on Elevate in the coming years.

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FAQ

FAQ

What should I do before arriving at the festival?

  1. Sign the Participant Waiver and optional Photo Release — to save time at check-in.

  2. Be aware of Elevate’s No Scents policy, which is in place for the entire weekend.

  3. LABEL your belongings, as this will make it easier for missing items to be returned to you.

  4. Follow our Instagram page and check your email inbox for important information ahead of the festival.

What should I pack?

Some important things to throw in your bag:

  • A rock with your Intention for the weekend painted or written on it

  • Warm clothing to donate to Edmonton’s unhoused (a collection bin will be set up)

  • Cash for homemade cinnamon buns ($5 each)

  • Meals (if you didn’t buy a Meal Plan) and snacks (free organic fruit will be available the entire weekend)

  • Blankets, sheets, mats, lights for our Community Fort

  • Foldable mat (if you are willing to loan it for community use over the weekend)

  • Warm outerwear (days are forecast to be mild, but nights are getting close to freezing)

  • Warm socks, cozy sweaters and eye mask for down time

  • Water bottle

  • Smartphone and mini-tripod (don’t forget to tag @elevateacrofest)

  • Phone charger or battery bank

  • Chalk or Acrogrip

  • Ties for long hair

  • Protective gear for wrists, knees, etc.

  • Sandals (for bathrooms)

  • Items to soothe sore joints and muscles: lacrosse ball, massage gun, Advil, etc.

  • Onesie or costume for Saturday night jam

  • Swimsuit for hot tub or spa visits (not included in festival)

  • An open heart!

Do we need to sign up for individual classes?

No you don't! As long as you have a ticket for the day you are good to go. Before every class there will be a demo from the teachers and they will have a couple minutes to talk about the content of their classes. They will outline any pre-requistes to take the class at that time.

Do I need to bring a partner?

No you don't! It can be beneficial to have a calibrated partner for classes if you are pushing your edges but it isn't necessary. In all classes you will be working with groups of 3 or more for spotting. People often switch up who they are working with every class. There are a lot of people who are coming alone and you will find people to work with.

Do I need to bring a mat?

No you don't but if you have a panel mat you are willing to lend the festival let us know! We are renting roll out gymnastics mats for the main hall and have some panel mats for the gym. We can always use more mats.

Is there a microwave and fridge?

There is a fridge available and a microwave at the venue that participants are able to use.

Do I have to attend the entire of each class?

No you don't! In fact you can leave a class half way through if you are feeling done. Lots of people will be taking breaks when they need them. We have a blanket fort chill space and plenty of small spaces around the community center where you can take a break.

I want to attend, but I don't have the financial means to. Do you have any options for me to attend?

We have volunteer work trades available as well as some financial options if money is a barrier for you to attend. Please see our volunteer page to apply to volunteer or reach out for options. We don't want finances to be a barrier to attendance. 

Am I allowed to leave and come back?

Yes! Please do, go support the local businesses! Come and go as you please throughout the festival. We will have a door person at all times letting participants in and out of the festival.

Can we stay overnight at the venue?

No, you will need to find somewhere else to stay. We have locals offering up their spaces if you are looking for somewhere. You can join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/808396380607345 

Is the festival beginner friendly?

Yes absolutely! We have beginner friendly class options in every time slot and are one of the most beginner friendly festivals in Canada. We do however recommend having done at least a few acro yoga classes previously to get the most out of the festival. The festival as a first time acro experience will be a lot, but you are definitely welcome to come if you are up for the challenge. If you are looking for beginner classes in your area please reach out and we are happy to connect you to someone teaching if we know anyone in your area.  

Are children welcome?

Our festival aims to be inclusive and we are open to participants under 18 attending, provided they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone. Please reach out directly to us to discuss options for participation: info@elevateacrofest.ca.

How much do tickets cost?

We are one of the most affordable acro festivals in North America, with weekend passes starting at under $300 (depending on when you purchase them). There are lots of ways to participate. Please our ticketing page for current options. 

Can my friends come watch?

No they can't. We are creating a container in which people are pushing their edges and are in vulnerable spaces. You are absolutely welcome to watch people throughout the festival, but only festival participants, volunteers, and teachers will be allowed in the community center. There are two exceptions: You're welcome to invite family or friends to our Saturday Showcase. Also, if a community member is injured or otherwise unable to participate, we are able to offer festival pass options. Please contact us at info@elevateacrofest.ca to discuss options. We encourage you to take lots of videos (please ask someone before taking a video of them) and share them with friends and family. 

Meet the Organizers

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Teach at Elevate

Teacher Applications are closed.

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Volunteer at Elevate

Volunteer applications are closed.

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