What began as a one-night gathering of musicians and friends has grown into a beloved summer tradition in the foothills west of Pincher Creek.

From July 2 to 4, Twin Butte will play host to the 20th annual Soulfest, a grassroots music festival that has brought together artists and music lovers for two decades.

The event comes on the heels of an anniversary for the community landmark behind it. Twin Butte Country General Store and Restaurant is celebrating 30 years in business in 2026, making a milestone summer for organizers Jeny and Phil Akitt.

Jeny says the festival traces its roots back to the early years of the store, sparked by a customer and friend, Joe Cunningham.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Joe had a band with his high school buddies and thought a music festival would be a good way to get his band out to play.

This east-meets-west connection inspired the Soulfest logo, which features a bison with a cod in its mouth. Jeny says many people look at the logo and puzzle over it, but the idea was to symbolize the coming together that created the festival.

The first Soulfest was a modest affair held at the restaurant in 2006.

“It was a one-night deal” with two or three bands, and Joe “wanted it to be around food and music,” Jeny says. “So we served up some good food and had his band play, as well as a couple others, and that’s kind of the start of Soulfest.”

She says the restaurant hosted Soulfest until 2010 or 2011, when it became clear the festival had outgrown the grounds.

Jeny and Phil moved it to their own home property. With a large stage for performers and seven acres for camping, the modest event quickly became bigger than either could have imagined.

“This way, everyone comes to the house, brings their campers and tents, and then we can set everyone up and get them all safe and sound at the place,” says Jeny.

Today, Soulfest is a multiday camping festival known as much for its atmosphere as its music. Jeny believes the sense of community has been key to its longevity, offering an experience far removed from larger commercial music events.

“When you get to Soulfest, it’s really like a small little tight-knit community that has all of a sudden just developed in our backyard,” Jeny says. “The kids can roam free, and no one’s worried about anyone, and I just think it’s just a small little weekend village that everyone is just loving and a part of, and the music brings us all together.”

This year’s lineup has been assembled with the festival’s 20-year history in mind and features many returning performers who have shaped Soulfest over the years.

Festivities begin Thursday evening with Cam Penner and Jon Wood, followed by To the Contraption. Friday’s lineup includes the Misery Mountain Boys, Tremoloco and Badlands. Saturday features Heather Blush, Boots and the Hoots, Little Miss Higgins, Carolyn Mark, NQ Arbuckle and Blackberry Wood.

“I wanted all the favourites and just all the happy times and memories of the previous Soulfests to have these artists that brought that to us,” Jeny says. “We have a great lineup of previous performers that will blow your socks off.”

One long-standing tradition brings attendees together each year — the Saturday evening potluck. Organizers provide the main protein while attendees are asked to bring a favourite dish to share.

“We do have an awesome potluck on the Saturday night, which is probably the best potluck in Alberta,” Jeny says. “It looks like a mile-long table with so much food on it, and it’s just so awesome to see everyone participate.”

Tickets are $150 for the full weekend and children under 12 get in free. Camping is included with admission and organizers encourage festival goers to stay on-site throughout the event.

“We encourage everyone to camp, since we’re out in the sticks here,” says Jeny. “It’s just better to know that everyone’s safe and sound, and I don’t want anyone driving away and making a bad mistake if they’ve had anything to drink.”

As Soulfest reaches its 20th year, Jeny admits the milestone has prompted some reflection on its future.

“This could be our last Soulfest,” she says. “We’re proud to have gone on for 20 years.”

Whether or not future editions follow, she says the memories made over the past two decades have made the effort worthwhile.

“The best times ever,” she says.

She hopes attendees will relax and enjoy the weekend.

“We’re really proud of everything that we’ve accomplished,” Jeny says. “I would encourage everyone to come and just let your hair down, be prepared for lots of smiling, and just come and have a great time.”