Pathways: Art | Music | Culture

mulit-colored and patterned textiles side by side

Pathways: Art | Music | Culture celebrates the richness of diverse traditions and artistic expression, creating new connections between peoples through the universal language of the arts. This event is the first in a four-part series of events, each focusing on a different cultural garden. 

Pathways: Aga Khan Garden
July 3, 2025, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Activities are free with purchase of general admission to the Garden. 
Garden Members get free admission.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of arts and culture from the Islamic world: live music, dancing, textile displays, henna and vendor market and culinary delights in the stunning setting of the Aga Khan Garden.

Savour a curated snack box of Middle Eastern and South Asian inspired bites from Chef Kayla and the Party People Catering Co. Order ahead to ensure availability.

Snack box: $15/person

VIP Experience Package

While limited space lasts.

For a truly special evening, a limited number of VIP Experience Packages are available for purchase. Includes:

  • private cocktail hour under the Talar
  • chef-prepared dinner inside the Diwan Pavilion
  • exclusive indoor concert with vocalist Shabnam Merali
  • special guest speaker
  • access to the Garden and all the other festivities of the evening

All meat served will be halal. No pork will be included in any of the dishes. Guests can expect a selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. While we’re unable to accommodate individual dietary requests, the variety of dishes will offer something for everyone to enjoy.

VIP tickets: $125 per person | $1,000 for table of 8.

What's Happening

two musicians sitting on a green mat smiling at each other. one has drums and the other has stringed instrument

Musical Performances

The evening begins with the stirring sounds of Karim Gillani, returning by popular demand with his signature soulful Qawwali music. Then, let the rhythms rise and the beat move you as Urban Beats brings energetic Punjabi music and dancing to close the evening on a high note.

Bring your carpet or blanket and find a cozy spot on the grass. A limited number of chairs will be available for guests with limited mobility.

Food and Drink

Savour a curated snack box featuring a variety of tasty Middle Eastern and South Asian inspired bites from Chef Kayla and the Party People Catering Co. Order ahead to ensure availability - only a limited number of boxes will be available at the event.

Snack box: $15/person

Or, you can simply choose from an a la carte selection of delectable fresh-made sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, ice cream and baked goods along with coffee, cold beverages, wine and beer at the Cafe al Fresco.

Vendor Market

Wander along the beautiful Calla Pond and explore a vibrant local vendor market featuring handcrafted items, jewelry, textiles, home decor and more inspired by Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures. Support local artisans and discover something truly unique to take home.

Each vendor has their own method of accepting payment and having some cash on hand is recommended, as some vendors may not be equipped to take cards. There are no ATMs at the Garden. 

Textile Display

Enjoy an up-close look at traditional textiles and garments from the regions represented in the evening’s music and marketplace. Each piece is a work of art, telling a story woven with heritage, artistry, and identity.

Henna

Adorn your hands with a delicate henna design by a skilled local artist. Henna is complimentary and available on a first come, first served basis.

Important To Know

  • This event is outdoors and will run rain or shine, so please make sure you are dressed for the weather. Vendors and musicians will be covered in the event of rain.There are no refunds if it rains. However, if there is a severe weather warning issued by Environment Canada, the Garden may cancel the event and refunds will be issued.
  • Concert seating is on a first come first serve basis; we encourage you to come early to get a good spot. A limited number of chairs will be available for those with limited mobility.
  • Pathways opens at 5:00 p.m., and the first concert starts at 5:30 p.m. You can enjoy the Garden until 10 p.m.
  • Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome to attend for $5/dog + tax. (Dogs are free with Garden Membership.)

Bring your carpet or blanket, gather with friends and family, and enjoy an evening of connection, creativity, and celebration in the Aga Khan Garden.

For more information, contact uabg.info@ualberta.ca