9th Annual Alberta Beard and Moustache Competition

What a night! The 9th Annual Alberta Beard & Moustache Championships took place on May 24th, 2026, and once again, the Alberta beard community (and beyond!) showed up in full force. From legendary beards and wild freestyle entries to incredible raffle prizes and an unforgettable after-party, this year’s event was one for the books.

Together, we raised funds for the Veterans Association Food Bank, helping veterans and their families right here in Alberta. A massive thank you to everyone who competed, attended, volunteered, sponsored, judged, donated prizes, or simply came out to support the event.

Check out our full 2026 recap, winner photos, and event highlights here.

About the Event

Held at The Palomino Smokehouse in Calgary, the 9th Annual Alberta Beard & Moustache Championships brought together beard enthusiasts from across Alberta and beyond for a night celebrating community, creativity, and beard culture.

2026 Categories:

• Beard under 4": This category celebrates the artistry and grooming skills of individuals with shorter facial hair. Contestants with beards measuring under 4 inches in length will showcase precision grooming and styling techniques, emphasizing neatness and definition within a compact frame.

• Beard 4"-8": Participants in this category exhibit meticulously maintained facial hair ranging from 4 to 8 inches in length. With a balance between length and manageability, contestants will present well-groomed beards that highlight their dedication to cultivating a distinguished appearance.

• Beard 8"-12": For individuals who have dedicated time and effort to growing substantial facial hair, the 8"-12" category showcases impressive beards spanning lengths from 8 to 12 inches. Contestants will demonstrate mastery in grooming and styling longer beards, emphasizing volume, shape, and overall presentation.

• Beard Over 12": This category is reserved for the boldest and most committed beard enthusiasts sporting facial hair exceeding 12 inches in length. Contestants will display majestic and awe-inspiring beards, demonstrating exceptional care and creativity in maintaining their magnificent lengths.

• Freestyle Beard: Unleash your creativity in the Freestyle Beard category, where contestants have the freedom to sculpt and style their facial hair into extraordinary works of art. From intricate braids to whimsical shapes, participants will captivate the audience with their innovative and imaginative beard designs.

• Freestyle Moustache: In this category, participants showcase their flair for facial hair with bold and expressive moustache designs. From handlebars to imperial styles, contestants will exhibit creativity and precision in shaping and styling their moustaches, earning admiration for their distinctive and charismatic looks.

• Build a Beard: This category invites participants to showcase their creativity and ingenuity by constructing unique facial hair creations using a variety of materials. From yarn to feathers, contestants will craft imaginative and whimsical beard designs that showcase their artistic vision and craftsmanship, transforming facial hair into wearable art.

Judges & Community

A huge thank you to our incredible judging panel, Annie Hansen, Cara Adu-Darko, Fadi Bootano, and Darrell Crawford, for helping make the night both fair and entertaining. Their passion, humour, and attention to detail helped create an unforgettable experience for competitors and attendees alike.

We’d also like to thank our amazing sponsors, volunteers, raffle donors, photographers, and everyone behind the scenes who helped bring the event to life.

Raffle & Charity:

The Alberta Beard & Moustache Championships proudly supports the Veterans Association Food Bank, an organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families access food, resources, and support services with dignity and compassion.

Thanks to the generosity of our community and sponsors, we raised $ 1,595 this year.

After Party

Following the competition, attendees kept the celebrations going at the official ABMC after-party with live music, drinks, and good company. Thanks to Buffalo Bud Busters, Bear|Horse, and Olde Ghosts.

Get Involved Next Year:

Want to sponsor, volunteer, or donate a prize for this year’s competition?
Contact us at info@mammothbeard.ca

Follow us on social media for updates and teasers leading up to the event. See you there!