Evening in Edmonton

West Edmonton Mall

If you are visiting Edmonton and just have an evening, West Edmonton Mall is the place to be. From theme parks to shopping to great nightlife venues, WEM has it all. Whether you scream through Mindbender, go bowling at Ed’s Rec Room, or just take in a movie at Imax 3D theatre, you will never be short of fun here.

Self Guided tours – Historic Edmonton

Follow the ‘Red Brick Road’ and do the heritage trail from McDonald Hotel (SE corner of Jasper Avenue and 100 Street Centre) to Alberta Legislature grounds. There are four heritage tours/ walking tours that you can do own your own to explore downtown Edmonton. – See here for more information. [Best time to do this: Spring to Fall – Long daylight hours]

Hike River Valley

Connect with nature and go for a hike along the many trails of Edmonton’s River valley. In autumn, enjoy a fall colour tour at your leisure. If want of time, join for a 1 hour Segaway Tour from Louise Mckinney park.

Explore Old Strathcona /Whyte Avenue

Shop or browse through vintage shops and boutiques, eat your way through food from around the world, take in a play or join for a festival at the historic Old Strathcona.

Alberta Legislature Grounds

Go for a self guided tour of Alberta Legislature Grounds and learn about important people and events in Alberta’s / Canada’s history. Admire the architecture of the building and stay awhile at the gardens. During December, enjoy the Christmas lights.

Late Night Thursdays at Art Gallery of Alberta

Experience a night at the museum and explore AGA during Thursdays (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) and have dinner at Zinc restaurant.

Muttart Conservatory

An indoor oasis, the signature conservatory inside Edmonton’s landmark is open till 9:00 PM on Wednesdays. On select Thursday evenings, concerts(regular admission) are held at the conservatory.

Thursday TBD To Be Discovered

Visit Alberta Legislature and Visitor Centre to enjoy a variety of events — guest speakers, film screenings, free concerts and more.

Date Nights at Devonian Botanic Gardens

Experience the tranquility of Devonian Botanic Gardens on Thursdays during late spring to summer, and picnic at the grounds. Varied amusements are offered including movie nights, and dance lessons. [~40 km from Edmonton downtown].

2019 Dates: Thursdays, June 6 to August 29, 2019; Usually from Mid June to End of August | 6pm till dusk. Admission until 8:30 pm. Garden stays open until dusk.

Adult Nights & Events – Telus World of Science

Enjoy special adult only movie screenings at TWOSE Imax theatre, or join for Adult only science nights named Dark Matters: ‘where the science is served on the rocks & the adults come out to play’. If you are an Edmonton resident, join for star gazing or astronomy classes.

Gallery Walk on 124 Street

Appreciate art by Canadian & local artists through and explore galleries on 124 Street. On Thursdays of every month, select galleries are open until 07:00 PM. While you are out exploring art, check out the murals of 124 street.

Sir Winston Churchill Square

There is almost always something going on in Sir Winston Churchill Square. Take in a festival, listen to Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, play games or just people watch at the square.

Paddle Boats at Edmonton Parks

Go for a leisurely boat ride at Hawrelak ( 9930 Groat Rd NW) or Rundle (2909 113 Ave NW) during late spring & summer (until 8:00 PM).

Edmonton River Boat

Go on a cruise on the iconic river boat! The cruise lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. For just a cruise, the cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children–some events are cruise plus meal.

Wednesday to Sunday. Boarding for cruises begins at 11 AM (weekend), 2 PM (weekend), 5 PM, and 8 PM. + special events like Canada Day Fireworks Cruise.

They also have concert cruises, special date night cruise where you can enjoy a bottle of wine and an amazing selection of locally produced charcuterie.

See here for updates.

Escape Games

Do you like group games and puzzles? Then try this refreshing new take on live group games. Solve puzzles under specified time limit and get out of the room you (+group) are locked in. See Escape Emporium, Edmonton Escape or Breakout entertainment.

Launchpad Trampoline

Whether you are 4 or 40, jump in and have care free fun. Whether on a date or going as a family, Launchpad Trampoline is a great place for a bouncy evening out.

Castrol Raceway

Join in the excitement of racing at Castrol Raceway or take part in Street legal racing held every Friday night (July & August).

Watch the Night Sky

On Thursday evenings, view the stars through telescopes at the University of Alberta’s Observatory! There are also fun public-oriented talks on astronomy, and demos, so you can still visit if it’s cloudy. During U of A Term Time.

Throughout the year (weather/temperature dependent) RASC Observatory offers free public night sky observing .

If you are staying the night, head to Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, and enjoy the twinkling diamonds in the sky. If you are lucky, you might be able to see Northern Lights on an active night.

Full moon tours: Go on canoe tours on full moon days (Saturday closest to each full moon) at Elk Island National Park or from Laurier to Capilano Park (dates vary)- Details

Neon Sign Museum

Grab a cup of hot chocolate and walk around to see Canada’s only outdoor Neon Sign Museum. Installed on the side of the Telus building on 104 Street and 104 Avenue.

Free [Best time to do: Fall to Spring : Shorter daylight hours]

Edmonton Street Car Shows

Take a trip onboard 100-year old streetcar, on a 100-year old bridge over a majestic river, and enjoy music and wonderful views of the grand North Saskatchewan and the river valley. After crossing the river and a little break return for a second stop on the bridge with more music. If you are an Edmonton resident, sign up to get event emails. These get sold out fast.

Mid/Late May to Early October – Evenings hours vary. Details

Vintage Entertainment & Classical Theatre Capitol Theatre

Enjoy timeless movies or a vintage comedy improv show at Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton park.

Movies: Every Thursday at 07:30 PM

Classic & Independent Movies at Metro Cinema at Garneau Theatre

Whether you want to see independent movies from around the world, cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show, or sing along with musicals; watching a movie at Garneau theatre is an unparalleled experience in Edmonton.

Jack Axe

Edmonton is home to Canada’s only public indoor public lumberjack sports arena. Experience the thrill felt by medieval warriors and modern day lumberjacks alike. Try Axe Throwing, Log Birling, Pole Climb, Hercules Hoist and the Buck Saw.

Other Indoor Amusements

1. Go for cosmic bowling: Bowl under the disco lights at Bonnie Doon Bowling.

2. Drop in at Edmonton Paintball Centre on Tuesday Nights. 10010 107a Ave NW, Edmonton. Phone: 780-800-2324

Address: Edmonton Paintball Centre, 10010 107a Ave NW, Edmonton Phone: 780 800 2324

3. Go Karting at Speeders.

Address: Speeders, 3145 149 Street, Edmonton. Phone: 780-451-4377

4. Mini Golf: Monster Mini Golf, 3414 Gateway Boulevard Edmonton. Phone: 780 756-5533

Current Weekend Events

There is always something going on in Edmonton, be it a concerts, sports or award winning plays: See the current weekend events to decide on the events you want to enjoy this weekend.

Improv Nights & Stand up Comedy

Love improv? Join for Theatresports (every Friday at 7:30 PM & 10:00 PM) or Chimprov (every Saturday at 10:00 PM) at Rapid Fire Theatre.

Want to laugh your heart out after a hard day? Stop over at Yuk Yuk’s or Comedy Factory. To dine/drink and laugh, check out Comic Strip at WEM, Rouge Lounge (Wednesdays), Arcadia (Wednesdays) and Empress Ale House (Sundays).

Casinos

If casinos are your style, try your luck (do be responsible) at River Cree Resort & Casino or Century Casino. These are also great entertainment venues featuring concerts, comedy and other shows.

Check out Edmonton Neighbourhoods

Paint Nite

Enjoy cocktails and party at Edmonton bars/resturants as you create beautiful works of art with the help of Edmonton artists. See here to join for a Paint Nite. These events are quite popular, hence you will have to plan much in advance to join for your next paint night out.

Nerd Nite

Learn something new or debunk a few myths all while having a gala time drinking with friends. Once a month. Sign up for alerts & ticket details.

Snakes & Ladders

Socialize, meet new people and play board games over a cup of coffee. Throw the dice at Hexagon Board Game Cafe or at Table Top Cafe.

Table Top Cafe, 5716-75 Street.Edmonton. Phone: 587-524-5323. Until 12:00 AM (02:00 AM Fridays & Sundys).

Hexagon Board Game Cafe, 10123 82 Ave NW, Edmonton. Phone: 780-757-3105

Also at The Carrot on last Tuesday of the month | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Bees Knees Board Game Night: Every Wednesday night @ Nightjar, 8130 Gateway Blvd. Ph: 780-293-6181

Manhunt Edmonton

Play grown up tag and be ‘it’ at Manhunt Edmonton. From Spring to early winter on select evenings. Locations vary each week.

Ball Room Dancing

Do you want to learn to dance or just want to drop-in and have a fun time, then swing by Sugar Foot Ballroom. All ages (no dance experience required).

Every Friday & Saturday Night | 08:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Address: Sugar Foot Ballroom, 10545-81 Ave, Edmonton. Phone: (587) 786-6554

Poetry Nights

Listen to Edmonton’s finest poets and have an charming night of poetry during Rouge Poetry Nights or at the Carrot during The Carrot’s Poetry Night.

Tuesday evenings | 7:00 PM @ Massawa Cafe & Bistro, 10153 – 97 Street NW, Edmonton
Last Thursday of the month | 7:30 PM @ The Carrot, 9351-118 ave in Edmonton. Phone: 780-471-1580

Appreciate Local Talents

Discover Edmonton’s budding artists during Open Stage (Mic & Jam) nights.

Mondays | 07:30 PM @ Fiddler’s Roost, 7308 – 76 Avenue, Edmonton. Phone: 780-439-9788

Tuesdays | 09:00 PM @ The Druid Irish Pub – 11606 Jasper Ave, Edmonton. Phone: 780 454 9928

Wednesdays | 09:30 PM @ Elephant & Castle, 0314 Whyte Avenue, Edmonton. Phone: 780-439-4545.

Thursdays @ 07:00 PM | Naked Cyber Cafe, 10303-108 Street NW, Edmonton. Phone: 780-425-9730

Saturdays | 07:00 PM @ The Carrot, 9351-118 ave in Edmonton. Phone: 780-471-1580

Sundays | 08:30 PM @ O’Byrne’s Irish Pub, 10616 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton. Phone: (780) 414-6766

Story Slam

Listen to fact or fictional stories at Edmonton Story Slam.

Every third Wednesday of every month | 07:00 PM @ The Mercury Room, 10575 114 St NW, Edmonton.

Dinner Theatre & Dinner Cabaret

Solve a mystery over your next dinner or enjoy a play at

1. Jubilations Dinner Theatre (at WEM), #2690, 8882 170 Street Edmonton. Phone: 780.484.2424

2. Mayfield Dinner Theatre, 16615 109 Avenue NW, Edmonton. Phone: 780.483.4051

3. Dinner Cabaret by Opera Nuova. Locations vary.

4. Fort Edmonton Park also holds dinner theatre on select evenings.

Cooking Classes

Learn how to cook food from around the world at Get Cooking. Details

Latitude 53 Patio

Enjoy weekly cocktails, live entertainment, snacks from some of Edmonton’s best spots, great company and more in the sun! Details

Thursdays, Spring – Early Fall | 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM

Salsa Nights

Try out all your Latin dance moves at

Sundays @ ETown Salsa from 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Thursdays @ On the Rocks – Jasper Ave | 08:00 PM
Saturdays @ Tumbleweeds | 9:30 PM to 2:30 AM

A Night Out

10 Restaurants to Celebrate Special Occasions in Edmonton

Few pubs/nightlife/event spots to check out (only the venues not mentioned in any of the above list)

The Starlite Room, 10030 – 102 Street, Edmonton. Phone: 780-428-1099

Wunderbar Hofbrauhaus, 8120 101 Street, Edmonton. Phone: 587-988-9559

Pawn Shop Live, 10551 82 Avenue, Edmonton. Phone: 780-432-5058

The Common, 9910 109 St NW, Edmonton. Phone: 780-452-7333

The Blue Chair Cafe, 9624 – 76 Ave, Edmonton. Phone: 780-989-2861

Blues on Whyte (Commercial Hotel), 10329 82 Ave NW, Edmonton. Phone: 780-439-3981

Edmonton Craft Beer Market, 10013 – 101A Avenue NW (off Rice Howard Way), Edmonton. Phone: 780.424.BEER(2337)

Restaurants: Need help to choose an excellent restaurant for your date night? See here for a curated list (by Edmonton Tourism) of restaurants showcasing Edmonton’s dining scene to plan your next dinner.