Edmonton 
Lively performances, tantalizing cuisine, vibrant displays of culture, and the pageantry of the Caribbean will take over downtown Edmonton when the Cariwest festival returns this weekend.
Credit: Cariwest
The festival opens on August 8 with a soft launch at 11:00 a.m. and official programming from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Friday’s schedule includes DJ sets by DJ Sherman, performances by DRSD Dance Group, and competitions for Junior King and Queen, as well as adult costume showcases. A limbo and fire performance by Emran concludes the night, followed by a closing set by DJ Sherman.
The signature event of the festival, the Cariwest Parade, will take over downtown Edmonton streets on Saturday. Beginning at 12 p.m., the largest summer parade in Edmonton will snake through a 1.7 km downtown Edmonton route starting at 108th St and 99th Ave, and along Jasper Ave, ending at Churchill Square. Several downtown roads will be fully closed for the Cariwest Parade: 108 St (99 Ave to Jasper Ave), 99 Ave (107 St to 109 St), 100 St (Jasper Ave to 103A Ave), and Jasper Ave (100 St to 109 St).
The day also includes a “Parade of the Bands” and a DJ showcase featuring DJ Becks, DJ Wukka, DJ Avi, DJ Shellboss, DJ Paige, and DJ Snuggz. Evening performances from Oozeela, Tionne Hernandez, Teddyson John, and Benjai form part of the Cariwest Concert Series.
Sunday, August 10, highlights include flag-themed celebrations, dance groups, calypso music, and performances by Saint and the Full 100, Iland Band, and a pan soloist from the Cayman Islands. DJ Iceman and OOZEELA also return.
Credit: Cariwest
A Kidz Zone will operate on August 10 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. with activities such as steelpan sessions, Anansi storytelling, stilt-walking lessons, and creative workshops. Children can also enjoy hair braiding, face painting, crafts, bouncy castles, a train ride, and a candy shop.
The Caribbean Village spans all three days at Sir Winston Churchill Square. Enjoy traditional food from a wide variety of Caribbean vendors, including Jamaican Delight, Irie Foods, Island Crust & Spice, and Sagar Jerk Kitchen. Shop at merchant stalls and experience vibrant festivities following the parade.
Cariwest festival is free to attend.
Organized by the Western Carnival Development Association (WCDA), a volunteer-run non-profit founded in 1984, the festival is recognized as Western Canada’s largest Caribbean cultural event.
Trip Planning — Cariwest 2025
What: Introduced more than 35 years ago in Edmonton by the Western Carnival Development Association (WCDA), the festival provides a platform to share popular Caribbean music, cuisine and Caribbean carnival culture with Western Canada.
When:
August 8 to 10, 2025
August 8th, 2025 – 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
August 9th, 2025 – 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
August 10th, 2025 – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Parade – August 9, 2025 | Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Downtown Edmonton
Parade: From 108th st and 99 ave via Jasper Ave, 100 St NW to Churchill Square
Road Closure on August 9 (No parking permitted. Vehicles will be tagged and towed):
- 108 St (99 Ave to Jasper Ave) – Fully closed.
- 99 Ave (107 St to 109 St) – Fully closed for parade assembly.
- 100 St (Jasper Ave to 103A Ave) – Fully closed. Eastbound 102 Ave limited to a single lane. Cyclists must yield to parade movements.
- Jasper Ave (100 St to 109 St) – Fully closed.
How much: Free admission
