Edmonton
Photo Credit: Edmonton Tourism
Searching for Family Fun in and around Edmonton OR things to do for a day out with friends? With internationally renowned festivals, concerts, nature activities, and long summer days, Edmonton is the place to be in summer (PS – It is a great visit in winter too).
Whether you want to gather round your pals and camp out under the starry sky, explore Edmonton’s nature or rock the night out during the many festivals – there is no shortage of things to do in Edmonton.
This article lists few places to visit and activities (mainly low budget ) including walking tours, hiking, day trip ideas, and late spring & summer festivals for a fun filled summer in Edmonton.
For weekend events, see Things to do this weekend in Edmonton
You might also like FREE Family Activities for Every Day This Summer in Edmonton, Evening Activities in Edmonton & Winter attractions, activities & festivals in Edmonton
Contents:
1. Summer Attractions and Special Events at Attractions.(As announced by May 21, 2017)
2. Summer Activities in Edmonton
3. Summer Day Trips to Alberta Parks, Beaches Around Edmonton
4. Summer Festivals in & around Edmonton
5. Visiting Edmonton – Coupons & Discounts
I. Places to See during Summer in Edmonton
Whether you go on a free tour of the historic Alberta Legislature building, or decide to have fun at the many attractions in West Edmonton Mall, there are no dearth of places to explore in Edmonton.
Attractions open year round are not mentioned in the below list.
For year round attractions like Telus World of Science, Edmonton Valley Zoo, West Edmonton Mall attractions, Alberta Legislature building tours, (or if you are visiting Edmonton), see Attractions in Edmonton.
1. Fort Edmonton Park
Take a step back in time and walk through the days of the fur trade, and the pioneer years of 1885, 1905 and 1920. Costumed interpreters bring the past to life and invite you to experience the best of the period. Take your kids to enjoy historic midway attractions, go on Horse drawn rides, and enjoy a ride on the steam train. OR Grab a picnic lunch basket from Hotel Selkirk and enjoy a relaxing day out in the river valley. Park Details
Saturday, May 20 – September 23, 2017
Special themed events every weekend during summer celebrating Edmonton and Alberta History.
Classic Movies every Thursday at the historic Capitol Theatre.
7000 – 143 Street, Edmonton
Phone: 780- 442-5311
Adult (18+): $26.20 + taxes
Senior (65+)/ Child(2-17): $20.90 + taxes
2. Alberta Railway Museum
See and explore a collection of railway equipment / locomotives and buildings.Go on train rides or motor car rides. Details
Victoria Day Weekend to Labour Day Weekend
Weekends ONLY | 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Trains operate on long weekends only & Track motor cars run on the other weekends.
24215 – 34 St. Edmonton
Phone: 780-472-6229
Adults – $7.00
Students (13-17 years) and Seniors (65+) – $6.00
Children 3-12 years – $3.50
Children under 3 – Free
Train rides – $5.00 (when available)
Motor car rides – $3.00 (when available)
3. John Walter Museum
Visit the museum that tells the story of a rugged Scot from the Orkney Islands, join for hands-on experience with a different historic activities, and children can play with the toys of yesterday. Museum .
July & August: Open Saturdays & Sundays
March to November: Open Sundays
Special Events:
Walterdale Tea Party: Sunday June 25, 2017 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Walterdale Block Party: Sunday August 13, 2017 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
9180 Walterdale Hill NW, Edmonton.
Phone: 780-459-1528
Free
4.High Level Bridge Street Car
Ride the historic street car from the Strathcona Streetcar Barn to Museum Jasper Plaza and delight in the scenic views of the Saskatchewan valley. Details
Friday of May long weekend to Labour Day: Daily
Labour Day to Canadian Thanksgiving ( 2nd Monday in October ):
Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, plus Thanksgiving Monday
09:00 AM – 3:40 PM/ 04:00 PM every 40 minutes on operating days.
Till 10:00 PM during Fringe festival
~20 minute ride.
Street Car Shows: This is a must attend (bucketlist Date idea) summer concerts in Edmonton. Concerts are held on select evenings from May to October.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/yegstreetcarshows/30000129065/
Old Strathcona (103 Street and 85 Avenue) to the Jasper Terminus (just south of Jasper Avenue and west of 109 Street). Stops include 107 Street, 90 Avenue and 97 Avenue.
Phone:780-437-772
Return Fare (6+): $6.00
Family: $20.00
5. Father Lacombe Chapel Provincial Historic Site
Visit Alberta’s oldest standing log building(1861) constructed by Father Albert Lacombe and his Métis helpers, see the handcrafted adoring angels on the crypts,Mission bells made in France in late 1800s, and take a guided tour through the chapel and the historic Mission Hill site. Details
May 15 to Labour Day (1st Monday in September)
Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Special Events
Oh Canada!: Saturday, July 1 | 11:00 AM. to 4:00 PM
A Taste of the Past: Sunday, July 23 | noon to 4:00 PM
Mission Hill Day: Sunday, August 13 | noon to 4:00 PM
Mission Hill, 2 St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert
Phone: 780-459-7663
By Donation.
6.Grain Elevator Museums
A reminiscent of Alberta’s golden agricultural past, these distinctive wooden structures that once dotted Alberta’s skyline teach valuable history lessons and about how a vibrant community grew around a grain elevator.
St Albert Grain Elevator Museum
Victoria Day to Labour Day.
Wednesday – Sunday | 10:00 – 5:00 PM and on Heritage Day.
Special Events:
Sunday, June 18, 2017 | 1:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Friday, August 25, 2017 | 05:00 to 09:00 PM
4 Meadowview Drive, St Albert
Phone: 780-419-7354
Spruce Grove Grain Elevator Museum
May 1st – September 30 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, from Tuesday – Saturday.
120 Railway Avenue, South of Highway 16A, Spruce Grove
Phone: 780-960-4600
By Donation.
7. The Stony Plain & Parkland Pioneer Museum
Treat yourselves to delicious pies, mouthwatering soups in the Tea house and learn about the history and life in Alberta towns. Tour the grounds, see historic buildings and artifacts, experience the life during the depression era of the ‘30’s. Details
April 13 – October 31, 2017
Special Events:
Farmer’s Day & Rodeo | June 2 – 4, 2017
Canada Day | July 1, 2017
Blueberry Bluegrass Festival | August 4 – 6, 2017
The 25th Annual Cowboy Music & Poetry Festival | August 18 – 20, 2017
City Slickers | September 22, 2017
Harvest Fest | September 23, 2017
5120 – 41 Avenue, Stony Plain
Phone: 780-963-1234
Adult (18-64): $5.00; Youth (13-17)/ Senior (65+) : $4.00;
Child (6-12) $2.00; Family: $12.00
8. Ukrainian Cultural Village
Explore the living Ukrainian history museum that depicts the life in Canada’s oldest Ukrainian settlements. Learn how life was once and tour historical buildings including a sod house, and three churches of Eastern Byzantine Rite. Details
May long weekend to Labour Day | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – Daily
Special Events:
Celebration of Spring: Monday, May 22, 2017 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Long Table Dinner with KITCHEN BY BRAD: Saturday, May 27, 2017 & Saturday, July 15, 2017 | 5:00 PM
Vintage Day/Kalyna Voice: Sunday, June 25, 2017 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ukrainian Day: Sunday, August 13, 2017 |10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friends Ukrainian Music Fest: Sunday, August 27, 2017 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Harvest of the Past: Sunday, September 10, 2017 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
GPS:53.568431, -112.795901
25 minutes or 50 km (30 miles) east of Edmonton along Highway 16, just 3 km (1.8 miles) east of Elk Island National Park.
Phone: 780-662-3640
Adult (18 to 64 years) $15.00
Senior (65 and over) $13.00; Youth (7 to 17 years) $10.00
Child (6 years and under) FREE; Family : $40.00
9. Edmonton Corn Maze
Have fun getting lost at the creatively designed maze and create unforgettable memories. Ride the grain train, pet the farm animals, test your muscle power through the pedal car race and have an aMAZEing summer. Details
July 24 – September 4, 2017 : Daily.
September 5 – October 24: Tuesday to Sunday.
Weather dependent.
53.453453,-113.731663
Phone: 780-554-4540
General Admission: $12.00
Child (Aged 5-11): $9.00
Child (under 5): Free
10. Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm
Enjoy a day at the farm, get fresh heirloom vegetables and fruits and enjoy traditional family fun activities. Details
April to November 1st weekend. Hours Vary depending on the season.
Special Events:
Fairy-Berry Festival | August Long Weekend
Open Farm Days | August 21st
Sweet Corn Fest | Labour Day Long Weekend
56311 Lily Lake Road, Bon Accord; 25 Km north of Edmonton, Alberta.
Phone: 780.921.2272
$12.60 per person online . Family Rate online(4 or more people): $10.50 per person.
11. St Albert Botanical Park
Experience the beauty of native plants and enjoy a day at the garden delighting in the arrays of roses, lilacs, daylilies, Asiatic lilies, peonies, and lilacs. Botanical Park.
Best time to Visit: May to September | Sunrise to Sunset.
265 Sturgeon Road in St. Albert.
Phone: 780-458-7163
Free
12. U of A Botanic Garden
Have an idyllic time in the Kurimoto Japanese garden and Native Peoples garden. See the fluttering butterflies in the tropical green house, and take a relaxing walk along the meandering paths lined with rose, peony, lilac and lily collections. Special family events and date nights are also held at the gardens during the operating season. Details.
May 7 through August 24, 2017 | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM; Fall Hours TBA
Special Events:
Date Night Thursdays: Thursdays, June 15 to August 24, 2017 | 6pm till dusk. Admission until 8:30 pm. Garden stays open until dusk.
Kurimoto Japanese Garden Spring Festival: June 4, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
National Garden Days Celebration: June 16 – 18, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Father’s Day BBQ – Tastes & Tours of the Garden: Sunday, June 18, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Opera al Fresco:Friday, June 23, 2017 | 7:00 PM
Canada Day Celebrations: Saturday, July 1, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Perseids Pyjama Party: Friday, August 11, 2017 | 8 pm to midnight
GPS: 53.407574,-113.759706
5 kms north of Devon on Highway 60. Located in Parkland County.within 30 minutes of downtown Edmonton.
Phone: 780-987-3054. Ext – 2243
Adult : $13.50; Senior :$9.75
Youth(13 – 17): $5.00; Child(7 – 12): $3.00
Child(6-): Free; Family: $29.00
13. Jurassic Forest
Take a trip back in time and discover the world of dinosaurs. Dig for fossils, ride a triceratops and learn about the land before time. Details
Mid April – Thanksgiving Weekend | 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
2-23210, Township Road 564, Gibbons
3 kilometres north of the town of Gibbons, AB, 1 kilometre west of Highway 28 on Township Road 564, close to the Goose Hummock Golf Resort.
GPS: 53.8626510, -113.3243180
Phone: 780-470-2446
Adult : $15.00; Senior / Youth(13 – 17) $11.00
Child(2 – 12): $9.00
Family: $44.00
II. Summer Activities in Edmonton
1. Outdoor Pools & Spray Parks
Edmonton and area has over 75 spray parks and outdoor pools to help you cool off.
See here for Spray parks and outdoor pools in Edmonton.
St Albert: Woodlands Water Play Park; and Grosvenor Outdoor Pool
Strathcona County: Spray Parks
Spruce Grove: Spray Parks
2. Walking tours
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.
If you are interested in historical do it yourself tours, see
- Strathcona historical walking and driving tour
- District of Oliver walking and driving tours
- Highlands District walking tours
Guided Historic Walking Tours – St Albert
Historic Walking Tours of St Albert’s past and discover what makes our city unique! Walking tours run throughout the summer St Albert’s riverside, historic downtown, and Mission Hill. @ 06:30 PM | $3 donation Details
July 6: Riverside
July 19: Mission Hill
July 20: Downtown
August 4: Riverside
August 18: Downtown
August 23: Mission Hill
September 8: Riverside
Edmonton Downtown Tours:
Every summer you can discover Downtown’s colourful history, must-see landmarks and outstanding architecture on a free, guided walking tours with the Core Crew! Details
Tours will run from June 22 through August 18, 2017
Mon, Tues, Wed, and Thurs | 01:00 PM and Fridays at 10:00 PM
Tours start at the pocket-park next to “Evoolution” on 104st and Jasper Avenue.
3. Hiking & Nature tours
Photo Credit: Edmonton Tourism
The activities/places listed below are DIY and Free / Low Budget.
- The largest urban park system in Canada, the River Valley Park system offer some of the best summer fun in Canada. Explore the many trails along the river valley to enjoy nature at its finest.
See here for a very handy list of activities (with rules & regulations) that can be done at the Valley including Birdwatching, Fishing, Geocaching & more.
- Strathcona Wilderness Centre offers another venue for exploring nature.
-
The 194 sq. km Elk Island National Park is a nature enthusiast’s paradise, and is one of the best spots in Alberta for wildlife watching. The trails ranging from 300 m to 16 km offer something for every member of the family. Camp for the night with kids and find the Great Bear in the sky at Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve.
Special Events at the Elk Island National Park
Canada’s 150th Birthday Celebration at | Friday July 1, 2017
Parks Day Celebration | Saturday July 15, 2017
Bison Festival | Saturday August 19, 2017
Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve Star Party | September 2 and 3, 2017
Natural Areas
Natural Areas in and around Edmonton offer extensive network of protected areas where one can explore biological and physical diversity of Alberta. One can easily plan a ‘summer nature fun day’ (make sure that that the reserves allow picnics). Listed are few natural areas around Edmonton.
1. Sherwood Park Natural Area – Details
2. Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
Located 33 km southwest of Edmonton’s city centre, the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary protects 348 acres of marshland, open meadow, aspen parkland and pine forest. The varied habitats of the Sanctuary attract a diversity of animals, including more than one hundred bird species, and provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Birdwatching & hiking, located in St. Albert.
Located between Edmonton and Spruce Grove.
Wagner Natural Area’s varied habitats include calcareous fens and marl ponds, willow swamps, drier coniferous and deciduous forests, creeks, and hay fields. The plants include a wide variety of ferns, several wild orchids, carnivorous plants, and mosses. Insects, amphibians, and birds and larger mammals such as white-tailed deer and moose also inhabits the area.
4. Art Walks & Mural Tours
Art Walks & Tours
Edmonton: Appreciate art by Canadian & local artists through and explore galleries on 124 Street. Also on Thursdays, 124 Grand Market is on every week from 4pm to 8pm.
July 7 to 9, 2017 | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM at Whyte Avenue (82 Ave) from 101 Street to 108 St.
St Albert: Drive across St. Albert for a public art tour and see unique public artworks from murals to public benches. Website
St Albert Art Walk: First Thursday of every month between 6 and 8:30pm from May to September, 2017
Mural Tours – Stony Plain
Discover Stony Plain’s renowned murals, historic sites, legendary characters and the unforgettable stories behind them that make up history of the Town with the Painted Past.
You can also go on self-guided tours or guided tours. Horse and wagon mural tours are offered in summer.
2017 horse and wagon tours:
Enjoy a day at the Multicultural Centre, Stony Plain complete with games for kids of all ages, popcorn, lemonade and of course – our horse and wagon tours! Book early to ensure your spot.
June 25th – 1:00pm & 2:00pm
July 9th – 11:00am & 12:00pm
July 23rd – 10:00am, 11:00pm & 12:00pm
Aug 6th – 11:00am & 12:00pm
Aug 20th – 10:00am, 11:00am & 12:00pm
5. Boating, Canoeing & Paddling
Canoeing and boating provide another opportunity to explore Edmonton. Edmonton City straddles North Saskatchewan River, and offer unique ways to become one with the nature. – See here for regulations and canoe launching pads.
Canoeing North Saskatchewan River – Canoe Trip Maps
If you do not want to canoe on your own, consider joining a canoe trip by CanoeHeads or Edmonton Canoe.
If you are an Edmonton resident and want to learn canoeing this summer, the city recreation department offers courses for the entire family. United Albertan Paddling Society introduces both youth and adults to kayaking as an active lifestyle choice. There are plenty of clubs in and around Edmonton, which offer introductory lessons, and group trips.
Boat Rentals
Experience lakes through the world of boating in the heart of Alberta. If you want to enjoy boating and do not want to tug a boat to your favourite lake in Central Alberta, Manta Water Sports will deliver the boats to you.
Pedal Boats
Enjoy a bright summer day with friends or family aboard a pedal boat. Pedal boats are available for rent at Hawrelak ( 9930 Groat Rd NW) and Rundle (2909 113 Ave NW) parks from late spring to end of summer.
Rundle Park
May 6th (anticipated) to June 25th, 2017| Weekends 12 – 8
June 30 to September 4, 2017 | Daily 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hawrelak Park
May 6th (anticipated) to June 25th, 2017 | Weekends 12-8
June 30 to September 4, 2017 | Daily 12 – 8
Rates: $7.00 for 20 minutes & $10.00 for 40 minutes per person
6. Scuba Diving near Edmonton
Alberta may be a landlocked province, but there are enough opportunities for diving enthusiasts within two to three hours of driving distance. Try your hand at high altitude, cold water diving at Pyramid Lake Jasper (appropriate certification required) or see underground water parks created by Alberta scuba divers at various Alberta Lakes.
Contact or join Alberta Underwater Council (11759 Groat Road, (2nd Floor, Percy Page Centre), Edmonton. Phone: 780-427-9125, Email: [email protected]) to know more about diving options in Alberta.
You can also contact for classes, scuba diving events (day trips) and gear.
- The Dive Outfitters, 17826 107 Avenue, Edmonton. Phone: (780) 483-0044
- Northwest Scuba, 6815 -104 Street, Edmonton. Phone: (780) 438-1218
- Ocean Sports, 10133 – 82 Avenue, Edmonton. Phone: (780) 432-1904
- Sub Sea Experience, 6926 -104 Street, Edmonton. Phone: (780) 434-1433
7. Cheer Edmonton Home Teams
1. Edmonton Eskimos – Schedule
2. FC Edmonton – Schedule
3. Edmonton Prospectus – Schedule
III. Day Trips to Beaches & Alberta Provincial Parks
Photo Credit: Edmonton Tourism
Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to any of the following Provincial Parks or Lakes.
Check Alberta Health advisory & Alberta Parks advisory regarding swimming due to algae bloom / contaminated water. See the map below for beaches located with in 2 hours drive of Edmonton. Some beaches may not swimmable due to algae.
5 Best beaches near Edmonton: Alberta Beach, Ma-Me-O Beach – Pigeon Lake, Seba Beach – Wabamun Lake, Sylvan Lake Beach, Aspen Beach – Gull Lake.
For a free day trip from Edmonton, there is no better destination than Alberta Parks. Few Alberta Parks within 2 hours of Edmonton are mentioned below.
For a complete pictorial review of camping grounds in Alberta – See AlbertaWow.com
(Arranged in no particular order)
1. Buck Lake Area Parks
For more information on Buck Lake See here
Calhoun Bay Provincial Recreation Area
Activities: Camping & Water activities(no swimming) – Directions
Buck Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Activities: Camping & Water activities(no swimming) – Directions
2. Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area
Activities: Hiking, Picnics, Canoeing, Horseback riding – Directions
3. Aspen Beach Provincial Park
Activities: All kinds of water related activities at Gull Lake
4. Jarvis Bay Provincial Park (Sylvan Lake)
(no direct access to Sylvan Lake)
Activities: All kinds of water related activities at Sylvan Lake
5. Summer Village of Rochon Sands
Parks around Buffalo Lake
Activities: Camping, Hiking. Water Activities & Wildlife/Bird viewing – Directions
Buffalo Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Activities: Camping. Water Activities – Directions
The Narrows Provincial Recreation Area
Activities: Camping, Canoeing, Fishing. Directions
6. Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
Activities : Camping, Birding, Water Activities – Directions
Activities: Camping, hiking, Water Activities – Directions
8. Pembina River Provincial Park
Activities : Camping, Hiking, Water Activities, Wild life viewing – Directions
Tubing at Pembina River – Details
9. Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
Activities: Camping, Hiking. Water Activities & Wildlife/Bird viewing – Directions ; For Village of Pigeon Lake – See here
10. Thunder Lake Provincial Park
Activities : Boating, Swimming and other Water Activities , Camping. – Directions
11. Wabamun Lake Provincial Park
Activities : Bird Watching, Camping, Hiking, Water Activities – Directions
IV. Summer Festivals in & around Edmonton
Photo Credit: Edmonton Tourism
1. Tales – Story Telling Festival
Story telling, Story Slam, concerts & more! Details
Thursday May 25th to Sunday May 28th, 2017.
Old Strathcona, Edmonton
Free & Ticketed events.
2. NUOVA Opera & Music Theatre Festival
Canada’s only summer opera festival. A collection of Mainstage Operas, Music Theatre and Enlightenment Events that breathe life into some of the greatest compositions of the vocal arts. Join us for a series of 9 concerts, 4 masterclasses and 4 main stage performances including Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel”. Come and enjoy watching performances from some of Canada’s most advanced emerging artists! Details
May 20 – June 30, 2017
In and around Edmonton.
The King’s University, Fort Edmonton Park, Robertson-Wesley United Church, The University of Alberta and Festival Place in Sherwood Park.
Individual events: varies.
3. International Children’s Festival
For over 35 years, the International Children’s Festival of the Arts has been a staple event for children and families across the region–educating, entertaining and inspiring thousands of kids each spring. The largest of its kind in North America, this top-notch, annual kids’ arts and culture extravaganza returns along the picturesque banks of the Sturgeon River in downtown St. Albert. Details
May 30 to June 4, 2017
Various Venues in St Albert
Free & Ticketed events.
4. Sprouts New Play Festival for Kids
Sprouts returns for the 15th Festival with a fresh crop of three brand new short plays for kids and their families. Local playwrights from diverse cultural backgrounds will share their newest works in these staged readings. Details
Saturday, June 3 and Sunday June 4th, 2017 | 2:00 PM
Westbury Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barns, 10330 84 Avenue, Edmonton
$7.50; Under 3: Free
5. NextFest
Founded in 1996 by Bradley Moss, the culminating event of Theatre Network’s Mainstage Season is Nextfest – an emerging artist festival unique to Edmonton. Join more than 600 artists at over 50 events in Nextfest’s 20th year of presenting original works of theatre, dance, music, visual art, film and multidisciplinary parties. Details
June 1-11, 2017
Multiple Venues, Edmonton
Free & Ticketed events
6. Edmonton Pride Festival
37th Anniversary of the Edmonton Pride Festival. Details
June 9 – 18, 2017
Pride in the Park Festival: June 10 | 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Parade: June 10 | 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Downtown Edmonton
Pride in the Park Festival @ Strathcona Park
Parade @ Whyte Avenue
Free & ticketed Events.
7. Heart of the City
Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival is an all ages festival with fun things for all to do. Details
Saturday June 3, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday, June 4, 2017 | 11:00 AM – 06:30 PM
Giovanni Caboto Park, 95 St and 109 Ave, Edmonton
Free
8. Beaumont Blues & Roots Festival
Enjoy the best in live Canadian blues, roots, folk, rockabilly and country music. Details
June 16 – 18, 2017
Four Seasons Park, 41 Ave, Beaumont
Weekend Pass: Early bird : $100
Friday: $55.00; Saturday or Sunday: $55.00
Children 12 and under are FREE
9. Improvaganza!
Every year at Improvaganza, Rapid Fire Theatre hosts improvisors from across Canada, North America and beyond. For ten days in the end June, Rapid Fire Theatre hosts best comedy acts we can find, plus Theatresports matches, specialty shows, and tons of social events too. Details
June 14 – 24, 2017
Citadel Theatre, 9828 101 A Ave, Edmonton
Single: $15.00; Festival Pass: $150.00
10. Summer Solstice Music Festival
Summer chamber music festival. Details
June 21 to 25, 2017
Multiple Venues, Edmonton
Adult: $35, Senior [65+]: $30, Student: $15
Symphony in the City
Experience music with your Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Tommy Banks, Mallory Chipman, Armond Duck Chief, Daniel Gervais, Calvin Vollrath, and the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. Details
June 21, 22 & 25, 2017
Manulife Place & Alberta Legislature Grounds, Edmonton
Free
11. The Works Art & Design Festival
For 13 days every summer, The Works unleashes art & design throughout 1 square kilometer of Edmonton’s downtown core. The Festival is an extravaganza of visual art, design and entertainment that attracts artists and patrons from around the globe. Greater than the sum of its many parts, The Works is a time and place for everyone to discover, discuss and develop an appreciation for art & design! Details
June 22 – July 4 2017
Downtown Edmonton
FREE
12. Edmonton International Jazz Festival
Enjoy the best of Jazz music. Details
June 23 – July 2, 2017.
Multiple venues, Edmonton
Free & ticketed events
13. Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Enjoy professional, contemporary, innovative productions of the works of William Shakespeare. Details
June 20 – July 16, 2017
Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
$30 for Adults and $20 for Students/Seniors 60+.
Children under 10 are free.
Tuesday nights and Saturday matinees are Pay-What-You-Will.
Canada Day – July 1 – Canada Day in Edmonton
14. Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
Home to over 1500 outdoor performances by musicians, jugglers, acrobats and unicyclists, StreetFest, enjoy some of the world’s best street artist. Details
July 7 – 16, 2017 | 11:30 AM –11:00 PM
Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Free, Donations appreciated.
15. Historic Festival & Doors Open Edmonton
The 2017 Historic Festival & Doors Open Edmonton is focused on the celebration of the history of the many cultures found in the Edmonton area and the heritage events that have enriched our community. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events, such as celebrating community milestones; exploring museums, archives and historic sites; and participating in bus or walking tours of gardens, natural areas, cemeteries and neighbourhoods. Details
July 1 – 9, 2017
Across Edmonton
Free and ticketed
16. Seven Music Fest
The Strumbellas! Juno nominated for Single of the Year – “Spirits”, Group of the Year and the JUNO Fan Choice Award, the Strumbellas will headline Seven Music Fest, July 8th in St. Albert, Alberta. Details
Saturday, July 08, 2017 | 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Seven Hills/13 Mission Park
13 Mission Avenue – Saint Albert
$19 & up
17. Taste of Edmonton
Celebrates all the culinary delights and lip-smacking beverages that Edmonton has to offer. Details
July 20-29, 2017
Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Free Admission.
18. K- Days
Concerts, rides, food & fun! See top performers, ride your favourite rides and taste all those delicious midway treats you just can’t find anywhere else. Details
July 21 – July 30, 2017
Northlands Grounds, 7515 – 118 Avenue, Edmonton
Advance 10 day pass – $45
Advance Gate Admission: 15
All day Ride Pass: $47+gate admission.
19. Interstellar Rodeo
A destination for music fans looking for one of a kind live music experiences. Details
July 21 – 23, 2017
Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
Weekend Pass: $125 – $225
Single tickets: $75.00 – $99
20. Blueberry Bluegrass & Country Music Festival
The Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music Festival features some of the top performers in bluegrass music as well as talented up-and-coming musicians. The three-day music festival is jam-packed with activities for the whole family, including on-stage live music, workshops, a “slow-pitch jam,” food concessions and craft tables, the Kids’ Corner, and a festival souvenir table. Details
August 4 – 7, 2017
Heritage Park – 5100 – 41 Avenue, Stony Plain
$40 to $55
21. Heritage Festival
A three-day showcase of Canada’s vibrant multicultural heritage. Approximately 60 pavilions representing over eighty-five cultures will be part of this exciting celebration. Enjoy delicious cultural food, wonderful creative performances, lots of crafts, artwork, clothing, and plenty of opportunities to chat with people eager to talk about their cultural roots and their communities in Canada. Details
August 5 – 7, 2017
Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
Free
22. Rock ‘n August
Rock’n August is an international car show and music festival. Over 775 classic car entries and more than 50,000 people attend each year, making Rock’n August one of the largest events to take place in Alberta. Details
August 8 – 12, 2017
Multiple Venues, St Albert
Free & ticketed events
23. Edmonton Folk Music Festival
One of the best Folk Music Festivals in Canada. Details
August 10 – 13, 2017
Gallagher Park (97 Ave and 94 St), Edmonton
On sale from: June 4, 2017
24. Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
Come celebrate Caribbean culture with Cariwest. Cariwest is an annual three-day Caribbean Arts Festival that takes place in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Dazzling costumes, lively music, street theatre and tantalizing cuisine will surely get your heart pounding. Details
August 11 to 13, 2017
Sir Winston Churchill Square & Shaw Conference centre, Downtown Edmonton
Free & ticketed events.
25. Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
One of the best summer festivals in Canada. Details
August 17-27, 2017
Old Strathcona, Edmonton
Free and ticketed events.
26. Edmonton Rock Music Festival
Rock and Roll Festival Details
August 18 – 19, 2017
Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
Weekend Pass: $120.00
Day Pass: $60.00 – $75.00
27. Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival
In addition to Dragon boat racing, enjoy the cultural festival showcasing Asian arts. Details
August 18-20, 2017
Cultural Festival – Louise McKinney Park, Edmonton
Races: North Saskatchewan River
Free
28. Canadian Derby
It’s the day when the best of the best come to battle for Western Canada’s top racing crown—an afternoon of action, entertainment and glamour. The fastest horses, the top jockeys, the biggest hats—it’s the day where the Sport of Kings gets its due and racing history is made. Details
Saturday, August 19, 2017 | 12:00 PM
Northlands, Edmonton
Varies
29. Edmonton Latin Festival
The Edmonton Latin Festival (ELF); the hottest festival in Edmonton! ELF is a vibrant, energetic, 2 day outdoor festival that happens every year on the third week of August. International Live Musical artists and Dancers are just some of the highlights. Savory authentic Latin food pavilions, Beer Gardens, kids booth and an Artisan Market place surround this Latin Carnival! Details
Saturday, August 19 & Sunday, August 20, 2017 | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Churchill Square, 9918-102ave in front of City Hall, Edmonton
Free
30. Edmonton Marathon
This family oriented Festival Weekend will once again take participants on a route overlooking Edmonton’s beautiful River Valley and through several of Edmonton’s historic and scenic neighbourhoods, starting and finishing at the Shaw Conference Centre. The Edmonton Family Festival Weekend includes an ABC Kids 1km, 5km, 10km, 21.1km and Marathon run/walk events and a Free Sports Expo. Details
August 19 – 20, 2017
Edmonton Downtown
$10 & up
31. Edmonton Blues Festival
Western Canada’s Premier Blues Music Festival. Details
August 25-27, 2017
Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
Weekend Pass: $99 – $119
Single Day Pass: $50 – $55
32. Stony Plain Cowboy Music & Poetry Festival
Gain a new appreciation of the west’s rich and incredible cowboy heritage and celebrate the cowboy scene through music, cowboy poetry and the visual arts & crafts. Details
August 18 – 20, 2017
Stony Plain Heritage Park, 5100 41 Avenue, Stony Plain
$15.00 – $45.00
Edmonton Airshow – August 19 & 20, 2017 | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM – Details
33. Symphony Under the Sky
Join us under the stars for four irresistible nights of music ranging from classical gems to Hollywood hits, led by conductor Bob Bernhardt. And of course, we’ll cap off the weekend with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture! Details
August 31 to September 3, 2017
Heritage Amphitheatre, Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
$25 to $135
36. Kaleido Family Arts Festival
Alberta Avenue comes alive with a free arts festival featuring music, dance, theatre, film, literary, and visual arts. Artists collide in an environment of creative exploration and performances on rooftops, sides of buildings, back alleys, parks, old spaces and new spaces of 118th Avenue.Details
September 15 – 17, 2017
118th Ave, between 90 and 94th streets, Edmonton
Free.
V. Coupons & Discounts
Here are 5 ways you can save few loonies while visiting Edmonton attractions.
Ultimate Pass – $69.95 (adult) and $49.95 (child 3-17) – plus GST and entitles user to one admission to every participating Edmonton attraction (Alberta Aviation Museum, Art Gallery of Alberta, University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Edmonton Valley Zoo, Jurassic Forest, K-Days, Leduc #1 Energy Discovery Centre, Muttart Conservatory, Old Strathcona, Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm, Reynolds-Alberta Museum, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton, Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, West Edmonton Mall-Marine Life All-Day) over the calendar year.
U-Pick Pass – for $34.95 (adult) and $24.50 (child 3-17) – plus GST and entitles visitors to admission to your choice of any four Edmonton attractions.
2. Naturally Edmonton Annual Pass City of Edmonton Attractions
If you are an Edmonton resident, consider buying this pass.
Year-round access to the Edmonton Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory and John Janzen Nature Centre, plus one all-facility recreation centre admission that can be redeemed for one-time use at any City of Edmonton recreation centre.
Adult $81; Child $50; Family $244; Senior $60; Youth $60
Passes can be purchased at any City of Edmonton attraction or leisure centre.
3. AMA Membership rewards
AMA members can save 10% on Day Admission to Telus World of Science & The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes Exhibition.
Adults – $40.90 / Child – $30.45
Includes one choice of the following:
One full day admission to World Waterpark or
One full day admission to Galaxyland Amusement Park
Or Same day combination of 2 of the following:
Day pass to Ice Palace (skate rental is not included)
One round (18 holes) of Professor Wem’s Adventure Golf
One round (18 holes) at Dragon’s Tale
All-day Marine (includes Sea Life Caverns and Sea Lions’ Rock)
Two games of bowling (shoe and rental not included)
One hour of billiards at Ed’s Rec Room – 2 games of bowling
4. Coupon Booklets
Buy coupon booklets like
Entertainment® Coupon booklet (for Greater Edmonton Area) that includes coupons for few Edmonton area, Calgary & Lacombe attractions in addition to restaurants.
5. Groupon
Check Groupon for deals for admission to Edmonton amusement centres!
Why you written about beaches if they not working. Sandy beach is close, lake are overgrow grass, No bbq …:(
sadly out of date and offered no information for the upcoming season