Edmonton 
For current weekend activities, see Things to do this Weekend in Edmonton
Day Trip/Weekend Trip Ideas
Summer Sensation Beach Music Festival – July 10 & 11, 2015 @ Sylvan Lake
Hairy Hill Rodeo – July 10, 11, 2015 @ Hairy Hill ~ 130 km E of Edmonton
Colonial Days – July 8 – 11, 2015 @ Llyodmister (Things to do)
Canadian Badlands Passion Play (3 hour outdoor play: Witness the dramatic portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in an acoustically superb natural amphitheatre) – July 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26, 2015 @ Drumheller (A great weekend getaway – Visit Royal Tyrrell Museum, World’s largest dinosaur, Atlas Coal Mine and more!)
Calgary Stampede – July 3 – 12, 2015, This Week in Calgary
Weekend getaway to Sylvan Lake & Jasper.
I. Family Events & Activities
1. International Street Performers Festival
The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival has been bringing a smile to the face of Edmonton for over 30 years…bringing the world’s best street acts to Churchill Square each summer. Enjoy ten days in a downtown square filled with acrobats, jugglers, unicyclists, musicians, clowns and magicians! Details
FREE.
Donations appreciated.
2. Family Nature Nights
Family Nature Nights (FNN) is a project designed by Nature Alberta’s Nature Kids, The Alberta Science Network and The City of Edmonton, Community Recreation Services (CRS). The purpose of FNN is to connect families with their local natural areas by creating awareness, developing knowledge and fostering an appreciation of the biodiversity present. Details
3. Family Fishing Weekends
Albertans and visitors are invited to give fishing a try on water bodies with open fishing seasons (not in national parks). Keep in mind that fishing regulations still apply.
4. Sand on Whyte
Sand carving is a performance art, much like ice carving. Professional sand carving artists, Delayne Corbett, Wilfred Stijger and Edith van de Wetering, and a group of novice sand carvers are creating amazing sand carvings in Old Strathcona this summer. Details
Himalayan Balsam Weed Pull – Saturday, July 11, 2015, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
5. Historic Festival & Doors Open Edmonton
The 2015 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.
6. Celtic Gathering
Be part of the biggest Celtic celebration of the year and immerse yourself in this authentic culture. Cheer on pipers, drummers, highland dancers and Heavy Games competitors as they fight for the top spot.
7. An Enchanted Quest
Your quest will take you through the gardens of Middle Earth. You’ll see bright summer annuals, a life-size Hobbit Hole and Smaug the Dragon. Adventures await everyone as we journey to another land in this fun summer event!
Disney’s Lion King from July 14 – Details
8. Edmonton Arts Council 20th Anniversary Summer Party
Join the Edmonton Arts Council for our 20th anniversary summer party! Featuring Switches, Mitchmatic, Charlotte Cranston, Karimah on the bandshell stage. While you’re there, wander through Borden Park and enjoy the temporary sculpture park. Details
II. Adult/ Youth Events
1. Alberta Piano Fest
Alberta Pianofest brings together talented musicians for two weeks of top-quality classical music performances and classes. The 2015 faculty includes international and local artists Jason Cutmore, Corey Hamm, Ursula Oppens and Jerome Lowenthal. The festival features music for all ages, including a children’s concert. Details
2. Mitch Haney & Lyra Brown
Straight from Atlanta, Mitch Haney brings easy living music that takes you places. A modern day troubadour, Mitch uses his music to paint a musical landscape of his travels.
Lyra Brown‘s songbird voice has truly garnered notable attention in the local music scene. A rising star in the Edmonton music community, Lyra’s first full length album was released in January and has been met with critical acclaim. Details
3. Twin Kennedy & The Doll Sisters
Sister Show: The Blue Chair Cafe presents a double bill show with two sister acts, Twin Kennedy and The Doll Sisters! An evening of country and folk music, fiddle, guitar, and sibling harmonies. Details
5. Late Night Madness
Every dog has its day…NIGHT! Late Night Madness shows are zany, one-of-a-kind cabaret performances and a favourite of ‘mature’ StreetFest patrons. Selections of StreetFest’s international cast combine their talents and take part in the one-off shows. The result: unforgettable nights of “anything goes” scenarios that push the envelope and the limits of laughter. Details
Journey (K- Days Concert) on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Rexall Place.
One Direction: On the Road Again Tour 2015 on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at Commonwealth Stadium.
Keith Urban (K – Days Concert) on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Rexall Place.
5 Seconds of Summer: Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour on Monday, July 27, 2015 at Rexall Place.
6. Performing Arts & Theatre
See performing arts article for more details.
Feats Festival of Dance @ Multiple Venues, Edmonton
A Man of No Importance @ Walterdale Theatre
7. Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Enjoy professional, contemporary, innovative productions of the works of William Shakespeare. Details
$20.00 – $30.00
Festival Pass: $50.00
Pay-What-You-Will shows on Tuesday evenings and Saturday matinees and both Sunday shows are free for students.
III. Sports & Related Events
1. Edmonton Eskimos
vs Ottawa Redblacks
Thursday, July 9, 2015 | 07:00 PM
Commonwealth Stadium, 11000 Stadium Rd., Edmonton
The Dead Landz – Zombie Apocalypse Simulation – on July 18 & 19 @ Tomahawk, AB
2. Edmonton Prospects
vs Moose Jaw Miller Express Details
3. Track Town Classic
The Track Town Classic features Canada’s best athletes in an arena where they will be competing against the best competition from around the World and it will be an exciting prelude to the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games!
4. CBBF National Bodybuilding Championships
5. Sourdough Raft Race
55th Annual Sourdough Raft Race.
6. Runs & Walks
2nd Annual Run 4 Shelter
5K Run/Walk on Sunday July 12, 2015 | 9:00 A.M @ Leduc Boat Club Parking Lot – Details
Kids of Courage Triathlon – on July 25 – Register
IV. Exhibitions & Other Events
1. Whyte Avenue Art Walk
Cultural explorers are invited to see art-making in action on streets of Old Strathcona. Over 450 visual artists will bring their art supplies and art works out into the streets. Together they create an outdoor studio and gallery spanning several blocks. The Whyte Avenue Art Walk reveals Alberta’s hidden talent and provides an opportunity for patrons to curate their own art collection from many undiscovered masters.
July 10 to 12, 2015 | 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM
2. What the truck?
Food trucks!
3. Old Times in the Park
An exhibition of antique, vintage & classic motorcycles, benefiting Edmonton’s Food Bank. Organized by the Northern Alberta (NORAL) section of the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group.
4. Retro Day
In partnership with Cougar Paint and Collision our Retro Day party is going to impress everyone with a classic car show out on our tarmac and golden oldies playing all day long. 630 CHED will be broadcasting live onsite and collecting toy donations for Santa’s Anonymous. Dress in your best 50s/60s outfit and take part in our retro costume contest. Winners will take home cash and other prizes!
6. 15th Annual Friends’ Garden Tour
15th Annual Strathcona County Garden Tour, organized by the Friends of Strathcona County Library. Pack a hat and hop in the car for a day of fresh air and sunshine, on this self-guided tour that will take you to ten of the most beautiful gardens in Sherwood Park and rural Strathcona County. Enjoy exclusive access to 10 private gardens in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County – an opportunity to set foot in these gorgeous properties in full bloom.