Edmonton is a festival city, no doubt about it. To help with your summer entertainment plans, we’ve compiled a list of upcoming festivals and events. There is truly something for everyone, including music fans, art lovers, foodies and families. Click on the name of each festival for more details.
MUSIC
If you’re into live music, you’ll want to check out these performances in Edmonton and the surrounding area:
Stony Plain Summer Sessions
Every Wednesday evening from June 12 to August 14, enjoy free live musical performances at Heritage Park’s Blueberry Stage.
Beaumont Music Festival
On June 21-22, Canada’s longest running all-Canadian music festival hosts musical acts from a variety of genres. You’ll find them all in Beaumont’s Four Seasons Park, minutes away from the community of Ruisseau.
TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival
From June 25-30, jazz fans will unite to enjoy the smooth sounds of local and international artists at multiple venues in central Edmonton.
Qualico Patio Series
Beginning July 3 and running weekly until August 28, Qualico brings you an exciting lineup of engaging music including pop, jazz, Celtic, folk, blues, and country. Every Wednesday evening features a new pair of unique acts in the beautiful setting of Broadmoor Lake Park.
Edmonton Reggae Festival
Celebrating its 10th year, this celebration of Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats music will be held July 20-21 at Victoria Park.
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
The natural amphitheatre of Gallagher Hill will be home to an eclectic mix of folk music performers from August 8-11.
Edmonton Blues Festival
Head to Klondike Park on August 16-18 to celebrate the Blues Festival’s 25th birthday and hear a stellar lineup of performers.
COMEDY
Get ready to laugh out loud at these top-notch comedy shows:
Improvaganza
Presented by Rapid Fire Theatre, this 4-day festival begins June 20 and will have you giggling at the antics of the finest improv performers from across North America.
Grindstone Comedy Festival
From July 3-7, this festival of stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy will put the spotlight on local and national performers, including Kids in the Hall alumnus Bruce McCulloch.
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
Headlined by Hollywood superstar Kevin Hart, this 3-day festival (July 12-14) provides an outdoor comedy experience that can only be described as “wildly hilarious.”
ARTS AND CULTURE
Experience everything the arts have to offer at these upcoming events:
The Works Art & Design Festival
From June 27 to July 1, North America’s largest free outdoor art and design festival features countless performances and exhibits all over the city.
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
For one gloriously entertaining week beginning July 5, Sir Winston Churchill Square will be overrun with unicyclists, puppeteers, acrobats, and more. These one-of-a-kind performers will be on hand to celebrate the festival’s 40th anniversary.
Whyte Avenue Art Walk
Take a leisurely walk through the collected works of local artists on the streets of Old Strathcona, from July 12-14.
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
Head to Churchill Square on August 9-11 for Cariwest, an all-ages celebration of Caribbean arts, music, and culture.
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
For 10 action-packed days beginning August 15, there will be local, national, and international performers putting on all types of theatre performances.
Strathearn Art Walk
An outdoor community event for art enthusiasts, held on September 7-8 along Strathearn Drive between 91st and 89st Streets.
FOOD
These delicious events are intended for people with great taste:
Taste of Edmonton
Western Canada’s largest food festival has been an Edmonton tradition for the past 40 years. Sample delectable dishes from over 50 locally owned restaurants and food trucks from July 18-28.
Edmonton Heritage Festival
Held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre from August 3-5, this festival showcases international cuisine, entertainment, music, and culture.
Western Canada Rib Fest
From August 23-25, this saucy tour will stop in the town of Leduc, which is just south of Edmonton and home to our Meadowview community. Ribs can get messy, so bring lots of napkins!
Nosh Food Fest
If you live in SummerWood or another community in Sherwood Park, you’ll want to stop by this proudly local event on September 21-22. Over 100 food and beverage vendors will be on hand at the Strathcona County Community Centre.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
You’re sure to find an event on this list that the whole family will enjoy:
Game Con Canada
Video game enthusiasts will find next-level excitement at this giant gaming convention, held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre from June 14-16.
Alberta Circus Arts Festival
Hosted by Firefly Theatre and Circus, this event provides four days of Canadian contemporary circus performances and workshops. Catch the gravity-defying action from June 20-23 in Edmonton’s French Quarter.
KDays
Mark July 19-28 on the calendar now, so you won’t miss a moment of the rides, games, music, food, and fireworks of KDays at the Edmonton EXPO Centre and Exhibition Grounds.
Royal Alberta Museum
Until July 28, the museum’s feature exhibit is Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia, profiling the amazing civilization that existed from the 9th to 15th century in the Asian country of Cambodia.
Alberta International Airshow
Keep your eyes on the skies on August 17-18 at the Villeneuve Airport. Visitors of all ages will enjoy amazing aerial performances and up-close access to different types of aircraft.
TELUS World of Science
Don’t miss the limited-time Dinosaurs exhibit, which will become extinct on September 9. You’ll be amazed by the lifelike movements of the animatronic Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus rex, and other Jurassic giants.
Have a fun-filled summer ahead! For additional information about festivals and events in Edmonton and the surrounding area, visit the Explore Edmonton website.
