Edmonton Festivals & Events

Edmonton offers a wide variety of fun festivals and events to match the taste of any resident or visitor. Whether you are a huge fan of sports, love to explore cultures and cuisines from around the globe or cannot get enough of good music and films, the city is the place to be.

Edmonton Beerfest

Every year, The Shaw Conference Centre welcomes thousands of beer lovers to Edmonton’s International Beerfest. On 60 000 square feet of space, there’s a lot to explore. You will taste hundreds of different bears and enjoy high-quality entertainment. All the top beer-serving places in the city are represented. Last year, the Beerfest gathered over 20,000 people and promises to be even bigger this year. It’s not surprising that it is the 2014 Golden Fork Award Winner for Best Beverage Festival or Event! Get tickets well in advance. The event usually sells out very quickly.  

FISE World Series Edmonton

Ready for an adrenaline rush? FISE World Series will offer breathtaking BMX Freestyle, BMX Flat, MTB Slopestyle and Skateboarding performances from the best athletes in the world. Hawrelak Park will host both professional and amateur competitions. Free entry!

The FISE World Series first started in 2014 and has already been hosted by cities in China and Malaysia. 1,800 competitors performed in front of 500,000 excited fans in Montpellier, France, a year ago.

Edmonton Comedy Festival

Get a good laugh with performances from well-known and aspiring stand-up comedians. There is a different show every night and each one includes two different comedians. Enjoy great entertainment with a refreshing drink.

Edmonton Oktoberfest

The festival offers a taste of both authentic Bavarian and local drinks and foods. It is held at the Expo Centre at Northlands where you can sample over 400 different types of beer including unique craft beers. You will also learn about the brewing process and the storing of the beverage at ATB Financial's Beer University. With music, dances and games inspired by the traditional Oktoberfest in Munch and a special local touch, the Edmonton event is bound to be unforgettable.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival

What better thing to do on a warm summer evening than listening to live music under blue sky? The four-day Edmonton Folk Music Festival, which is held every August, is one of the top events in the city thanks to the spectacular venue and the blend of so many styles, from folk, Celtic and roots, to gospel, blues, bluegrass and even alternative rock and world beat.

Find the perfect spot on Gallagher Hill to get great view of the main stage. The naturally created amphitheatre makes this quite easy. Popular bands and rising stars from around the world will cast a spell on you with their music. It’s not a secret that we might see some huge and surprising musical unions. The smaller stages are venues for exciting jam sessions, children’s music acts and workshops where anyone can hone their playing and/or singing skills.

The event is highly popular with families with kids, children under eleven get a free entry. More than 2,000 volunteers ensure that everyone has fun safely. It’s all about music, but there’s also great food and refreshing beer to cool down a bit after a gig which has left you smitten.

ATB Financial Symphony in the City

The live outdoor performance of Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in Churchill Square is an event that fans of classical music, and music lovers in general, cannot afford to miss. The Orchestra will play Disney in concert, under the lead of Robert Bernhardt. Get your lawn chair, find a nice spot and make the most out of Symphony in the City.

Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival

Celebrate Asian culture by watching Dragon Boat racing or taking part in it. The three-day Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place in August, is fun and recreational for people of all ages. The races take place in the North Saskatchewan River, which could be quite challenging at times.

Your heart will beat in the rhythm of the drums as you watch the boats with the drummer at the front compete fiercely to get the first place. It’s amazing to see the paddlers work in perfect sync. The richly decorated boats are worth taking pictures of. Choose a team and cheer it all the way to the finish line.

TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival

For 10 days in June, Edmonton is all about jazz. Attend the concert of a world-famous start at Winspear Centre or the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre or relax surrounded by the sound of beautiful music at Sir Winston Churchill Square. The local jazz clubs and many wine bars and cafes host fabulous performances too.

Many of the icons in this musical genre like John Scofield, Herbie Hancock and Madeline Peyroux have performed at the Edmonton International Jazz Festival. There are always stunning performances by local musicians. The 18 virtuosos of Edmonton Jazz Orchestra compose big band jazz works taking inspiration from the all-time-favorite classics. Sensual, romantic and lively, jazz is a truly special experience which goes beyond entertainment.

Edmonton Marathon

Professional athletes, running enthusiasts and people of all ages who want to keep fit participate at the Edmonton Marathon! The start and the finish line are at the Shaw Conference Centre, while the route goes through some of Edmonton’s most beautiful neighborhoods with plenty of old charm and historic landmarks. The section overlooking River Valley offers some of the most spectacular views offering.

Edmonton Marathon is not only for those who try to beat the clock running the full distance of over 42 km, even though the Marathon is a Boston Qualifier for 2016. There are plenty of running and walking events including ABC Kids 1km, 5km, 10km, 21.1km.

Edmonton Pride Festival

As one of the biggest LGBTQ festivals in Western Canada, the 10-day Edmonton’s Pride Festival offers a multitude of fun and educational events celebrating gay culture. It kicks off with the Pride Parade which showcases 80 spectacular floats that you can view and cheer in Old Strathcona. Choose from numerous food specialties enjoy live music acts and relax in the beer garden. The entertainment is guaranteed. The parade is highly popular in the local community and sees crowds full of children, seniors, activists, business professionals and numerous other fun-loving people.

There are more than 40 events during the festival, with each one offering unique insight into the LGBTQ culture of the city which has formed over the course of more than thirty years. The biggest of all is ‘Pride in the Park’ which offers live music, food and merchandise stalls and a beverage garden. Other significant events include the Mayor’s Pride Brunch, where people share inspiring stories, Rainbow Art Gallery, which always shows unique works, LGBTQ films, theatre performances and comedy shows.

Flying Canoë Volant

Legends come alive with music, dancing and bright lights in the midst of winter. Flying Canoë Volant is a one-of-a-kind event celebrating local history and tradition in a creative and interactive way. It makes you go outside on a long winter’s night to discover the stories and cultural heritage of the French, First Nations and Métis. Get a feel of the unique atmospheres of Mill Creek Ravine and the recently established French Quarter.

Angry Birds Universe

The whole family is bound to have a lot of fun and to learn new things at the Angry Birds Universe. Science, engineering, mathematics and arts have never been taught in such an entertaining way!

It’s time to be an angry bird and face your piggy enemies. Begin your adventure buy riding down a zip line and knocking over big, yet very light, foam structures. After this “in-game” experience, you can learn about all the popular characters from both camps and about real birds. Discover intriguing facts such as the size of the smallest egg or which bird has the largest wingspan.

Play a live version of Angry Birds Go. Launch an exploration mission to Piggy Island. Build your very own handheld vehicle and engage in a race. Erect structures and test their construction with sling-shot-launched Angry Birds. Get in-depth understanding of advanced technology including lasers and vortexes.

K-Days

There is something for everyone at K-days, from music and dancing to rides and games. Watch the parade with its colorful floats and big brass bands marching along the streets. Be part of an amazing show by a famous band. The fireworks in the night sky will mark the culmination of a day full of excitement. The palate will celebrate too. There’s nothing more satisfying than BBQ ribs after a long day of playing games and going on numerous rides. Pick from a huge selection of delightful snacks, from fried donuts to the traditional candy apple.

Children will have endless hours of fun in Kids Town and at the events taking place at the Kids Entertainment Stage. Discover legends about the life at the wild frontier in Guns of the Gold West. The Panda Hut Express gives you an idea of what the locomotive connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts was like. Kiyanaw offers yet another educational and interactive experience giving you the opportunity to discover the culture of the Metis people. Tea and bannock are included. Grown-ups might want to try their luck at the casino. And there is so much more!

The Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament

Did you know that NHL stars like Jordan Eberle, Jonathan Toews and Steven Stamkos launched their spectacular careers at the Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament? Ice Palace in West Edmonton Mall is definitely the place where stars are born and you should be there to witness that special moment. The best aspiring professionals will showcase their talent to the specialists and to you too!

Farmfair International

Attend Canada’s top agriculture showcase at Edmonton’s EXPO Centre. Our great city is centrally located in the part of the country which as the densest cattle population. The Farmfair International offers it all, from the famous Heritage Ranch Rodeo to the stock dog trials. It even has a saloon where you can immerse into the Wild West atmosphere completely.

The rodeo is the highlight of the fair with 16 ranches from different parts of Western Canada competing for the titles in thrilling disciplines like bronco riding, wild horse racing, barrel racing, wild cow milking and more. The penning competitions and the stock dog trials give you a clear idea of how smart equines and canines are. You’ll be amazed by their abilities.

Farmfair International, whose history spans over four decades, is recognized for displaying more than a dozen of purebred cattle varieties that international buyers from countries the United States, Brazil and Russia value highly. You don’t have to be a buyer to enjoy the fair to the fullest. Grab a local speciality from one of the food stalls. The aroma which comes from them will grab your attention for sure. After the hearty meal, you can relax at the saloon. The venue is also a paradise for shoppers with its 250 booths selling all things Western, from saddles to leather goods and clothing. There are amazing works of art too.

Tour of Alberta

The Tour of Alberta is back for its fourth year and promises to be even more enthralling for both participants and fans. Top cyclists from around the world will engage in a fierce race to victory which will put their strength, skill and stamina to the test. The race is divided into six stages with each one offering different types of challenges. The route goes through Lethbridge, Kanaskis, Olds, Rocky Mountain House, Clearwater County and Drayton Valley. The finish is in Edmonton!

Don’t watch this amazing Tour on your TV, but go outside and join huge cheering crowds to share the excitement. It would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to see the best cyclist on the planet in action. What’s more, the start and finish locations will become festive grounds offering plenty of entertainment, delicious local food and activities which will get you moving.

Interstellar Rodeo

Music, dancing and fine food are the pillars of the Interstellar Rodeo festival, spanning over the course of a long weekend in late July. The venue is Hawrelak Park’s open-air Heritage Amphitheatre where everyone can take a perfect spot. Just remember to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on. The music festival gathers artists who follow their own path and aren’t afraid to experiment with genres. Attend performances by popular singers and by newcomers who are ready to rise to fame.

There’s plenty of room for dancing in front of the stage so don’t hesitate to show the crowd your moves. If you get tired and hungry, the aroma coming from the nearby food trucks will be more than teasing. Try exotic food from different parts of Europe and Asia or grab a gourmet speciality. Both meat eaters and veggies will enjoy the culinary experience of a lifetime.

Vignettes Does Dining

A new and ever more popular event in the Edmonton calendar, Vignettes Does Dining sparks collaboration between designers and local restaurants. Four teams are formed by the graphics artists and the culinary artists of 104th Street Promenade’s finest - Rostizado, Blue Plate Diner, Tzin and The Black Pearl. What to expect? Dine in unique outdoor spaces offering a perfect sync between setting and food. This isn’t an experience you can afford to miss.

The Vignettes campaign, led by MoJo Design Inc., has been bringing together designers, artist and craftsmen from different disciplines since 2013. Members of the different creative communities in Edmonton come together and work in close cooperation to create spaces that are not only beautiful and cozy, but give a whole new perspective on modern lifestyle.

Ice on Whyte Festival

The first thing which comes to mind when you think about ice may not be exactly art, but the two make a wonderful combination and the Ice on Whyte Festival proves it. The week-long event begins with the dumping of 155,000 pounds of ice. What comes next is pure magic.

Skilled artists carve amazing sculptures which are simply breathtaking. The International Ice Carving Competition brings the best of the best in Edmonton and the show is one of a kind. There are plenty of other attractions too. Ride an impressively big ice slide and practice your ice skating. Dance the night away or learn how to carve ice. The culmination of the festival is fire melting an ice sculpture which will turn into water in front of your eyes.

The Festival of Trees

Get into the mood for the festive season at the University Hospital Festival of Trees, a heart-warming event which has more than three decades of history. Children’s Christmas Lane is a magical place where kids can meet Santa in person and send a letter to him at the North Pole post office. Other fun activities for youngsters include storytelling and Christmas crafts.

The festival’s venue is lined with trees and covered with garlands of lights. Grownups will surely enjoy the live music and the shopping experience. And it is all for a good cause. This year’s proceeds will be used for brain and heart health initiatives.

Celebrate the Season at Alberta Legislature

With the Alberta Legislature lit up, you know Christmas is coming. The spectacle of lights is not the only thing that will fill your heart with joy during the month-long event. Make your holiday season even more memorable with ice skating in the park and listening to Christmas carols performed by a choir. 

Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival

Reserve the second Saturday of February for the Canadian Birkebeiner, the biggest classic cross country ski event in the country. Over 2,000 cross-country skiers participate every year. Dress warmly and join the huge crowds of cheering fans or grab a set of skis and take an active part! There are various events designed for skiers of different skill levels. Cross the finish line while your family and friends roar in the crowd. You’ll be proud of your accomplishment in one of the oldest and most revered winter sports and remember the victorious moment forever.

Edmonton Rock Music Festival

Ready to Rock & Roll? Join the great party with live music from iconic bands. Sing along and dance at your favorite hits. The event has a charitable cause. It supports the Centre for Arts & Music. CAM, as it is known, is a place where young people who experience difficulties gather after schools to learn how to play musical instruments and write songs. The participants in the program form a band and play at concerts, which they produce themselves. They will play at the festival and you’d certainly want to be among the thousands at their music gig. Support aspiring musicians and have fun!

All is Bright Festival

Join fellow citizens and tourists to celebrate Christmas together. The countdown to the turning on of the festive lights is just one of the highlights of this winter festival. Listen to live music, dance to great songs and even try caroling. The beverage gardens are great places to relax with a glass of your favorite drink in hand. After a while, you will be ready for another tour of entertainment including activities like hockey shooting at the specially designed lane and marvelling at the impressive ice sculptures with one of the best holiday-season snacks - roasted chestnuts.

The All is Bright Festival is the perfect family event with the children's activity area and sleigh rides. Kids are always excited to meet Santa and to tell him what they want to find under the tree on Christmas morning. Everyone will love the great music and the fine food. You are officially invited to one of the most memorable street parties in Edmonton this winter.

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

Every year in July, over 60 artists from around the globe gather in Edmonton to perform in front of the welcoming local audience. Watch amazing dancers, flying acrobats, tightrope walkers and unicyclist doing unbelievable things. The mimes will surely make you laugh. The event spans over ten days in the summer and there are over 150 performances to choose from! The main venue where street artists display their talent is Sir Winston Churchill Square. Don’t just stand on the sidelines and watch, but learn how to juggle or how to silt walk! Want to see the best performances of the day? The Troupe du Jour closing act is the event for you. The gala is about an hour long and will give you a taste of the diversity at the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.

Sand On Whyte

The summer equivalent of Ice on Whyte is here! See skilled artists carve masterpieces from sand. The statues are huge and boast with impressive detail. You can spend hours marveling at them in Old Strathcona. How do the statues stay together without falling apart? Ask this and other questions to the internationally recognized artists. With 50 cubic yards of sand, the event promises to be huge!

Edmonton International Film Festival

The 10-day Edmonton International Film Festival, taking place annually in the fall, gives you the opportunity to indulge in watching independent films revealing deep and often shaking stories from around the world. EIFF is among the top film festivals in Canada and the one of just five acting as qualifiers for the Oscars.

More than 60 drama features and documentaries will premier at the Edmonton Festival along with 110 short films. It’s not easy to make a choice, but advance planning pays off as the downtown Landmark Cinemas are usually quite packed. Many leading actors, screenwriters and producers have graced EIFF over the years. The list includes Werner Herzog, Bruce McDonald, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Deepa Mehta, Norman Jewison and Don McKellar. You can be a producer, screenwriter, director and actor too, if you take the 24/ONE film challenge. Everyone is welcome to make a short film which lasts up to 6 minutes. The time available, as you might guess, is 24 hours.  

The films that make it to the short list get a World Premiere screening. There are many different award categories at the Festival, including quite specific ones such as Best Use of Props. The winner of the award for Best Film is decided by the audience and receives a monetary prize. Take a break from Hollywood blockbusters and enjoy more intimate works by international filmmakers at Edmonton International Film Festival.

Luminaria

Let the relaxing atmosphere of Luminaria take over you. Melt the stress away in an oasis of peace and quiet. The Kurimoto Japanese Garden is ideal for a stroll illuminated by the candles along the pathways. Sit by a bonfire and get warm with hot apple cider. Listen to acapella performances that will enlighten your soul. The ice sculptures are true treats to the eye. Remember a loved one by lighting a candle in Memory Lane. Luminaria offers one-of-a-kind spiritual experience.

Festival of Light

Take the whole family to Edmonton Valley Zoo for the Festival of Light. The whole place becomes illuminated and offers a lot more than meeting exotic creatures up close and personal. Feel the spirit of winter with skating, dancing and creating a craft to take home. The event is on for nearly two weeks so there are no excuses for missing it.

Sonic Boom 2016

Edmonton's Alternative Music Festival invites you to awesome indie rock and pop performances this summer. Dive into the unique atmosphere and enjoy live music to the fullest. Check for VIP area passes early on. The outdoor venue features the top food trucks in the city, as usual, beer gardens and a vendor village.

Freewill Shakespeare Festival

As one of the most anticipated summer events in Edmonton, the Freewill Shakespeare Festival is a favourite of all passionate theatre goes and not only. You will find both curious children and esteemed scholars, who study the Bard’s plays, in the audience. Your place is certainly there.

Every year from late-June to mid-July, Free Will Players, the well-known non-for-profit theatre company, presents two innovative productions of the classic works of William Shakespeare. Will you see Puck, Othello, Hamlet or King Lear on stage this year? The excitement is always great. When the summer night performances come, it’s easy to take the plunge from the 21st century into the world of Shakespeare thanks to the setting which naturally reminds you of that in the original Globe Theatre.

The festival started off on a small scale in 1989 and has grown immensely ever since. Each production involves more than 50 artists who give outstanding performances. You will be fascinated with the costumes, deeply moved by the touching love scenes and shaken by the fights. To laugh your heart out, see a famous comedy by the great Bard.

Silver Skate Festival

Experience the perfect blend of art, culture and sport at the oldest winter festival in Edmonton. It offers the ideal recreation for the whole family for free. Watch various skate races including a traditional Dutch long-blade skate. The Silver Skate Folk Trails offer plenty of unforgettable moments too. Give Jam-Can Curling a try to test your skills. Stroll through the Snow Sculpture Garden and marvel at amazing works of art. For great live entertainment after sunset, check out Night Works.

Fire Sculpture is one of the most spectacular and popular events of the festival. The dark winter sky is the ideal backdrop for the breathtaking and mystical fire display. The atmosphere is magical and it always feels very cozy around the fire.

Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo

Fans of sci-fi movies and comic books from Edmonton and the area flock to this one-of-a-kind event to meet stars like Carrie Fisher who played Princess Leia in Star Wars and John de Lancie whose best-known role is Q in three Start Trek series including The Next Generation and Voyageur. Meet your favourite comic book artist personally and get a drawing from him or her. Take part in workshops and check out the amazing displays. If you go shopping, you are bound to find true gems for every passionate collector.

The Works Art & Design Festival

With more than 50 exhibitions and 200 performances and events, The Works Art & Design Festival is the largest free outdoor festival of its kind in the whole of North America. There are over 30 venues, ranging from art galleries to restaurants, welcoming artists and art-hungry audiences from around the world during 13 magical days every summer. The biggest one is Winston Churchill Square which gathers more than 300,000 people. This is the place where you can marvel at extraordinary works of art and listen to great music. Take part in a free workshop, watch a demonstration of how art is made and take a walking tour. Grab a snack from one of the food trucks or get a refreshing break at one of the beverage gardens.

With live music and entertainment, Canada Day Rocks is one of the main highlights of the festival. If you are a music fan, check out the Center Stage daily to enjoy jazz, folk and a lot more. Being surrounded by art is more than inspirational. If it sparks your imagination, don’t miss out on the opportunity to create art yourself. 

Kaleido Family Arts Festival

Watch exciting performances by numerous artists including musicians, actors, dancers, painters, filmmakers and writers who collaborate to create a feast for all the senses. The venues in the Alberta Avenue Arts District range from parks to back alleys and rooftops, guaranteeing unique cultural and art experience to those who are eager to explore new thing. Kaleido has free admission. Donations are always appreciated.

Canadian Finals Rodeo

Put your big buckle belt and cowboy hat on and go to the rodeo. The Canadian Finals Rodeo lasts only five days while being packed with events. Bronc riding is among the most exciting, with the rider’s goal being to stay on the horse’s back for eight seconds. The Bareback cowboy show will take your breath away. Bull Riding is another high-adrenaline event worth going to. Ladies Barrel Racing requires exceptional skills and strong nerves since the time for circling the three barrels as tightly as possible is limited. Steer Wrestling is all about huge strength and perfect timing. Other spectacular events include Tie-Down Roping, Boys Steer Riding and Team Roping.

The tailgate party is a great way to start the celebrations of Western lifestyle and culture. Grab delicious treats from one of the many food trucks and get a drink at the beer gardens. Local musicians will keep you entertained. The official bar is waiting to be discovered. It’s time to have fun cowboy style!

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival

Celebrate the cultural diversity of Alberta at this unique two-day festival in Edmonton. Explore the traditions of the local Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, First Nations, Franco-African and South American communities and discover how whimsical winter really is.

The festival is a celebration of “Olde New Year”, one of the most exciting winter holidays in Russian and Ukrainian cultures. It is best known for its fun-filled heritage games, but those who are into good food and music will surely not be disappointed. From ice skating and Old Tyme curling to winter mini golf and snow wagon rides, there are activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you feel full of vigour, take part in a game of street hockey. The giant ice slide is everyone’s favorite, especially after warming up with a hot beverage.

Don’t miss to cheer at the famous deep freezer race. You don’t have to be a passionate arts fan to enjoy watching ice sculpture carving. It’s amazing to see giant blocks of ice turned into a masterpiece. The log cutting competition, formally known as the competition de boucheron, is another event which always brings lots of excitement.

Christmas Reflections

Step into The Time Machine and celebrate Christmas like our ancestors many decades ago! Christmas Reflections offers time travel for the whole family in Fort Edmonton Park. Immerse in a homey atmosphere with big bonfires to keep you warm and the sweet smell of Christmas cookies baking in an old stove under the watchful eye of a lady dressed like women did back in the day. One of the most exciting adventures for the whole family is the ride on an open sleigh drawn by a horse, just like in the famous song. Leave the 21st century for a little while! You’ll find the trip back in time fun and refreshing.

Edmonton Fringe Festival

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see a play during Edmonton’s Fringe Festival, the oldest and largest of its kind in North America. Some 1,600 artists from around the world gather in Old Strathcona in August for a celebration of innovative theatre. You can choose from over 1,200 indoor performances including family-friendly ones. The venues are many and different, with some of them like Varscona Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barns and Walterdale Playhouse having gained iconic status. You can also watch a performance at a local bookshop or even a pub. Kids love the shows at the Theatre for Young Audience.

There is a lot more to see and do outdoors too. There are various live performances on the three stages. Street artists entertain the crowds at almost every corner. The activities in the KidsFringe park are great for children of all ages. Fringe offers unforgettable experiences to everyone.

Edmonton Latin Festival

It’s getting hot in Churchill Square when the Edmonton Latin Festival is on. Talented musicians and dancers literally take you on a cultural journey throughout Central and South America. It’s colorful and fun and makes your heart beat in the rhythm of the music. The artisan marketplace is where you will find authentic jewellery, home decor items and much more. Taste delicious Latin delicacies and stop by the beer gardens for a quick refreshment before you rejoin the fun. The children’s booth has a lot lined up for the youngsters. The party goes on for two whole days. They will certainly be well-spent.

Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival

You don’t need to fly to the Caribbean to feel the unique atmosphere of this exotic part of the world. Just go to Edmonton’s Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival where you can see flamboyantly dressed steel pan bands and dancers perform in the street and treat yourself to delicious specialities. When the carnival is in full swing during the Grand Costume Parade, the excitement grows ever bigger with every beat of the drums. You’ll be mesmerized by the spree of color around you.

Everyone is welcome to the thee-day festival, which has been held every August for the past thirty years. Admission is free. Winston Churchill Square is transformed into a Caribbean Village where you can explore the cultures of Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and other countries in the region. There are musical performances in various local styles from the trendy soca to the classic calypso and the always exciting reggae. The food choices are numerous including the all-time-favorite chicken curry. It’s easy to recognize the African, Chinese, Indian and even Arab flavors - a true celebration for the senses. The choice of drinks ranges from the world-famous Caribbean rum to local brews inspired by Dutch traditions.

Join the extravaganza of color, music, dancing and signing and you will have your heart full!

Hoofbeats and Homesteads Day Trip

Elk Island and the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village have a lot to offer to those seeking to combine great outdoor experiencing with exploring the heritage of the Ukrainian settlers in Alberta. Take a canoe trip or a guided hike to explore the flora and fauna of Elk Island National Park. Both activities are quite leisurely, no special skills needed! Treat yourself to a traditional Ukrainian meal for lunch. The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is just a short five-minute ride away from Elk Island.

Learn how to make perogies, pyrohy in Ukrainian, or get down to some action and adventure with the ‘It’s an Amazing Race’ program, which takes you through the experiences which settlers of this nation had when they first arrived in Alberta. There is something for everyone on the day trip. When planning the day, check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Early booking is a good idea. The wilderness awaits you!

Dreamspeakers International Film Festival

Explore the Aboriginal culture, in which man and nature follow the same natural rhythm, at this unique film festival bringing together Dreamtalkers from around the world. Meet filmmakers, actors and artists who tell fascinating stories in their works. They may form a unique bond between the present and the times when people lived in perfect harmony with the world surrounding them.

ITU World Triathlon

The only stop of the ITU World Triathlon Series Tour in Canada is in our very own Edmonton and the event is something no local sports enthusiast can afford to miss. What’s even more exciting is that ITU World Triathlon in the city is the last one before the Grand Finale in Cozumel, Mexico. The competition in the elite race will surely be fierce and bring great excitement to the fans. The best part is that everyone can run, bike and/or swim, regardless of their age or level of fitness. The goal of the Tour is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and it is doing a great job in this.

The venue of the ITU World Triathlon is Hawrelak Park and the large river valley. The races for amateur athletes are based on age groups and fall into two categories - standard and sprint distance. Whether you choose to be a spectator or a participant or both, the triathlon promises to be a lot of fun.

MidAutumn Festival

Go back to your roots with this traditional harvest festival held in the autumn. It is a symbol of good fortune, happiness and wealth coming from the land. It is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. Churchill Square is the place to make lanterns, discover the secrets of martial arts or do another fun activity.

The lantern and lion dance parade is a wonderful evening event which is not to be missed. Watching the small wishing boats sail in the waters in front of City Hall is the ideal romantic thing to enjoy in the fall. It’s a tradition for people to have mooncake during the MidAutumn Festival. The dessert is made especially to celebrate this time of the year and symbolizes reunion and family bonds.

Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival

Celebrate the culture of Central Edmonton at the two-day festival taking place in Giovanni Caboto Park. Take a spot in front of the central stage to enjoy live music. Marvel at the awesome works of art. There are awesome workshops to participate it if you want to hone your skills in art and craft. Many of the performers and visual artists are young people from the local community who take part in the CreART program. Among the highlights of the festival are the performances of the spoken-word artists from the local organization E4C.

The event is great for families with kids, who will love to play in the park. There are plenty of food choices for those who want to combine a great day out with a delicious meal.

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes

Travel back in time to 19th century London and help Sherlock Holmes untangle the mystery behind another peculiar criminal case. The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is an event that no fan of Arthur Conan Doyle and his famous character can afford to miss. The exhibition gives you the chance to step into the shoes of the iconic detective and run the investigation like he would do. Solve the complex puzzle in front of you to find out who the villain is.

It’s thrilling to see original manuscripts of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories that have fascinated millions and some early publications which must have made quite an impression on the people who read them in Victorian times. The period artifacts and the costumes and props from films and television series undoubtedly spark curiosity among the admirers of the detective.

Discover the tools and techniques which Holmes uses to conduct his investigations and learn how to use them yourself. Go one step further in your preparation to be a detective by taking part in hands-on experiments created my modern forensic specialists.

Exhibits Development Group and Geoffrey M. Curley & Associates worked together with the Conan Doyle Estate Limited, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the Museum of London to develop The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes. In Edmonton, it is presented by Insight Medical Imaging and supported by The Sherlock Holmes Pub.

International Children's Festival

As the weather gets warm enough for long hours of outdoor play in May, tends of thousands of children, from toddlers to teens, flock to the banks of the Sturgeon River in downtown St. Albert to have fun. The five-day International Children's Festival offers more than 100 stage performances by musicians, dancers, magicians, actors, acrobats, mimes and many more. The street artists entertaining the youngsters are everywhere.

The festival offers wonderful entertaining, educational and interactive experiences. Kids can learn the art of Métis weaving, take part n a buffalo hunt and listen to stories revealing the Aboriginal heritage of the local area. Children love making music with just two wooden spoons and enjoy Francophone reels to the fullest. There is hardly a better way to get to know the French-Canadian culture from an early age.

There is focus on the present and future too. Youngsters can learn the moves of hip hop and street dance and race mini cars which use solar power. Younger children love face painting while teens can boast with exquisite airbrush tattoos.

Edmonton Airshow

Put your sunglasses on and make sure that your neck is properly stretched because you will be staring at the sky for hours at the Edmonton Airshow. Top aces will show you how loops, hammerheads, snap rolls and staggering knife-edge passes are made. The number and variety of participating aircrafts are simply amazing. You will marvel at large multi-engine planes and some of the fastest acrobatic fly planes and remote control planes.

The static and interactive displays are interesting for both adults and children. The Kids' Zone offers fun learning experiences for the youngsters. The beer gardens are reserved for thirsty grownups. Plan to spend August 6 and 7 at the Airshow. The venue is Villeneuve Airport. The event is supported by Edmonton International Airport and Sturgeon County.

Servus Heritage Festival

A true feast for the senses, the Servus Heritage Festival is a celebration of cultural diversity. Discover 85 different cultures from around the world. Don’t hesitate to check each one of the 66 pavilions. Each one offers a tour to an exotic location without going out of Edmonton. John Kijuli, a Rwanda pavilion volunteer, will be happy to take you around the venue where sights, sounds and even aromas tell the stories of people from all over the world.

Have fun while learning how people live in places that you known little about. Speak to volunteers to hear interesting stories about the customs and traditions that they have inherited from their ancestors. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about everything which you find curious. With so many gorgeous and unique works of arts and crafts, it is a challenge to decide what to pick for yourself, your family and your home. While the culinary specialities are a treat for the palate, the ethnic performances are a treat for the soul. Admission is free, but you can make a contribution by donating a non-perishable item to the Edmonton Food Bank.