Summer Deals
Top 8 for Art/Music-Lovers
They don’t call it Festival City for nothing.
Edmonton is home to some of the country’s most spectacular art, music, and theatre festivals. From visual art displays, to alternative theatre and melodies under the stars, these art-focused events will fill your summer calendar with equal parts inspiration and entertainment.
-
- Freewill Shakespeare Festival 2022 DATES TBD
Also known as Shakespeare in the Park, this three-week festival shows two of the playwright’s famous works—one comedy and one tragedy. Shows run every day except Monday, with various special events throughout, including Date Night which pairs your performance with appetizers and beverages.
-
- Whyte Avenue Art Walk July 7 - 9 10 am - 5 pm
Hundreds of artists gather on the streets of Whyte Avenue for a free three-day art show. This spectacular display showcases some of Edmonton’s visual artists, and gives visitors the opportunity to purchase work directly from the creators. Whether or not you’re in the market for a new piece, this is an event art-lovers don’t want to miss.-
-
- NextFest June 1 - 11
NextFest brings together artists of all types for the city’s multi-disciplinary arts festival. Performances take place at venues all across Old Strathcona, and include a diverse lineup of clowning, comedy, music, film, spoken word, visual art, theater performances and more. There’s no better place to experience such a wide variety of artistic mediums in such a short period of time than at NextFest.
-
-
- The Works Art & Design Festival 2022 DATES TBD
The Works Art & Design Festival is a 13-day visual extravaganza in downtown Edmonton. The festival is free to the public and showcases art, design and performances from local and international artisans. There are also workshops and family programs to help festival-goers tap into their own creative side.
-
-
5. .Animethon July 14 - 16
Animethon is an explosion of Japanese pop culture, anime and gaming packed into three days in August. The festival features voice actor guests, musical groups, a cosplay contest, gaming and more. Anime fans rejoice!
-
6. Edmonton Folk Music Festival August 10 - 13
Whether you’re already a fan of folk music, or are looking to expand your musical repertoire, Edmonton’s Folk Fest is your musical destination this summer. Featuring folk and alternative from across the globe—and from your own backyard—this family event is sure to become an annual tradition.
-
-
7. Edmonton Jazz Festival June 28 - July 2
Silky notes float through cafes, jazz clubs, and theatres during Edmonton’s Jazz Festival. International and local acts flood over 70 venues for a week of soothing performances that will take you right back to the golden age.
-
-
8. Symphony under the Sky Details to be determined
What better way to enjoy the melodies of classic composers than surrounded by stars and sky and fresh air? Symphony under the Sky returns with a diverse musical program in the great outdoors.
-
-
Did we miss your favourite activity or event? Do you have memories you want to share? Share them in the comment section below, or share your photos on our instagram feed.
[post_title] => Top 8 for Art/Music-Lovers [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => top-8-for-art-music-lovers [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-03-22 08:31:45 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-03-22 14:31:45 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.summercity.ca/?p=9172 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => They don’t call it Festival City for nothing. Edmonton is home to some of the country’s most spectacular art, music, and theatre festivals. From visual art displays, to alternative theatre … ) 1Top 10 for History Buffs
Take an historic tour of Alberta with these commemorative sites.
For a comparatively young city, Edmonton and its surrounding area is packed with history. From living museums to important sites and cultural festivals, this list is your ticket to a historic tour of Alberta. -- St.Albert Grain Elevator Park 4 Meadowview Drive St. Albert, AB
- Edmonton Air Show August 4 - 6
- Fort Edmonton Park 7000 143 St
- Alberta Railway Museum 24215 34 St
- Stony Plain and Parkland Pioneer Museum 5120 41 Ave Stony Plain, AB
- Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Hwy 16 E Tofield, AB
- Alberta Aviation Museum 11410 Kingsway NW
- Edmonton Historic Festival July 2 - 9
- Father Lacombe Chapel 5 St. Vital Ave St. Albert, AB
Top 8 Adventurous Activities
Get your blood pumping with this thrilling summer bucket list.
With beautiful weather and seemingly limitless locales to explore, summer is ripe for adventure. Whether that means testing your bravery on a ropes course 50 feet in the air, or opening your palette to new cuisines, the city has an exciting summer activity for you.- Canoe down the North Saskatchewan
- Check out Snow Valley Aerial Park 119 Whitemud Dr NW
Top 9 Activities for Teens
Top 8 Rainy-day Activities
Head indoors for one of these weather-proof activities.
Don’t let a little rain spoil your summer fun. There are plenty of indoor activities around the city to keep you occupied when the weather turns sour. From galleries to indoor markets to escaping a haunted cabin, these rainy day activities will keep you dry and delighted. Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square Located in the heart of downtown Edmonton, the Art Gallery of Alberta features curated exhibitions from local and international artists. Get inspired by world-class collections and encourage youthful creativity at the interactive children’s exhibition, then re-energize at the Gallery’s own Terrace Café or Zinc Restaurant. - Head over to a City of Edmonton Rec Centre Various locations around the city Swim, run, skate or play at one of the city’s extravagant new recreation centres. Meadows, Commonwealth and Clareview are three of the newest and most equipped centres—complete with elaborate pools, running tracks, sports fields and gyms for all of your rainy-day needs. - Go back in time at the Royal Alberta Museum 9810 103a Ave Edmonton’s provincial museum has been relocated to a brand new building in the downtown Ice District. Check out the live creepy crawlers in the Bug Gallery before wandering through historical exhibits from the ice age all the way to the post-cold war era. - [gallery ids="16004,16005"] Shop at the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market 10310 83 Ave NW Every Saturday morning, vendors and buyers gather at the Strathcona Farmers Market for a lively event. With everything from homegrown produce, meat and preserves, to artisan clothing and pottery, this hub of activity is a wonderful way to spend any Saturday morning—rain or shine. 2 hour free parking when shopping at OSFM. - Have drinks at the Hotel MacDonald 10065 100 St The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is Edmonton’s luxury hotel. On days when the weather is less than cooperative, stop by for a drink or meal in the hotel’s restaurant, and take photos in the historic lobby. _ Play a game at Board N Brew Café 9929 103 St This hidden gem board-game café has one of the best selections in the city, without the wait. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you learn any game, and the good selection of food and beer means you don’t have to cut your visit short to accommodate a growling stomach. - Try to escape an escape room Grab your friends and choose from unique escape scenarios. Some include investigating a spooky asylum to fleeing a space colony after a meteor strike. Do you have what it takes to escape? - Test your limits at Vertically Inclined 8523 Argyll Rd Stay active on rainy days with a trip to Vertically Inclined. This rock climbing gym offers drop-in programs for first-timers, where you’ll learn the basics of a safe climb and get an all-day pass to work on your skills. Orientations run on a first-come first-served basis, so it’s best to call ahead to make sure they can accommodate you. - Visit an Edmonton Public Library Various locations around Edmonton The Edmonton Public Library is a rainy day’s secret weapon. Not only is it full of books, movies, video games, music and audiobooks, it is host to a huge number of programs for people of all ages and abilities. Drop in with the kids for LEGO at the Library or family story time. Or grab a couple of friends and head over for a film event or game night. See upcoming activities for all locations here. - Did we miss your favourite activity or event? Do you have memories you want to share? Share them in the comment section below, or share your photos on our instagram feed. https://www.instagram.com/edmontonsummerinthecity/ [post_title] => Top 8 Rainy-day Activities [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => top-rainy-day-activities [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-04-29 10:13:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-04-29 16:13:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.summercity.ca/?p=9162 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Head indoors for one of these weather-proof activities. Don’t let a little rain spoil your summer fun. There are plenty of indoor activities around the city to keep you … ) 1Top 9 Things to Do Just Outside Edmonton
Get out of the city and spend the day at one of these nearby hangouts.
Looking for a quick getaway? These nine spots are less than two hours from the city and are the perfect way for families, friends, or solo fun-seekers to explore what nearby cities and towns have to offer. Walk with dinosaurs, shoot some spuds, or laze on the beach—just make sure you pack a snack for the drive home. _ Enjoy a Garden Concert in Lacombe. 5214 50 Ave, Lacombe, AB Each week, bring your lawnchair, a picnic dinner, and enjoy an eclectic option of music. From Jazz, Country, Pop, it is an enjoyable evening. _ - Hang with dinosaurs at Jurassic Forest 23210 Township Road 564 #2 Gibbons, AB Travel back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Set in an old-growth forest North of Gibbons, Jurassic Forest is home to life-sized dinosaur replicas, interactive displays, and other prehistoric activities for families. Identify the remains of one of the forest’s previous dwellers, or search for clues in a scavenger hunt. _ _ Look for wildlife at Elk Island National Park 54401 Range Rd 203 Fort Saskatchewan, AB Spend the day bird or animal watching, kayaking, or hiking in this natural wildlife refuge. As an important sanctuary for bison, 300 species of mammals, birds and fish, Elk Island is a nature-lover’s paradise. _ _ Spend the day at Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm 56311 Lily Lake Rd Bon Accord, AB With a corn maze, garden centre, farm animals, tractor and wagon rides, haunted farm house and more, a trip to Prairie Gardens is worth the drive. Take the kids to the Outpost General Store for a free mini face painting, and stroll through the forest trail. __ __ Visit the St. Albert Grain Elevator Park 4 Meadowview Dr St. Albert, AB Take a guided tour of two provincially designated grain elevators and experience a taste of early 20th century living. The site is also home to a replica 1920’s train station where history buffs can put their Morse Code skills to the test. _ _ Soak up the sun at Sylvan Lake Sylvan Lake, AB Enjoy a day at the beach, just an hour and a half south of Edmonton. Park your towel on the grass and soak in some rays before grabbing an ice cream cone from one of Sylvan’s famous parlours. Then float around the lake or try the Aqua Splash—the town’s floating obstacle course. _ _ Get lost in the Edmonton Corn Maze Spruce Grove, AB Not just for autumn, the Edmonton Corn Maze opens for summer visitors July 26. Along with the classic maze—grown in a new shape every year—the Corn Maze has farm animals, giant jumping pillows, pedal cars, spud guns and a ton of games. A great summer destination with something for everyone. _ _ Float on Pembina River Entwistle, AB Relax and take in the natural beauty of Pembina’s river valley as you float down the gentle river. Bring your own tube or rent one from Pembina River Tubing, and take a shuttle from the parking lot to the river entrance. Expect the journey back down the river to take around 3 hours—plenty of time for laughing, splashing, or sun-soaked serenity. _ _ Experience the Ukrainian Cultural Village Hwy 16 E Tofield, AB See history brought to life at this living history museum. Learn about Ukrainian immigration to Alberta as told by costumed interpreters, and see how it has impacted our province’s cultural landscape. Check out the Village’s summer programs or group tours for a unique, interactive experience. _ - Canoe down the North Saskatchewan Devon, AB Grab a friend or two, some snacks and a canoe, and paddle down Edmonton’s winding river. Book with a service like Canoeheads, and catch a ride from Wilfred Laurier Park to Devon Bridge before making your way downstream. Did we miss your favourite activity or event? Do you have memories you want to share? Share them in the comment section below, or share your photos on our instagram feed. https://www.instagram.com/edmontonsummerinthecity/ [post_title] => Top 9 Things to Do Just Outside Edmonton [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => top-things-outside-edmonton [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-04-28 09:29:03 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-04-28 15:29:03 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.summercity.ca/?p=9160 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Get out of the city and spend the day at one of these nearby hangouts. Looking for a quick getaway? These nine spots are less than two hours from the … ) 1Top 8 Free Summer Activities for Kids
Your guide to free summer activities for the entire family.
School’s out, and summer fun is in! Check out these free events and child-friendly destinations, and get kids active, inspired and involved in the city this season. From running around with dinosaurs to floating down a lazy river, this guide to free summer fun has the family covered. - Splash around at a spray park Edmonton and its surrounding area is full of spray parks that are free to use. Find one (or a few!) in your area, here. - Check out Kids Fringe August 15-25 Foster creativity and help your kids find their inner performer at KidsFringe! The festival has an array of free activities, stories, crafts and performances just for kids. Check out the Face Painting Palace and watch your child transform into their favourite character, or head over to the Book Nook to see beloved stories brought to life. Including:- Kids Stage -Daily interactive performances to entertain your family
- Kids Park - Participatory workshops, performances, and activities led by professional artists.
- Book Nook- Stories and imaginations brought to life in a magical and theatrical way.
- Adventure Forest - Games and activities to keep you on your toes.
- Sensory Tent - A quiet space with tactile sensory activities for kids of all ages to explore.
- Tots Tent - Activities geared toward the tiniest fringers, newborn to five years old.
- natural river-fed bubbling pools of water
- tube floating
- trickling rivulets
- a wading pool
- accessible beach and boardwalk
- picnic tables
- concession
- accessible washrooms and showers
- nature themed playground
- RV and large vehicle parking is not permitted