Known as Canada’s “Festival City,” Edmonton is home to countless food, art, entertainment and cultural festivals every summer. Here are just a few of many events to look forward to in the warm months ahead:
Freewill Shakespeare Festival
When: June 14th – July 10th
Where: Hawrelak Park
All the world’s a stage at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, Alberta’s largest outdoor theatre festival. Summer 2022 productions include A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Measure for Measure.
Alberta Circus Arts Festival
When: June 23rd – June 26th
Where: La Cité Francophone
Four days of contemporary Canadian circus performances hosted by Firefly Theatre and Circus. The Alberta Circus Arts Festival also leads professional development workshops for up-and-coming artists, as well as panels, discussions, and outreach opportunities.
Edmonton PrideFest
When: June 24th – June 25th
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton’s own Pride Festival is back. This year’s event will feature a wealth of family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, the LGBTQ2S+ market and a licensed beer garden.
Local Heroes Film Festival with Indigenous Filmmakers
When: June 25th
Where: Dreamspeakers Festival Society
Local Heroes Film Festival with Indigenous Filmmakers is a free event showcasing a variety of short films written, directed, produced and starring Indigenous artists. Those unable to attend the outdoor event in person can view online.
Pets in the Park
When: June 26th
Where: Hawrelak Park
Have a barking good time a the 30th annual Pets in the Park! Hosted by the Edmonton Humane Society, this festival/fundraiser includes various activities for pets and their families and helps raise awareness for animals in need.
TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival
When: June 26th – July 3rd
Where: Various Venues
The Edmonton International Jazz Festival provides access to the best local, national and international jazz musicians. The festival will feature over 50 events across eight indoor and outdoor venues, some free and some ticketed.
Historic Festival and Doors Open Edmonton
When: July 3rd – July 10th
Where: Various Venues
For 26 years running, the Edmonton and District Historical Society has presented a variety of themed events throughout Edmonton. These include bus and walking tours, museums, archives, neighbourhoods and more. This year’s theme: Communication.
The FOUND Festival
When: July 7th – July 10th
Where: Various Venues, Old Strathcona
The one and only FOUND Festival transforms conventional places around Old Strathcona into unique art spaces. Dance, music, theatre, visual art events, and more will be cropping up throughout the second weekend of July, stay tuned for the 2022 lineup.
Whyte Ave Art Walk
When: July 8th – July 10th
Where: Old Strathcona
Returning to the streets of Old Strathcona is the 2022 Whyte Avenue Artwalk. The Walk displays over 500 visual artists on 4+ km of sidewalk, allowing visitors to take note of local artists and their works.
The Works Art and Design Festival
When: July 8th – July 17th
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
The Works Art and Design Festival is North America’s largest free outdoor festival, celebrating all things visual art and design. The festival will include free exhibits, large-scale installations, demonstrations, performances and more.
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
When: July 8th – July 17th
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
From character actors and mimes to musicians and puppeteers, the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival will see street acts of every kind take over Churchill Square.
Africanival
When: July 16th – July 17th
Where: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
A celebration of the many rich, inviting and vibrant cultures comprising Edmonton’s African community. Featuring food, dance, music, fashion and more, Africanival is aimed at promoting African-based local talents, businesses and organizations.
Taste of Edmonton
When: July 21st – July 31st
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
An Edmonton classic! Taste of Edmonton remains one of Canada’s most popular food festivals. For 11 delicious days, festivalgoers are treated to live entertainment paired with food and drink from dozens of local restaurants and food trucks.
Edmonton Heritage Festival
When: July 30th – August 1st
Where: Hawrelak Park
Highlighting over 100 countries and cultures spread over 60 pavilions, the Heritage Festival is a three-day multicultural event bringing Edmontonians together through history, food, song and dance.
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
When: August 4th – August 7th
Where: Gallagher Park
Since its inception in 1980, the Edmonton Folk Musical Festival has grown to become one of the world’s leading folk festivals. Gallagher Park serves as a backdrop for musical performances from both local artists and musicians from around the globe.
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
When: August 5th – August 7th
Where: Downtown Edmonton
Considered one of the city’s most vibrant and colourful festivals, the Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival is the medium through which Edmontonians can enjoy Caribbean carnival culture, cuisine and music.
Edmonton Fringe Festival
When: August 11th – August 21st
Where: Various Venues
Choose from over 160 shows across 27 venues at the world-renowned the Edmonton International Fringe Festival. One of Edmonton’s most anticipated events, the Fringe is the most significant and longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival in North America.
Edmonton Blues Festival
When: August 19th – August 21st
Where: Hawrelak Park
There’s never been a happier place to sing the blues! Every year, Hawrelak Park hosts The Edmonton International Blues Festival – an award-winning lineup of musicians ranging from emerging artists to veteran blues legends.
Edmonton Mountain Bike Festival
When: September 9th – September 11th
Where: Queen Elizabeth Park
An exciting weekend geared towards celebrating all things mountain bike. The Edmonton Mountain Bike Festival will incorporate live music, local vendors, craft beer and, of course, a wide range of mountain biking events for the whole family.
Kaleido Family Arts Festival
When: September 16th – September 18th
Where: Various Venues
The Kaleido Family Arts Festival is an annual event presenting a multitude of collaborative performances, including dance, theatre, music, film and more, throughout the Alberta Avenue Arts District.
KULTURA Edmonton Filipino Festival
When: September 17th
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Pairing mouth-watering cuisine with traditional folk dances, music and the arts, Kultura is for anyone looking to experience the best of the Philippine islands.
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