Summer Festivals in Edmonton
There's no doubt about it, Edmonton's summer season is legendary. With a festival going on almost every day from mid-June through early September, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring things to see and do. Alberta's capital is the perfect place to soak up 17 hours of sunshine while festival hopping — we're talking music festivals, theatre festivals, culinary festivals, art & design extravaganzas, and so much more.
Now is the time to mark your calendars, book your time off, and start planning for the best summer ever. They call us Canada's Festival City for a reason — come see for yourself!
Pride Month
June in Edmonton is Pride Month, meaning there are countless 2SLGBTQIA+ events to experience around the city! Celebrate with local organizations like Fruit Loop, spend the evening at Evolution Wonderlounge, and check out our 2SLGBTQIA+ section for more great events around the city!
The Month of June
Edmonton Indigenous People's Festival
Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day uplift the accomplishments and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. For time immemorial, June 21 has been a celebration of culture and heritage due to its significance as the summer solstice - the longest day of the year. Check out our upcoming blog for more ways to Celebrate Indigenous History Month!
The Month of June
Improvanagza
The best improvisers in the world live right here in Edmonton! Every summer, Rapid Fire Theatre hosts the best improv and sketch comedy acts on the planet for Improvaganza! Prepare to be entertained as Rapid Fire Theatre hosts top-ranked improv teams from across the globe. Here you'll find improv, comedy, music and more. Get your laugh on at Edmonton's funniest festival!
June 2024, Dates TBA
Alberta Circus Arts Festival
Come one, come all and join Firefly Theatre and the Alberta Circus Arts Festival for 4 days of Canadian contemporary circus performances at La Cite Francophone. Take part in professional development workshops from emerging and established artists, enjoy panels and discussions around sector development for industry professionals, and outreach opportunities for all.
June 20-23, 2024
Edmonton International Jazz Festival
The TD Edmonton International Jazz Festival brings the world’s best jazz performers to Edmonton! You’re sure to hit the right note with the full gamut of jazz sounds on the menu. It’s mellow, lively and a great time to listen to sax, silky voices – all that jazz. Catch performances from local and international artists across a variety of venues in central Edmonton!
June 25-30, 2024
The Works Art & Design Festival
Every summer, Edmonton transforms into a massive celebration of creativity. As North America's largest free outdoor art & design festival, The Works Art & Design Festival features countless performances and events, with exhibits in venues all over the city.
June 27-July 1, 2024
Grindstone Comedy Festival
The Grindstone Theatre's third annual stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy festival brings both national performers and rising local talent together under Edmonton’s spotlight. This inclusive 4 day in-and-outdoor festival is spread across West Ritchie, Old Strathcona and the French Quarter, and will feature 23 public performances from 50 North American artists.
July 3-7, 2024
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
What do unicyclists, puppeteers, tightrope walkers and acrobats all have in common? You'll find them all at the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival this July, celebrating its 40th anniversary! Performance artists will transform the city into busker central with their zany, witty or just plain silly performances.
July 5-14, 2024
Whyte Avenue Art Walk
Imagine a 4 km walk through the hearts and minds of artists. Cultural explorers are invited to see art making in action on the streets of Old Strathcona during the legendary Whyte Avenue Art Walk. Pick up the perfect masterpiece to bring your home decor to life. The best part? Connecting with the local artists while you shop!
July 12-14, 2024
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival features two days of incredible comedy superstars, with Andrew Schulz, Shane Gillis, and Mark Gagnon bringing the laughter on Friday! Head back to Kinsmen Park on Sunday for more laughs with Bert Kreischer, Whitney Cummings, Steph Tolev, hosted by Lisa Gilroy! Escape your worries with a lot of laughter.
July 12 & 14, 2024
Taste of Edmonton
Get a taste of what Edmonton’s food scene offers at Western Canada’s largest food festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary! Sample over 50 locally owned restaurants & food trucks and rock out from afternoon to evening with amazing music by top performers. With over 170 scrumptious dishes made by restaurant and food truck partners, Taste of Edmonton is a summer staple that showcases the vibrancy in Edmonton's Downtown core through art, food, music, heritage, and culture.
July 18-28, 2024
KDays
Experience the wonder of the midway at KDays, Edmonton’s extravaganza of rides, games, music, food and adventure. The rides and games alone will leave you breathless and wanting more. Watch as fireworks light up the night sky and cheer for the band onstage. Savour the tangy smokiness of a perfectly barbecued rib, taste the warm sugary bliss of freshly fried donuts and bite into the gooey crispness of a candy apple.
July 19-28, 2024
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
The hills are alive with the sound of Folk Fest! Four magical days of eclectic performers, delicious food, and a remarkable setting make the Edmonton Folk Music Festival one of the summer's premiere musical events. Nestled in the natural amphitheatre of Gallagher Hill, you'll find toe-tapping performances and so much more!
August 8-11, 2024
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
Cariwest, Edmonton's annual celebration of Caribbean arts, music, and culture, takes over Churchill Square this summer! The 3-day event includes a Friday Night Costume Extravaganza, the Saturday Cariwest Parade and a Caribbean Village throughout the weekend including live entertainment, the Kids Korner, savoury Caribbean cuisine, and the Caribbean Marketplace.
August 9-11, 2024
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Edmonton's hip Old Strathcona neighbourhood is centre stage for North America's biggest and oldest Fringe Theatre Festival. Local, national, and international performers will put on every type of theatre performance imaginable over the ten-day festival. Wander the grounds between performances and enjoy the many buskers and outdoor stages, or stop in at one of the summer's most lively beer gardens. We live for the drama!
August 15-25, 2024
Edmonton Blues Festival
The Edmonton Blues Festival is back and celebrating their 25th birthday! Taking place in Klondike Park for the first time this year, you can expect this year to be the biggest one yet! Get your tickets or you may be the one singin' the blues.
August 16-18, 2024
Edmonton International Airshow
Get ready for high-flying fun at the Edmonton International Airshow at the Villeneuve Airport! Look up, wayyyyy up. This show boasts many exciting aerial performers including both military and civilian acts. There are also static displays showing off more cool aircraft. Food trucks and a family-friendly kid zone make this one festival you do not want to miss!
August 17-18, 2024
PRIDE Festival
Celebrate love and diversity in Churchill Square this August! Don't miss the chance to witness Alberta's first 2-Spirit Powwow, then step back in time at Y2K @ Churchill, featuring a 90s-themed dance party with the legendary PROZZAK. Finally, wrap up the festivities with Pride @ Churchill, the biggest Pride event in Edmonton, featuring performances by Ria Mae, Stereos, Hyphen Hyphen, and more!
August 17-24, 2024
Edmonton Heritage Festival
This is your one-way ticket to a world of flavours! Take a peek at Pakistan, taste the flavours of Fiji, feel the beat of Burkina-Faso, and explore cultures from Afghanistan to Wales. The Edmonton Heritage Festival, presented by TD, is a family-friendly mingling of nations sharing their entertainment, music, culture, and cuisine! This legendary festival has temporarily relocated to the Edmonton EXPO Centre!
August 3-5, 2024
Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Get thee to a festival that brings the Bard to life and enjoy the works of the most famous playwright of all! Performances will take place at the Edmonton EXPO Centre this year. Plop thy bum on thy seat and prepare for revelry at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival!
August - September 2024, Dates TBA
Purple City Music Festival
From psyche rock to electronic, avant-garde to folk, Purple City Music Festival offers a diverse range of music for discovery and indie staples alike. Experience cutting-edge music, a vibrant atmosphere, and a celebration of Edmonton's thriving music community!
September 6-8, 2024
Kaleido Family Arts Festival
Kaleido Family Arts Festival is a joyous, exuberant, radically open arts festival that shares the love of the Alberta Avenue Arts District. Kaleido welcomes arts and cultural experiences with multi-arts collaborative performances such as music, dance, theatre, film, literary and visual arts with performances on rooftops, sides of buildings, back alleys, parks, and found spaces. It’s an extravagance of creative exploration, imagination, and play.
September 13-15, 2024
