Things to Do in April in Edmonton
April is an exhilarating time in Edmonton with incredible events like the Downtown Defrost, Dreamspeakers International Film Festival, plus the hype of the NHL playoff season! Consider this your summer pre-game, and explore all the city has to offer this month.
Did Somebody Say Playoffs?
When the Edmonton Oilers make it to the NHL playoffs, the city transforms into a sea of blue and orange. The sound of "Let's go Oilers!" echoes through the streets and bars, and the atmosphere in Rogers Place is even more electric! With a rich history of success in the postseason, the Oilers have established themselves as a dominant team in the NHL. In recent years, superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have led the team and consistently put up impressive numbers. Will they take it all the way this year? You'll have to join in on the action to find out.
Electrifying Beats
When it comes to live music, Edmonton's lineup is stacked this month! The Downtown Defrost (April 7-8) is the coolest winter dance party at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. The daytime portion of the festival is open to all ages, and children under 12 can attend for free, making it the perfect family-friendly event. The party doesn't stop when the sun goes down, as The Starlite Room hosts two official 18+ afterparties!
More noteworthy shows:
- Koo Koo Kanga Roo at The Starlite Room (April 2)
- July Talk at Winspear Centre (April 4)
- Sabrina Carpenter at the Edmonton Convention Centre (April 6)
- Freddie Gibbs at Union Hall (April 7)
- Matt Anderson and The Big Bottle of Joy at the Jubilee Auditorium (April 8)
- Lee Brice at Rogers Place (April 14)
- Nick Maclean Quartet at the Yardbird Suite (April 22)
Hop Along the Bunny Trail
Easter is the time of year that rabbits all over the world trade in their carrots for tasty treats. Do as the bunnies do and satisfy your sweet tooth at some of the best bakeries in Edmonton! We're talking cookies, cakes, tarts, pies and more. For more great bakery items, check out our Best Bakeries in Edmonton blog.
Rock of Ages
Are you ready to rock?! Transport yourself back to the big, bad 1980s with the Tony Award nominated musical, Rock of Ages, coming to the Mayfield Dinner Theatre! This iconic production tells the story of a small-town girl and city boy who fall in love through their shared passion of rock 'n' roll. Featuring classic rock hits, this hilarious musical comedy will make you feel as though you've gone back to the age of grit and glam. Grab your air guitar and turn up the volume for an epic night of big hair, big hits and outrageous fun!
April 4-June 11
Dreamspeakers International Film Festival
Experience the cutting edge of Indigenous film, video, and new media at Dreamspeakers International Indigenous Film Festival! Celebrate the latest works from Indigenous innovators and immerse yourself in a world of culture, art, and captivating stories that shape our humanity. Join us and discover exceptional talent and unique perspectives from across the globe. Don't miss out on this incredible celebration of Indigenous art and creativity!
April 19-23
Edmonton Music & Speech Festival
Come and witness the best of the best as music students, actors, and musicians showcase their talents in front of a live audience at the Edmonton Music & Speech Arts Festival! With over 1,400 entrants performing and competing across multiple venues, this historic festival is the perfect place to discover the stars of tomorrow. Best of all, all events are free for the public to enjoy. Don't miss out on the celebration of music and speech in Edmonton!
April 17-29
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Are you ready to fall in love all over again? Broadway Across Canada is bringing Pretty Woman: The Musical to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium! The show features a talented cast of performers who bring the beloved characters of Vivian and Edward to life on stage. With its catchy songs, engaging storyline, and beautiful costumes and sets, Pretty Woman: The Musical is a must-see production that's sure to leave you feeling enchanted and delighted!
April 11-16
An Evening at the Citadel
Escape to another world when visiting Edmonton's Citadel Theatre, the place to experience legendary productions in the heart of downtown. This month, you can witness Trouble in Mind from March 25-April 16, and First Métis Man of Odesa from April 22-May 13. Learn more about planning your visit to the theatre!
Laugh Out Loud
There's nothing better than a good chuckle! For some serious LOLs, see Kevin Hart's Reality Check tour at Rogers Place (April 11), Vice Ganda at the Edmonton EXPO Centre (April 16), and The Grindstone Theatre's 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (April 19-29). You'll be laughing until you cry!
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Established 60 years ago, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra has become one of Canada's premier ensembles, performing a varied repertoire that spans from classical masterpieces to family-friendly and pop concerts. This season, catch:
- Thrill of a Lifetime: A Special Concert for the Future (April 15-16)
- Love is a Battlefield (April 20)
- The Mambo Kings: Hot Latin Nights (April 21-22)
- Rachmaninoff’s Second Concerto (April 28-29)
Rapid Fire Theatre
Making Edmonton laugh since 1980, Rapid Fire Theatre has officially opened the doors of its new home, the Rapid Fire Exchange in Old Strathcona! Come check out the new space while catching Improvised Dungeons and Dragons (April 8), Play the Game (April 14), or the Double Feature Improv Show (April 15). For more, check out Rapid Fire Theatre's full season schedule.
Wear Your Art on Your Sleeve
The Edmonton Tattoo & Arts Festival is unleashing a wave of creativity and body art at the Edmonton EXPO Centre! Prepare to be ink-pressed by over 200 of the most talented local artists in Canada, showcasing their needlework. But it's not just about tattoos, folks. Get ready for a weekend filled with ink-credible entertainment, contests to make your heart race, retail exhibits to splurge on, and of course, the chance to get inked by the best in the biz!
April 21-23
Get a Little Crafty
The Edmonton Makers Market and Convention is the hottest event in town for those who appreciate the finer things crafted with love and care. This two-day extravaganza will be jam-packed with panels, presentations, live demos, and make-and-take activities featuring the most talented Makers in all of Edmonton! It's the perfect opportunity to learn from the best, see their creative process up close, and pick up some new tricks of the trade.
April 22-23
Iconic Attractions
There's truly no shortage of things to do in Edmonton. Blaze your own trail through the North Saskatchewan River Valley, take a deep dive into Alberta's history at the Royal Alberta Museum, then give your wallet a run for its money at West Edmonton Mall. Transport yourself to biomes around the world at the Muttart Conservatory, and hang with the free-roaming bison at Elk Island National Park. That’s just the tip of the attractions iceberg!
