Things to Do in Edmonton in August
If you thought July was jam packed with fun, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. August brings more outdoor adventure, festivals, music and food for you to enjoy. Legendary festivals like the Fringe Theatre Festival, Folk Music Festival, Blues Festival, Heritage Festival, Cariwest and more are back in new ways, so you can guarantee this month will be one for the books!
Summer seems to fly by faster than any season. Don't blink, or you'll miss out!
Edmonton Heritage Festival
See dancing from Liberia, taste food from Ukraine, and witness the artwork of Japan all in one place at the Edmonton Heritage Festival. Enjoy the tastes, smells, sights and sounds from 90 countries and cultures at 70 outdoor pavilions – what a fun way to appreciate Alberta's remarkable diversity! Hawrelak Park will transform into a mingling of nations one last time before undergoing a few years of construction, so make sure to stop by and take in the park's memorable, beautiful views while enjoying all that the festival has to offer. It doesn't stop there! World-class tunes take the stage at Hawrelak Park for World Music Week. You won't want to miss this action-packed weekend.
July 30 - August 1
Animethon
Canada’s longest running anime festival returns to the Edmonton Convention Centre this August! Animethon is a 3-day summer festival for fans of anime, Japanese pop culture, and everything in between. Connect with the community through panels, games, creative cosplay and exciting events. Featuring concerts, gaming, and a large vendor hall, this is the perfect opportunity to meet voice artists, industry leaders, thousands of fans and new friends in the community!
August 5-7
Alberta Open Farm Days
Don't miss your chance to visit Edmonton Urban Farm on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 10:00am-4:00pm when we participate in Alberta Open Farm Days for the ninth year in a row! Meet your rural neighbours in this province-wide open house. Tour the farm, check out the beehive, feed the chickens, meet a farmer, share stories & see demonstrations. It’s free. It’s fun. It’s for the family!
August 13
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
A dizzying four days of music, great food and a stellar setting during the Edmonton Folk Music Festival have become a summer institution in the city. Slip into a lawn chair and take in the backdrop of the city skyline and the grassy slope down Gallagher Hill towards the main stage nestled in a natural amphitheatre. This community event showcases an eclectic line-up of bands from around the globe, an army of food vendors cooking up a vast array of international delicacies, and a lively beer garden. Returning after a two-year hiatus, this festival is sure to be a summer highlight!
August 4-7
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
Get ready to LOL until your cry at The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival. Join comedy legends like Bobby Lee, Amy Schumer, Nick Swardson, Tom Segura and more at the historic Edmonton Exhibition Lands. This Festival is all about good times and incredible live comedy. Its vision is to create a diverse, inclusive and safe festival experience that celebrates and features all forms of performance comedy, from locals to superstars. The chuckles will be plentiful!
August 12-14
Together We Fringe
It wouldn't be summer without the Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival. Experience a cultural blast of dynamic and innovative theatre performances during North America’s oldest and largest fringe festival located in the heart of Old Strathcona. With nearly 1,600 local, national, and international artists, the festival offers more than 1,200 indoor performances across some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as ATB Financial Arts Barns, Varscona Theatre, and Walterdale Playhouse. Whether a play is on a main stage or a more unique venue, like a local pub or bookshop, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss your opportunity to soak up the creative juices spilling forth from Old Strathcona!
August 11-21
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
Don't miss three party-filled days of Caribbean culture in the heart of downtown! The Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival, Edmonton's annual celebration of Caribbean arts, music, and culture, takes over Churchill Square for a 3-day event that includes a Friday Night Costume Extravaganza, the Saturday Cariwest Parade and a Caribbean Village throughout the weekend! This festival includes live entertainment, the Kids Korner, savoury Caribbean cuisine, the Caribbean Marketplace and much more. You don't want to miss this!
August 5-7
Al Fresco on 104
Support local at this vibrant outdoor street party! Discover an open-air celebration filled with extended patios, various food trucks, and retail vendors for the whole family to enjoy in the sun. Al Fresco on 104, presented by Edmonton Downtown Business Association, is proud to support the city's local businesses, offering experiences and items that showcase the best of the core. Head over to 104 Street every Saturday from 11:00am-3:00pm (until August 27) to join the party. It's the perfect way to soak up the sun on summer Saturdays!
Cheer on the Edmonton Elks
Watch as the Edmonton Elks get one step closer to the Grey Cup! The beloved and recently renamed Elks are one of the most storied franchises in the country and have a long history of remarkable on-field victories. Plan your visit to The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium to see an afternoon or evening of action-packed Canadian football. Don't miss the legendary rivalry between the Elks and the Saskatchewan Roughriders on August 14, as well as the fight to victory against the Ottawa Redblacks on August 27. Antler up!
Bask on the Sask
If you've never paddled down the North Saskatchewan River, listen up, because you are truly missing out. Leave all your equipment and expertise worries to RiverWatch for a 3-hour guided tour right in the heart of Edmonton. This exceptional opportunity is a great way to get outdoors and step into nature this summer!
Not only that, the Edmonton Riverboat is back on the North Saskatchewan River! This Edmonton legend started sailing on the river in 1995 and has been an emblematic attraction in the heart of the city ever since. Hop on for a weekend brunch, dinner, or just a beautiful sunset cruise in the heart of the city. It definitely deserves a visit!
Farmers' Markets Galore
Oh kale yeah! Farmers' markets are where it’s at to support local growers, makers and vendors at one of the many found across the city. You’ll find everything from fresh local produce to hand-made jewelry, one-of-a-kind clothing, art and unique home goods. Don't forget the food trucks and live entertainment! There really is a market for every part of the city – check out our list of all the farmers' markets that Edmonton has to offer. Pack your cloth shopping bags with local finds you can't get anywhere else!
L'Etape Edmonton by Tour de France
Feel the power of the pedal! L’Étape Canada by Tour de France is one of 21 worldwide amateur cycling events created to make you feel like a true champion. Race in a course designed by Tour de France experts on closed or partially-closed roads throughout Alberta's capital, from the west side of Edmonton into the countryside towards Devon. If you own a bike, this event is for you – beginners to seasoned cyclists welcome. All participants receive a t-shirt, water bottle, buff and medal with registration. You'll also get a BBQ ticket for a post-race meal!
August 14
Imagine Monet
Awaken your senses with Imagine Monet, a unique audiovisual experience at the Edmonton EXPO Centre! Imagine Monet enhances the work of French painter Claude Monet, considered the father of Impressionism and the first immersive painter ever. The exhibition features more than 200 paintings created by Monet, including the series of the “Cathedrals” and the “Water Lilies” from his garden in Giverny, among others. Monet's impressive artwork is enhanced by a soundtrack that is matched with the atmosphere of the painting and gives a new dimension to his work. You'll feel like you are living in one of his great masterpieces!
June 8 - September 12
Together Again Concert Series
The Together Again Outdoor Concert Series was the first major outdoor concert series emerging out of the pandemic in 2021 in Canada; a celebration of getting through the tough times and a demonstration of how events could come back safely. With the success and positive feedback from last year, they're back again with a hybrid festival setup that has something for everyone’s taste in enjoying incredible live entertainment! The series kicks off at the historic Racetrack Infield on the Edmonton Exhibition Lands, and features Paul Brandt, Johnny Reid, Burton Cummings, Chilliwack, The Barenaked Ladies, Sam Roberts Band and much more!
August 19-21
Farm to Table Dinner at Old Red Barn
Picture yourself standing in a 1950’s barn overlooking Whitemud creek – the smell of birchwood smoke and coal roasted vegetables rising in the air. Join your family and friends at The Old Red Barn and learn how to cook over open fire. This unique cooking experience is located on a working dairy farm in Leduc, and is great for date night, outings with family and friends, and corporate experiences. Menus are designed around what is seasonally available from surrounding local farms. Hear the cast iron clang and the hiss of the fresh Alberta meat hitting the hot grilling surface. You can guarantee an unforgettable evening!
August 11, 18, 25
Stroll, Bike or Segway Through the River Valley
Your outdoor adventures start here. At 22 times the size of New York City's Central Park, the Edmonton river valley offers endless paths and parks to explore. Cruise through the 160 kilometres of trails throughout the city by foot, bike or even segway. You can access the river valley at various points throughout the city, including from the 100 Street Funicular. Jog or stroll through the winding paths and find yourself surrounded by wildlife as you take in the beautiful views of the cityscape. Or if you're an adrenaline junkie, choose to ride off the beaten path and pedal the off-road trails on your mountain bike. Take a look here for a map of the bike paths and trails throughout Edmonton.
FC Edmonton VS HFX Wanderers
Enjoy premier pro-soccer right here in Edmonton! Root for the FC Edmonton at Clarke Stadium as they compete against HFX Wanderers for the winning goal! Grab a beer at the concession, wave your flag, and enjoy premier pro-soccer amongst the cheering locals. It's the perfect event to channel your inner Ted Lasso.
August 28
Coronation Festival
Since 1976, the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose has held an annual Coronation Festival to celebrate their accomplishments within the LGBTQ2S community. This annual drag gala is filled with pomp and pageantry and is a major annual LGBTQ2S event in Edmonton. Join guests and dignitaries from across North America for the main event on August 20 at Matrix Hotel!
August 14-21
Blues Festival Slim
The Edmonton Blues Festival is back and heating up this August! Arsen Shomakhov, Sue Foley, Guy Forsyth and Jeska, Steve Kozak, and C.J. Chenier are just the beginning of this year's incredible line-up. New for 2022, The Legendary Downchild Blues Band and Crystal Shawanda will perform at the amphitheatre. Limited tickets will be available, so get yours today, or you may be the one singin' the blues!
August 19-21
Get your Race On!
On your marks, get set…GO! The starting gun goes off and your adrenaline starts pumping as you race towards your personal best. The 2022 Servus Edmonton Marathon is your chance to cross a major achievement off your bucket list. Marathoners say the course is friendlier – flat and fast to get you to that finish line, so it's perfect for first-timers and experienced marathoners! Come meet your friends, and make some new ones.
August 21
IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships
They're back! The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)'s World Juniors will take place in the heart of downtown's Ice District. A holiday tradition for millions of hockey fans across Canada and around the world, the under-20 men's tournament was originally scheduled to be played over the Christmas holiday season, but it was cancelled after just four days of competition due to COVID-19. Fear not hockey fans! There's nothing like puck in summer! Throw on your shorts and your jerseys, and head down to Rogers Place to take in the most exciting hockey of the season.
August 9-20
