Things to Do in Edmonton in August
If you thought July was jam-packed with fun, you ain't seen nothin' yet. August brings even more outdoor adventures, festivals, music, and food for you to enjoy. Legendary summer festivals are back and better than ever, offering new and exciting experiences. You can guarantee that this month will be one for the books!
Festivals on Festivals
Disco in the Park
Disco in the Park is back! This annual off-the-hook music festival presented by Grindstone Theatre Society and SWEAT DJ Collective brings together young and old for one shared dream - to let loose and dance! Now featuring a VIP Edmonton Riverboat Party - Disco on the Boat!
August 4-6
Heritage Festival
Experience vibrant dancing from Liberia, savour delicious food from Ukraine, and witness captivating artwork from Japan – all in one place at the Edmonton Heritage Festival. Enjoy the diverse tastes, smells, sights, and sounds from over 90 countries and cultures. It's a fantastic and fun way to appreciate Alberta's remarkable diversity! This legendary festival has temporarily relocated to the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
August 5-7
Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Get thee to a festival that brings the works of the Bard into the realm of everyone from kids to scholars during the Freewill Shakespeare Festival! This season, they are bringing back the audience favourite Romeo and Juliet, as well as Twelfth Night. Performances will take place at the Edmonton EXPO Centre's Cristal Palace Spiegeltent this year!
August 8 - September 3
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. Folk Fest showcases an eclectic line-up of bands from around the globe, an army of food vendors, and a lively beer garden!
August 10-13
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, savoury Caribbean cuisine, the Caribbean Marketplace, and much more!
August 11-13
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. 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 17-27
Blues Festival Slim
The Edmonton Blues Festival is back and heating up this August! RE/MAX Field, home to the Edmonton Riverhawks, will become an incredible blues festival site for 2023 and beyond. Limited tickets will be available, so get yours today, or you may be the one singin' the blues!
August 25-27
Purple City Music Festival
Purple City Music Festival showcases the newest sounds from the global underground, the best talent from Edmonton's own backyard, and incredible national and international acts! From psyche rock to electronic, avant-garde to folk, Purple City offers a diverse range of music for discovery and indie staples alike.
August 25-27
The Summer of Pride
Pride Fest 2023
Celebrate love and diversity in Churchill Square this August at Edmonton's Pride Festival! 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 18-26
Pride Riverboat Party
Check out the Pride Riverboat Party on the Edmonton Riverboat for dancing, drinks, drag, and an evening cruise down the North Saskatchewan River! Plus, the Riverboat cruise includes admission to Evolution Wonderlounge afterwards.
August 20
Step Outside
Alberta Open Farm Days
Don't miss your chance to visit Edmonton Urban Farm when we participate in Alberta Open Farm Days for the tenth 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 19
Dinner at the 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 for a unique cooking experience on a working dairy farm in Leduc. 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 10, 12, 17, 20, 24
Guided Art & Heritage Tours
Explore the vibrant history of Alberta Avenue neighborhood at If These Walls Could Talk, presented by Arts On The Ave! Discover exceptional art, landmarks, and graffiti amidst the unique community. This curated tour highlights the creativity of local thinkers and artists, as well as the rich heritage of Edmonton's oldest street, 118th Avenue.
August 19 & 26
The North Saskatchewan River
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! Paddle your way along the North Saskatchewan River, spotting wildlife and taking in Edmonton's beautiful skyline with with Edmonton Canoe, or try out a paddleboard with Edmonton Paddleboard! Inflatable raft rentals from River Valley Adventure Co. come with everything you need for a day out on the water including oars, a pump, bailer, personal floatation devices, and a repair kit.
Head to the River Cree
Indigenous Night Market
The Night Market at the River Cree, presented by Enoch Cree Nation, has returned for 2023! This experience will showcase First Nation & local artisans, vendors, food trucks, and much more. There's also live music and entertainment to enjoy! The Night Market is a great opportunity to honour and engage with talented Indigenous creators. Support local, support Indigenous!
August 24-27
Markets Galore
Alberta Ave Night Markets
Join us for a summer of night markets in the Alberta Avenue District! Discover a world of diverse vendors, captivating entertainment, and community spirit. Relax in a family-friendly atmosphere, shop for locally-made goods, savor delicious food, and enjoy the company of friends on beautiful summer evenings. Join us for an unforgettable journey of fun, connection, and celebration.
August 11, 18, 25
Farmers' Markets
Oh kale yeah! Support local growers, makers and vendors at one of the many farmers' markets 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!
Score Some Fun in the Sun
Cheer On the Elks
Watch as the Edmonton Elks get one step closer to the Grey Cup! 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 battle between the Elks and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on August 10, as well as the fight to victory against the Ottawa Redblacks on August 27. Antler up!
Alley Hoop 3X3 Tournament
Get ready for some Alley Hoop action! Join us at the 6th Alley Hoop Classic, a 2-day outdoor basketball tournament in Edmonton. Alley Hoop is all about sportsmanship, competition, and giving back to the community. FIBA 3x3 format, epic playoffs, shooting comps, live DJ, vendors, and food trucks - it's gonna be a blast!
August 19-20
America's Cup & Do North Triathlon
The Americas Cup & Do North Triathlon is coming to Edmonton! The event includes a down river swim starting from a pontoon west of the High Level Bridge, followed by an 800m swim. Racers will then transition in Queen Elizabeth Park before embarking on a scenic bike course through Edmonton's river valley, featuring hill climbs for added challenge. Finally, the rolling run course will take racers alongside the North Saskatchewan River.
August 26
Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park takes you on a thrilling journey through Edmonton's fascinating history, from the Fur Trade era to the Roaring Twenties. Take a horse-drawn wagon through the Settlement Era on 1885 Street, see the Municipal Era on 1905 Street, then ride a vintage streetcar to the Metropolitan Era on 1920 Street. The Indigenous Peoples Experience is an awe-inspiring addition to the park's exciting offerings.
Where Dark Things Dwell
Embark on a thrilling adventure at Fort Edmonton Park's captivating new escape experience! In the Village of Edmonton, a mysterious curse has affected the villagers, pushing them to madness. With celestial alignment, the responsibility to stop the curse from spreading and save your mind falls on you. Join fellow travelers seeking refuge and take action against this malevolent force.
