Things to do in Edmonton in July
Oh July, how we've missed you! Summer is in full swing which means long sunny days, thirst-quenching patios, and seemingly endless warm-weather things to do. Check out the long list of Edmonton's many attractions, restaurants, and festivals, then see where the sweet summer wind takes you.
Canada's Festival City
Grindstone Comedy Festival
The Grindstone Comedy Festival is bringing the laughter once again! This annual independent stand-up, improv and sketch comedy festival brings both national performers and rising local talent together under the Edmonton spotlight. Laugh out loud with some of Canada’s top Comedians, Sketch groups and Improvisors! This inclusive in-and-outdoor festival is spread across West Ritchie, Old Strathcona and the French Quarter.
July 3-7
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
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.
July 12-14
Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival features three days of incredible comedy superstars. Andrew Schulz, Shane Gillis, and Mark Gagnon will bring the laughter on Friday! Head back to Kinsmen Park on Saturday for Kevin Hart, and then again on Sunday for more laughs with Bert Kreischer, Whitney Cummings, and Steph Tolev, hosted by Lisa Gilroy!
July 12-14
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 dishes from 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 staple that showcases the vibrancy in Edmonton's Downtown core through art, food, music, heritage, and culture.
July 18-28
KDays
It's time for the midway at KDays! Get the adrenaline pumping with exciting rollercoasters and rides, discover the shopping markets and programming inside the Explorium, taste the warm sugary bliss of freshly fried donuts, dance along to big-name concerts, (including Theory of a Deadman, Amanda Marshall, K'naan, Down With Webster, and Simple Plan, to name a few) and wrap up each day by watching fireworks light up the night sky.
Local businesses are partnering with KDays to offer limited-time products, so check out the KDays partner list to see which stores you need to stop at during the month of July!
July 19-28
Jubefest
Jubefest is celebrating performing arts inside the stunning Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, featuring some of Alberta’s world-class musicians. This year, experience the talent of JUNO award-winner Celeigh Cardinal, folk artist Martin Kerr, party band BrandTactics, and the soul/roots group AV & the Inner City!
Not only do you get to listen to top-notch musicians, but you will also get the opportunity to walk on the big stage! Sip on local craft beverages, munch on delicious snacks, and get ready to be impressed by incredible artistry.
July 19-20 & July 26-27
Hoop City 3X3
Whoomp, there it is! The 2024 edition of Hoop City 3x3 will feature once again the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series, and Hoop City 3x3 Tournament. This makes it the largest celebration of 3x3 basketball in Canada - all running the weekend in the heart of downtown at Fan Park at the ICE District.
There will be an on-court DJ, live entertainment, a fan zone, and dunk contests lined up – Hoop City 3x3 is going to be a grand slam! Get ready to have a ball watching the world's finest men’s and women’s teams square off before the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
July 5-7
Visit Métis Crossing
Take a day trip to Métis Crossing and discover how the Métis lived as trappers, learn about historical families and their homes, understand how plants are used as medicine, and much more. For a full immersive experience, check out Beavers, Bison, and People: Our Promise to Wahkotowin. This three-day tour package includes two nights in beautiful accommodations along with guided tours that give you an in-depth insight into the cultural, social and ecological factors that led to the establishment of Edmonton and the surrounding communities. The exploration of the Métis people’s connection with the land is an essential element of understanding traditional Métis life. If you feel like extending your trip, visitors can stay at The Lodge at Métis Crossing — a 40-room, boutique luxury lodge, located on historical Métis river lots overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.
Catch a Show
Catch A Show
When it comes to live performances, Edmonton's stages are always busy!
- Grindstone Comedy Festival - July 3-7, Grindstone
- Found Festival - July 4-7, Various locations
- The Play That Goes Wrong - July 6-August 4, Citadel Theatre
- Private Lives - July 11-28, Varscona Theatre
- Civil Blood: A Treaty Story - July 24-August 4, Old Fort at Fort Edmonton Park
Local Venues
There are several music venues in Edmonton so be sure to check their websites to see what else is on! Keep your dance moves sharp for these amazing shows:
- Gowan - July 6, River Cree Resort and Casino
- Wheeler Walker Jr - July 6, Midway Music Hall
- Monatik – July 6, Union Hall
- Shakey Graves - July 8, Midway Music Hall
- PARTYNEXTDOOR - July 9, Midway Music Hall
- Orville Peck - July 10 & 11, Midway Music Hall
- Joey Stylez - July 12, River Cree Resort and Casino
- Cameron Whitcomb - July 12, Starlite Room
- Sunkissed Lola - July 13, Union Hall
- Rachel Gleddie - July 17, The Aviary
- Taste Of Edmonton Performances - July 18-27, McLennan Ross Stage
- KDays Music Fest - July 19-28, Edmonton EXPO Centre
- Flavour - July 20, Union Hall
- Young Jonn - July 20, Union Hall
- National Youth Orchestra: Horizons Tour - July 27, Winspear
Tasty Outdoor Adventures
Indulge in the fine local foods and beverages of Edmonton while touring around the city on a Food Bike Tour — stop by historical buildings and breweries under the warm sun. Or take a tipsy ride through the streets as you pedal your way around Edmonton's top craft beer taprooms and breweries on an Urban Pedal Tour. Alberta Food Tours also offer a variety of guided culinary exhibitions around the city.
Hit the Water
Paddle your way along the North Saskatchewan River, spotting wildlife and taking in Edmonton's beautiful skyline with Edmonton Canoe, or try out a paddleboard with Edmonton Paddleboard! Raft rentals from River Valley Adventure Co. Come with everything you need for a day out on the water including an inflatable raft, oars, a pump, bailer, personal floatation devices and a repair kit. RiverWatch's Summer EcoFloats offer guided urban river floats down the North Saskatchewan River while taking in stunning scenery and learning about the river's history, culture, and biodiversity.
Peas, Love, and Farmers' Markets
Oh kale yeah! Edmontonians love farmers' markets. You’ll find everything from fresh local produce to hand-made jewellery, clothing, art and unique home goods. Indoor and outdoor markets are in every part of the city, such as the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market, Bountiful Farmers Market, South Common Farmers Market, 124 Street Grand Market, and more! Pssst - have you heard that the Downtown Farmers Market is back outdoors on 104th Street?
Various Dates
Visit the Zoo
Home to hundreds of species of plants and animals from around the world, The Edmonton Valley Zoo is always an exciting place to visit. Bring along the kids for a chance to see a peregrine falcon, prairie dogs, zebra, fox, bighorn sheep, a snowy owl and more! The animals can't wait to welcome you with open paws! ZooBrew is an exclusive 18+ affair at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! Wander the zoo with a drink in hand at this twilight event. The zoo transforms into a peaceful escape on a summer night. It's a one-of-a-kind evening filled with live music performed by local artists. Sample a wide variety of craft beers, wines, and spirits from breweries across the province, and visit with the zoo’s furry residents.
ZooBrew - July 13
Summer at Fort Edmonton Park
Celebrating its 50th birthday this year, Fort Edmonton Park is the spot for summer activities with historic streets, steam train and street cars, Midway rides, and interactive exhibits! Explore the past, experience the present, and create new memories for the future. Visit Indigenous Peoples Experience to explore life through the diversity of First Nations' and Métis peoples' histories, cultures, experiences, and perspectives, local to Indigenous life in the Beaver Hills, or Edmonton region. You can embark on a thrilling adventure in Fort Edmonton Park's captivating escape experience: Where Dark Things Dwell, from July to September!
June-September
Take a Journey Back in Time
Become a time traveler and step back over 125 years ago! History is brought to life at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, an open-air museum depicting early settlement in east-central Alberta from 1892-1930. Hear stories of solitude, survival, and perseverance while discovering how Ukrainian immigration made a significant impact on Alberta's cultural identity.
May 18 - September 2
