Things to Do in June
The sun is shining (we're talking up to 17 hours of sunlight a day) and June has arrived with festivals and events in full swing! We've got festivals for beer fanatics, music lovers, art aficionados and everyone in between. What are you waiting for? Start exploring!
Show Your Pride!
June is Pride Month, when the community celebrates and reflects on the 2SLGBTQIA+ movement. Pride is a celebration of people coming together in unity, love, and friendship to recognize the impact that this important community has had on society locally, nationally, and internationally. Here's just a small sampling of celebrations in Edmonton this month:
- Edmonton Drag Festival - May 31-June 2
- Pride Month Kick Off with Fruit Loop - June 1
- Flashback Documentary - June 14-15
- Mayor's Pride Brunch - June 16
For even more events, check out the Guide to the Summer of Pride!
Celebrate Indigenous Edmonton
The month of June is National Indigenous History Month in Amiskwaciy Waskahikan (also known as Edmonton) and across Canada. June 21 is also National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to recognize the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. Connect with Indigenous experiences like Talking Rock Tours or Wase Saba (Black Bear) Experiences, then savour the flavours of Chef Scott Iserhoff's delicious creations at Bernadette's.
See our guide to Celebrating National Indigenous History Month for even more events and experiences!
Activate your creativity
Nextfest
Want a glimpse of the next generation of Edmonton talent? Look no further than Nextfest, a festival made up of hundreds of young and emerging artists from a wide variety of disciplines. Nextfest is curated on the principles of youth, creativity and newness. The festival celebrates an electric line-up of performances and installations at the beautiful Roxy Theatre.
May 30-June 9
The Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival
Make your way to Giovanni Caboto Park for this two-day, family-friendly festival celebrating the full spectrum of talent and culture in central Edmonton. As you wander past the shops and restaurants that line the street of Edmonton's historic Little Italy, you'll be drawn to the sound of live music and laughter. The Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival will be in full swing showcasing talent from this Central Edmonton community.
June 8-9
Alberta Circus Arts Festival
Come one, come all and join Firefly Theatre 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
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 four community leagues across the city this year. Plop thy bum on thy seat and prepare for revelry at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival!
June 20-July 14
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, it’s lively and it’s a great time to listen to sax, silky voices – all that jazz. Catch performances from local and international artists across a variety of venues including Winspear Centre, La Cité Francophone, Ice District Plaza, and more!
June 25-30
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 features countless performances and events, with exhibits in venues all over the city.
June 27-July 1
For the Fathers
Happy Father's Day to all the pops, dads, papas, babas, and father-figures out there! If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate your dad this year, here are some fun experiences to show your appreciation.
Father's Day at the Muttart
Make use of your green thumb as the kids have fun getting their hands dirty in soil at the Muttart Conservatory. Plant some plants, craft some crafts, and spend some time together in the refreshing air of the Muttart!
June 16
Father's Day at The Aviary
Spend Father's Day evening drinking and hanging out at The Aviary while enjoying a nice, cold drink and listening to live music. Doug Hoyer, Aaron Parker, and Stacy Lloyd Brown will be performing live especially for Father's Day!
June 16
Edmonton Elks vs Montréal Allouettes
It's time to pull out the green and gold because Edmonton's football fever is at its peak this year as the Edmonton Elks celebrate their 75th anniversary! Join the crowd at Commonwealth Stadium for an electrifying game day experience. Want to get in on even more fun? The stadium will be buzzing with nostalgia that day as the theme for the night is "90s Night" in celebration of the Elks' milestone anniversary. Don't miss the clash between the Elks and the Montréal Alouettes, two titans of Canadian football.
June 14
RevUp Autoshow 2024
Bond with your dad over cars and you're most recent fixer-upper? Then you'll both love seeing the best and most unique vehicles in the Alberta region at the RevUp Autoshow. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or just love to admire beautiful automobiles, this family-friendly show has something for everyone.
June 15
Retro Dad's Day with the Riverhawks
You know the saying "Back in my day...."? Well, the Riverhawks are taking it quite literally and transporting you back to your dad's era... in more ways than one! Treat your dad to a special outing at the ballpark where there will be a special showcase of dozens of antique and classic cars. Then watch a good game of baseball as the Riverhawks sport the old-school, teal Trappers jerseys on the diamond. With it being Sunday, Riverhawks also have a brand-new Sunday dog section, where your furry friend can join the family fun at the Barking Bleachers!
June 16
Get your Adrenaline pumping
Red Bull Soapbox Race
This isn't just any race – it's a chance to be part of something truly extraordinary. Edmontonians, Albertans, and Canadians alike will have the unique opportunity to participate in this rare spectacle, marking only the third time this high-energy event has graced Canadian soil. So, what's the challenge? It's all about creativity, courage, and a touch of craziness! Teams will push the boundaries of innovation as they design and build the wildest, most unconventional rides imaginable, and then hurtle down the iconic Queen Elizabeth hill. This is a free, family-friendly event that you won't forget.
June 22
Battle League Pro-Am All Star Celebrity Weekend
Get ready to witness the ultimate fusion of basketball excitement and celebrity flair with NBA legend Lou Williams and D’vontay Friga! Attend the celebration of basketball culture in the vibrant city of Edmonton, while watching thrilling plays.
June 22
Edmonton Stingers
Feel the buzz at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, home to the Edmonton Stingers. Catch Canada's top basketball players in action as they chase the CEBL Championship. With the intensity of a rock concert and the athleticism of pro basketball, Stingers games are a must-see. Grab your tickets and be part of the Stingers' journey to victory this summer! See the Stingers calendar for the full schedule.
Multiple Dates June & July
IFAF World Championship of Youth Football
The IFAF (International Federation of American Football) World Championship of Youth Football are touching down in Edmonton. Get ready to witness gridiron greatness as the future stars of American football clash in the heart of Canada! Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled showdown as eight national teams battle it out for the ultimate title in tackle football.
June 20-30
For the Kids
Museum Makers at the RAM
It's tinker time at the Royal Alberta Museum! Every Sunday, children under the age of 8 and their caregivers are welcome to join and unleash your creativity in the children's gallery. Prepare to get a little messy as you play with a variety of exploratory activities!
Sundays
Brick Fest Live
Take your creative mind to Brick Fest Live as you create your next big idea out of the million+ LEGO bricks that are on display and ready for play! See for yourself the mind‐blowing and larger-than-life creations from all over the world made entirely of this timeless toy. Experience the glow zone where you'll build with glowing bricks that shine under a blacklight, race your brick-built car down a derby ramp, or help set a Guiness World-Record with a floor mosaic project!
June 29-30
Game Con Canada 2024
Game Con Canada powered by TELUS is hitting the Edmonton EXPO Centre from June 14th to 16th! Dive into three days of gaming bliss with over 300,000 square feet of the latest in video games, board games, and more. Rub shoulders with industry giants, see Hollywood celebs, and be ready for announcements from tech titans. Get ready to bring your EH-GAME!
June 14-16
Festival tickets on sale soon
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
The hills are alive with the sound of Folk Fest! The four magical days of folksy music are already just in a couple months. Tickets are going to be on sale starting the 1st of June, so get ready to grab some tickets to listen along in one of the world's leading folk music festivals in the natural amphitheatre of Gallagher Hill.
Tickets on sale: June 1
Festival dates: August 8-11, 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 dishes from over 50 locally owned restaurants & food trucks and rock out from afternoon to evening with amazing music by top performers. A presale is on this month, so make sure you get in there to be the first to snatch those tickets!
Ticket Presale: June 1-17
Festival dates: July 18-28, 2024
KDays
It's time to hit the midway! 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, and dance along with big-name performers including Simple Plan, Theory of a Dead Man, Down With Webster, Ludacris, K'naan, and more!
Tickets on sale: Now available!
Festival dates: July 19-28
Music Artists in Edmonton This June
Rogers Place Concerts
Big headliners are in Edmonton this month at Rogers Place Arena and you don't want to miss them!
- Snoop Dogg - June 20
- Cage the Elephant - June 28
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:
- KPOP Dance Party – June 1, Union Hall
- Queen: It's a Kind Of Magic - June 4, Winspear
- Little Big - June 5, Union Hall
- Fruit Loop Pride Dance Party - June 8, Starlite Room
- Taking Back Sunday - June 8, Union Hall
- The Teskey Brothers - June 12, Midway Music Hall
- A Gay Ol’ Time - June 12, The Aviary
- Lloyd Banks - June 14, Union Hall
- Skillet - June 15, Midway Music Hall
- Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance - June 16, River Cree Resort and Casino
- Clint Black - June 21, Winspear
- Bomfest - June 22, ICE District
- Corey Henry - June 26, Starlite Room
Edmonton's Best Hotels
Find the perfect place to lay your head after a festival or two! Edmonton’s Best Hotels offers the best accommodations at the best price!
- Stay one night and receive $50
- Stay two nights and receive $150
- Stay three nights and receive $225
Book and receive free rewards
