Things to Do in May in Edmonton
As we bid adieu to April showers (and occasional flurries), it's time to embrace the arrival of May flowers! Whether you are enjoying your Mother's Day with a loved one or joining the hype in a sea of orange and blue, Edmonton has tons of events happening in the city this month.
Festival City
Northwestfest & Rainbow Visions Film Festival
Canada’s longest running documentary film festival, Northwestfest, brings you the best non-fiction, music, and documentary films. With dozens of feature films and shorts, which ones will you see? The Rainbow Visions Film Festival runs immediately after Northwest fest, so get their all-access pass so you watch it all! The popcorn will be poppin' at the historic Metro Cinema, located inside the Garneau Theatre. Movie buffs, mark your calendars!
May 8-15, 2025 - Northwestfest
May 16-18, 2025 - Rainbow Visions Film Fest
International Children's Festival of the Arts
This magical multi-day festival transforms the banks of the Sturgeon River in downtown St. Albert into a mighty carnival as more than 55,000 kids come out to play with professional artists from across the country and around the world. The International Children's Festival's mission is to bring the best in children's arts and cultural experiences to the region in a way that removes barriers, fosters joy, creativity, and inspires the next generation of artists and patrons of the arts.
May 29-June 1, 2025
UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival
Western Canada's largest multi-day Ukrainian festival returns! UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival is a celebration of Ukrainian culture, and a whole lot of fun. This free two-day festival, set in beautiful Borden Park, features a main stage with ongoing musical and dance performances, beer gardens, a food fair, vendors, and so much more.
May 30-31, 2025
Let the games begin
Edmonton Stingers
If you haven't yet, you really need to go to an Edmonton Stingers game. With electric crowds in the stands and high-energy plays on the court, the excitement at the Edmonton EXPO Centre arena is something you don't want to skip out on. Join the hype and cheer on Edmonton's two-time CEBL Champions as they chase this year's CEBL Championship this season. Canada's top basketball players will compete from May to early August, so it's time to don your yellow, grab your tickets, and be part of the buzz as we join the Stingers' journey to victory!
First home game starts May 11, 2025
Edmonton Oilers
Last season, we felt the sting of being just ONE game short of winning the Stanley Cup Final after a grueling and gripping season. But the Edmonton Oilers are back and ready to bring it to the end, trophy in hand. See our Guide to the Edmonton Oilers to learn how to catch all the hard-hitting hockey action at the state-of-the-art Rogers Place arena this postseason and join a community watch event as the city streets transform into waves of blue and orange. Let's go, Oilers!
Visit the NHL website for game schedule updates.
Edmonton Elks
Wear green and gold and join the fans at Commonwealth Stadium as the Edmonton Elks kick off the 2025 season to fight for the Grey Cup! Be sure to check out our Guide to the Edmonton Elks to learn about attending tailgate parties and how to attend a game. 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!
Preseason games begin May 24
Celebrate the Mothers in your Life
DIVAS Live at Winspear Centre
It’s time to sing and groove along to the chart-topping hits of the greatest female vocalists in history! Featuring songs you know and love by Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Adele, Stevie Nicks, Shania Twain, and more, powerhouse vocalist Ariana Whitlow brings Divas LIVE at the Winspear Centre!
May 19, 2025
Chocolate Tasting Experience
Delavoye Chocolate Maker has a have love for exploring chocolates and pairing them perfectly with wines, coffees, and more. With several chocolate tasting experiences to choose from, you will be guided by a passionate chocolate maker to discover what makes their cocoa flavours pop and learn how their chocolate is made. It's the perfect way to kick off the summer, as you will leave with fresh pairings to enjoy at home, or during a summer picnic.
Two workshop options: May 2, 2025 & May 17, 2025.
Private booking also available for bigger groups.
A Floral thank you
Show that special mother or mother figure the appreciation they deserve. A perfect bouquet is easy to find, so surprise mom with a crafted collection of beautiful blooms from one of the many incredible florists found in Edmonton and area.
Enjoy an Edmonton Brunch
Experience a delightful brunch at one of the city's charming brunch spots around the city. From cozy cafes to elegant restaurants, Edmonton offers an array of options to treat Mom to a special morning of indulgence and appreciation. Book in advance for the best chance of getting a seat - brunch is very popular here in Edmonton!
Mother's Day at the Garden
Treat the amazing moms in your life to a breath of fresh air with a stroll through a blooming spring garden at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Enjoy a full day of family-friendly fun, from outdoor yoga and painting workshops to hands-on crafts and make-your-own planter stations. Capture the moment with a professional family photo and savour tasty seasonal features at the Patio Café.
May 11, 2025
Open for Summer
Fort Edmonton Park
If you're looking to do more than just explore Edmonton's past, Fort Edmonton Park is your chance to live it! Take a horse-drawn wagon through the Settlement Era on 1885 Street, get a first glimpse of modern conveniences on 1905 Street, catch a ride on a vintage streetcar, and test your gaming skills at the penny arcade. The newest addition to the park is the Indigenous Peoples Experience, which is a must-see. The stories, music, artwork, and text in the experience come from local Indigenous perspectives and voices, gathered through engagement with local Indigenous communities and research.
Opening weekend starts May 17, 2025
Streetcar Cask Rides
Picture this: you're sitting inside an early 1900s streetcar that is perched atop the High Level Bridge, sipping and savoring a locally crafted beer, and watching the sun as it dips below the North Saskatchewan River Valley. It's the quintessential Edmonton experience! Until the end of October, join The Common for their 10th season of the Streetcar Cask Series. Embark on a journey of hoppy flavours and beautiful views, featuring a rotating lineup of Alberta breweries!
Various dates beginning May 22, 2025
Edmonton Riverboat
Since 1995, the Edmonton Riverboat has been a favourite for visitors and locals, offering stunning views of Edmonton’s downtown skyline from the North Saskatchewan River. Docked at Rafter’s Landing—steps from scenic trails and minutes from the Muttart Conservatory and the LRT—it’s an unforgettable way to experience the city from the water. Keep an eye out for exciting events on board, or simply hop on for unforgettable views of the river valley and downtown skyline you won’t find anywhere else.
Running May to September 2025
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
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. With more than 35 restored historic buildings and costumed interpreters portraying the lives of Ukrainian settlers, you'll become a time traveller and step back in time over 130 years ago!
Opening weekend starts May 17, 2025
Farmer's Markets Season
While Edmonton has some year-round markets, the season picks up big-time during the summer. You’ll find everything from fresh local produce and baked goods to hand-made jewellery, clothing and art. See our list of Edmonton Farmers' Markets.
Various dates beginning May 2025
Arts & Culture
Rock Stars on Ice
Get out together to experience the awe-inspiring return of Stars on Ice! Witness the captivating beauty, creativity, and skill of figure skating like never before. From graceful aerial glides to lightning-fast movements, these gifted athletes are among the world's best, showcasing their talent on a stage that blends Olympic excitement with Broadway grandeur.
May 11, 2025
UNCEDED
UNCEDED: VOICES OF THE LAND is a groundbreaking exhibition and a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Indigenous architecture, creativity, joy, and resilience. Originally created for the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale, UNCEDED is the first Indigenous-led contemporary architecture exhibition to be showcased internationally, and the first Canadian Biennale entry to tour North America. Following acclaimed showings in Venice and Ottawa, UNCEDED now brings its powerful audio-visual celebration of Indigenous architects to Amiskwaciwâskahikan, also known as Edmonton.
Open until June 21, 2025
Music Artists in Edmonton This May
Rogers Place Headliners
Big headliners are in Edmonton this month at Rogers Place Arena and you don't want to miss them!
- Cypress Hill ft. Snotty Nose Rez Kids - May 1, Rogers Place
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:
- Shallipopi - May 3, Union Hall
- Niko Moon - May 7, Midway Music Hall
- Machine Head & In Flames - May 8, Midway Music Hall
- CupcakKe - May 8, Union Hall
- Joel Corry - May 10, Union Hall
- Dean Lewis - May 10, Midway Music Hall
- Pouya - May 13, Midway Music Hall
- Curren$y - May 13, Union Hall
- Dru Hill & Ginuwine - May 16, River Cree Resort and Casino
- KAAZE - May 31, Union Hall
Edmonton's Best Hotels
Find the perfect place to lay your head after a fun night out on the town! Edmonton’s Best Hotels offers the best accommodations at the best price. Plus - get added rewards with your stay!
Edmonton has been selected as a Top City within Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel 2025 list!
Lonely Planet’s panel of destination and travel experts curated 30 must-see places across countries, cities and regions. Click to read their review of Edmonton.
