Things to Do in May
As we bid adieu to April showers (and occasional flurries), it's time to embrace the arrival of May flowers! Welcome this delightful month and enjoy the sunshine, watch some breathtaking performances, experience amazing festivals, and more.
A Mother's Day to Remember
It's time to celebrate the amazing mothers and mother figures in our lives! Show that special person in your life the appreciation they deserve. The perfect gift is easy to find in Edmonton – surprise mom with some beautiful blooms from Best Buds Flower Co, Laurel's on Whyte, Pollie's Flowers, Beau Villa Flowers and Gifts, Sweet Stems, Swish Flowers, Callingwood Flowers, or Lisa's Gifts and Flowers.
Cookies, cakes, and confections — oh my! Treat mom to some indulgent deliciousness and hope that she is willing to share! The most memorable Mother's Day starts at local bakeries like The Art of Cake, Sugared & Spiced, Duchess Bake Shop, The Italian Centre, Eleanor & Laurent, and Chocorrant.
Take Movie Night Up a Notch
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 popcorn will be poppin' at the historic Metro Cinema, located inside the Garneau Theatre. Movie buffs, mark your calendars!
May 4-14
You just got served!
Experience the ParaVolley PanAmerica Zonal Championships in Edmonton! Get your Canadian flags and noise makers ready and come cheer on your national men's and women's sitting volleyball teams. The ParaVolley Championship will be held in conjunction with Volleyball Canada youth Nationals in Edmonton. Support the national Paralympic team by attending the tournament and learning more about this incredible adaptive sport!
May 9-13
Celebrate Ufest
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 26-27
Unravel Creativity with Yarn
Gathering Threads is Edmonton’s premier yarn and fibre arts festival that draws textile artists from all over the world, offering workshops in a variety of techniques such as macrame, knitting, embroidery, beading, fashion sustainability, knitwear styling, wool production, spinning, felting, and weaving. Whether you're a maker or a curious learner, you're welcome in the circle!
May 5-7
The Triathlon Alberta Mad Moto Series
The Triathlon Alberta Mad Moto Series is a great family event, as those from the age of 6 and up can participate in the swim and run relay. It's a fantastic way for anyone to dip their toes into the sport of triathlon! Distances increase as age groups increase. Be sure to stick around to watch the high school championships! Visit the site above for more details and to register, and most importantly, have fun!
May 7
Be a Happy Camper
Get away from it all without venturing far from the city - there's really nothing like camping in the prairies! From Edmonton's own Rainbow Valley Campground to Elk Island Retreat, located 45 minutes east of Edmonton and 5 minutes from Elk Island National Park, there is no shortage of camping and R.V. Park options in and around town. Pitch your tent or park your R.V. and take in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Fresh air never tasted so sweet.
The Art of the Brick
Marvel at the world's largest display of brick art at the TELUS World of Science's new feature exhibit: The Art of the Brick. Prepare to be astounded as you explore a stunning collection of over 100 breathtaking works of art, including awe-inspiring original pieces and ingeniously reimagined renditions of world-famous masterpieces. This remarkable exhibition has captured the attention of media outlets such as CNN, PBS NewsHour, and The New York Times. Now, it's your turn to witness the magic firsthand.
May 5 - October 10
Dance It Out
Get ready to bust a move with Prison Dancer, the electrifying new musical based on the viral video that broke the internet! In 2007, 1,500 inmates in a Philippines prison shook their groove thing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," and now their story has inspired a toe-tapping extravaganza by Filipino-Canadian masterminds Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus.
May 11 - 28
Photo by Nanc Price for The Citadel Theatre’s production of Prison Dancer (2023), featuring Renell Doneza, Byron Flores, Josh Capulong, Julio Fuentes, Daren Dyhengco and Pierre Angelo Bayuga.
Man, I Feel like a Woman
Canadian icon Shania Twain is coming to Edmonton! Known for her energetic stage presence, elaborate stage shows and of course, her chart-topping hits, this show is guaranteed to also be off the charts! The tour follows the much anticipated release Shania's new album, Queen of Me, her sixth original full-length offering. Catch timeless favourites along with new hits!
May 5-6
More Live Music
- Megadeath's Crush the World Tour at the Edmonton Convention Centre (May 1)
- The Fab Four: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute at the River Cree Resort & Casino (May 6)
- Virginia to Vegas at the Starlite Room (May 9)
- Reggae Up North in the heart of Old Strathcona (May 13)
- Dadju at the River Cree Resort & Casino (May 20)
- Brass Camel at the Starlite Room (May 26)
Step Back in Time
History comes to life at Fort Edmonton Park! Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn about four time periods: 1846, 1885, 1905, and 1920. The Indigenous Peoples Experience is an awe-inspiring addition to the park's exciting offerings. Gather and explore life through the diversity of First Nations' and Métis Peoples' histories and perspectives. 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.
Re-opens May 20
Hit the River
Experience the ultimate urban adventure with RiverWatch's Summer EcoFloats in Edmonton! Drift along the North Saskatchewan River, soaking in stunning scenery, while discovering the river's captivating history, culture, biodiversity, and stewardship. With expert River Guides by your side, expect a safe, personalized, and fun-filled journey. Choose from daytime floats for the whole family or weekend/weeknight (dusk) options.
Opening May 1
Stars on Ice
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. Join us on the 2023 tour and be mesmerized by figure skating legends including Kurt Browning, Elvis Stokjo, and other renowned skaters!
May 13
Get to the Green
Dust off your clubs and discover the many pristine golf courses in and around Edmonton. We've gathered some of our favourite public and semi-private places to perfect that swing! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you're ready to nail that hole-in-one. The best afternoon ever awaits.
