Things to Do in May
Although the odd flurry may make its way into town, you can bet that by mid-month you'll be switching out your toque for a ball cap! May means we're about to enter our beautiful summer season—the birds will be chirping, and humans will be slathering on sunscreen and heading out to the patios. It’s time to check out all the fun events and warm-weather happenings here in Edmonton!
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. We've got a few suggestions to set you up for success.
The perfect gift is easy to find in Edmonton. Surprise mom with some beautiful blooms from Flowers by Merle, 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, and The Italian Centre.
High Tea is an elegant way to round out your Mother's Day plans. Book your seating at the stunning Fairmont Hotel Macdonald or The Art of Cake. These special events sell out fast, so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. You can also pick-up a marvelous High Tea to-go from Brew+Bloom. Pinkies up!
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Evolution Wonderlounge is Edmonton's only spectacular gay bar, and they are welcoming some Drag Race icons this month. Adriana (from Canada's Drag Race Season 2) is hitting the stage on May 6, and Kita Mean (The winner of Drag Race Down Under) will be lip-syncing the house down on May 21. Finally, kick-off Pride Month in style with Canada's Drag Race fan favorite, Boa, on May 27. Start your engines, these events are packed with plenty of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent!
May 6, 21 & 27
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 brand new 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 21
Support Black Owned Businesses
This month is a great time to discover local Black artisans, makers, and creators in Edmonton! Black Owned Market Edmonton (BOM YEG) is a volunteer collective who aims to uplift, build, and support Black businesses. You can find BOM YEG at their ongoing retail pop-up in partnership with Unite by TMK on the 2nd floor of Kingsway Mall, or online at www.bomyeg.ca. For more entrepreneurs to support, head to our article Support Local: Black Owned Businesses in Edmonton.
This is Oil Country
The Oilers have advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, so let's be there to cheer them on! Catch all the hard-hitting hockey action at the state-of-the-art Rogers Place arena this postseason.
Looking for other ways to immerse yourself in the playoff festivities? Check out the Molson Hockey House Watch Party to catch the game and some live festivities at Ford Hall, or join the Ford Tailgate Party at Ice District Plaza for live music, food and drinks, giveaways, and more. Let's go Oilers!
Register for L'Etape Tour de France
L’Étape by Tour de France is coming to Canada for the first time ever! From Paris to the prairies, you'll race through Edmonton's scenic streets and participate in this thrilling cycling event without the flight to France. This event is for all cyclists — the challengers, the casual riders, and the kids. While the race doesn't take place until August 14, you'll want to begin training ASAP! Register now, then start tuning up your bike (and your body) for the cycling event of a lifetime.
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 5-15
Celebrate Ufest
Western Canada's largest multi-day Ukrainian festival returns this May! UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival is a celebration of Ukrainian culture... and a whole lotta 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, Kozak Kids Zone, and so much more.
May 27-28
You just got served!
Get ready to spike it like it's hot. Volleyball Canada Nationals 2022 is expected to be one of Volleyball Canada’s most exciting Nationals to date – with over 800 teams, 54 volleyball courts, and 12,000 participants. The Edmonton Expo Centre will become your home base with parent lounges, live entertainment, local markets, food trucks, and more! Can you dig it?
May 18-24
Women & Wealth Gala
The Edmonton Convention Centre is your home base for an evening of inspiration, empowerment, and entertainment at the 2022 International Women's Day Women + Wealth Gala. This year, the incredible lineup of guest speakers includes multi award-winning actress, writer, and comedian Catherine O'Hara (the virtual keynote who will be streamed live), Shayla Stonechild, Kristina Botelho and returning Emcee, Carrie Doll!
May 14
Get Up Close with the RAM
Are you ready to get Up Close? During this virtual speaker series from the Royal Alberta Museum, you'll discover stories, objects, and ideas from beyond the galleries. Meet museum experts, hear about research and collections projects, and get up close with history! This month's topic's include 'Berries and Birds: Exotic Plants Altering the Colour of Birds' and 'Elk Ivory Pendants in Alberta'.
May 6 & 20
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.
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.
Science Rules!
TELUS World of Science – Edmonton is a truly out-of-this-world experience. There are a wide variety of newly renovated galleries to explore, IMAX movies to discover, and tons of fun and engaging science to uncover. Take your seat at the edge of the universe in the Zeidler Dome theatre and embark on an incredible cosmic journey across galaxies and to the core of an atom. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in an underwater world and check out this season's feature exhibit, James Cameron - Challenging the Deep!
Street Car Cask Party
See city vistas from a new perspective on the Edmonton Street Car with a glass of cask beer in hand. You'll watch the sunset over the river valley from atop the High Level Bridge — views don't get much better than this! Running from May 26 to October, The Common is hosting Street Car Cask Parties, with a different Alberta Brewery for each journey. Bottoms up!
Every Thursday, starting May 26
Savour the Flavours of Alberta Ave
Chef Table Living's 118th Food Walk Tour is an amazing way to discover and taste cuisines from the diverse (and delectable) local culinary establishments on Alberta Avenue. Experience this unique district while admiring stunning murals and learning fun facts about the community.
April 16-May 7
Live Music at the Winspear
For a special outing with your special someone, you've got to check out the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at the Winspear Centre. Concerts feature a wide range of repertoire: classical masterworks, hip-hop, pop, and even cinematic favourites. This month, don't miss The Magical Music of Harry Potter from May 21-28 and Simon Johnson: Bach & Organ on May 31 (and much more!).
Various dates in May