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! 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.
Let the games begin
WNBA L.A. Sparks vs. Seattle Storm
For the second time in history, a WNBA game will be played on Canadian soil! The affordable tickets are more than worth it for this pre-season WNBA matchup between Seattle and LA at Rogers Place arena, marking another monumental event in Edmonton’s history of women’s basketball. This electrifying day of elite women's basketball will be an experience to remember. Don't miss your chance to be a part of HERtory as you witness the intensity, skill, and passion of the WNBA - right here in Edmonton!
May 4
Let's Go Oilers!
The Oilers are back again in 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? Be a part of the orange and blue wave at Scotiabank Fan Park in ICE District, the Molson Hockey House at Ford Hall, or join the Ford Tailgate Party. Let's go, Oilers!
Visit the NHL website for game schedule updates.
All Elite Pro Wrestling
AEW is returning to Edmonton at Rogers Place after an incredible debut last year! Brace yourself for red-hot shows, including "AEW: Dynamite" and "AEW: Rampage," delivering electrifying action and unforgettable moments. Don't miss this historic event—secure your tickets now for an unforgettable night of wrestling at Rogers Place!
May 8
Celebrate the Mothers in your life
Wahkotowin Outdoor Market
All are welcome to attend the Wahkotowin Outdoor Market in the serene environment of Elk Island National Park. Say hi to the grazing bison and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the nature as you shop from Indigenous artisans showcasing quality arts, jewelry, and more. You're bound to find that handmade, heartfelt Mother's Day gift you've been looking for!
May 4
Spring High Tea
In collaboration with Hirondelle Bakery, FIRST Cafe has curated a Spring-themed high tea experience for you to share with your loved ones - a perfect Mother's Day experience! To make this even better, the high tea will be followed by an optional add-on creative workshop on making modern tapestry, led by Laura of The Robin’s Nest.
May 5
Natural Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Delavoye Chocolate Maker has a have love for exploring chocolates and pairing them perfectly with wines. During this 90-minute experience, the passionate chocolate maker, Antoine Lavoie, will guide you through selected chocolate-wine flight whilst giving expert insight, including how chocolate is made. Perfect to kick off the summer, you will leave with fresh pairings to enjoy at home, or during a summer picnic.
May 10
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.
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 12
It's brunch season!
Experience a delightful brunch at one of the city's charming 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. Discover some of the best restaurants to enjoy a brunch in Edmonton!
If you're hoping for something extra special, then here are a few Mother's Day brunches happening in Edmonton on May 12.
- Art Gallery of Alberta: In addition to brunch, young Picassos can explore their artistic flair through engaging children's crafts and guests receive complimentary general admission to the galleries
- Fort Edmonton Park: Brunch is hosted in the historic Blatchford Hangar and every mom will receive a rose, mimosa or mocktail, and one general admission ticket to visit Fort Edmonton Park this summer.
- Métis Crossing: Take a relaxing trip out to enjoy a buffet brunch on the peaceful land of Metis Crossing, where they will have a card-making station for kids and beautiful live entertainment by Mary Stinchcombe.
- Yesterday Auto Gallery: Experience brunch in a 1950s-style diner! Mothers will receive flowers and chocolates and guests get the opportunity admire the display of classic cars and vehicles.
- Fairmont Hotel Macdonald: Enjoy a grand brunch fit for a queen! This brunch is hosted in the Empire Ballroom, a designated historical site of Alberta with views of Edmonton's stunning River Valley.
- Fantasyland Hotel: Located within West Edmonton Mall, relish the extravagant brunch in the Beverly Hills Ballroom, with an enchanting balloon artist for the little ones and a complimentary drink and sweet treat for mom.
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 9-15, Northwestfest
May 16-19, Rainbow Visions Film Fest
Downtown Spark
Downtown Spark is a 10-day festival that features free family-friendly (and even pet-friendly) events in and around downtown Edmonton. Enjoy art installations, music performances, food trucks, street parties, and more! A feature of the event are world-reknown artist installations discovered around different locations downtown. Check the Downtown Spark website for information on this year's art locations!
May 22 - June 2
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 24-25
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 30-June 2
Nextfest
Want a glimpse at 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. Each year the festival celebrates an electric line up of performances and installation. Attend the festival where many of the city’s great performers and artists get their start!
May 30 - June 9
Disco in the Park
This annual, off-the-hook music festival brings together people of all ages for a shared dream - to let loose and dance! Disco in the Park is presented by the Grindstone Theatre Society and SWEAT DJ Collective, showcasing original electronic music producers, DJs, and live performances by local and international artists. This year, they're teaming up with Fruit Loop to host the ultimate weekend block party. Kick off your Friday at Disco in the Park, then return the next day to celebrate with Fruit Loop!
May 31
Music Artists in Edmonton This May
Rogers Place Concerts
Big headliners are in Edmonton this month at Rogers Place Arena and you don't want to miss them!
- Diljit Dosanjh - May 6
- Foreigner - May 10
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:
- TALK – May 4, Midway
- Violent Femmes – May 8, Winspear
- Luca Fogale - May 9, The Aviary
- Prateek Kuhad – May 11, Midway
- Ashanti - May 17, River Cree Resort and Casino
- DJ Paul - May 18, Union Hall
- Nora en pure - May 24, Union Hall
- Hanabie - May 25, Midway
- Charlie Crockett - May 25, River Cree Resort and Casino
- Byron Messia - May 31, Union Hall
Gearing up for pride month
Local Queer History Tour
Summer tours begin for the Edmonton Queer History Project! Michael Phair and Rob Browatzke kick off the season by leading a tour in downtown Edmonton on local history. The tour starts and ends at the Macewan Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity (Roundhouse in Allard Hall), but don't be surprised if you stop somewhere extra special mid-tour for a quick coffee inside a space that is a legendary part of Edmonton's queer history!
May 3
Edmonton Drag Fest 2024
Edmonton Drag Festival celebrates the art of drag and drag culture and provides a platform for artists to showcase their dazzling talents. This fabulously entertaining event is a fun way for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies to come together and celebrate diversity and inclusion!
May 31 - June 2
Flashback 50th May Long
In celebration of the 50th anniversary year of the Flashback Club, Edmonton’s premier dance club for the gay community and its friends invite you to experience the reunion you have all been waiting for!
Featuring the original groundbreaking music of Flashback with Dj Mikee and a drag performance by the immortal Twiggy, enjoy your signature drinks at Edmonton's beloved Evolution Wonderlounge where you will go back in time with the special club music and atmosphere of the 70s and 80s that defined the party years.
May 18
see something new
Telus World of Science: Superhuman Body
Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels combines state-of-the-art CGI and live-action cinematography in immersive IMAX® 3D. Superhuman Body is more than a film — it's a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and the boundless potential of scientific discovery. Narrated by Academy Award®-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, don't miss your chance to witness the future of healthcare on this awesome transformative adventure. You’ll be amazed, moved, inspired, and empowered – you won’t believe what your superhuman body can do – until you see it.
Select days and times
PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite”
Calling all good citizens! The PAW Patrol is yelping for help as they face their greatest challenge yet. Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and cloned him, causing chaos all over the world. It’s up to the pups to catch those clones, rescue Robo Dog and show that when the going gets “ruff,” lending a paw makes you the ultimate TOP HERO. Experience the adventure your favourite pack at the Edmonton EXPO Centre!
May 11-12
AGA Asian Heritage Month Film Night
In recognition of Asian Heritage Month, the Alberta Art Gallery is screening two documentaries featuring artists Ushio and Noriko Shinohara and Ai Weiwei. Cutie and the Boxer is a candid New York love story exploring the chaotic 40-year marriage of a famed boxing painter and his wife. Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry documents the life of Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei, who is among the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists. His sculptures, photographs, installations, and public artworks often repurpose traditional Chinese forms and materials to address today’s most pressing social concerns.
May 9
Paranormal Cirque outside West Edmonton Mall
Get ready for a jaw dropping show with performances that transport you to a dark world inhabited by creatures with incredible circus arts abilities! Located in the West Edmonton Mall overflow parking lot, the black and white big top tent will be showcasing a crazy yet fun fusion between circus, theatre, and cabaret. Get ready to face fears at a show that will both scare and surprise you! Note: This is an 18+ only event.
May 2-12
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
