Things to do this Summer in Edmonton
Your summer bucket list starts here! Experience 18 hours of daily sunlight in the world's largest northernmost metropolis. Feel the rush of Edmonton's summer festival season, embark on awe-inspiring sunset canoe tours, encounter roaming plains Bison at Elk Island National Park, and catch some rays on one of the city's legendary patios.
Festivals on Festivals
Canada's Festival City
Summer in Edmonton isn't complete without a full line-up of exciting festivals! From the world-renowned Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, to the delicious Taste of Edmonton, and the cultural hotbed that is the Edmonton Heritage Festival & Cariwest, you're guaranteed a great time. Stop by the Whyte Avenue Art Walk, pop over to the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival and The Works Art & Design Festival or jam out on the iconic hill at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.
Soundtrack Music Festival
This two-day, multi-genre festival is bringing back the 2000's to the river valley. Get your butterfly clips and low-rise jeans ready for some epic throwback jams. The 2023 festival features Nelly, Third Eye Blind, Mother Mother, T.I., Ashanti, Everclear, Said The Whale, Boy Golden & more!
June 16-17
Nonstop Fun at K-Days
There’s nothing like screaming at the top of your lungs as your roller coaster cart reaches the peak of its climb and starts to zip down the track. The coasters at K-Days really deliver the thrills. Too scared to take the plunge? Check out the awesome concert series! When you’ve ridden every ride you can handle, cap off the day with a candy apple and watch as fireworks fill the sky above the fairgrounds.
July 21-30
The Summer of PRIDE
June in Edmonton is Pride Month, meaning there are countless 2SLGBTQ+ events to experience around the city! Celebrate with local organizations like Fruit Loop, spend the evening at Evolution Wonderlounge, and check out our 2SLGBTQ+ section for more great events around the city!
Celebrate love and diversity at PRIDE Fest in Churchill Square this August! Don't miss the chance to witness Alberta's first 2-Spirit Powwow, then step back in time at Y2K @ Churchill, featuring a 90s-themed dance party with the legendary PROZZAK. Finally, wrap up the festivities with Pride @ Churchill, the biggest Pride event in Edmonton, featuring performances by Ria Mae, Stereos, Hyphen Hyphen, and more!
August 18-26
Savory Bites & Sips Under the Sun
Take a Delicious Tour
Indulge in the fine local foods and beverages of Edmonton while touring around the city on a Food Bike Tour with Chef Table Living — stop by historical buildings and breweries under the warm sun. Or take a tipsy ride through the streets as you pedal your way around Edmonton's top craft beer taprooms and breweries on an Urban Pedal Tour. Alberta Food Tours also offer a variety of guided culinary exhibitions around the city.
Farmer's Markets Galore
Support local growers, makers, and vendors at these stand-out Edmonton markets: Edmonton Downtown Farmers' Market, Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market and the 124 Grand Market. You’ll find everything Edmontonians love about summer — food trucks, live entertainment, fresh local produce, one-of-a-kind clothing and more. Looking for more farmers markets in Edmonton?
Livin' That Patio Life
There’s nothing quite like the fresh air on an open patio and a cold pint. Try out small but mighty patios like The Next Act, Sugar Bowl or Three Boars/High Dough. The patio at Julio’s Barrio is an Edmonton staple (perfect for people watching), while Café Bicyclette is an ideal place to enjoy a pastry and catch up with friends. The patio at Craft Beer Market is a must visit, and you'll love the eclectic look of the rooftop patio at Spotlight Cabaret.
All Aboard!
See city vistas from a new perspective on the Edmonton Street Car with a glass of cask beer in hand! Running from late May to October, The Common is hosting Street Car Cask Parties, and it's a summer experience that you don't want to miss. Enjoy a different Alberta Brewery for each journey, food from local restaurants, and entertainment at The Common after you return from your trip.
May 25-October
Outdoor Adventure
Explore the City by Water
Paddle your way along the North Saskatchewan River, spotting wildlife and taking in Edmonton's beautiful skyline. Raft rentals from River Valley Adventure Co. come with everything you need for a day out on the water including an inflatable raft, oars, a pump, bailer, personal floatation devices and a repair kit. Paddle your way along the river with Haskin Canoe's Voyageur Canoe Tours, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to transport through Edmonton's backyard. Edmonton Canoe also offers canoe or kayak experiences, plus paddleboards! RiverWatch's Summer EcoFloats offer guided urban river floats down the North Saskatchewan River while taking in stunning scenery and learning about the river's history, culture, and biodiversity.
Discover Elk Island
Elk Island National Park is also a designated dark sky preserve and the cornerstone of Canada’s bison conservation. Camping at Elk Island is a perfect summer activity. Take a trip to Elk Island Retreat, located 45 minutes east of Edmonton and 5 minutes from Elk Island National Park. This private campground features a variety of accommodation options from tipis, geo domes, trapper cabins, yurts and 36 full-service RV sites. Talking Rock Tours provides interactive experiences that reveal the history of the land with a Métis guide and geologist who combines his culture and knowledge of geology. You'll see Edmonton's landscapes in a whole new light!
Climb New Heights
Gather your crew and hit the biggest and most intricate jungle gym you've ever seen at the Snow Valley Aerial Park. Are you ready for the "Ninja Warrior" course? Or are you looking for something a little closer to the ground? Either way, you'll have the best afternoon ever exploring the off-the-ground games and obstacles. You can also find Target Golf and the Whitemud Creek Mining Company at Snow Valley this summer.
Get Your Head in the Clouds
Take flight with Edmonton Regional Helicopters and explore Edmonton from a bird's eye view, or swoop through Edmonton's picturesque, sprawling river valley during a one-hour Discovery Flight + City Tour with the Namao Flying Club! These views are one of a kind. For even more high-flying fun, let your imagination take flight at The Alberta Aviation Museum. With over 30 historical aircraft exhibits, there is something for everyone to explore!
Iconic Attractions
History Lovers, Rejoice!
Depart on a journey through Edmonton's rich history at Fort Edmonton Park, and explore life through the diversity of First Nations' and Métis Peoples' histories and perspectives at the park's Indigenous People's Experience. The Royal Alberta Museum’s expansive galleries will immerse you in stories of Alberta. 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. A short drive away, Métis Crossing celebrates the story of the Métis through traditional crafts, tours, and food experiences.
The ICE District
Located at the north end of the 4th Street Promenade, the ICE District features Rogers Place, an architectural and technological marvel that hosts the biggest names in music and is home to the Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings hockey teams. What’s more, ICE District is gearing up to be one of Canada’s largest mixed-use sports and entertainment districts. The Grandvilla Casino and luxury hotels like the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District are just the beginning. Take in events like Sustainival, BOMFEST, and a lengthy list of superstar concerts!
Muttart Conservatory
Breathe in colourful and exotic life at this enchanting attraction. Each of the four iconic pyramids holds a themed garden representing a different world biome and species that hail from Mexico to Madagascar. Make sure to leave time to stop in at Cafe Bloom onsite for a delicious homemade meal before you head out! Pro tip: keep your eyes peeled for the resident superstar, a giant Amorphophallus titanium, also known as the corpse flower.
photo credit: @tosomeplacenew
A Sporty Summer
Canadian Road Cycling Championships
The 2023 Canadian Road Cycling Championships are the most prestigious cycling events on the domestic racing calendar, with the winners of each event awarded the “National Champion” maple leaf jersey to wear in competition around the world in the year following the event. Don’t miss the opportunity to ride like a pro at our 3rd annual Edmonton Urban Fondo. Join Edmonton's only urban, closed course, bike event on June 25!
June 23-26
Volleyball World Beach Full Tour
Feel the heat as Volleyball World turns Edmonton's ICE District into a beach paradise! Watch the world's best athletes compete for big bucks and ranking points in this thrilling global circuit.
July 20-23
FIBA 3X3 Masters & Women's Series
Basketball's greatest 3x3 athletes return to downtown Edmonton this summer for the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Tour and FIBA 3x3 Women's Series in ICE District Plaza! The prestigious 3x3 event will take place at the same time as Taste of Edmonton, so be sure to fuel up and choose from an array of over 50 Edmonton-owned restaurants before heading over to catch the games!
July 29-30
Commonwealth Stadium
With a seating capacity for 56,400 fans and home of the Edmonton Elks football club and FC Edmonton soccer team, Commonwealth Stadium is a must-visit venue for world-class events including major sports events and concerts. This 42-acre complex just minutes from the city centre promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.
