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.
Nonstop Fun at KDays
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 KDays 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 19-28, 2024
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+ page for more great experiences around the city!
Edmonton Pride Festival
It's time to celebrate and raise your rainbow! Edmonton Pride Festival returns to Churchill Square this summer to celebrate love and diversity! Dance to live music, be awed by dazzling performers, and engage in community activities as you enjoy an incredible week in a sea of colour!
August 17-24, 2024
Edmonton Drag Fest
With last year being such a great success, Edmonton Drag Festival is back again to celebrate the art of drag and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists in Churchill Square. Have a wonderful time at this family-friendly festival that celebrates the vibrant, diverse and expressive culture of the drag community! Come not only to watch fantastic performances, but also to experience the beauty that diversity and inclusivity brings to our city. Enjoy the activities, contests, and good food in an inclusive and welcoming setting.
May 30-June 1
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! Experience one of the incredible food tours Edmonton has to offer, such as a Food Bike Tour with Chef Table Living, a hoppy exploration with Edmonton Brewery Tours, a walking tour with Alberta Food Tours, or pedal your way on a tipsy ride with Urban Pedal Tours.
Farmers' Markets Galore
Support local growers, makers, and vendors at these stand-out Edmonton markets: Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, the 124 Grand Market, and Bountiful Farmers' 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 and Sugar Bowl. 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 the craft beer from a different Alberta Brewery for each journey, food from local restaurants, and entertainment at The Common after you return from your trip.
May 16-October
Outdoor Adventure
Experience the North Saskatchewan River
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! 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. For a relaxing retreat near the national park, you can stay at the peaceful Métis Crossing or Elk Island Retreat. These stunning locations give you a mix of retreat options, from glamping to camping, along with specialty experiences and tours. 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
Art Gallery of Alberta
With a swirling exterior inspired by Edmonton’s unique northern environment, the Art Gallery of Alberta exudes creativity even from the outside. Los Angeles-based architect Randall Stout’s stunning structure has put a modern spin on Alberta’s oldest cultural institution. From original contemporary to historical exhibitions from Alberta, across Canada and around the world, explore over 6,000 objects throughout three bright and airy floors of viewing space. Get inspired by the infitity of art and take home your very own masterpiece from Shop AGA!
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 Grand Villa Casino and some of Edmonton's Best Hotels located downtown are just the beginning. Be sure to check out the ICE District schedule to discover what next great event is happening!
Muttart Conservatory
Visit Edmonton's iconic pyramid greenhouses to breathe in the refreshing air! The Muttart Conservatory is composed of four specialty gardens featuring plants from around the world, with one of the gardens being a rotating, curated exhibit. Family activities happen all summer long at the Muttart, from summer camps to drop-in programs. Adults are also invited to visit on Wednesdays to experience the adults-only nights, where you can enjoy treats and drinks from the attached Cafe Bloom, then explore the biomes with your sweet treat in hand. Pro tip: keep your eyes peeled for the resident superstar, a giant Amorphophallus titanium, also known as the corpse flower.
A Sporty Summer
Hoop City 3X3
The 2024 edition of Hoop City 3x3 will feature the elite FIBA 3x3 World Tour, FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series, and the Hoop City 3x3 Tournament, making it the largest celebration of 3x3 basketball in Canada! Head to the heart of downtown at Fan Park in the ICE District to watch the best men’s and women’s teams from around the world compete in their last tournament before the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. With an on-court DJ, live entertainment, a fan zone, and dunk contests, Hoop City 3x3 will be an absolute vibe. Tip: Anyone aged 7 and up can register to compete! Join the fun and be one of 250 teams in the community Hoop City 3x3 Tournament. Register your team of 3 to 4 players now and get free tickets to watch the pros!
July 5-7
Red Bull Soapbox Race
Ever witness a turbo-charged hamburger-shaped cart zip down a hilly street and soar off launching ramps? No? Then you don't know what you're missing! Adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers converge for the inaugural Red Bull Soapbox Race in Edmonton for an exhilarating, free event. Participants of the race will craft their own creative (and hilarious) soapbox cars and hurtle down the iconic Queen Elizabeth hill. From outrageous designs to gravity-defying stunts, this event will be one you and your family won't forget!
June 22
Commonwealth Stadium
With a seating capacity for 56,400 fans and home of the Edmonton Elks football club, Commonwealth Stadium is a must-visit venue for world-class events including major sports events and concerts. This summer, the Elks have a series of themed game nights such as Dino Days, 90's night, Hollywood Night, and so much more! This 42-acre complex is just minutes from the city centre and is also hosting big names this summer such as P!nk and Metallica. Looking for a place to stay for your event visit? Get a deal to stay at one of the nearby hotels with Edmonton's Best Hotels.
Edmonton Stingers
Everybody get up, it's time to slam now! The Edmonton Stingers, the city's professional basketball club, are slam dunkin' their way to gold. The season includes several home games over the season and fast-paced, entertaining game-day experiences memorable for fans of all ages. With a focus on Canadian players and using FIBA rules, you might just be seeing Canada's future national players. Get ready for fast-paced professional basketball in an exciting atmosphere at the Edmonton EXPO Centre!
Edmonton Riverhawks
Let's play ball! Head down to the beautiful diamond in the river valley to enjoy a good game of baseball as the Edmonton Riverhawks step up to the plate. The Hawks' wacky theme nights and silly contests strike a chord with fans, bringing even more joy to game-day! From the T-Swift Dance Party to the Paws at the Park night, there are a ton of exciting games to attend that the whole family will love.
Edmonton River Boat
All aboard the Edmonton Riverboat this summer! The Edmonton Riverboat has been sailing since 1995 and is an Edmonton summertime staple. Take a cruise through the North Saskatchewan river on this vessel fully equipped with a brunch buffet, a dinner buffet, two bars and a BBQ! Experience Edmonton from a new perspective on this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Edmonton's Best Hotels
