Illuminate your curiosity at Downtown Spark! Be on the lookout as downtown Edmonton welcomes immersive cultural exhibits, a colourful pop-up park, creative art installations and so much more. Experience the magic of the city’s core with physically distant experiences that everyone can enjoy safely.
It all starts with a single spark. Where will it ignite next?
Please remember to stay home if you're sick, practice safe physical distancing and follow the public safety measures put in place to keep our community safe.
Support Local
Explore the core as you support the many incredible local businesses that call downtown Edmonton home! Make a meal of your visit by signing up for the Explore Edmonton Downtown Dining Pass, a mobile savings passport that includes many to-go deals at the city's best local taprooms, inventive eateries, cozy cafés and more. Discover the independent boutiques and retailers that line 104th Street, then experience physically-distant attractions like River Valley Adventure Co. or the Neon Sign Museum.
Mother Tongues: amiskwacîwâskahikan
Mamanaw Pekiswewina | Mother Tongues: amiskwacîwâskahikan is a celebration of the ancestral Indigenous languages of Treaty 6. [Care]rated by Cheyenne Rain LeGrande ᑭᒥᐘᐣ for Latitude 53, Mamanaw Pekiswewina: amiskwacîwâskahikan offers public [gifts of art] by artists Edna Elias, Carol Powder & Cikwes, Lauren Crazybull, Maria-Margaretta, Taran Kootenhayoo, jaye simpson, and Wanahae.
These seven ancestral languages are embedded across the downtown core in amiskwacîwâskahikan. Visibility is powerful and to have the living languages which come from this land be seen in the midst of an urban environment speaks to the resilience and the survival of Indigenous people and languages.
April-September
Arts District Animation
Ignite your imagination in The Arts District! The Winspear Centre (beginning April 8), The Citadel Theatre (beginning April 10) and the Art Gallery of Alberta (beginning April 23) are hosting three distinct family-friendly digital experiences on the facades of their buildings. These displays will feature the incredible work of local artists, showcased on large outdoor LED screens or with laser projections and accompanying sound.
April 8-May 31
Root 107
A new pop-up park is taking root downtown! Enjoy the fresh spring air at Root 107 - an inclusive public space filled with colourful mural art, greenery, and unique seating areas made from recycled materials. Grab some takeout at one of the neighbouring restaurants or food trucks and enjoy in the sunshine! Root 107 is popping up at 107 Street & 101 Avenue beginning at the end of April.
April 28-May 22
Winter Birds
Some birds head south when they feel that very first chill in the air. Others stick it out to enjoy the beauty of winter in Edmonton! As part of the Quarters Arts Society's annual Spring Equinox Festival, GLOW, the Winter Birds Exhibit invites you to celebrate those special species of birds that make Edmonton their home all year-round. Discover 3 glowing inflatable chickadees (we can hear them chirping now!) perched atop the roof and in the courtyard of CO*LAB at 9641 102A Avenue.
March 21-April 30
Winter Birds is now over, but never fear! You can still explore the core at the other Downtown Spark activations.
Fantastic Planet
Look up! Waaaaay up! Six massive ‘humanoids’ are taking over downtown Edmonton. Incredible inflatable structures have popped-up in a variety of locations including City Hall plaza. These illuminated titans have been invading the globe, travelling from afar to land right here on earth. They’re coming… are you ready?
March 12-April 11
Check out the full location list & times below to spot them all:
- Down There at City Hall Plaza: 24 hours
- Peeping Corner at Sir Winston Churchill Square at TIX on the Square: noon-10:00pm
- Poke at Sir Winston Churchill Square: noon-10:00pm
- Comfort at Abbey Glen Park: noon-10:00pm
- What’s That at Sir Winston Churchill Square: noon-10:00pm
- Over at MacEwan University 105 Street Building Rooftop: noon-10:00pm
Fantastic Planet is now over, but never fear! You can still explore the core at the other Downtown Spark activations.
wâpos
Celebrate the coming of spring with wâpos - featuring larger than life sculptures designed by Indigenous artist Jason Carter and an experience created by Jason Carter & Bridget Ryan. Wave 'hello!' to large rabbits in Amiskwaskahegan Park (Beaver Hills House Park) in the heart of downtown Edmonton. They are lit from within, so at night they are illuminated and during the day they are intriguing and beautiful. There will also be 40 smaller rabbits that ‘run’ along the path and are nestled in and amongst the park - can you spot them all?
March 25-April 3
wâpos is now over, but never fear! You can still explore the core at the other Downtown Spark activations.
A Taste of Al Fresco
There's nothing better than a bit of fresh air! Get out of the house (you don't have to tell us twice!) and head to A Taste of Al Fresco, a wonderful chance to explore Edmonton's iconic 104th Street downtown. Indulge in $15-$25 tasty food specials on extended restaurant patios and featured drink specials including a Hot Bevvy Showdown. Peruse through art installations, including visual and performance window activations, ice sculptures and more!
March 27-28
A Taste of Al Fresco is now over, but never fear! You can still explore the core at the other Downtown Spark activations.
Explore the Core
Health and Safety Measures
Downtown Spark is working closely with Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health to present safe opportunities for Edmontonians to enjoy downtown that comply with current provincial orders and guidelines. When heading downtown, please remember to:
- Follow the public safety measures our partners and businesses have adopted to keep our community safe.
- Maintain physical distance between yourself and others.
- Stay at home if you're sick.
Downtown Spark is made possible in partnership with the City of Edmonton, Downtown Business Association, Explore Edmonton, Edmonton Arts Council, Western Economic Diversification Canada and supported by the Art Gallery of Alberta, Citadel Theatre, Winspear Centre, Latitude 53, Downtown Edmonton Community League and CO*LAB.
