Edmonton: Canada's Festival City
Festivals All Year Round
Welcome to Edmonton, Canada's Festival City. With countless festivals annually, there’s no shortage of excitement to fill your stay - whether it’s 30 degrees above or below. Folk music in a natural open-air amphitheatre? You got it. Canoe races in the middle of winter? Done and done. North America's largest and wildest Fringe Theatre Festival? You know it. With so many festivals on the docket annually, we can guarantee that you'll find one (or a dozen) that you'll love.
In Edmonton, we have a festival for that.
Read on for a list of some of the city's hottest celebrations, then cruise over to our event calendar for even more legendary festivals & events in the city.
Summer Festivals
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Edmonton's hip Old Strathcona neighbourhood is centre stage for North America's biggest and oldest Fringe Theatre Festival. Local, national and international performers will put on every type of theatre performance imaginable over the ten day festival. Wander the grounds between performances and enjoy the many buskers, outdoor stages or stop in at one of the summer's most lively beer gardens. We LIVE for the drama!
August 11-21, 2022
The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival
Now heading into its second year, The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival features all forms of performance comedy, from locals to superstars. Head to the Edmonton Exhibition Lands Racetrack Infield and get ready to escape your worries with a little (let's be honest, a lot) of laughter. It's what we all need right now!
August 12-14, 2022
Edmonton Blues Festival
The Edmonton Blues Festival is back and heating up this August! Many of the acts originally booked and cancelled for 2020 will be taking the stage in 2022 at the Heritage Amphitheatre (hooray!). Get your tickets or you may be the one singin' the blues.
August 19-21, 2022
Pride Month
June in Edmonton is Pride Month - meaning there are countless LGBTQ2S+ events to experience around the city. Celebrate with local organizations like Fruit Loop, spend the evening at Evolution Wonderlounge and be sure to head to Churchill Square on June 24 & 25 for a PrideFest gathering to remember. Stay tuned for more events as they're announced!
The month of June, 2023
Edmonton Indigenous People's Festival
National Indigenous Peoples Day uplifts the accomplishments and contributions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. For time immemorial, June 21 has been a celebration of culture and heritage due to its significance as the summer solstice - the longest day of the year. Head to the Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival at West Edmonton Mall on June 18, or celebrate with a Kick-off to Indigenous Day on June 19. Keep your eyes peeled for more events hosted by Métis Crossing, Enoch Cree Nation and the Canadian Native Friendship Centre on social media!
June 2023
Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Get thee to a festival that brings the Bard to life. Enjoy the works of the most famous playwright of all, while enjoying a little fresh air! Performances take place in the picturesque Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park.
June & July 2023, Dates TBD
Grindstone Comedy Festival
Grindstone Theatre's third annual stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy festival will be bringing both national performers and rising local talent together under Edmonton’s spotlight. This inclusive 4 day in-and-outdoor festival is spread across West Ritchie, Old Strathcona and the French Quarter, and will feature 23 public performances from 50 North American artists.
July 2023, Dates TBD
The Works Art & Design Festival
Every summer, Edmonton transforms into a massive celebration of creativity. As North America's largest free outdoor art & design festival, The Works features countless performances and events, with exhibits in venues all over the city. This year, The Works Art & Design Festival and The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival are teaming up to present variety performers, visual art, shenanigans, music, food, and fun in Churchill Square.
July 2023, Dates TBD
Whyte Avenue Art Walk
Imagine a 4 km walk through the hearts and minds of artists. Cultural explorers are invited to see art-making in action on the streets of Old Strathcona during the legendary Whyte Avenue Art Walk.
July 2023, Dates TBD
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
What do unicyclists, puppeteers, tightrope walkers and acrobats all have in common? You'll find them all at the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival this July! Performance artists will transform the city into busker central with their zany, witty or just plain silly performances. This year, The Works Art & Design Festival and The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival are teaming up to present variety performers, visual art, shenanigans, music, food, and fun in Churchill Square.
July 2023, Dates TBD
Taste of Edmonton
Let your taste buds out of quarantine! Edmonton's culinary scene has never been better and there's only one festival where you get to experience it all at once. A huge slice of Edmonton's best restaurants will come together for Taste of Edmonton in Churchill Square for a delicious twelve days of food, entertainment and music. Mix and match between the best local Indian, Chinese and Italian while listening to tunes by awesome musical acts.
July 2023, Dates TBD
K-Days
Experience the wonder of the midway at K-Days, Edmonton’s extravaganza of rides, games, music, food and adventure. The rides and games alone will leave you breathless and wanting more. Watch as fireworks light up the night sky and cheer for the band onstage. Savour the tangy smokiness of a perfectly barbecued rib, taste the warm sugary bliss of freshly fried donuts and bite into the gooey crispness of a candy apple.
July 2023, Dates TBD
Edmonton Heritage Festival
This is your one way ticket to a world of flavours! Take a peek at Pakistan, taste the flavours of Fiji, feel the beat of Burkina-Faso and explore cultures from Afghanistan to Wales. The Edmonton Heritage Festival, presented by TD, is a family-friendly mingling of nations sharing their entertainment, music, culture and cuisine in Hawrelak Park!
July & August 2023, Dates TBD
World Music Week
As part of the legendary Edmonton Heritage Festival, World Music Week welcomes world-class musicians to the stage at the Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park. This 4-night series brings toe tapping tunes featuring talent from local, national, and international artists who are passionate about expressing their unique cultural, music and dance. Book your tickets now!
July & August 2023, Dates TBD
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
The hills are alive with the sound of Folk Fest! Four magical days of eclectic performers, delicious food and a remarkable setting make the Edmonton Folk Music Festival the summer's premiere musical event. Nestled in the natural amphitheatre of Gallagher Hill, you'll find toe-tapping performances and so much more!
August 2023, Dates TBD
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
Cariwest, Edmonton's annual celebration of Caribbean arts, music, and culture, takes over Churchill Square this summer! The 3-day event includes a Friday Night Costume Extravaganza, the Saturday Cariwest Parade and a Caribbean Village throughout the weekend including live entertainment, the Kids Korner, savoury Caribbean cuisine, and the Caribbean Marketplace.
August 2023, Dates TBD
Fall Festivals
Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo
Calling all timelords! The Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo (Edmonton Expo) is our city's greatest pop culture convention. Tens of thousands of people gather each year for a celebration of all things pop culture — comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, comedy, and everything in between.
September 16-18, 2022
Kaleido Family Arts Festival
Kaleido Family Arts Festival is a joyous, exuberant, radically open arts festival that shares the love of the Alberta Avenue Arts District. Kaleido welcomes arts and cultural experiences with multi-arts collaborative performances such as music, dance, theatre, film, literary and visual arts with performances on rooftops, sides of buildings, back alleys, parks and found spaces. It’s an extravagance of creative exploration, imagination, and play.
September 16-18, 2022
Edmonton International Film Festival
Indulge your cinematic appetite with the Edmonton International Film Festival... and a large bag of popcorn (with extra butter of course). Here you'll find independent, international, and eye-opening films. Experience the best in independent film making from around the globe!
September 22-October 1, 2022
Edmonton Comedy Festival
Ready to laugh? Or cry because you’re laughing so hard? Edmonton Comedy Festival is back with some of the best comedians around. The Festival returns with “4 Days of Funny” this fall. Discover a stellar line-up on stages throughout Edmonton!
October 2022, Dates TBD
Litfest
Nonfiction content comes to life at Litfest! Avid readers connect with writers through a series of live & virtual events, great conversations, and immersive readings. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to interact with some of the best-selling, award-winning and emerging authors of books, magazines and films!
October 13-23, 2022
Winter Festivals
All is Bright
One of Edmonton's hippest neighbourhoods flips the switch on its holiday lights at the All is Bright Festival. Witness some amazing fire and light dancers, cozy up in the beverage gardens, cook some delicious treats over the fire and much more. Find all the excitement on 124 Street at Helen Nolan Park.
November 2022, Dates TBD
Luminaria
Don't miss your chance to take in the candlelight, starlight, peace and tranquility at Luminaria. A short forty-minute drive from downtown Edmonton you'll find the University of Alberta Botanic Garden — the largest botanical garden in the province. When the snow falls, the garden transforms into a true winter wonderland with snow sprites, glowing light sculptures, musical performances and more.
November 2022, Dates TBD
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Fête
Embrace our Northern climate and celebrate the Russian/Ukrainian “Olde New Year” at Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Fête. This multicultural winter extravaganza transforms 118th Avenue and Borden Park for a festival that brings together Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, Franco-African, First Nations and South American communities to celebrate their diverse cultures, and revel in the wonder of the season. Get ready to channel your inner Viking!
January 2023, Dates TBD
Ice on Whyte
Edmonton’s winter sunshine is bright enough to light up your day at the Ice on Whyte Festival, but those rays can’t keep the cool away from one of our city’s favourite sub-zero celebrations. The canvas is all around you in Edmonton—when the temperature drops, creativity rises at the International Ice Carving Competition. You can even take in this winter must-do while sipping on a drink from the ice bar!
Late January/Early February 2023, Dates TBD
Silver Skate Festival
Some call it a winter wonderland, others call it a “true Canadian experience”, and you’ll likely have your own name for it after partaking in this snowy 10-day festival. Epic tales on frozen trails await as you explore the Silver Skate Festival in the heart of Hawrelak Park. Whether you’re carving a snow sculpture or enjoying a hot chocolate while listening to live music, one thing is for sure — your winter boots will thank you.
February 2023, Dates TBD
Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival
Channel your inner adventurer, strap on your skis and whip around the loppet when you take on the Canadian Birkebeiner! Feel the rush as you glide across the final stretch of track before falling into a blanket of white snow. The fatigue only lasts an hour or so, but the sense of accomplishment and appreciation for one of winter’s oldest sports will last forever!
February 2023, Dates TBD
Flying Canoë Volant
Flying Canoë Volant is a creative, interactive, and cultural event where you can celebrate local history and everything that is great about a long winter’s night. Inspired by the legend of The Flying Canoe and French Canadian, First Nations and Métis traditions, this event illuminates Edmonton's beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and the French Quarter. Channel your inner Voyageur!
March 2023, Dates TBD
Skirtsafire Festival
Head to Skirtsafire to be stirred and inspired by their wide variety of programming including theatre, music, dance, comedy, visual art, spoken word, workshops, design and more - all featuring women and non-binary artists.
March 2023, Dates TBA
Mosquers Film Festival
The Mosquers Film Festival aims to educate, entertain and build bridges by showcasing talent and the diverse Muslim experience. Indulge in an event filled with incredible short films, feature entertainment, an award ceremony, and an after party for the ages.
March 2023, Dates TBA
Spring Festivals
Improvaganza
The best improvisers in the world live right here in Edmonton! This July, Rapid Fire Theatre hosts top-ranked improv teams from across the globe. Here you'll find improv, comedy, music and more. Get your laugh on at Edmonton's funniest festival!
July 13-23, 2022
Northwestfest
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?
May 2023, Dates TBA
UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival
Western Canada's largest multi-day Ukrainian festival returns to Borden Park this May! UFest is a celebration of Ukrainian culture, food, music, dance…and a whole lotta fun. This free, two-day event brings together people of Ukrainian heritage, as well as audiences of many diverse cultures.
Late May 2023, Dates TBA
Downtown Spark
Downtown Spark is back! This year’s festival is even bigger and better with plenty of things to see, from art installations to daily musical performances, food trucks and street parties. Rice Howard Way and Alex Decouteau Park will be home to this year’s awe-inspiring art installations. Festival-goers are encouraged to walk from one site to another and enjoy performers and food trucks at Alex Decouteau Park.
Late May, 2023, Dates TBA
Dreamspeakers Film Festival
Celebrate the latest works by Indigenous Peoples’ innovation in film, video, and new media, with exciting selections of works from around the globe. Dreamspeakers International Indigenous Film Festival has been around since 1993, and highlights the outstanding work of Indigenous artists. Immerse yourself in culture, art and an exploration of the stories that shape humanity. Get ready to be inspired!
Late May 2023, Dates TBA
International Children's Festival
This magical multi-day festival transforms the banks of the Sturgeon River in downtown St. Albert into a mighty carnival as kids come out to play with professional artists from across the country and around the world.
Early June, 2023, Dates TBA
The Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival
Make your way to Giovanni Caboto Park for this two day family-friendly festival celebrating the full spectrum of talent and culture in central Edmonton. As you wander past the shops and restaurants that line the street of Edmonton's historic Little Italy, you'll be drawn to the sound of live music and laughter. The Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival will be in full swing showcasing talent from this Central Edmonton community.
Early June, 2023, Dates TBA
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. Each year the festival celebrates an electric line up of performances and installations.
June 2023, Dates TBA
Alberta Circus Arts Festival
Come one, come all and join Firefly Theatre for 4 days of Canadian contemporary circus performances at La Cite Francophone. Take part in professional development workshops from emerging and established artists, enjoy panels and discussions around sector development for industry professionals, and outreach opportunities for all.
June 2023, Dates TBA
