Edmonton: Canada's Festival City
Welcome to Edmonton, Canada's Festival City. With over 50 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.
What's Coming Up
Winter Festivals
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 14-23, 2022
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!
January 27-February 6, 2022
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 11-28
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 1-5, 2022
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 11-21, 2022
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 3-13, 2022
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 12
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
Spring Festivals
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 2022, Dates TBD
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.
June 2-5, 2022
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.
Early June 2022, Dates TBD
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. Keep your eyes peeled for more events hosted by Métis Crossing, Enoch Cree Nation, Canadian Native Friendship Centre and much more!
June 21
Improvaganza
The best improvisers in the world live right here in Edmonton! This June, 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!
June 2022, Dates TBD
Summer Festivals
Boardwalk Sand on Whyte
Sand carving is a worldwide performance art phenomenon, and it’s returning to Old Strathcona this summer. So much more than your average sand castles, these carvings are incredible works of art, and there’s no risk of getting washed away by the tide!
June 2022, 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.
June 23-July 5, 2022
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 2022, 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.
July 2022, 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 21-31, 2022
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 22-31, 2022
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 Brazil and explore exotic 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 30-August 1, 2022
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 4-7, 2022
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
Cariwest, Edmonton's annual celebration of Caribbean arts, music and culture, takes over Churchill Square this summer! Get a taste of Caribbean favourites like Jerk chicken, Roti, Patties and much more. Make your way downtown and shake your tail feathers with some of the best dressed performances around! Stay tuned for details on this year's festival, coming soon.
August 5-7, 2022
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
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
Alberta International Airshow
Get ready for high-flying fun at the Alberta International Airshow at the Villeneuve Airport! Look up, wayyyyy up. This show boasts many exciting aerial performers including both military and civilian acts. There are also static displays showing off more cool aircraft. Food trucks and a family-friendly kid zone make this one festival you do not want to miss!
August 2022, Dates TBD
Fall Festivals
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 2022, Dates TBD
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!
October 2022, Dates TBD
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 2022, Dates TBD