16 of the best things to do this long weekend in Edmonton: July 1 to July 3
It’s a long weekend, YEG, as Canada Day falls on Friday. How should you fill your extra time? Let’s go through all the things to do this weekend, shall we?
From Canada Day events to a wicked downtown farmers’ market, let’s dive into all the great things you can check out this weekend in the city.
Canada Day at the ICE District
What: A celebration of the best country on planet earth with a backyard barbeque on an ICE District scale. Wear your Canadian colours proudly and enjoy live entertainment, food, beverages, photo ops, roving characters, axe throwing, a renowned body airbrush artist, patio games, and more. It’s one of the newest events to pop up to celebrate Canada Day and we couldn’t think of a better place than the ICE District for it.
When: July 1, 3-11 pm
Where: ICE District Plaza
Cost: Free
Canada Day Fireworks
What: Fireworks will light up the sky over Edmonton’s River Valley on July 1 at 11 pm. The fireworks will be live-streamed for anyone who would like to watch from home. The City says the best viewing places are the Alberta Legislature Grounds, Victoria Park, Ezio Faraone Park (west entrance to High Level Bridge on 109 Street north), and Government House Park.
When: July 1, 11 pm
Where: Edmonton’s River Valley
Cost: Free
Snow Valley Aerial Park
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What: With over 100 elements on the structure, there is something for everyone! Crawl, climb, swing, and step your way through locally-themed elements up to 15 metres high, including the rainbow wall, ski bridge, swinging picnic table, and tons of other challenges!
When: Monday to Friday from 5 to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm
Where: 3204 Rainbow Valley Road
Cost: $37-$46; tickets can be found here
Edmonton International Jazz Festival
What: Fall in love with the music and enjoy some of today’s best international, national, and Edmonton-based jazz musicians at the Edmonton International Jazz Festival at a variety of venues ranging from heritage spaces to the Ice District Plaza.
When: Until Sunday, July 3
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Varies
Speeders Edmonton
What: It’s one of Edmonton’s most anticipated business openings this year, and we can finally go check out the new Speeders Edmonton Raceway location. In addition to the huge track, the six duckpin bowling lanes each have their own screen where you can choose what kind of game of bowling you want to play. Augmented reality axe throwing is also a thing here, which will, with moving targets, be the first of its kind to open in all of Canada. Go, Edmonton!
When: Year-round
Where: Unit 16, 12808 170th Street NW
Cost: Varies
Al Fresco on 4th
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What: A vibrant downtown summer market, Al Fresco on 4th, is filled with extended patios, various food trucks, and retail vendors.
When: Now until August 27, 2022
Time: Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm
Where: 104th Street NW, downtown, Edmonton
Cost: Free
Imagine Monet
What: Edmonton will be coated with the works of Charles Monet, the French painter and founder of impressionism, who is among the most famous figures in the history of the art world, as Imagine Monet rolls into town.
When: June 8 to September 2
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre
Cost: $0-$45, tickets can be found here
Art Gallery of Alberta
What: Wander through the thoughtful and beautiful artwork at the Art Gallery of Alberta and marvel at each exhibit. Grab a bite at a downtown Edmonton restaurant when you are all finished!
When: Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursdays are 11 am to 7 pm
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Cost: $14, purchase online
Fort Edmonton Park
What: Fort Edmonton Park is open for the season and it’s a must-see! Nestled on 64 acres of forested parkland along the river valley, visitors can experience the history of Edmonton before their very eyes. Explore a recreation of a fort from 1846 on the grounds during that time and streets detailing each era from 1885 to 1920. Check out the Ferris wheel, theatre, games, and so much more!
Where: 7000 143rd Street NW, Edmonton
When: May 21 – September 18, Wednesday – Sunday (and holiday Mondays)
Cost: $21-$26, tickets can be found here
Hamilton
What: HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. It’s also Broadway’s return to Edmonton since the COVID-19 pandemic began, so you don’t want to miss this!
When: June 21 to July 10
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Cost: $84-$505, tickets can be found here
Nature Connects Exhibit
What: The Nature Connects exhibit at the Edmonton Valley Zoo offers some stunning sculptures made entirely out of the classic toys by acclaimed artist Sean Kenney. It’s been wowing audiences at botanical gardens, zoos, arboretums, and science centers around the world since 2012, so you don’t want to miss out on this!
When: Until September 4
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road (Edmonton Valley Zoo)
Cost: $15.95 for general admission
Work up a sweat on a set of stairs in YEG
What: It’s finally nice enough to get out and enjoy the outdoors in Edmonton and why not work up a sweat after work by running some stairs? We are so lucky to have various spots to run them, so let’s get to work!
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
Check out the Royal Alberta Museum
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What: Marvel at the Royal Alberta Museum’s vast collections, from its archaeology, Indigenous studies, and work-life industry sections to Earth and Life Sciences that will wow you. It’s one of the most intriguing things to do in Edmonton!
When: Open year-round, Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: $10-$21; tickets can be found here
Splash around at the WEM World Waterpark
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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a vacation when you visit the World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. Shoot down some massive slides or relax in the wave pool. Whatever you choose, it’s a prime thing to do this long weekend.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall
Cost: $40-$54; tickets can be found here
Elk Island National Park
What: Whether you’re hitting the trails, stargazing, or trying to see some buffalo, this national park is well worth the short drive out there. With the warmer weather as we progress through June, why not enjoy the outdoors at this prestigious national park!
When: Open year-round
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Free; Parks Canada pass is required to enter
Visit the Muttart Conservatory
What: Be amazed at the stunning Muttart Conservatory, with each glass pyramid showcasing a different environment for plants from around the globe. It’s a relaxing, insightful, and beautiful experience.
When: Open year-round
Time: From Monday to Tuesday, 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 am to 9 pm, Friday, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Muttart Conservatory (9626 96A Street, Edmonton)
Cost: $7.75-$14.95, purchase online