HUGE new music festival coming to Edmonton's Louise McKinney Park this summer

Edmonton’s summer events calendar just added a huge event that local music lovers won’t want to miss.

Down by the River, the city’s newest music festival, is taking over Louise McKinney Riverfront Park from Sept. 13 to 14.

The all-ages, open-air festival will feature a carefully curated lineup of artists from across Edmonton, Canada, and beyond. General admission tickets are on sale now for single days or the weekend, though you’d better grab yours before they’re gone.

 

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“Down by the River is born from our love for music and the way it connects us all,” said Sahib Quraishi, booking and creative director of The Factory Music & Arts, the collective behind the event, in a release.

“This festival is our chance to give back to the city that’s given us so much.”

The festival takes place from 1 to 11 p.m. each day along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

This year’s Down by the River lineup includes genre-defying headliners Ruby Waters, Boy Golden, Cat Clyde, Emily Nenni, and Chaparelle.

Boy Golden

Also performing at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park are:

• Damaris Bojor
• Bad Magic
• Leon Majcen
• The Denim Daddies
• Kip Lily,
• Aladean Kheroufi
• Shane Ghostkeeper
• Duff Thompson
• Steph Green

​”This festival is a tribute to Edmonton’s creative energy and the western roots that run deep in Alberta,” added Gavin Delaney, festival board member, in a statement. “It’s about supporting the artists who are pushing boundaries, sharing their work with our community, and making sure everyone feels like they’re part of something truly special.”

The fun begins on Thursday, May 22, with a special launch party for Down by the River at Double Dragon.

 

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Celebrate the launch of the new festival with live performances by acclaimed Canadian country music singer-songwriter Mariel Buckley and crowd faves Jackson and the Janks.

Tickets for the Down by the River launch party are on sale now.

Down by the River

When: September 13 to 14, 2025
Time:  1 to 11 p.m.
Where: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, Edmonton
Tickets: Various prices. Children 12 and under are free with a ticket-holding adult. Purchase online