As winter winds down and a new season begins to sprout, April in Edmonton brings a whole ton of exciting events, perfect for those hoping to get outdoors.
From music and film festivals to the end of the NHL regular season, check out these 10 fantastic events to check out in Edmonton this April.
Downtown Defrost
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What: Get ready for Edmonton’s coolest winter party! The Downtown Defrost is back, celebrating 10 years of dance music and culture. With headliners like Channel Tres, Yaeji, and Neil Francis, this two-day festival in Churchill Square promises non-stop energy and epic vibes.
When: April 18 to 19
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: General admission tickets start at $118.48
Check out an Oilers game
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What: With the 2024-25 NHL regular season wrapping up this month, don’t miss your chance to see the Oilers play at home before what’s sure to be a wild playoff season!
When: Various dates in April
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Edmonton Music Speech & Arts Festival
What: Formerly known as the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival, the 117th annual Edmonton Music & Speech Arts Festival creates over 2,500 opportunities for more than 20,000 music students, actors, musicians, and music lovers to perform in front of an audience and receive professional adjudication. Plus, performances are free to check out!
When: April 22 to May 4
Where: Various locations across Edmonton
Cost: Free
Edmonton’s International Beerfest
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What: Every year, beer lovers from around the world gather and toast to tradition, the future, and all things that are beer at the Edmonton International BeerFest. The event features hundreds of beers from around the world, eight bands, roving entertainment (stilt walkers, magicians, street performers), two stages with live entertainment, Beer School, and so much more.
When: April 18 to 19
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre —9797 Jasper Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $22.01
Hit up the WEM World Waterpark
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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a tropical 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 way to spend the day.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: $40 to $54; tickets can be found online
Dreamspeakers International Film Festival
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What: Dreamspeakers International Film Festival brings together Indigenous filmmakers, performers, and artists from all over the world. Take a deep dive and be captivated by the diverse range of Indigenous cultures at this unique film festival.
Where: Metro Cinema or Stanley A. Milner Library
When: April 12 to 16
Cost: TBA; find ticket info online
Edmonton Tattoo and Arts Festival
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What: Head to the Edmonton EXPO Centre this month, where the Edmonton Tattoo & Arts Festival is taking place! This event features more than 450 of the best international, local, and national artists, with contests, exhibits and tattoos taking place all weekend long!
When: April 4 to 6
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $35; find them online
Muttart Conservatory
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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 and a lovely thing to do in Edmonton.
When: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A St. NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission
Art Gallery of Alberta
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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’re all finished!
When: Wednesdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., Edmonton
Cost: $14; purchase online
Elk Island National Park
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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. Why not enjoy the outdoors at this prestigious national park? With the weather warming up, it’ll sure be a nice time to do it!
When: Open year-round
Where: 54401 Rge. Rd. 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Free; Parks Canada pass is required to enter