Wallet feeling the pinch after the holidays? Keep the fun going without breaking the bank with these 21 FREE events around Edmonton this January. Ice skating, open mic nights, and more.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Explore the city and the great outdoors
YEG Candy Cane Lane
What: YEG Candy Cane Lane is a holiday tradition where the neighbourhood from 148 Street between 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue decorates exteriors of homes for everyone to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Edmonton Food Bank, with green bins for donations placed all along the lane. There will also be sleigh rides on select dates in the park on 148 Street and 100 Avenue.
When: Now until January 1, 2020
Time: Sunset to midnight
Where: 148 Street between 100 Avenue to 92 Avenue
Admission: Free
Edmonton Outdoor Skating and Ice Rinks
Holiday ice skating/Shutterstock
What: Edmonton has a variety of outdoor skating and ice rinks to enjoy during the season. City-operated ice surfaces are monitored and maintained daily and will be closed if conditions are unsafe. Make sure to bring your skates and helmet, and check the rink status and conditions before heading out.
When: Open daily until the end of the season based on weather and ice conditions
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Admission: Free
Free Holiday Skate at West Edmonton Mall
What: Enjoy a free holiday skate at Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace on January 3. There will also be surprise guests and entertainment throughout the day.
When: January 3, 2020
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace – West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170 Street NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
How To Go Winter Camping: BRRRRing It On
What: MEC Edmonton Downtown hosts a winter camping clinic. Get prepped for an outdoor adventure with tips on how to cook when it’s below zero, advice on what to wear, and more.
When: January 6, 2020
Time: 6 to 7 pm
Where: MEC Edmonton South — 1624 99 Street NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free, register online
Front Yards In Bloom: Winterscapes
What: Edmontonians are encouraged to brighten their neighbourhood by making a winter wonderland in their front yard, community hall, office/business building, or school. Use lights, plants, snow, and ice in a winterscape-building party then a 2020 Winterscapes Photo Contest.
When: January 12 until February 17, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Price: Free
Opera 101: The Marriage of Figaro
What: Edmonton Opera shares details about their upcoming production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. There will also be a wine and cheese reception beforehand.
When: January 15, 2020
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: CKUA Radio Network — 9804 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton
Tickets: Online, Free
Edmonton Story Slam
What: Edmonton Story Slam is an uncensored, competitive storytelling event. Up to 10 storytellers will take the stage to tell fiction or non-fiction tales, with five random audience members acting as judges. The winner will receive money from a hat passed around after the show.
When: January 15, 2020; February 19, 2020; March 18, 2020 (Slam Off) April 15, 2020
Time: Sign-up 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Where: 9910-109 Street, Edmonton
Admission: Free, donations collected for the winner after the show
Old Strathcona Artisan Market
What: The Old Strathcona Artisan Market showcases over 20 local designers, vendors, and artists along with their handcrafted wares.
When: January 18, 2020
Time: 11 to 3 pm
Where: Varscona Theatre — 10329- 83 Avenue, Edmonton
Admission: Free
2020 Lunar New Year Extravaganza Year of the Rat
Shutterstock
What: Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre hosts a Lunar New Year Extravaganza at West Edmonton Mall to celebrate the Year of the Rat. Enjoy live performances, Dragon and Lion Dances, vendor booths, and more.
When: January 18 and January 19, 2020
Time: 10 am to 10 pm (Saturday), 10 am to 6 pm (Sunday)
Where: Mayfield Toyota Ice Palace – West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton
Admission: $2, seniors over 65 and children under 10 are free when accompanied by an adult
Tet Lunar New Year Festival and Concert
What: Edmonton Viets Association hosts Tet Lunar New Year Festival and Concert at Edmonton Convention Centre on January 18. The Tet Festival during the day includes cultural performances and activities, lion dance, and more. The Tet Concert in the evening includes headliner Nguyên Khang, the Sunflower Band, a night market, and more.
When: January 18, 2020
Time: 11 am to 4 pm (Tet Festival), 7 pm to 1 am (Tet Concert)
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre — 9797 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Birkie Hot Chocolate Sundays
What: Head out on a cross-country ski adventure on the track-set trails in Birkieland and enjoy a warm fire and complimentary hot chocolate. Provided by the Friends of the Blackfoot and the Canadian Birkebeiner Society in advance of the Canadian Birkie Ski Festival.
When: January 19, January 26 and February 2, 2020
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Cooking Lake — Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area, Waskahegan Staging Area, Edmonton
Price: Free
Westview Village Night Market
What: An evening market with over 20 vendors showcasing a variety of goods and items.
When: January 20, 2020
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Westview Village Community Hall — 10770 Winterburn Road NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Lunar New Year of the Rat Celebration at Kingsway Mall
What: Chinese Benevolent Association of Edmonton hosts a Lunar New Year of the Rat Celebration at Kingsway Mall on January 26. The event features interactive activities, exhibitions, live performances, lion dances, new year’s cake, and more.
When: January 26, 2020
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: Kingsway Mall — 109 Street & Kingsway, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Wide Open Mic Wednesdays
What: A weekly open mic series at Grindstone Bistro, hosted by David Dempsy and showrunners Will Hannigan and Natasha Lyn Myles.
When: Every Wednesday
Times: 10 pm to midnight
Where: The Grindstone — 10019 – 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Open Mic at Anvil
Comedy mic (Fer Gregory / Shutterstock)
What: Anvil Coffee House hosts an open mic night every Friday. Poets, musicians, comedians, and more are all welcome to perform.
When: Every Friday
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Anvil Coffee House — 6148-90 Avenue, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Schmoozy Boozy Singy Thingy Sing-Along Holiday Slay
What: The Schmoozy Boozy Singy Thingy is a weekly musical theatre open mic hosted and produced by Twin Flames Theatrical Productions at Grindstone Theatre. Attendees are welcome to bring sheet music, and accompanist Simon will sight read and accompany on piano.
When: Every Sunday
Time: Doors 8:30 pm, signup 9 pm, show 9:30 pm
Where: Grindstone Theatre — 10019 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Eat fresh at farmers’ markets
Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market
Farmers Market / Shutterstock
What: The longest-running farmers market in Edmonton. Shop over 60 vendors at Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market indoor location, including fruit and vegetables, crafts, and more. There will also be entertainment and live music for the whole family to enjoy.
When: Every Saturday
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market — 10305 97 Street NW, Edmonton
Admission: Free
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
What: Edmonton’s first indoor farmer’s market. The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market showcases over 130 vendors every Saturday, including vendors with locally grown produce, arts and crafts, specialty foods, clothing, and more.
When: Every Saturday
Time: 8 am to 3 pm
Where: 83rd Avenue and 103 Street NW (just off Whyte Ave), Edmonton
Admission: Free
Sherwood Park Farmer’s Market – Fall/Winter Season
What: Sherwood Park Farmer’s Market fall/winter season is held inside of Strathcona County Community Centre. Shop for fresh local produce, baking, meats, crafts from local artisans, and more while enjoying live music from buskers.
When: Every Wednesday until May 2020
Time: 4 to 8 pm
Where: Strathcona County Community Centre — 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
Admission: Free
Salisbury Farmers’ Market
Maram/Shutterstock
What: Shop for local fresh foods and arts and crafts every Thursday at Salisbury Farmers’ Market. Every week there is a new Feature Vendor. The first 20 customers to make a minimum $5 purchase at the Feature Vendor of the week will each receive $5 in Salisbury Market Bucks towards their next vendor purchase at the market that Thursday.
When: Every Thursday year-round
Time: 4 to 7:30 pm
Where: Salisbury Greenhouse — 52337 Range Road 232, one mile South of Wye Road, Sherwood Park
Admission: Free
Bountiful Farmers’ Market
What: Bountiful Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. There is also an ethnic food hall, a children’s play area, live entertainment, and more!
When: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: 3696 97 Street, Edmonton
Admission: Free
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