EventsFall Events

13 fun and free things to do in Edmonton this fall

Allison Stephen
Allison Stephen
|
Aug 28 2026, 7:37 pm
13 fun and free things to do in Edmonton this fall
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Looking for something to do in Edmonton this fall without opening your wallet? There are plenty of free events and activities happening around the city.

From gallery tours to festivals to movies and more, check out these 13 fun and totally free things to do in Edmonton this fall.

Summer Block Party

 

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What: Weekends from June 20 to Sept. 19, Rice Howard Way is turning up the volume, with free live music, patio energy, local businesses, and Entertainment District activity in the heart of downtown Edmonton.

When: Weekends until Sept. 19, 2026
Where: Rice Howard Way

Kejia Festival

What: Celebrate street food and snacks from around the world at this three-day outdoor festival. The event will also feature live music, art and multicultural performances in Louise McKinney Riverfront Park that are free to check out.

When: Sept. 4 to 6, 2026
Where: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park — 9999 Grierson Hill NW

Strathearn Art Walk

What: Browse work from hundreds of emerging and professional artists while enjoying live music and views of Edmonton’s river valley and skyline at this free, family-friendly arts festival.

When: Friday, Sept. 11 to 13, 2026
Where: Strathearn Drive between 89th and 91st streets NW
Cost: Free

Provincial Archives of Alberta 38th Annual Film Night

What: Watch four short documentaries for free by acclaimed Alberta filmmaker and producer Tom Radford exploring environmental conservation, Indigenous rights, land and water use, and immigration. The 104-minute program will be followed by a Q&A with Radford.

When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Metro Cinema — 8712 109th St. NW

Kaleido Family Arts Festival

What: Kaleido Family Arts Festival is a joyous, exuberant, radically open arts festival that shares the love of the Alberta Avenue Arts District. Arts on the Ave and Kaleido welcome 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.

When: Friday, Sept. 18 to 20, 2026
Where: Alberta Avenue Arts District (118th Avenue from 90th to 95th streets)

Free admission at the Art Gallery of Alberta

 

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What: Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta has been Edmonton’s go-to for art and culture for 100 years. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, it’s the perfect spot to get inspired, learn something new, or just soak up some creativity.

The AGA offers free admission on the last Thursday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m.

When: Open Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton

Free Mid-Autumn Chinatown Walking Tour


What: This tour will light up the night with paper lanterns and cover the fascinating history of Chinatown while incorporating elements of a Mid-Autumn Festival. The tour begins in the RAM lobby and will travel to both historical Chinatown and Commercial Chinatown before returning to the museum.

When: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Royal Alberta Museum — 9810 103A Ave. NW

Annual Harvest Festival at Old Strathcona Farmers Market


What: The Old Strathcona Farmers Market is celebrating the season with its annual Harvest Festival, a free, family-friendly weekend packed with local food, community spirit, and all things harvest. You’ll find activities both on 83rd Avenue in front of the market and inside the market itself.

When: Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Old Strathcona Farmers Market — 10310 83rd Ave. NW

Plant some trees

What: Tree Canada, in collaboration with the City of Edmonton’s Root for Trees, is excited to celebrate National Tree Day. National Tree Day connects local action to national impact—when Canadians participate across the country. Head to Terwillegar Park to plant trees and steward the land. Tree Canada experts and experienced volunteers will be on hand to support you and answer your questions.

When: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: Terwillegar Park — 16360 Rabbit Hill Rd. NW

Open Mic Comedy at The Grindstone

What: Every Wednesday, The Grindstone hosts one of Edmonton’s only Stand-Up Comedy Open Mics to give first-timers a chance to take a huge risk, and pros a chance to work on new material. Each set is five minutes, with a light at four minutes, and totally free to check out.

When: Wednesdays at 10 p.m.
Where: The Grindstone — 10019 81st Ave. NW

Fall Gallery Art Walk

What: Visit the commercial art galleries along 124 Street during the Fall Gallery Walk, featuring new exhibitions and the latest work from local and visiting artists. Six commercial galleries are participating: Bearclaw Gallery, Bugera Lamb Fine Art, Lando Gallery, Maud Gallery, Peter Robertson Gallery, and West End Gallery.

When: Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, 2026
Where: Various locations on 124th Street

Check out the solar system

What: Check out the University of Alberta’s Astronomical Observatory for free public observing sessions throughout the fall. Visitors can drop in anytime during the scheduled hours.

When: Thursdays from Sept. 17 to Dec. 3, 2026, with hours varying by month; check schedule online
Where: Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (4-181) – 11335 Saskatchewan Dr. NW

Explore the river valley

What: With North America’s largest urban park system along the river valley, we could go on forever listing all the parks, from the stunning Hawrelak Park to the Northeast River Valley Park and countless neighbourhood green spaces that are totally free to visit on a nice fall afternoon.

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