Events

27 incredible things to do in Edmonton this August

Allison Stephen
Allison Stephen
|
Jul 29 2025, 1:00 pm
27 incredible things to do in Edmonton this August
Angela Ostafichuk/Shutterstock

It’s nearly August in Edmonton, which means the air is warm, the nights are short, and it feels as though any time you turn a corner, there’s some type of event or vibrant market happening.

Here are 27 incredible things to check out in Edmonton this August, from Folk, Fringe, and Heritage Festival to a whole ton of amazing exhibits, performances, things to see and beyond.

Legally Blonde

What: Elle Woods goes from sorority life to Harvard Law in this high-energy musical that’s funny, fast, and full of pink. What starts as a plan to win back her ex turns into something way better: figuring out who she actually is. Expect big numbers, great outfits, and a lot of heart.

When: Until Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Where: Citadel Theatre — 9828 101A Ave. NW, Edmonton
Cost: Tickets start at $40

Edmonton Water Lantern Festival

What: Thousands of lanterns will light up the North Saskatchewan River for one night only. Known for bringing people together for a celebration of light and community, the Edmonton Water Lantern Festival is perfect for a date night, a family outing, or even an awesome solo trip. This unforgettable evening will be filled with delicious food trucks, lively music and exciting activities.

When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025
Where: Rundle Park — 2909 113 Ave. NW, Edmonton
Cost: $48.24 for general admission

See an Edmonton Riverhawks game

 

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What: There’s no better seat on a summer evening than at Remax Field cheering on the Edmonton Riverhawks. Grab yourself a drink in a bat and enjoy a hot dog (or have it delivered to your seat, if you’re feeling fancy), then kick back and enjoy the game, the river valley views, and the wicked entertainment on offer.

When: Friday, Aug. 1 at 7:05 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2 at 7:05 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 3 at 1:05 p.m.
Where: Remax Field — 10233 96th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $20 for adult admission

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.

When: Open Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays to Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Cost: $13.33 adult admission

Catch an Edmonton Elks game

 

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What: Catch the Edmonton Elks four times at home this month as they battle it out at Commonwealth Stadium! It’s a great atmosphere, and those ticket prices aren’t bad either!

When: Multiple dates in August
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $19

Edmonton Corn Maze

 

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What: Grab your friends and family and get lost in a cornfield, because the Edmonton Corn Maze is open with a brand new design for the season.

When: Thursday, July 25, 2025, to Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found online

Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival

 

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What: North America’s longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival, Edmonton’s 44th annual International Fringe Theatre Festival is set to spotlight 223 theatre productions across 40 venues, with performances by more than 1,600 Artists from right here at home, across Canada, and more than nine countries for 11 days in August.

When: Thursday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Where: Old Strathcona
Cost: Varies

Cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat

What: For three decades, Edmonton’s iconic riverboat has offered unparalleled views of the Edmonton city skyline and the stunning river valley. This incredible 90-minute excursion lets you indulge in fantastic dining options, drinks, and some awesome live music, and you get to experience Edmonton from a whole new vantage point.

When: Seven days a week throughout summer
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $75 for adults (buffet included); book online

Edmonton Heritage Festival

What: The world’s largest three-day celebration of multiculturalism is back at the Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park. Wander through numerous outdoor pavilions showcasing diverse food, music, dance, and culture from around the world. With free admission, nonstop performances, and dishes cooked up by the communities themselves, it’s one of the best ways to experience the world without leaving the city!

When: Saturday, Aug. 2 to Monday, Aug. 4
Where: Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park
Cost: Free

Bike/hike in the River Valley

 

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What: Edmonton’s River Valley is vast, and boy, are we ever lucky to have the largest urban park in North America. With more than 160 km of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to spend a bright summer afternoon.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival

What: The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is a four-day celebration of global sounds, good food, and community spirit, all set against the city skyline on Gallagher Hill. With multiple stages, surprise jam sessions, a kid-friendly vibe, and an international food lineup, it’s one of the most beloved events of the summer.

When: Thursday, Aug. 7 to Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025
Where: Gallagher Park — 9505 96th Ave. NW
Cost: Limited tickets available online

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: Hours vary
Where: 3204 Rainbow Valley Rd. 
Cost: Ticket prices vary

Sip & Science: Cosmos

 

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What: Explore Stardust: The Universe in You — an immersive, cosmic exhibition that’s all about what we’re made of (hint: stars) on Aug. 8. With a drink in hand, no kids allowed, and vibes that are totally out of this world, Sip & Science: Cosmos is the perfect date night or the spot for starlit selfies with your crew.

When: Friday, Aug. 8 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Telus World of Science — 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: $18.95 regular admission

Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival

 

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What: Celebrate over 40 years of Caribbean culture in downtown Edmonton at Western Canada’s largest Caribbean arts festival. Enjoy vibrant music, energetic performances, tasty Caribbean food, and a lively atmosphere that brings the community together.

When: Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 10
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free

Edmonton Dragon Festival

What: The 2025 Edmonton Dragon Festival is a multi-day cultural celebration that brings together diverse communities through sport, heritage, and culinary experiences. One of the major highlights is the highly anticipated return of the Dragon Boat Races at Louise McKinney Park, taking place on Aug. 16 and 17, which will bring the gorgeous river valley to life and reconnect the city with its waterways through this exhilarating tradition.

When: Friday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 24
Where: Louise McKinney Park and various other locations
Cost: Varies

Royal Alberta Museum

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: Hours vary 
Where: 9810 103a Ave. NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found online

Servus Edmonton Marathon

What: Lace up your sneakers, because the Servus Edmonton Marathon is back! This event draws thousands of movers, walkers, and runners from around the world and offers a variety of runs for you to crush. There is a race for everyone, including the Edmonton Marathon, the Healthcare Solutions Half Marathon, the Army 10K, the Family 5K Fun Run, and the Kids 1K Fun Run.

When: Sunday, Aug. 17
Where: Starts at Edmonton Convention Centre – 9797 Jasper Ave. NW
Cost: Registration fees vary

ZooBrew Vol. 3

What: Sip craft beer, cider, and spirits while exploring the Edmonton Valley Zoo after hours at this 18+ summer event. With live animals, great drinks, and a relaxed twilight vibe, Zoobrew is the perfect mix of fun and fundraising for a good cause.

When: Friday, Aug. 22, entry between 5 and 8 p.m.
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo — 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost: Tickets cost $33.50

Edmonton Pride Festival

What: Celebrate Pride this August at the Edmonton Pride Festival! Dance to live music and enjoy a variety of performers, and witness the return of Edmonton’s Pride Parade!

When: Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

Symphony in the Square: Disney in Concert

 

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What: Experience a magical evening of music and Disney storytelling at Symphony in the Square: Disney in Concert, presented by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. This free, family-friendly event in Churchill Square brings iconic Disney moments to life with a full orchestra, Broadway-calibre vocalists, and high-resolution animated film sequences.

When: Friday, Aug. 29 and Saturday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free

Horizon of Khufu

What: Horizon of Khufu is a VR experience that takes you on a journey to explore ancient Egypt and the pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Egyptian pyramids. It’s a neat concept set up in a space of nearly 10,000 sq. ft., allowing visitors to be transported to Cairo, where they can freely wander through ancient Egypt.

When: Until Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Price: Ticket prices vary

Check out an Edmonton Stingers game


What: Head to the Edmonton Expo Centre this August to watch Canada’s top basketball talent compete for the CEBL Championship! With high-energy gameplay, a pumped-up crowd, and serious skill on the court, Stingers games are one of the most exciting tickets of the summer!

When: Multiple dates in August
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $25

Where Dark Things Dwell

What: Step into a village-wide escape room experience set in the historic Village of Edmonton, where a mysterious curse has taken hold. Using only lantern light, you’ll explore buildings, solve puzzles, and piece together clues to uncover what’s driving the townsfolk to madness, if you dare…

When: Various dates until Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: Individual tickets start at $35

Streetcar Cask Series

 

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What: Hop aboard! One of Edmonton’s most exciting experiences combines all things beer and all things Edmonton on a scenic ride aboard one of the city’s historic streetcars. Every Thursday evening from May to October, The Common features a rotating lineup of Alberta breweries showcasing their beer onboard. Each trip promises a unique brew available exclusively on the streetcar.

When: Every Thursday
Time: 6:45 and 8 p.m.
Location: 10910 100th Ave. NW, Edmonton
Admission: $63.10

Fort Edmonton Park

What: Fort Edmonton Park is the largest living history museum in Canada. Visitors can experience the history of Edmonton before their very eyes, with a recreation of a fort from 1846 that was located on the grounds during that time, as well as streets that detail each time period from 1885 to 1920.

Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
When: Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $27.90 adult admission; find tickets online

Hoop City: FIBA 3×3 World Tour & Women’s Series

 

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What: Where else can you watch the world’s top 3×3 basketball players for free in the middle of one of North America’s biggest malls? For one weekend only, the Ice Palace at West Edmonton Mall will turn into a one-of-a-kind basketball court, with fast-paced games, big energy, and a huge festival vibe.

When: Friday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 3
Where: Ice Palace at West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St.
Cost: Free

Elk Island National Park

What: Located just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park offers rolling hills, glassy lakes, and some of the best stargazing around. Explore over 80 km of trails or paddle the lakes while spotting bison, elk, and hundreds of bird species.

When: Open 24 hours
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: Free admission until Sept. 2

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