17 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this long weekend: June 30 to July 3
The Canada Day long weekend is just around the corner, and there are tons of activities happening around the city to keep you busy.
From hikes through the river valley to a whole ton of holiday festivities, here are 17 incredible things to check out in Edmonton this weekend:
Love Pro Wrestling
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What: Love Pro Wrestling returns to the Rec Room South Edmonton for its sixth live event of 2023! This will be a fun and exciting night of pro wrestling you won’t find anywhere else.
When: June 30 at 7 pm
Where: The Rec Room — 1725 99th Street NW
Cost: Tickets cost $33.28
Mill Woods Canada Day
What: For 33 years, the Mill Woods Presidents’ Council has hosted the MASSIVE Mill Woods Canada Day celebration, which sees more than 50,000 people gather in Mill Woods Park to enjoy a day celebrating the country. This all-day party will offer children’s activities, food trucks, an artisan fair, beer gardens, mainstage entertainment, and fireworks to end the night.
Where: Mill Woods Sports Park — 2730 66th Street
When: July 1 from 2 to 11 pm
Go see a $2.99 movie at Cineplex
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What: Movies for just $2.99 are playing this summer at Cineplex theatres across Canada, running every Saturday morning throughout the month. This weekend, Dora and the Lost City of Gold will be on the bargain big screen. A full listing of screening times and films is available on the official Cineplex website.
Canada Day fireworks
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What: To mark Canada’s Confederation, the City of Edmonton will host its annual fireworks display over the North Saskatchewan River in the evening on July 1. The City does a pretty excellent job with the annual display, and there are a few viewing locations for those checking them out this year.
Where: Central River Valley. Best viewing spots: Queen Elizabeth Park and Hill, River Valley Road Trail, Victoria Park and Ezio Faraone Park (west entrance to High Level Bridge on 109th Street North)
Time: July 1 at 11 pm
Grab a flight at a local brewery
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What: Edmonton is blessed with tons of great brews to enjoy, so check out the various breweries in YEG and enjoy some flights and good eats this summer. Happy Beer Street on 99th Street is home to SEVEN incredible breweries you can check out. Expand that palate!
Alberta Avenue District Night Markets
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What: The first of the Alberta Avenue Night Markets takes place June 30, and it’s free to check out. Each family-friendly and inclusive market offers different vendors, entertainment, and community partners to check out. There will be tons of vendors to grab a bite to eat, explore local spots, and sit and relax with friends.
When: June 30 from 6 to 10 pm
Where: Alberta Avenue Community League — 9210 118th Avenue
Cost: Free
See an Edmonton Riverhawks game
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What: Nothing beats the atmosphere at Re/Max Field during an Edmonton Riverhawks game. This collegiate summer baseball team draws quite a crowd during the season, and we love to see it. Get a beer bat, a hotdog, and a pickle on a stick, it’s a total blast!
Where: Re/Max Field
When: Home games every day from June 30 to July 2
Cost: Get tickets here
Elk Island National Park
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What: What better way to celebrate Canada than at one of our national parks? Whether you’re hitting the trails, stargazing, or trying to see some buffalo, this national park is well worth the short drive out there.
When: Open year-round
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Free; Parks Canada pass is required to enter
Canada Day at the Legislature
Legislative Assembly of Alberta
What: Spend Canada Day at the Legislature, where there will be free entertainment and activities for people of all ages. A variety of food trucks and stands will be available while you check out the Legislature Open House, Alberta Family Fun Zone, in addition to tons of live music.
Where: Alberta Legislature
When: July 1 from noon to 5 pm
Take a cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat
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What: For nearly 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.
Where: 9734 98th Avenue
When: Weekends and special events throughout the summer
Cost: General admission starts at $41.95 for adults; tickets here
Canada Day in the ICE District
Oilers Entertainment Group
What: A massive Canada Day celebration is once again taking over the ICE District this July, and it’s all free to enjoy. There will be tons to check out, with the Fan Park at the ICE District offering up drop-in basketball, pickleball, and street hockey, as well as snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments.
Over at ICE District Plaza, you’ll find music, games, inflatables, photo booths, face painting, performers for kids of all ages, the city’s best food trucks, non-alcoholic refreshments and adult beverages. This year’s celebration is being headlined by Canadian country music star Tim Hicks and also features Nice Horse and Taylor-Rae.
Where: Fan Park at the ICE District and ICE District Plaza
When: July 1 from 2 to 10 pm
Cost: Free
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
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What: Just a short 40-minute drive east of Edmonton, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an open-air museum telling the story of a Ukrainian settlement in east-central Alberta from 1892 to 1930. Its history is brought to life through interpreters, costumes, museums, food, and more.
Where: 195041 Highway 16 East, Lamont County
When: Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: $15 adult admission
Canada Day in Chinatown
What: There will be tons to do and take in at this Canada Day event, taking place at the Edmonton Chinatown Multi-Cultural Centre. Hear stories of Edmonton Chinese History, check out vendors and crafts, and take in some incredible performances. Plus, the event will offer tours of Heritage Chinatown.
Where: 9540 102nd Avenue
When: July 1 from noon to 7 pm
Fort Edmonton Park
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When: Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: $26.20 adult admission; tickets here
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
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What: There’s no better start to your Saturday morning than with a trip to the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market or any of the incredible markets Edmonton is home to. Grab a coffee, browse through the stalls, pick up something home-baked, and take a morning stroll down Whyte Avenue when you’re finished.
Telus World of Science
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What: The Telus World of Science is celebrating its 39th birthday on July 1 and has a day packed with activities for people of all ages to enjoy. To begin the day, check out a rocket launch and meet-and-greet with the Science Centre’s new president and CEO. Later on, you can learn about the science of fireworks, enjoy some liquid nitrogen ice cream, Team Canada robotics demonstrations, as well as many other free and paid activities. (Plus, there’s free birthday cake while supplies last!)
Where: Telus World of Science
When: July 1 from 11:30 am to 4 pm
Cost: Free and paid admission
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 kilometres of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the river valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.