15 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this long weekend: February 16 to 19
We made it to the first long weekend of 2024, and there is no shortage of fantastic things to do in and around Edmonton.
From all kinds of wicked winter festivities to free admission at cultural and historic sites, check out these 15 amazing things to do in Edmonton this long weekend.
Silver Skate Festival
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What: The Silver Skate Festival has been a favourite event for over 30 years, celebrating winter sports, art, music, food, and the best in winter recreation. Glide along the city’s free public skating surfaces, marvel at the artistic talent in the Snow Sculpture Garden, or explore the Folk Trail!
When: February 9 to 19
Where: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park
Cost: Free
Grab something tasty at the Sweet Treats and Latte Festival
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What: This tasty food festival in Old Strathcona kicks off on Saturday. More than 20 businesses are taking part this year with feature items ranging from $5 to $10 that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pick up your “passport” from one of the Sweet Treats locations, collect stickers, and enter to win some awesome local prizes.
When: February 10 to 25
Where: Various locations in Old Strathcona
Family Day at the Alberta Legislature
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What: There’s free indoor fun to be had at the Alberta Legislature on Family Day. Both the Legislature and Queen Elizabeth II Building will be open with family-friendly, all-ages entertainment. From craft making to Lego to free entertainment on the Fun Stage, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When: February 19 from 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Alberta Legislature
Cost: Free
See a $2.99 movie at Cineplex
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What: Movies for just $2.99 are playing this February at Cineplex theatres across Canada, running every Saturday morning throughout the month. This weekend, Nimona will be the big-screen bargain. The full list of screening times and films is available on the Cineplex website.
When: Saturday, February 10
Where: Various Cineplex locations
Immersive Disney Animation
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What: Discover a whole new world at the Edmonton Expo Centre this month with Immersive Disney Animation! Step inside your favourite Disney songs and scenes, and see all of the iconic characters up close like never before.
When: February 15 to April 28
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Avenue NW
Cost: $37; get tickets here
Free admission at the Royal Alberta Museum
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What: Take advantage of free Family Day admission at the Royal Alberta Museum! Marvel at its vast collections, ranging from archaeology and Indigenous studies to 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: February 19
Where: Royal Alberta Museum
Cost: Free
Check out dinosaurs at the Muttart Conservatory
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What: A visit to the Muttart Conservatory is always a treat and a prehistoric new exhibit makes for a good reason to return to the lush location in the city. “Giants in the Mist” is a celebration of plants, larger-than-life pollinators, and prehistoric dinosaurs.
There will be activities for all ages this Family Day, such as airbrush tattoos, a magician roving through the mist, dino-mite crafts, sensory play, a scavenger hunt, and more!
When: February 19 from noon to 4 pm
Where: Muttart Conservatory
Cost: $14.95 regular adult admission
Snowshoe and Stargaze at Elk Island National Park
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What: Take part in two unique experiences this month at Elk Island National Park: snowshoeing and stargazing! With a park interpreter and Orion as your guide, settle in next to a campfire, gaze up into a sky full of stars and learn to navigate the night sky of the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve.
When: February 17
Where: Elk Island National Park
Cost: $46 plus park pass
Family Day at the Edmonton Valley Zoo
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What: Celebrate Family Day at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! Cozy up next to a campfire and join the Zoo’s education team for animal talks, crafts, games, and more.
When: February 19 from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo
Cost: $10.95 regular adult admission
Free admission at the 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. Admission to the gallery will be free all day on Family Day!
When: February 19 from 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Art Gallery of Alberta
Cost: Free
Go ice skating
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What: Lace up those skates and wear your warmest winter jacket. Skating during the winter is perfect, and there are several spots across Edmonton to do just that. It’s some of the best fun you can have during the winter in the city, and skate rentals are free at a few City locations!
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Free
Telus World of Science
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What: Head over to the Telus World of Science this Family Day, where a host of activities are planned for the long weekend! Experience ancient caves in IMAX, exercise your brain by navigating through mazes, and try your hand at some wicked games and challenges.
When: February 19 from 9 am to 5 pm
Where: TELUS World of Science — 11211 142 St NW
Cost: $23.95 regular adult admission
Splash around at the WEM World Waterpark
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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a 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 thing to do this long weekend.
When: Open on February 19 from 11 am to 6 pm
Where: West Edmonton Mall
Cost: $40 to $54; tickets can be found here
Free admission at Rutherford House
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What: Enjoy a free visit to Alexander Cameron Rutherford’s former residence on Family Day. Discover the history of the Rutherford family and Alberta’s first premier by going on a guided tour of the Rutherford House grounds. Play games of the past with the costumed interpreters, try a treat prepared in the historic kitchen or make an old-fashioned craft.
Where: Rutherford House — 11153 Saskatchewan Drive NW, Edmonton
When: Open noon to 4 pm on Family Day
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
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What: There’s no better start to your Saturday morning than a trip to the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market or any of the other incredible markets Edmonton is home to. Grab a coffee, browse through the stalls, pick up a home-baked treat, and take a morning stroll down Whyte Avenue when you’re all finished up.
When: Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm
Where: 10310 83rd Avenue NW
Admission: Free
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