24 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this weekend: September 27 to 29
As we prepare to say goodbye to September and hello to October, we can’t wait to get out and enjoy all there is to see and do in Edmonton this long weekend.
From the final few days of Oktoberfest to the return of Deadmonton, check out these 24 incredible things to do in YEG.
Oktoberfest in the ICE District
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What:Â Get ready to raise a stein and enjoy the final weekend of beer, food, music and games at the massive Oktoberfest celebration downtown. Fan Park at the ICE District will become a Bavarian wonderland later this month, complete with an enormous 22,000-square-foot tent for the Oktoberfest Beer Hall.
Where:Â Fan Park at the ICE District
When:Â September 12 to 28
Cost: $25; find tickets here
Art Gallery of Alberta
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What:Â Wander through the thoughtful and beautiful artwork at the Art Gallery of Alberta and marvel at each exhibit. Grab a bite at a downtown Edmonton restaurant when you are all finished!
When:Â Wednesdays to Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm; Thursdays, 11 am to 7 pm
Where:Â 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Cost: $14; purchase online
Pumpkins After Dark
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What: Pumpkins After Dark will spook up Borden Park from September 27 to October 31 with pumpkins carved to resemble classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, and movie and pop culture icons. The event boasts more than 6,000 hand-carved pumpkins, and it’s a must-do Halloween activity in Edmonton.
When:Â September 27 to October 31
Where:Â 7727 Borden Park Road NW
Cost: $21.62 to $27.81 — ticket prices vary by date; get them here
Bountiful Farmers’ Market
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What: Bountiful Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. It also has an ethnic food hall, a children’s play area, live entertainment, and more!
When:Â Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round
Where:Â 3696 97th Street NW
Admission:Â Free
Edmonton International Film Festival
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What:Â Enjoy the best in short and feature-length cinema when the Edmonton International Film Festival returns later this month!
Where:Â Various theatres in Edmonton
When:Â September 26 to October 5
Cost:Â Varies
Hit up the Edmonton Corn Maze
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What:Â Grab your friends and family and get lost in a cornfield this weekend. The Edmonton Corn Maze is finally open with a brand-new design for the season!
When:Â Open until October 27
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove
Tickets: Tickets can be found here
Edmonton Comedy Festival
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What:Â Celebrate four days of funny with the Edmonton Comedy Festival! This event will feature amazing performers from across Canada and the United States.
Where:Â Various venues around Edmonton
When:Â September 25 to 28
Cost: Varies, find tickets here
Paranormal Tours at Fort Edmonton Park
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What: Are you brave enough to learn the lore and trek through some of Fort Edmonton Park’s most haunted places? Learn the fundamentals of conducting paranormal investigations using a variety of tools and techniques while exploring Fort Edmonton Park after dark.
When:Â From 7 to 10:30 pm on various dates from September 18 to November 27
Where:Â Fort Edmonton Park
Cost: $67; get tickets here
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
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What: There’s no better way to start your Saturday morning than a trip to the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market. 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.
When:Â Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm
Where:Â 10310 83rd Avenue NW
Admission:Â Free
Deadmonton
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What: Ready to get scared? Edmonton’s iconic Deadmonton is back, and the spooky haunted houses at this event will send chills down your spine. This year, the terrifying event is at a brand new location, and there are three themes to be frightened by, including Return of the Williams Farm, The Convent, and The Print Show.
When:Â September 27 to November 9; the Lights Out event is November 8 to 9
Where:Â 9300 47th Street NW, Edmonton
Cost: Regular admission to all shows is $42.99 to $47.99; get tickets here
Elk Island National Park
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What: Whether you’re hitting the trails, stargazing, or trying to see some buffalo, this national park is well worth the short drive out there. Why not enjoy the outdoors at this prestigious national park?
When:Â Open year-round
Where:Â 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: A Parks Canada pass is required to enter
Check out an Oilers Game
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What:Â We are so happy to see the NHL season back in action, and the Oilers play a preseason game at home this weekend. Catch the boys in action at Rogers Place as they take on the Seattle Kraken!
When:Â September 28 at 7 pm
Where:Â Rogers Place
Cost: Varies; get tickets here
Check out the Royal Alberta Museum
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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:Â Open year-round, Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm
Where:Â 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found here
Gateway to the Stars
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What: Experience the wonder of Elk Island’s night sky! Gateway to the Stars at Elk Island National Park is an introductory stargazing program where park interpreters guide participants using star charts to find some of the major constellations visible in the night sky in the fall.
When:Â Friday and Saturday nights throughout September
Where:Â Elk Island National Park
Cost:Â $15.75; registration is required
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 late summer afternoon.
See a $3.99 movie at Cineplex
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What:Â Movies for just $3.99 are playing this September at Cineplex theatres across Canada, running every Saturday morning throughout the month. This weekend, Coraline 3DÂ will be the big-screen bargain. The full screening times and list of films are available on the Cineplex website.
When:Â Saturday, September 28
Where:Â Various Cineplex locations
Hit up a patio
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What: With the weekend just around the corner, there’s no better time than the present to enjoy a meal, cold drinks, and good company in the great outdoors. Lucky for us, Edmonton offers a never-ending list of fabulous patios. Check out our roundup of patios you need to check out this autumn.
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:Â 9734 98th Avenue
When:Â Weekends and special events throughout the summer
Cost: General admission starts at $45 for adults; tickets here
Muttart Conservatory
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What: Be amazed at the stunning Muttart Conservatory, with each glass pyramid showcasing a different environment for plants from around the globe. It’s a relaxing, insightful, beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do this weekend in Edmonton!
When:Â Open 10 am to 5 pm on weekends
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A Street NW
Admission:Â $14.95 adult admission
Hit up 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 weekend.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th Street NW
Cost: $40 to $54; tickets can be found here
Edmonton 104th Street Farmers’ Market
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What: The Downtown Farmers’ Market is back outdoors on 104th Street this summer! From June 15 to October 12, pick up single-origin fruits, veggies, homemade meals and artisanal goods at 45+ vendors.
When:Â Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm until October 12
Where: On 104th Street just north of Jasper Avenue
Callingwood Farmers’ Market
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What:Â The Callingwood Farmers’ Market is Edmonton’s largest outdoor farmers’ market. Each Sunday, more than 200 vendors offer a mix of locally grown and handmade goods.
When:Â Every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm
Where:Â 6655 178th Street NW
Galaxyland
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What: You can never go wrong with a trip to the amusement park, and Galaxyland is North America’s largest indoor amusement park. It features 27 Hasboro-themed rides and more for all ages.
When:Â Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th Street NW
Cost:Â $64 general admission; get tickets here
Telus World of Science
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What:Â Head over to the Telus World of Science this weekend, where you can experience wicked screenings in IMAX, exercise your brain by navigating through mazes, and try your hand at some awesome games and challenges. It’s the perfect thing to do this weekend in Edmonton!
When: Open 9 am to 5 pm on weekends
Where: Telus World of Science — 11211 142nd Street NW
Cost:Â $25.95 regular adult admission