Summer is on the horizon, and we’re so excited to step outdoors and enjoy everything we love about this time of year in Edmonton.
Our favourite attractions are reopening, festivals are announcing lineups, and we’re seeing an explosion of colour with leaves and flowers budding all over the city.
From sports to festivals, check out these 14 incredible things happening in Edmonton this May.
Edmonton Music Speech & Arts Festival
What: Formerly known as the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival, the 117th annual Edmonton Music & Speech Arts Festival creates over 2,500 opportunities for more than 20,000 music students, actors, musicians, and music lovers to perform in front of an audience and receive professional adjudication. Plus, performances are free to check out!
When: April 22 to May 4
Where: Various locations across Edmonton
Cost: Free
NorthwestFest
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What: This massive film festival celebrates real-life stories at the Metro Cinema. Check out some of the hottest new non-fiction films in Canada’s longest-running documentary film festival.
Where: Metro Cinema — 8712 109 St. NW
When: May 8 to 15
Cost: $105 for a festival pass; individual ticket prices vary.
OddBird Art & Craft Fair
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What: OddBird Art & Craft Fair is hosting a Spring Fair this May, with artists, designers and makers from Edmonton and beyond serving up all things weird and wonderful. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Mother’s Day gift, the timing of this quirky fair couldn’t be better!
When: May 9 to 11
Where: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre — 8426 Gateway Blvd. NW
Cost: $5 admission
Take a cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat
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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.
Where: 9734 98 Ave. NW
When: Open seven days a week beginning May 5
Cost: Starts at $75 for adults (buffet included); book online
Catch an Edmonton Stingers game
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What: Cheer on the Edmonton Stingers as they kick off the CEBL regular season this May! While you’re there, enjoy a $5 beer, an under-$5 food menu, and free parking in addition to player autographs.
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118 Ave. NW
When: Various dates in May
Cost: Start at $20; get them online
Catch an Edmonton Elks game
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What: The CFL returns this May, and we can’t wait to get out and enjoy that fantastic atmosphere at Commonwealth Stadium. The first home game of the year will see the Elks kick off against the BC Lions.
When: May 30 at 2 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd.
Cost: Tickets start at $20; find them online
Ufest Ukrainian Festival
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What: This festival celebrates Ukrainian culture, food, music, visual arts, crafts, and dance. UFest is a gathering of people with Ukrainian heritage, but also draws spectators from various cultural backgrounds.
When: May 30 and 31
Where: Borden Park — 7507 Borden Park Rd. NW
Cost: Free
Edmonton International Cat Festival
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What: This event combines elements of already-existing cat-themed events to create a one-of-a-kind festival celebrating all things cat-related. It’s like part cat show, cat/pet expo, and cat conference, all while supporting animal rescue organizations. Plus, there will be a TON of cats and kittens at events for you to see, cuddle and hold.
When: May 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: MacEwan Robbins Health Learning Centre — 10910 104 Ave. NW
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door; find tickets online
Fort Edmonton Park
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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 on the grounds during that time, to streets detailing each time period from 1885 to 1920.
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143 St. NW
When: Reopens May 17; Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $27.90 adult admission; find tickets online
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? With the weather warming up, it’ll sure be a nice time to do it!
When: Open year-round
Where: 54401 Rge. Rd. 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Free; Parks Canada pass is required to enter
Hit up the WEM World Waterpark
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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a tropical 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 way to spend the day.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170 St. NW
Cost: $40 to $54; tickets can be found online
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, and beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do in Edmonton.
When: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A St. NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission
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. Grab a bite at a downtown Edmonton restaurant when you’re all finished!
When: Wednesdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., Edmonton
Cost: $14; purchase online
Visit the Royal Alberta Museum
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What: Spend the day exploring Alberta’s fascinating history! Stand beneath a mammoth, meet a tarantula, or dig into archaeological finds at RAM. Feed your curiosity with millions of years of Alberta’s remarkable stories.
When: Open year-round, Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays
Where: 9810 103a Ave. NW
Tickets: Admission ranges from $10 to $21