17 great things to do in Edmonton this week: Aug. 18 to 22
After last week’s cold and dreary spell, we’re looking forward to sunny days ahead and all the fantastic things to see and do around Edmonton this week.
From Fringe Fest to the Zoo to the Elks and everything in between, here are 17 great things to check out around the city.
ZooBrew Vol. 3
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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 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
Edmonton Pride Festival
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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
Edmonton Dragon Festival
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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
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 Sq., Edmonton
Cost: $13.33 adult admission
Edmonton Mural Festival
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What: Dive into a world of colour and creativity at the Edmonton Mural Festival, where local and international artists transform the city into an open-air gallery! Enjoy a month-long celebration of stunning murals, hands-on art experiences, and vibrant community events, including an epic closing party you won’t want to miss.
When: Friday, Aug. 15 to Monday, Sept. 15
Where: Various locations across Edmonton
Cost: Varies; find ticketed event information online
Catch an Edmonton Elks game
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What: Catch the Edmonton Elks at home this Friday as they battle it out against the Ottawa Redblacks! It’s a great atmosphere, and those ticket prices aren’t bad either!
When: Friday, Aug. 22, at 5:30 p.m.
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 to Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found online
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.
When: Seven days a week throughout the summer
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $75 for adults (buffet included); book online
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.
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: Hours vary
Where: 9810 103a Ave. NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found 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
Horizon of Khufu
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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
Where Dark Things Dwell
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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. 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
Elk Island National Park
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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
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 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