19 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this weekend: July 3 to 5
July’s finally here, and we’re crossing our fingers for a dry weekend so we can actually enjoy it in Edmonton.
From sports and night markets to summer festivals taking over the city, here are 19 great things to check out this weekend.
Grindstone Comedy Festival
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What: Get ready to LOL because the Grindstone Comedy Festival is back. This annual indie comedy fest takes over the Grindstone Theatre in, shining a spotlight on some of the funniest folks from across the country (and right here at home). From side-splitting stand-up to top-tier improv and sketch, this festival serves up epic laughs. This year’s lineup is no joke (pun intended).
When: July 2 to 12, 2026
Where: The Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro — 10019 81st Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket and pass prices vary and can be purchased online
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
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What: The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival returns to Churchill Square this July with 10 days of exciting, unpredictable entertainment for all ages. StreetFest transforms the Square into busker central; catch jaw-dropping circle shows, interactive roving acts, and family fun in Kids’ World from a lineup of renowned local, national, and international street performing talent.
There is no admission charge for the festival. That said, the performers are paid through the ‘Pass the Hat’ tradition of busking, so guests are encouraged to bring cash to show their support.
When: July 3 to 12, 2026
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free
Edmonton Stingers vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears
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What: Feel the adrenaline at the Edmonton Expo Centre, home to the Edmonton Stingers. Catch Canada’s top basketball players in action until early August as they chase the CEBL Championship.
When: Sunday, July 5, at 4 p.m.
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Single game tickets start at $27 and can be purchased online
Edmonton’s Summer of Soccer
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What: This June and July, Edmonton’s Summer of Soccer takes over the ICE District with free soccer celebrations for fans of all ages. Catch the action at 97 free World Cup Watch Parties, including at least 17 featured matches inside The Tent at Fan Park @ ICE District, highlighted by every Team Canada match. The celebration also includes a special Canada Celebrates event and community soccer programming for kids throughout the summer.
When: Various dates and times between June 11 and July 19
Where: Fan Park — 10104 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Free
Freewill Shakespeare Festival
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What: Get thee to a festival most lively, where the Bard himself doth spring to life upon the stage. The Freewill Shakespeare Festival, now celebrating over 35 glorious years, returns to the Heritage Amphitheatre in William Hawrelak Park with mirth and merriment aplenty. This season’s delights include the riotous Something Rotten! and the ever-charming Much Ado About Nothing.
When: Tuesday, June 16 to July 12, 2026
Where: Heritage Amphitheatre — William Hawrelak Park
Cost: $40 adult admission; 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.
When: Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: $27.90 adult admission; find tickets 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: Operates on weekends and select weekdays in May
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
Edmonton Valley Zoo
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What: The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to more than 250 animals, focused on conservation, and offers fun and education for the whole family.
When: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost: $16.95 adult admission
World Rugby Nations Cup 2026
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What: International rugby returns to Edmonton this July as Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team hosts Spain, Portugal, and Tonga as part of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup. Cheer on Team Canada as they compete for valuable World Ranking points on the road to Rugby World Cup 2027. Edmonton will host Canada vs Spain on July 4, a free Rugby Canada Fan Fest on July 5, and a July 11 double header featuring Tonga vs Spain and Canada vs Portugal at Clarke Stadium.
When: Saturday, July 4, Sunday, July 5 and Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: July 4: Canada vs. Spain – 7 p.m. kickoff; July 5: Rugby Canada Fan Fest – 1 to 3 p.m.; July 11: Tonga vs Spain – 3:45 p.m. kickoff; Canada vs Portugal – 7 p.m. kickoff
Where: Clarke Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online; Fan Fest is free
124 Grand Market
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What: This market is a summer fixture on 124th Street. This pop-up market with a wide range of vendors strives to serve visitors with high-quality, locally made or grown products, and support the growth of Edmonton’s smallest businesses and entrepreneurs.
When: Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from June 7 to Oct. 11, 2026
Where: 124th Street and 102nd Avenue NW
Cost: Free
Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta
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What: Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) 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. NW
Cost: $13.33 regular adult admission
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: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round
Where: 3696 97th St. NW
Cost: Free
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: Hours vary
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A St. NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission
Visit the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
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What: Experience history brought to life by costumed interpreters at our open-air museum. Hear the first-hand stories of early settlers to east central Alberta and learn how Ukrainian immigration impacted Alberta’s cultural identity and heritage.
When: Opens Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 195041 Hwy. 16 E., Lamont County, Alta.
Admission: $18 adult admission
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, no matter the season. Explore over 80 km of trails while spotting bison, elk, and hundreds of bird species.
When: Hours vary
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: Free admission
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
Hit up the WEM World Waterpark
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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a tropical getaway 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 170th St. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be found online
Telus World of Science
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What: Head over to the Telus World of Science this week, where you can experience wicked screenings in IMAX, exercise your brain, and so much more.
Right now, you can step into a dog’s world in “Dogs! A Science Tail,” an interactive feature exhibition running this summer. Discover how dogs experience life through their powerful senses and explore the science behind the remarkable bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
Through hands-on exhibits and playful challenges, you can train a virtual dog to follow your commands, test your speed against some of the world’s fastest dogs, and explore how dogs see, hear, and smell the world around them. The exhibition runs until Monday, Sept. 7.
When: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Mondays
Where: 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: $24.95 general adult admission
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 Hasbro-themed rides and more for all ages.
When: Hours vary
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: $64 general admission; get tickets online