23 great things to do in Edmonton this weekend: June 19 to 21
This weekend marks the official start to summer, and if you’re looking for ways to get out and celebrate, we’ve got you covered.
From football to museums to World Cup watch parties and more, check out these 23 great things to do in the city this weekend.
Blatchford Summer Kickoff
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What: Kick off the summer at Blatchford’s community celebration this June 20th!
Come see – and be surprised by – how much Blatchford has grown at this free annual event. You’ll savour BBQ eats and ice cream treats in Littlewood Park, enjoy live music, face painting, and more – all while getting to know this thriving new urban village:
- Grab a map and take a self-guided walking tour through the community’s green spaces, pedestrian streets, paths, trails and playgrounds.
- Explore showhomes and talk to builders.
- Explore in-community amenities and learn what’s upcoming.
- Learn about options for buying or renting.
This is a free event, and everyone is welcome – including those four-legged friends who might like to take their paws for a test run in Blatchford’s new “Bark Park”.
When: Saturday, June 20, 2026, from noon to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Littlewood Park in Blatchford
Cost: Free
Edmonton Elks vs. Montreal Alouettes
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What: The Edmonton Elks home season opener kicks off this weekend, and we can’t wait to get out and enjoy that fantastic atmosphere at Commonwealth Stadium.
When: Saturday, June 20, at 4 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices start at $24 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
Game Con Canada 2026
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What: Check out a three-day celebration of gaming and community, welcoming fans of all ages and backgrounds to come together under one roof. Attendees will have the opportunity to play hundreds of games from Video Game Studios and Board Game Developers from around the world, creating an experience that is as diverse as the players themselves.
When: Friday, June 19 to 21, 2026
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Pass prices vary and can be purchased online
2026 National Vocal Arts Festival
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What: NUOVA Vocal Arts is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of Canadian vocal artists in Opera & Music Theatre performance and production. Committed to accessibility and artistic excellence, the organization presents opera and musical theatre in welcoming, intimate settings that inspire audiences and strengthen the community. Coffee Cabaret, an upcoming event, is taking place on June 5, 2026.
When: Sunday, May 24 to June 28, 2026
Where: Various locations
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them online
Alberta Circus Arts Festival
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What: From June 18-21, aerialists and acrobats will take over Edmonton’s French Quarter, with jaw-dropping performances, gravity-defying acrobatics, and family-friendly fun. Come out and learn to juggle or walk on stilts (free), mingle on the patio with artists from around the world, and see intimate contemporary circus performances that you won’t find anywhere else.
When: Thursday, June 18 to 21, 2026
Where: La Cité francophone – 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury
Cost: Free entry
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
Edmonton International Jazz Festival
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What: Get ready to swing into summer as the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society brings the world of Jazz to Edmonton. From soulful classics to bold, modern beats, you can enjoy nine days of unforgettable performances in venues including Winspear Centre, Starlite Room, Bellamy’s Lounge, and more. With ticket options ranging from free outdoor shows to headlining concerts, there’s something for every jazz lover.
When: Friday, June 19 to 28, 2026
Where: Multiple venues in Edmonton
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased 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
Celebrate Pride Month
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What: This Pride Month, Edmonton is celebrating bigger and bolder than ever. Explore a growing lineup of exciting events on Pride Edmonton’s calendar, updated regularly with new ways to celebrate in and around the city.
When: Events daily throughout June
Where: Various locations across Edmonton
Cost: Varies
“June is Recreation & Parks Month” (JRPM) 75 Hour Challenge
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What: To celebrate JRPM, the Alberta Parks and Recreation Association is challenging Albertans to spend 75 hours throughout June participating in recreation and parks activities. That’s it. Walk, run, play, read, explore, connect — every hour counts.
One participant will win a $500 Recreation & Parks Adventure Package, including:
- $200 toward a local recreation membership, program, or parks pass
- $100 Sport Chek gift card
- $100 MEC gift card
- $100 gas card
How to participate:
- Register for the challenge.
- Track your hours throughout June – any hours tracked get you entered to win
- Submit your total hours by July 5
When: Monday, June 1 to 30, 2026
Where: Alberta-wide
Cost: Free to participate
Explore the Museum of Illusions
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What: The first Museum of Illusions location in Western Canada brings an immersive, mind-bending experience to Edmonton.
Museum of Illusions is a visual, sensory, and educational experience designed to engage your sense of wonder and shift your perspective through the science behind optical illusions.
Visitors to the Edmonton location will encounter a range of interactive installations, including the Infinity Room, which creates the illusion of endless space through mirrored reflections, and the Ames Room, where perspective dramatically alters how people appear in size. The exhibits combine education and entertainment — often referred to as “edutainment” — to create a playful, engaging experience.
When: Open until May 14, 2027
Where: West Edmonton Mall — Phase 4, Level 1, 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $29.99 for kids and $39.99 for adults, with family pricing and group discounts available.
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
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 St. and 102nd Ave. 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