Events

22 awesome things to do in Edmonton this weekend: May 29 to 31

Allison Stephen
Allison Stephen
|
May 28 2026, 4:35 pm
22 awesome things to do in Edmonton this weekend: May 29 to 31
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We’ve finally made it to the weekend here in Edmonton, and if you’re looking for something to do, you won’t have to look far to find something that piques your interest.

From festivals and farmers markets to the Riverhawks and the Riverboat, check out these 22 awesome things to do in the city this weekend.

UFest Ukrainian Festival


What: Western Canada’s largest multi-day Ukrainian festival, UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival, returns to Borden Park this May. UFest is a free, two-day celebration of Ukrainian culture, food, music, dance, and plenty of fun.

When: Friday, May 29 to May 30, 2026
Where: Borden Park — 7507 Borden Park Rd. NW
Cost: Free admission

Edmonton Drag Festival

What: Get ready for three days of electrifying performances, dazzling costumes, and nonstop entertainment at the Edmonton Drag Festival. This beloved celebration of drag, queer culture, and community brings together incredible local and international talent for an unforgettable weekend.

When: Friday, May 29 to 31, 2026
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free and paid events

Calgary Stampeders vs. Edmonton Elks

 

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What: The CFL season is about to kick off, and you won’t want to miss out on all the action as the Edmonton Elks host the Calgary Stampeders at Commonwealth Stadium!

When: Friday, May 29, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket 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

Fort Edmonton Park

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

Canada-Wide Science Fair

 

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What: The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is Canada’s national celebration of youth scientific excellence, and in 2026, it returns to Edmonton. Hosted at the Edmonton Expo Centre and the University of Alberta. This week-long event brings together 400 of Canada’s top young scientists in grades 7 to 12, selected from approximately 20,000 students who competed at 100 regional science fairs across the country.

When: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Where: May 23 to May 30, 2026
Cost: Free to visit

International Children’s Festival of the Arts


What: This magical multi-day festival transforms the banks of the Sturgeon River in downtown St. Albert into a mighty carnival as more than 55,000 kids come out to play with professional artists from across the country and around the world. The International Children’s Festival’s mission is to bring the best in children’s arts and cultural experiences to the region in a way that removes barriers, fosters joy, creativity, and inspires the next generation of artists and patrons of the arts.

When: Friday, May 29 to Monday, June 1, 2026
Where: St. Albert Place Promenade – 5 St. Anne St., St. Albert, Alta.
Cost: Prices vary and can be purchased online

Cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat

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

Check out an Edmonton Riverhawks game

 

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What: Get ready for the crack of a bat, the breeze in the stands, the roar of the crowd, and the smell of hot dogs in the air. Add a cold drink in your hand, and you know what that means… baseball is back, baby! Join the Edmonton Riverhawks as they take on the Wenatchee AppleSox at Remax Field for an unforgettable day at the ballpark.

When: Friday, May 29, at 7:05 p.m.; Saturday, May 30, at 7:05 p.m.; and Sunday, May 31, at 1:05 p.m.
Where: Remax Field — 10233 96th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $10; find them online

Explore the Museum of Illusions

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

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

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

Edmonton International Cat Festival

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 a 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 2 to 31, 2026
Where: Various locations around Edmonton
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online

Bountiful Farmers Market

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

Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell: The Untold Love Story

 

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What: Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell: The Untold Love Story immerses audiences in the passionate but brief romance the iconic duo shared that shaped their songs, their lives and music history. This multi-media production will recount their mutual influence on each other’s works through stories and songs, including the chart toppers “Hallelujah,” “Both Sides Now,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “I’m Your Man,” and many more

Where: Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
When: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 11455 87th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $54; find them online

Muttart Conservatory

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

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

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

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