17 awesome things to do in Edmonton this weekend: May 8 to 10
The weekend has finally arrived in Edmonton, and with warm, sunny days ahead, the list of things opening around the city just keeps getting longer.
From craft fairs and concerts to sports and more, check out these 17 awesome things to do in the city this weekend.
Oddbird Art & Craft Fair
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What: Edmonton’s quirkiest indie art market, OddBird Art & Craft Fair, is flocking to Old Strathcona this May. This spring lineup features 65+ artists and community arts organizations from Edmonton and beyond. Expect colourful ceramics, intricate beadwork, handcrafted textiles, art prints, indie literature, and so much more.
When: Friday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10, 2026
Where: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre — 8426 Gateway Blvd. NW
Cost: $5 admission
Dark Matters: Science is Dope
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What: Explore the science behind altered states, everyday cravings, and the plants and compounds that influence the mind. Interactive activities, expert talks, laser shows, liquid nitrogen ice cream, an artisan market, and more make this a night you won’t want to miss.
When: Friday, May 8, 2026, from 7 p.m. to close
Where: Telus World of Science — 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: Tickets cost $34.95 or $45.90 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
Winnipeg Sea Bears vs. Edmonton Stingers
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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 this weekend in their season home opener against the Winnipeg Sea Bears.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased online
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
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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: Saturday, May 2 to 31, 2026
Where: Various locations around Edmonton
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
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
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea
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What: This Mother’s Day, experience the time-honoured tradition of Afternoon Tea, a cherished Fairmont ritual perfected over years of expertise. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients, alongside fine homemade pastries and an exceptional selection of ethically sourced loose-leaf teas, exclusive to Fairmont.
When: Saturday, May 9 to May 10, 2026
Where: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald — 10065 100th St. NW
Cost: $99 per person
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
The Citadel Theatre: Cyrano de Bergerac
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What: This bold reimagining of a timeless classic brings a fresh, witty edge to a story of love, poetry, and self-discovery. This show follows a brilliant and fiercely romantic soul whose sharp wit and swordplay mask a tender heart and deep insecurities. Filled with daring duels, lyrical wordplay, and unspoken longing, this adaptation delves into the complexities of courage and vulnerability in a world fixated on appearances.
When: Saturday, May 2 to 24, 2026
Where: The Citadel Theatre: Citadel Theatre — 9828 101A Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
Brandi Hofer at Wild Skies
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What: Wild Skies Gallery is an emerging independent art space in Edmonton, Alberta. The gallery is thrilled to present renowned artist Brandi Hofer for a never-before-seen exhibit: Bloom, Everything is Temporary. This inspiring collection explores themes of impermanence, transformation, and emotional memory through layered mixed-media portraiture. Known for her vibrant storytelling and symbolic visual language, Hofer combines portraiture with organic forms such as moths, butterflies, and florals, created using recycled and repurposed materials. The works reflect the fleeting nature of beauty and the emotional imprint of time.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Wild Skies Art Gallery, located in the Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel, 2nd Floor
Cost: Free
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
Piano Gala featuring Angela Cheng
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What: The Edmonton Recital Society concludes its 20th anniversary season with a spectacular performance by Canadian icon Angela Cheng. Renowned as one of the world’s most distinguished pianists, she shares her visionary technique and poetic musical voice in a truly unforgettable concert experience.
When: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Winspear Centre — 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW
Cost: $60 for adults; discounts for students and seniors. Find tickets 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