Summer is on the horizon, and we’re so excited to step outdoors and enjoy everything we love about this time of year in Edmonton.
Our favourite attractions are reopening, festivals are announcing lineups, and we’re seeing an explosion of colour with leaves and flowers budding all over the city.
From sports to festivals and so much more, check out these 14 outstanding things happening in Edmonton this May.
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: Opens to the public May 15
Where: West Edmonton Mall — Phase 4, Level 1 8882 170th St. NW
Cost:Â Tickets start at $29.99 for kids and $39.99 for adults, with family pricing and group discounts available.
Jabulani Arts Festival
Theatre Network
What: Celebrate creativity, connection, and culture at the third annual Jabulani Arts Festival hosted at the iconic The Roxy Theatre. This vibrant four-day festival brings together African, Caribbean, and Black artists in a powerful showcase of music, visual arts, dance, poetry, storytelling, and interactive theatre.
When: Thursday, April 30 to Wednesday, May 6
Where: The Roxy Theatre – Theatre Network — 10708 124th St. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
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
Catch an Edmonton Stingers game
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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 from May to early August as they chase the CEBL Championship.
When: Various dates in May
Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Single game tickets start at $27 and can be purchased online
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
Check out an Edmonton Elks game
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What: The CFL season returns this May, and we can’t wait to get out and enjoy that fantastic atmosphere at Commonwealth Stadium.
When: Various dates in May
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
Broadway Across Canada Presents: Mamma Mia!
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What: Set on a sun-drenched Greek island, this feel-good tale of love, friendship and identity is told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a young woman’s quest to uncover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. Brought to life with music, dance, heartfelt moments and laugh-out-loud scenes, Mamma Mia! is a must-see live experience.
When: Tuesday, May 12 to Sunday, May 17, 2026
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 11455 87th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
UFest Ukrainian Festival
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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
International Children’s Festival of the Arts
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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
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: Opens for the season May 7
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased 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 7–12, 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: Saturday, May 23 to May 30, 2026
Cost: Free to visit
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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: May 2 to 31 2026
Where: Various locations around Edmonton
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased 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: Reopens May 16; 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
Northern Bricks
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What: Northern Bricks is a family-friendly LEGO convention hosted by the Northern Alberta LEGO User Group – featuring hundreds of unique LEGO creations from talented builders across the country. The event also includes presentations, workshops, games, awards, raffles, and vendors.
When: Saturday, May 23 to May 24, 2026
Where: Alberta Aviation Museum —11410 Kingsway NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online