21 fun things to do in Edmonton this week: Aug. 17 to 21

Aug 16 2026, 2:00 pm

We’ve reached the mid-point of August, and if you’re still looking to squeeze what you can out of summer, there’s no shortage of fun to be had around the city.

From Fringe to Pride to Dragon Fest and beyond, here are 21 fun things to do in Edmonton this week.

Edmonton Fringe Festival

 

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What: The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is the largest and longest-running Fringe festival in North America — and one of the most celebrated in the world. For 11 unforgettable days, Fringe transforms Edmonton into a hub of theatre, music, magic, comedy, and community, where anyone can be an artist, and everyone belongs.

When: Thursday, Aug. 13 to 23, 2026
Where: Old Strathcona
Cost: Free and paid events; find tickets online

Monster Truck Throwdown 2026

What: Get ready to feel the ground shake as Monster Truck Throwdown roars into action. Experience nonstop motorsport excitement as massive trucks deliver high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts. Watch these giants go full throttle with gravity-defying jumps, spinning donuts, wild wheelies, and full 360-degree destruction.

When: Friday, Aug. 21 to 23, 2026.
Where: RAD Torque Raceway — 50342 Rge. Rd 253, Edmonton International Airport
Cost: Tickets start at $20 and can be found 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 select weekdays in July
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online

Zoobrew

What: Are you ready to embark on a wild adventure like no other? The Valley Zoo Development Society invites you to Zoobrew, the ultimate event for animal lovers and craft beverage enthusiasts alike. During this annual summer event, guests can experience the magic of the Edmonton Valley Zoo after hours while enjoying a drink in hand.

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 2026
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo — 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost: $33.50; find tickets online

Visit 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: 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

CPKC Women’s Open

 

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What: The CPKC Women’s Open is an international championship that attracts professional golfers from all over the world and has featured past winners Brooke Henderson (2025 & 2018), Lauren Coughlin (2024), and Megan Khang (2023). The 2026 edition of the CPKC Women’s Open will be held at Royal Mayfair Golf Club from Aug. 19 to 23, marking the seventh time the province of Alberta has hosted Canada’s Women’s Open Championship, with the last time being 2024 in Calgary.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 19 to 23, 2026
Where: Royal Mayfair Golf Club — 9450 Groat Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online

Edmonton Corn Maze

 

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What: Grab your friends and family and get lost in a cornfield, because the Edmonton Corn Maze is open with a brand new design for the season.

When: Wednesday, Aug. 5 to Oct. 25, 2026
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found 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

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

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. The park has partially reopened following its total closure due to storm damage. Before you head out, be sure to check the Park’s bulletin for a list of current trail closures and conditions.

When: Hours vary
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: Free admission until Sept. 7

124 Grand Market

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 Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. from May 14 to Oct. 8, 2026
Where: 124th Street and 108th Avenue NW
Cost: Free

Edmonton Elks vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

 

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What: Dust off your Canadian tuxedo or your favourite flannel and giddy up for Country Night as the Edmonton Elks take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

When: Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $25; find them online

Edmonton Mural Festival

What: This summer, Edmonton transforms into a massive open-air gallery, showcasing spectacular new murals by some of the city’s most exciting homegrown artists alongside a curated lineup of acclaimed muralists from across Canada and around the world. From towering landmark pieces to hidden creative gems, every mural tells a story, becoming a lasting part of Edmonton’s cultural landscape and inviting visitors to experience the city through a new lens.

When: Saturday, Aug. 15 to Sept. 15, 2026
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies

Edmonton Pride Festival

 

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What: Celebrate love, diversity, and community at Edmonton’s Pride Festival in ICE District this August. Enjoy live music, incredible performances, pop-up activations, and some truly incredible vibes as downtown comes alive with Pride celebrations!

When: Friday, Aug. 21 to 23, 2026
Where: Fan Park — 10104 104 Ave. NW
Cost: Free

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

Edmonton Dragon Festival

What: Watch top teams compete in the Pan American Lion Dance Championship, explore the Taste of Chinatown Night Market with authentic Asian cuisine and local vendors, and enjoy cultural performances and martial arts demonstrations throughout the weekend. Catch a free outdoor screening of Shaolin Soccer presented by the FascinAsian Film Festival, sing along to classic Cantopop hits at Saturday’s concert, and bring the whole family to the TD Family Fun Zone for puppet shows, inflatables, arts and crafts, interactive activities, breakdancing, and more.

When: Friday, Aug. 21 to 23, 2026
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

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

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: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 195041 Hwy. 16 East, Lamont County, Alta.
Admission: $18 adult 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

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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