18 outstanding things to do in Edmonton this week: Aug. 24 to 28
It’s hard to believe that we’re into the final few days of August, but as summer begins to wind down, there’s still plenty of great things to see and do around Edmonton.
From country music festivals to opera in the garden and beyond, here are 18 outstanding things to do in Edmonton this week.
Boots and Hearts West
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What: Republic Live and OEG Sports & Entertainment are bringing the renowned and highly anticipated Boots and Hearts Music Festival to Edmonton. Musical icons Russell Dickerson and Shaboozey will headline the inaugural fest for an exciting way to close out August.
When: Friday, Aug. 28 to 29, 2026
Where: Fan Park at ICE District — 10104 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
Opera al Fresco
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What: Trade your screen for a summer evening surrounded by gardens and live music. Opera al Fresco brings featured Edmonton Opera soloists and the Edmonton Opera Chorus to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden for a relaxed outdoor concert filled with familiar favourites. Explore the gardens, gather with your favourite people and settle in under open skies. Each ticket includes garden admission and a charcuterie snack box. No previous opera experience is required.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: University of Alberta Botanic Garden — 51227 Hwy. 60, Parkland County, Alta.
Cost: $78.75 per person, including admission to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden and a charcuterie snack box. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Check out a pro wrestling match
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What: Head to the Rec Room South Common this week to check out Love Pro Wrestling’s collaboration with Edmonton’s premier wrestling training facility, the Clandestine Wrestling Society. This is one wild matchup you won’t want to miss.
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Rec Room South Common — 1725 99 St. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $10 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 select weekdays in summer
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online
Visit 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: 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 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
Free admission at 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.
The AGA offers free admission from 4 to 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month.
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
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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
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
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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 Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. from May 14 to Oct. 8, 2026
Where: 124th Street and 108th Avenue NW
Cost: Free
Edmonton Mural Festival
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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 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
Lunar Eclipse Viewing at the RASC Observatory
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What: Join Telus World of Science and the Royal Astronomical Society of Edmonton to experience the lunar eclipse this week. Discover the science behind the Moon as you observe the eclipse through one of their observatory telescopes and enjoy a closer look at our nearest celestial neighbour.
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: Free
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
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: 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
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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
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