18 outstanding things to do in Edmonton this weekend: Aug. 7 to 9

Aug 6 2026, 2:00 pm

If you’re looking for some great food and music this weekend, there is no shortage of that to be found in Edmonton right now.

From classic rock to folk tunes to markets and a celebration of Caribbean culture, here are 18 outstanding things to do in the city this weekend.

Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival

 

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What: Cariwest, Edmonton’s annual celebration of Caribbean arts, music, and culture, brings a fully licensed party to Churchill Square this summer. This year’s festivities include special events, performances, and exhibitions commemorating this milestone and honouring the founders, volunteers, and participants who have shaped the festival over the years.

When: Friday, Aug. 7 to 9, 2026
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free admission

Edmonton Folk Music Festival

What: Slip into a low lawn chair and take in the backdrop of the city skyline and the grassy slope down Gallagher Hill towards the main stage nestled in a natural amphitheatre, the epicenter of a much-anticipated annual August homage to all things musical.

When: Thursday, Aug. 6 to 9, 2026
Where: Gallagher Park — 9505 96th Ave. NW
Cost: Resale tickets available online

Pick up something cool at the Kids Market

What: Discover the Kids Market, where young entrepreneurs showcase their creativity through handmade goods, sweet treats, and one-of-a-kind creations. Shop unique finds, support local youth, and take home something special.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Currents of Windermere — 6004 Currents Dr. NW
Cost: Free to attend

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

2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Hockey Canada

What: The Hlinka Gretzky Cup stands as one of the most prestigious and anticipated international hockey tournaments, offering fans and scouts a first look at the world’s top NHL Draft-eligible talent. Held annually each August, this invitation-only event is the only best-on-best competition at the U18 level, making it a critical early milestone on the path to the NHL Draft.

When: Monday, Aug. 3 to 8, 2026
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket packages start at $173 all-in

AC/DC

 

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What: Hard rock legends AC/DC hit the state at Commonwealth Stadium this weekend for a show that’s sure to shake you all night long!

When: Saturday, Aug. 8 and 9, 2026
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket 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 in July and August
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online

Farm to Flame Dinner at The Old Red Barn

 

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What: Experience a multi-course Farm to Flame dinner featuring Alberta’s best seasonal ingredients, cooked over custom Argentine grills, a smoker BBQ, and a stone oven. Curated by 2025 Gold Medal Edmonton Culinary Champion Chef Tyson Wright, each menu follows what is freshest from the land. Dine at long tables inside a 1950s barn overlooking the farm and Whitemud Creek.

When: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026
Where: The Old Red Barn‚ 25518 Township Rd. 490, Leduc County, Alta.
Cost: $160 per person

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

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 Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from June 7 to Oct. 11, 2026
Where: 124th Street and 102nd Avenue NW
Cost: Free

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

Music on Stony Plain Road

 

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What: Music on the Road brings free live outdoor music to Stony Plain Road every Saturday evening this summer. Presented by the Stony Plain Road Business Association, this concert series showcases Edmonton’s local talent while celebrating the vibrant spirit of the neighbourhood. Best of all, there’s no cover and no tickets required.

When: Saturdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: ch. Cafeteria — 14802 Stony Plain Rd. NW
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

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

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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