Events

18 amazing things to do in Edmonton this weekend: July 31 to Aug. 2

Allison Stephen
Allison Stephen
|
Jul 30 2026, 2:00 pm
18 amazing things to do in Edmonton this weekend: July 31 to Aug. 2
Angela Ostafichuk/Shutterstock

We’re finally into August, and if you’re looking for ways to make the most of what should (hopefully) be a sunny, storm-free weekend in Edmonton, we’ve got plenty for you to discover.

From the Edmonton Heritage Festival to no shortage of sports, here are 18 awesome things to do in the city this weekend.

Edmonton Elks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders

 

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What: The CFL regular season is in full swing this month, and we can’t wait to get out and enjoy that fantastic atmosphere at Commonwealth Stadium.

When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Ticket prices start at $15; find them online

Edmonton Heritage Festival

What: This is your one-way ticket to a world of flavours! Take a peek at Pakistan, taste the flavours of Fiji, feel the beat of Burkina-Faso, and explore cultures from Afghanistan to Wales. The Edmonton Heritage Festival is a family-friendly mingling of nations sharing their entertainment, music, culture, and cuisine. You can attend this legendary festival at Hawrelak Park this summer.

When: Saturday, Aug. 1 to 3, 2026
Where: Hawrelak Park — 9330 Groat Rd. NW
Cost: Free 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 two final times this season as they tip off against the Saskatoon Mamba and Ottawa Blackjacks.

When: Friday, July 31, 2026 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Single game tickets start at $27 and can be purchased online

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

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

Check out a wrestling match

 

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What: Love Pro Wrestling returns home to the Rec Room for the fiftieth event in company history. As announced at LPW 49, Michael Richard Blais steps up to challenge TY Jackson for the LPW Grand Championship, and Larry Woods finally gets his hands on Rich King in a Lumberjack Match.

When: Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Rec Room South Edmonton Common — 1725 99th St. NW
Cost: $33 general admission; find tickets online

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

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

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

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

What: The Tony Award-winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious celebration of words, competition, and growing up, now coming to the Citadel Theatre. In the high-stakes world of a spelling bee, six awkward adolescent champions compete for the top prize as emotions run from A to Z. With each word spelled, the pressure builds, and more than a trophy is on the line.

When: July 4 to Aug. 2, 2026
Where: The Citadel Theatre — 9828 101A Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online

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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