20 incredible things to do in Edmonton this weekend: Sept. 18 to 20

Sep 17 2026, 2:00 pm

We’ve finally reached the weekend, and if you’re looking for some great things to see and do around Edmonton, we’ve got you covered.

From Oktoberfest to corn mazes to street festivals and more, here are 20 incredible things to do in the city this weekend.

Oktoberfest at Ice District

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ICE District (@icedistrict)

What: Oktoberfest at Ice District returns for its fourth year with six nights of live entertainment, food, drinks, and traditional Oktoberfest celebrations inside The Tent at Fan Park. The cashless event is open to all ages.

When: Sept. 18, 19, 25 and 26 and Oct. 2 and 3, 2026
Where: The Tent at Fan Park in ICE District
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them online

Mosquers Film Festival

What: Celebrate Muslim filmmakers and artists from around the world through film screenings, live performances, and conversations exploring the diversity of Muslim experiences.

When: Thursday, Sept. 17 to 20, 2026
Where: Various locations in Edmonton
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them online

Try an ice cream workshop

What: Create your own custom ice cream at one of three hands-on workshops. Ice Cream 101 teaches the basics of making and churning ice cream, Date Night offers a workshop designed for pairs, and Sundae School gives children ages five to 12 the chance to make a batch with an accompanying adult.

When: Various dates and times throughout September
Where: Made by Marcus Mill Creek — 9853 89th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $65; prices vary by workshop. Find tickets online

Provincial Archives of Alberta 38th Annual Film Night

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Metro Cinema (@themetrocinema)

What: Watch four short documentaries by acclaimed Alberta filmmaker and producer Tom Radford exploring environmental conservation, Indigenous rights, land and water use, and immigration. A Q&A with Radford will follow the 104-minute program.

When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Metro Cinema — 8712 109th St. NW
Cost: Free admission

DroneArt Show: Harry Potter

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DroneArt Show (@droneart_show)

What: Watch 1,200 illuminated drones recreate iconic moments from the Harry Potter films through synchronized aerial displays set to music and dialogue from the series. The hour-long outdoor show also features a live violinist and interactive LED wristbands.

When: Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Where: East Gate at Exhibition Lands Racetrack — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them online

Kaleido Family Arts Festival

What: Kaleido Family Arts Festival is a joyous, exuberant, radically open arts festival that shares the love of the Alberta Avenue Arts District. Arts on the Ave and Kaleido welcome arts and cultural experiences with multi-arts collaborative performances such as music, dance, theatre, film, literary and visual arts, with performances on rooftops, sides of buildings, back alleys, parks and found spaces. It’s an extravagance of creative exploration, imagination, and play.

When: Friday, Sept. 18 to 20, 2026
Where: Alberta Avenue Arts District (118th Avenue from 90th to 95th streets)
Cost: Free

Rocktoberfest

What: Watch some of the country’s top athletes compete at the Ice Climbing Canadian National Championships, which will also determine the members of Ice Climbing Team Canada. The four-day festival also features food and live music.

When: Friday, Sept. 18, to Monday, Sept. 21, 2026
Where: Climb YEG — 9735 Grierson Hill NW
Cost: Varies

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 September
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased 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.

Time: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost: $16.95 adult admission

Edmonton Corn Maze

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Edmonton Corn Maze (@yegcornmaze)

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

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

Summer Block Party

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by OFF AIR TALKS (@offairtalks)

What: Weekends from June 20 to Sept. 19, 2026, Rice Howard Way is turning up the volume, with live music, patio energy, local businesses, and Entertainment District activity in the heart of downtown Edmonton.

When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Time: 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: Rice Howard Way
Cost: Free

Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Art Gallery of Alberta (@youraga)

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.

Time: 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

Downtown Farmers Market

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Edmonton Downtown (@edmontondtwn)

What: The Downtown Farmers Market is back outdoors on 104th Street this summer. From May 16 to Oct. 10, 2026, pick up single organic fruits, veggies, homemade meals, and artisanal goods from over 35 vendors. You can bring your dog, too.

When: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 104th Street between Jasper Avenue and 104th Avenue NW
Cost: Free

Elk Island National Park

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Timothy J. Campbell (@hysbyswr)


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: $10 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

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by West Edmonton Mall (@official_wem)

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by West Edmonton Mall (@official_wem)

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

ADVERTISEMENT