16 amazing things to do this weekend in Edmonton: Aug. 22 to 24

Aug 21 2025, 3:00 pm

It’s hard to believe that summer is already starting to wind down, but that doesn’t mean we’ve run out of amazing things to do around Edmonton.

From Edmonton Pride Fest and an evening in Chinatown to the final weekend of Fringe, check out these 16 amazing things to do around the city this weekend.

Edmonton Pride Festival

What: Celebrate Pride this weekend at the Edmonton Pride Festival! Dance to live music and enjoy a variety of performers, and witness the return of Edmonton’s Pride Parade!

When: Friday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 24
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

ZooBrew Vol. 3

What: Sip craft beer, cider, and spirits while exploring the Edmonton Valley Zoo after hours at this 18+ summer event. With live animals, great drinks, and a relaxed twilight vibe, Zoobrew is the perfect mix of fun and fundraising for a good cause.

When: Friday, Aug. 22, entry between 5 and 8 p.m.
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo — 13315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost: Tickets cost $33.50

Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival

 

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What: North America’s longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival, Edmonton’s 44th annual International Fringe Theatre Festival is set to spotlight 223 theatre productions across 40 venues, with performances by more than 1,600 artists from right here at home, across Canada, and more than nine countries for 11 days in August.

When: Thursday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025
Where: Old Strathcona
Cost: Varies

Art Gallery of Alberta

 

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What: Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta 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 Square, Edmonton
Cost: $13.33 adult admission

Edmonton Dragon Festival

What: The 2025 Edmonton Dragon Festival is a multi-day cultural celebration that brings together diverse communities through sport, heritage, and culinary experiences. One of the major highlights is the highly anticipated return of the Dragon Boat Races at Louise McKinney Park, taking place on Aug. 16 and 17, which will bring the gorgeous river valley to life and reconnect the city with its waterways through this exhilarating tradition.

When: Friday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 24
Where: Louise McKinney Park and various other locations
Cost: Varies

Afternoon Sound Sessions on 124th

 

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What: Spend your Saturday afternoons surrounded by great vibes, live music, and vibrant performances — all along 124th Street and the area! This free, family-friendly event runs every Saturday, and it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend!

When: Every Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m. until Aug. 30
Where: Various locations along 124th Street NW
Cost: Free

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: Thursday, July 25, 2025, to Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove
Cost: Prices vary, and tickets can be found 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: Seven days a week throughout the summer
Where:
9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $75 for adults (buffet included); book online

Chinatown After Dark

What: Chinatown After Dark is a vibrant mix of a traditional Chinatown Night Market and food sampling galore! Watch as alleys are transformed into lively patios, complete with seating, entertainment, activities, and good vibes. Guests can purchase food tickets and curate their own dinner spread from over 20 participating Chinatown restaurants.

When: Saturday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: Alley of China Marble Restaurant — 10566 97th St. NW
Cost: Varies

Bike/hike in the River Valley

What: Edmonton’s River Valley is vast, and boy, are we ever lucky to have the largest urban park in North America. With more than 160 km of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to spend a bright summer afternoon.

Snow Valley Aerial Park

 

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What: With over 100 elements in the structure, there is something for everyone. Crawl, climb, swing, and step your way through locally themed elements up to 15 metres high, including the rainbow wall, ski bridge, swinging picnic table, and tons of other challenges!

When: Hours vary
Where: 3204 Rainbow Valley Rd.
Cost: Ticket prices vary

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

Horizon of Khufu

What: Horizon of Khufu is a VR experience that takes you on a journey to explore ancient Egypt and the pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Egyptian pyramids. It’s a neat concept set up in a space of nearly 10,000 sq. ft., allowing visitors to be transported to Cairo, where they can freely wander through ancient Egypt.

When: Until Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Price: Ticket prices vary

Where Dark Things Dwell

What: Step into a village-wide escape room experience set in the historic Village of Edmonton, where a mysterious curse has taken hold. Using only lantern light, you’ll explore buildings, solve puzzles, and piece together clues to uncover what’s driving the townsfolk to madness, if you dare…

When: Various dates until Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: Individual tickets start at $35

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 located on the grounds during that time, as well as streets that detail each time period from 1885 to 1920.

Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
When: Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $27.90 adult admission; find tickets online

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. Explore over 80 km of trails or paddle the lakes while spotting bison, elk, and hundreds of bird species.

When: Open 24 hours
Where: Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost: Free admission until Sept. 2

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