20 amazing things to do this weekend in Edmonton: Aug. 1 to 3

Jul 31 2025, 2:00 pm

The weekend is almost here, and we’re sure hoping the weather cooperates so we can make the most of it!

From art and live sports to the always-anticipated Edmonton Heritage Festival, check out these 20 amazing things to do around the city.

Plus, if you’ve got Heritage Day off, we’ve rounded up what’s open and closed for you this long weekend.

Edmonton Water Lantern Festival

 

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What: Thousands of lanterns will light up the North Saskatchewan River for one night only. Known for bringing people together for a celebration of light and community, the Edmonton Water Lantern Festival is perfect for a date night, a family outing, or even an awesome solo trip. This unforgettable evening will be filled with delicious food trucks, lively music and exciting activities.

When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025
Where: Rundle Park — 2909 113th Ave. NW, Edmonton
Cost: $48.24 for general admission

Oily: On Fandom

 

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What: On now at Latitude 53 downtown, Oily looks at how closely Edmonton ties its identity to hockey and how the game brings people together, but also how chasing that kind of pride can come at a cost, and leave others behind.

When: Runs until Saturday, Aug. 2
Where: Latitude 53 — 10130 100th St. NW
Cost: Free

See an Edmonton Riverhawks game

 

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What: There’s no better seat on a summer evening than at Remax Field cheering on the Edmonton Riverhawks. Grab yourself a drink in a bat and enjoy a hot dog (or have it delivered to your seat, if you’re feeling fancy), then kick back and enjoy the game, the river valley views, and the wicked entertainment on offer.

When: Friday, Aug. 1 at 7:05 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2 at 7:05 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 3 at 1:05 p.m.
Where: Remax Field — 10233 96th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $20 for adult admission

Legally Blonde

What: Elle Woods goes from sorority life to Harvard Law in this high-energy musical that’s funny, fast, and full of pink. What starts as a plan to win back her ex turns into something way better: figuring out who she actually is. Expect big numbers, great outfits, and a lot of heart.

When: Until Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Where: Citadel Theatre — 9828 101A Ave. NW, Edmonton
Cost: Tickets start at $40

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

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 124 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 St. NW
Cost: Free

Catch an Edmonton Elks game

 

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What: Catch the Edmonton Elks four times at home this weekend as they battle it out against the Hamilton Tigercats! It’s a great atmosphere, and those ticket prices aren’t bad either!

When: Saturday, Aug. 1 at 1 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $19

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 summer
Where:
 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Starts at $75 for adults (buffet included); book online

Edmonton Heritage Festival

What: The world’s largest three-day celebration of multiculturalism is back at the Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park. Wander through numerous outdoor pavilions showcasing diverse food, music, dance, and culture from around the world. With free admission, nonstop performances, and dishes cooked up by the communities themselves, it’s one of the best ways to experience the world without leaving the city!

When: Saturday, Aug. 2 to Monday, Aug. 4
Where: Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park
Cost: Free

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 on 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

Check out an Edmonton Stingers game

What: Head to the Edmonton Expo Centre this August to watch Canada’s top basketball talent compete for the CEBL Championship! With high-energy gameplay, a pumped-up crowd, and serious skill on the court, Stingers games are one of the most exciting tickets of the summer!

When: Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 3 at 4 p.m.
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre — 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Tickets start at $25

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

Check out a pro wrestling match

 

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What: Kick off August with an unforgettable experience! Love Pro Wrestling returns to The Rec Room South Edmonton for LPW 39: Time to Pretend—a high-energy night of action and entertainment. Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling fan or just looking for a fun night out, join the stars of LPW in the heart of South Edmonton Common for an event that’s sure to impress!

When: Friday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Rec Room South Edmonton Common — 1725 99th St. NW
Cost: Starts at $33 for general admission

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

Hoop City: FIBA 3×3 World Tour & Women’s Series

 

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What: Where else can you watch the world’s top 3×3 basketball players for free in the middle of one of North America’s biggest malls? For one weekend only, the Ice Palace at West Edmonton Mall will turn into a one-of-a-kind basketball court, with fast-paced games, big energy, and a huge festival vibe.

When: Friday, July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 3
Where: Ice Palace at West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: Free

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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