14 incredible things to do in Edmonton this long weekend: May 19 to 22
May Long Weekend has finally arrived in the City of Edmonton.
The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and all of our favourite destinations are finally opening for the season. Summer is here in the city, and we are so ready to get out and enjoy it.
Here are 14 incredible things to get up to this long weekend.
Old Strathcona Antique Mall Parking Lot Sale
Old Strathcona Antique Mall/Facebook
What: The Old Strathcona Antique Mall has announced it will hold its first colossal parking lot sale of the year on Monday, May 22. More than 60 vendors are setting up shop for the sale to offer tens of thousands of unique pieces like collectibles, furniture, retro, vintage, china, art, sports stuff, tools, toys, and so much more.
Where: Old Strathcona Antique Mall — 10323 78th Avenue NW, Edmonton
When: Monday, May 22, from 9 am to 4 pm
Cost: Free to attend, but you never know what you might find!
Grab a flight at a local brewery
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What: Edmonton is blessed with tons of great brews to enjoy, so check out the various breweries in YEG and enjoy some flights and good eats this spring. Happy Beer Street on 99th Street is home to SEVEN incredible breweries you can check out. Expand that palate!
Soundwave 2023
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What: This massive music festival is back for 2023 with a stellar lineup. Taking place inside World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall, you’ll feel like you’re at a beach party while enjoying this massive electronic dance music and rap festival.
When: May 21
Where: World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall
Tickets: Start at $89; get them here
Check out Edmonton’s public art
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What: Edmonton has definitely made a name for itself when it comes to public art. There is certainly no shortage of interesting things to see in the city, from the Talus Dome to the enormous baseball bat to the many parks bursting at the seams with fabulous art. Check out our roundup of the 10 best art pieces to see!
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
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What: Just a short 40-minute drive east of Edmonton, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an open-air museum telling the story of Ukrainian settlement in east-central Alberta from 1892 to 1930. Its history is brought to life through interpreters, costumes, museums, food, and more.
Where: 195041 Highway 16 East, Lamont County
When: Opens May 20
Cost: $15 adult admission
Go see a $2.99 movie at Cineplex
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What: Movies for just $2.99 are playing this May at Cineplex theatres across Canada, running every Saturday morning throughout the month. This weekend, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish will be on the bargain big screen. A full listing of screening times and films is available on the official Cineplex website.
When: May 20
Where: Various Cineplex locations
Punk Rock Flea Market
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What: This event focuses on underground art, alternative fashion, and
anything surrounding alternative culture. It is a place to give like-minded artists,
creators, and vendors a place to showcase their creations. The market also will have harm reduction information sessions and naloxone/drug test training at the event.
Where: Ritchie Community League — 7727 98th Street
When: May 20
Cost: Free
Go for a swim
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What: It’s finally time for Edmonton’s outdoor pools to open and you can swim while soaking up the sun just in time for the long weekend. The Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool will open for the season on Saturday, May 20, weather permitting, and timed entries are available.
Where: Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool
When: May 20
Cost: $9 adult admission
Fort Edmonton Park
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What: Fort Edmonton Park is the largest living history museum in Canada, and it opens for the season on May 20. 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 period to streets detailing each time period from 1885 to 1920.
Where: Fort Edmonton Park
When: Opens May 20
Cost: $26.20 adult admission; tickets here
Take a cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat
The Edmonton Riverboat/Facebook
What: For nearly 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.
Where: 9734 98th Avenue
When: Weekends and special events throughout the summer
Cost: General admission starts at $41.95 for adults; tickets here
See the Jurassic Forest
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What: Have you ever wanted to feel like you are in Jurassic Park? If so, Jurassic Forest near Gibbons is the place to be. You come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures like Stegosaurus and Triceratops throughout a two-kilometre trek on boardwalks. It can also be explored year-round, so you can see what a dinosaur would look like in the winter.
When: Open seven days a week from 9 am to 7 pm
Where: 23210 Township Road 564 #2, Gibbons, Alberta
Cost: $17 adult admission
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
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What: There’s no better start to your Saturday morning than with a trip to the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market or any of the incredible markets Edmonton is home to. Grab a coffee, browse through the stalls, pick up something home-baked, and take a morning stroll down Whyte Avenue when you’re finished.
Where: Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market — 10310 83rd Avenue NW
When: Open Saturdays 8 am to 3 pm
The Art of the Brick
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What: This month, a massive exhibit of iconic and dazzling art pieces made of LEGO blocks is coming to the Telus World of Science in Edmonton. You can check out tons of contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya’s original pieces and reimagined world-famous art masterpieces.
When: May 5 to October 9
Where: Telus World of Science
Cost: $30.90 (includes Telus World of Science admission)
Enjoy a picnic
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What: With May long weekend comes the unofficial start of Summer in Edmonton, and it’s a great time to get out and enjoy a picnic with some friends. Check out our curated list of the most scenic spots for a picnic in Edmonton.