25 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this weekend: August 23 to 25
If it feels like August has just flown by, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are still plenty of fun summer festivities to check out in Edmonton as we march closer to a new season.
From the final week of Fringe to concerts at Commonwealth Stadium, here are 25 fantastic things to do in Edmonton this weekend:
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
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What: This massive celebration of theatre is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Enjoy 10 days of theatre, food, and community, all in the heart of Old Strathcona.
Wahkotowin Outdoor Market
What: Come say “hi” to the bison at Elk Island National Park and enjoy nature as you shop from Indigenous artisans showcasing quality arts, jewellery, and more!
When: August 24 from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Astotin Lake, Elk Island National Park — 54401 Range Rd 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Free; a Parks Canada pass is required to enter
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.
When: Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 195041 Highway 16 East, Lamont County
Cost: $15 adult admission
Metallica at Commonwealth Stadium
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What: Catch metal legends Metallica as they take the stage at Commonwealth Stadium this weekend!
When: August 23 and 25
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Road NW
Cost: Start at $184.86; get tickets here
Art Gallery of Alberta
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What: Wander through the thoughtful and beautiful artwork at the Art Gallery of Alberta and marvel at each exhibit. Grab a bite at a downtown Edmonton restaurant when you are all finished!
When: Wednesdays to Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm; Thursdays, 11 am to 7 pm
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Cost: $14; purchase online
Hozier
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What: Head to Rogers Place this weekend, where the hauntingly beautiful voice of Hozier will take the stage for a much-anticipated show in Edmonton.
When: August 24 at 7:30 pm
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Avenue NW
Cost: Sold out
Bountiful Farmers’ Market
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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 Street NW
Admission: Free
Hit up the Edmonton Corn Maze
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What: Grab your friends and family and get lost in a cornfield. The Edmonton Corn Maze is finally open with a brand-new design for the season!
When: Open until October 27
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove
Tickets: Tickets can be found here
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
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What: There’s no better way to start your Saturday morning than a trip to the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market. Grab a coffee, browse through the stalls, pick up a home-baked treat, and take a morning stroll down Whyte Avenue when you’re all finished.
When: Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm
Where: 10310 83rd Avenue NW
Admission: Free
Edmonton Mural Festival
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What: Dive into the Edmonton Mural Festival, where local and international artists transform the city into an open-air gallery! Enjoy a month-long celebration of stunning murals, hands-on art experiences, and community events, including a massive closing party.
When: August 15 to September 15
Where: Various locations in Edmonton
Cost: Varies — check here for event details
Elk Island National Park
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What: Whether you’re hitting the trails, stargazing, or trying to see some buffalo, this national park is well worth the short drive out there. Plus, a FREE shuttle will take you there on the weekends. Why not enjoy the outdoors at this prestigious national park?
When: Open year-round
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Parks Canada pass is required to enter
Edmonton PRIDE Festival
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What: Celebrate Pride in Churchill Square this weekend at the Edmonton Pride Festival! Dance to live music and enjoy a variety of performers, including Kelly of the early Youtube Shoes fame.
When: August 17 to 24
Where: Churchill Square
Cost: Free
Check out the Royal Alberta Museum
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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: Open year-round, Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found here
Chinatown Summer Festival
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What: Check out this one-day extravaganza showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Edmonton’s Chinatown community! Featuring mesmerizing performances such as the captivating lion dance and various singing and dancing performances, you’ll also have a chance to try tons of specially prepared foods!
When: August 25 from 11 am to 5 pm
Where: 98th Street from 105 to 107A Avenue
Cost: Free
Bike/hike in the River Valley
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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 kilometres of maintained pathways and 20 major parks, the River Valley is a gem and a natural wonder for all. It’s the perfect place to spend a bright summer afternoon.
Hit up a patio
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What: With the long weekend just around the corner, there’s no better time than the present to enjoy a meal, cold drinks, and good company in the great outdoors. Lucky for us, Edmonton offers a never-ending list of fabulous patios. Check out our roundup of patios you need to check out this summer.
Take a cruise on the Edmonton Riverboat
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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 $45 for adults; tickets here
Muttart Conservatory
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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, beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do this weekend in Edmonton!
When: Open 10 am to 5 pm on weekends
Where: Muttart Conservatory — 9626 96A Street NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission
Hit up the WEM World Waterpark
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What: It’ll feel like a bit of a vacation 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 thing to do this weekend.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th Street NW
Cost: $40 to $54; tickets can be found here
Fort Edmonton Park
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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 and streets detailing each time period from 1885 to 1920.
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd Street NW
When: Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: $26.20 adult admission; tickets here
Edmonton 104th Street Farmers’ Market
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What: The Downtown Farmers’ Market is back outdoors on 104th Street this summer! From June 15 to October 12, pick up single-origin fruits, veggies, homemade meals and artisanal goods at 45+ vendors.
When: Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm
Where: On 104th Street just north of Jasper Avenue
Callingwood Farmers’ Market
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What: The Callingwood Farmers’ Market is Edmonton’s largest outdoor farmers’ market. Each Sunday, more than 200 vendors offer a mix of locally grown and handmade goods.
When: Every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm
Where: 6655 178th Street NW
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 Hasboro-themed rides and more for all ages.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th Street NW
Cost: $64 general admission; get tickets here
Telus World of Science
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What: Head over to the Telus World of Science this weekend, where you can experience wicked screenings in IMAX, exercise your brain by navigating through mazes, and try your hand at some awesome games and challenges.
When: Open 9 am to 5 pm on weekends
Where: Telus World of Science — 11211 142nd Street NW
Cost: $25.95 regular adult admission
Where Dark Things Dwell
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What: You can immerse yourself in a massive and frightening outdoor escape room this summer at Fort Edmonton Park. Taking place at night until September 7, Where Dark Things Dwell is the newest interactive experience at Fort Edmonton Park. The games occur at night with masked live actors in the shadowy confines of Fort Edmonton Park’s historic buildings.
When: Wednesday to Sunday evenings until September 7
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd Street NW
Cost: $35; get them here