14 fantastic things to do this weekend in Edmonton: Jan. 16 to 18
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through January, and if it feels like your head is spinning from the rapid passage of time, this weekend might be the perfect time to kick back and enjoy all the fun to be had around Edmonton.
From winter festivals and live musicals to Oilers games and farmers markets, here are 14 outstanding things to do around the city this weekend.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
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What: Step into Alberta Avenue District for the Deep Freeze enchanted forest and see a mystical creature, vivid blooms, bright-hued mushrooms, and woodland animals — all hand sculpted by their world-renowned ice, balloon, and lantern artists. There will be light installations, ice sculptures, cultural stories, street hockey, the famous annual Deep Freezer races, and other winter artistic panache.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18
Where: 118th Avenue and 90th to 95th Street NW
Cost: Free
Edmonton Oilers vs. St. Louis Blues
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What: Grab your jersey, head down to Rogers Place, and cheer on the Oilers this Saturday as they face off against the Los Angeles Kings!
When: Sunday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.
Where: Rogers Place — 10220 104th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary; find them online
Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park
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What: Explore the diversity of First Nations and Métis peoples at the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park this weekend. The award-winning exhibit explores the beautiful cultures of First Nations and Métis Peoples while encouraging visitors to seek out the truths as lived by Indigenous Peoples in Treaty 6.
When: Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Fort Edmonton Park — 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: $20 per adult
Go tobogganing
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What: Whether you’re an adult or a child, tobogganing is one heck of a way to pass the time during the winter. Check out our roundup of some of the best tobogganing hills in Edmonton to visit for some sliding fun. Nothing beats some sledding over the holiday and winter break in Edmonton, that’s for sure.
RiverCity Bluegrass Festival
What: Let your senses take it all in as incredible singers and musicians fill the air with nonstop sound. The main stage brings a fresh lineup of eight international, national and regional bands, including internationally acclaimed mandolinist John Reischman and his Juno-nominated Old Acoustic group.
When: Jan. 16 to 18
Where: Edmonton Inn & Conference Centre — 11834 Kingsway NW
Cost: Prices vary and can be purchased online
Hit up the WEM World Waterpark
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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
Broadway Across Canada Presents: Moulin Rouge! The Musical
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What: Enter a world of splendour, romance, grandeur, and glory with Moulin Rouge! The Musical. A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment! Get ready for Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film to come to life on stage as it’s remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza! Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, this musical is a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and — above all — love.
When: Tuesday, Jan. 13 to 18
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium — 11455 87th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be found online
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 St. NW
Admission: Free
Go ice skating
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What: Lace up those skates and wear your warmest winter jacket. Skating during the holidays is perfect, and there are several spots across Edmonton you can go to. It’s some of the best fun you can have for free in the city.
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Free
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: Hours vary
Where: 9810 103A Ave. NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found online
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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
Cost: $13.33 adult admission
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
Cost: $17.50 for family/group admission
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 Hasbro-themed rides and more for all ages.
When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall — 8882 170th St. NW
Cost: $64 general admission; get tickets online
Telus World of Science
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What: Head over to the Telus World of Science this January, where you can experience wicked screenings in IMAX, exercise your brain and have plenty of fun doing it.
When: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Mondays
Where: 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: $24.95 general adult admission