18 wicked things to do in Edmonton this week: August 4 to 8

Aug 3 2025, 2:00 pm

Happy first week of August! With sunshine in the forecast and festival season in full swing, the city is totally buzzing.

From Folk Fest to Cariwest and everything in between, here are 18 incredible things to check out around Edmonton this week.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival

What: The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is a four-day celebration of global sounds, good food, and community spirit, all set against the city skyline on Gallagher Hill. With multiple stages, surprise jam sessions, a kid-friendly vibe, and an international food lineup, it’s one of the most beloved events of the summer.

When: Thursday, Aug. 7 to Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025
Where: Gallagher Park — 9505 96th Ave. NW
Cost: Limited tickets available online

Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival

 

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What: Celebrate over 40 years of Caribbean culture in downtown Edmonton at Western Canada’s largest Caribbean arts festival. Enjoy vibrant music, energetic performances, tasty Caribbean food, and a lively atmosphere that brings the community together.

When: Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 10
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free

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 Sq., Edmonton
Cost: $13.33 adult admission

75th Anniversary Block Party Weekend

 

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What: The Town of Devon is turning 75! Join us for an unforgettable weekend filled with fun events and make some amazing memories. From nostalgic moments to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!

This milestone weekend will take place across multiple locations in town, with events happening at local parks, halls, and community spaces. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, this celebration is the perfect way to come together. Let’s honour Devon’s rich history and vibrant future together!

When: Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 10
Where: Devon, Alberta
Cost: All events are free except the Drive-In Movie ($5 per vehicle)

Catch an Edmonton Elks game

 

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

When: Friday, Aug. 8, at 5:30 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

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

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: 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.

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

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

Sip & Science: Cosmos

 

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What: Explore Stardust: The Universe in You — an immersive, cosmic exhibition that’s all about what we’re made of (hint: stars) on Aug. 8. With a drink in hand, no kids allowed, and vibes that are totally out of this world, Sip & Science: Cosmos is the perfect date night or the spot for starlit selfies with your crew.

When: Friday, Aug. 8, from 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Telus World of Science — 11211 142nd St. NW
Cost: $18.95 regular admission

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. 8 at 7 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

Streetcar Cask Series

 

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What: Hop aboard! One of Edmonton’s most exciting experiences combines all things beer and all things Edmonton on a scenic ride aboard one of the city’s historic streetcars. Every Thursday evening from May to October, The Common features a rotating lineup of Alberta breweries showcasing their beer. Each trip promises a unique brew available exclusively on the streetcar.

When: Every Thursday
Time: 6:45 and 8 p.m.
Location: 10910 100th Ave. NW, Edmonton
Admission: $63.10

Elk Island National Park

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

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

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