The festival season never ends in Edmonton, and you won’t want to miss these exciting events in September and October. There’s fun for everyone in the family, with great things to do for arts, film, wine, and pop culture buffs.
The Mashing Spirits, Cider, Beer Festival
When: Sep 14–15
Where: RE/MAX Field
About: The Mashing (the process used in brewing, distilling, and cider making) brings together local craft distilleries, breweries, restaurants, and entertainment in an outdoor space to cultivate a unique community event. Sip spirits, savour delicious treats from local food trucks, sing along to Calgary native David Bradford, and see a flick on the giant movie screen!
Kaleido Family Arts Festival
When: Sep 14–16
Where: Alberta Avenue (118 Ave. between 90 & 95 St.)
About: An entire four blocks of Alberta Avenue become a canvas in this family-friendly festival of artistic exploration. Musicians, street performers, art displays, artists at work, and interactive activities will be in alleyways, storefronts, rooftops, and parks. This is a festival you have to see to believe!
DBC Fall Festival
When: Sep 15
Where: Downtown Fort Saskatchewan
About: This festival has a little something for everyone! Let your kids go crazy on the bouncy castles, discover new animals in the petting zoo, take a ride on a pony, and more! Don’t forget to jump on the Ferris wheel before filling up on delicious eats from the Taste of Downtown Food Festival!
Comic & Entertainment Expo
When: Sep 21–23
Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre
About: Don’t miss the city’s biggest pop culture convention! Get a drawing from your favourite comic book artist, experience one-time-only workshops, themed guest panels with stars like Star Trek’s Karl Urban and Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Kristy Swanson, and explore unique items for sale by vendors from all over Canada.
Play The Fool Festival
When: Sep 27–30
Where: Backstage Theatre
About: This unique festival is the only one of its kind in Western Canada and features physical performers from all over the world! Catch curious characters, colourful clowns, and quirky comedians from France, India, California and—of course—Edmonton!
VegFest
When: Sep 30
Where: Ritchie Community League
About: Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just interested in trying new and delicious foods, don’t miss Edmonton’s first ever VegFest! Indulge in locally-made food, enjoy live performances and artwork, and shop locally-made veg-friendly goods!
Alberta Culture Days
When: Sep 28–30
Where: Various Venues
About: This year marks the tenth anniversary of Alberta Culture Days, and the festival is bigger and better than ever! Various locations throughout Edmonton will be hosting special events and gatherings to celebrate local arts and culture in our diverse province. Visit alberta.ca/alberta-culture-days for venues.
Up + Downtown Music Fest
When: Oct 5–7
Where: Various Venues
About: Eleven different venues in the downtown core will be hosting local and national talent for a three-day festival of visual art, and musical talent that will amaze the senses. Performers include Tanya Tagaq, The Velveteins, Nuela Charles, and so many more! Visit updt.ca for venues.
LitFest: Edmonton’s Nonfiction Festival
When: Oct 11-21
Where: Various Venues
About: Book lovers unite for Edmonton’s annual literary festival that features some of the biggest names in nonfiction. With readings, panels, and events on technology, misogyny, colonization, and the future of money, there is an event for everyone! Authors and panelists include Matthew Stepanic (previous editor of Where Edmonton, and current editor of Glass Buffalo), and Angie Abdou, author of CBC Canada Reads finalist The Bone Cage. Visit litfestalberta.org for venues.
Edmonton Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival
When: Oct 19–20
Where: Shaw Conference Centre
About: It’s the twentieth year of the festival so rest assured, they’ve perfected their talent. More than 600 retailers of locally distilled beer, wine, spirits, and gourmet food are eager to help you discover your new favourite drink—and the food to go along with it!
