With non-stop festivals, thought-provoking art, Indigenous events, a lush river valley, mouth-watering food, thrilling sports events, and more, you’re guaranteed to love your time in the city. And here are at least 25 reasons to love Edmonton in sunny August!
(View the complete list here: 150 Reasons to Love Edmonton.)
#3. View the stunning tile mosaic Tsą tsą ke k’e (or Iron Foot Place) set in the floor of Ford Hall at Rogers Place. Designed by Alex Janvier, an artist of Dene Suline and Saulteaux descent, the piece honours the land where Edmonton is located and its legacy as a meeting space.
#7. Catch a unique performance at the first and largest Fringe festival in North America! From August 17–27, the Edmonton International Fringe Festival will celebrate “A Midsummer’s Night Fringe!”
#9. Once famous for being one of the highest river crossings in the world when it opened in 1908, the High Level Bridge Street Car still offers a breathtaking view as it travels between two historic neighbourhoods.
#11. Often referred to as Edmonton’s castle, the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald opened back in 1915 and has hosted the queen, Beyoncé, and Oprah Winfrey. The patio of the hotel’s Confederation Lounge has one of the best views in the city overlooking the river valley.
#15. Watch the hill at the Edmonton Folk Fest light up with candles at night from the comfort of your blanket. The Decemberists and Leon Bridges headline this year’s fest from August 10–13!
#32. Pick up a pair of luxurious and comfortable custom-made men’s and women’s footwear from Poppy Barley, launched by a pair of sisters and the first company in North America to sell custom fashion boots online. Check out their new flagship store in Southgate Centre!
#35. On August 8, 15, 22 & 29 in Churchill Square, a three-storey-high inflatable screen plays the latest blockbuster films for Movies on the Square. Arrive by 7 pm for pre-movie entertainment and bring a lawn chair!
#45. Learn the history of Ukrainian settlement from 1892 til 1930 at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and their feature exhibit, Where We Came From.
#53. Take advantage of the free admission this year at Elk Island National Park, where you can enjoy hiking, canoeing, camping, and more in this gentle wilderness!
#55. Have your fill of exotic cuisines from 70 pavilions (over 90 countries and cultures) at the Heritage Festival on August 5–7, then bring the kids to the children’s tent where there are non-stop games, prizes, and fun!
#60. Tee off at Canada’s oldest city-run course! Developed in 1896, Victoria Golf Course is even older than the city of Edmonton.
#69. Hunt down the tastiest unique eats from one of Edmonton’s food trucks—including Bully Food Truck and Dedo’s—using the Street Food App, which tells you when and where they’re serving!
#73. Navigate through 15 acres of corn at the Edmonton Corn Maze, which changes its design every year! Check out this year’s BioWare design, which commemorates the local video game developer.
#85. Celebrate impressive athletes and the city’s Chinese-Canadian community on the North Saskatchewan River at the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival on August 18–20.
#86. Test your balance—and nerve—at the Snow Valley Aerial Park, a giant obstacle course in the lush river valley and the first of its kind in Canada.
#94. With the largest rooftop patio in Edmonton and over 100 beers on tap, Craft Beer Market is one of the best summer spots in the city to enjoy a cold one.
#102. Western Canada’s largest outdoor farmers’ market, the St. Albert Outdoor Farmers’ Market attracts large crowds to shop its over 250 vendors and hear live music.
#104. A qualifier for the 2018 Boston Marathon, the Edmonton Marathon on August 19–20 is celebrating its 25th anniversary!
#109. See some incredible artwork at the Stony Plain Multicultural Heritage Centre. Through August 28, it’ll display the vivid inkwork of emerging Edmonton artist Brandon Atkinson.
#115. From funk to zydeco, the Edmonton Blues Festival will honour Canada’s 150th this year with a lineup of more Canadian acts than previous years from August 25–27!
#117. Celebrate Caribbean culture at the annual Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival on August 11–13. The colourful parade was originally a part of the K-Days parade, until it evolved into its own festival to include three days of food, live music, street theatre, and more!
#121. Made with local ingredients, the artisanal popsicles at Café Bel-Air—with flavours such as Strawberry Lemonade and Chocolate Sea Salt—are perfect for enjoying under the sun! Find them at the City Market.
#128. There’s a special magic to music when it’s heard al fresco! Take in classical gems and Hollywood hits at the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Under the Sky from August 31 to September 3.
#131. Wear your biggest hat to the largest event in Western Canadian horse racing on August 19. Northlands Park has hosted the Canadian Derby for nearly six decades!
#147. For all-ages fun in the sun, head to Jackie Parker Park, which includes a zoo-like spray park, toddler water play area, picnic area, and even an enormous playground.
