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 July!
(View the complete list here: 150 Reasons to Love Edmonton.)
#1. Enjoy 10 epic days of family fun at K-Days from July 21–30! Founded in 1879 as an agricultural fair, the exhibition now includes thrilling rides, deep-fried goodies, and a Pow Wow competition.
#2. One of Edmonton’s hippest neighbourhoods becomes an outdoor gallery of diverse works during the Whyte Avenue Art Walk from July 7–9!
#4. Don your green and gold to cheer on the Edmonton Eskimos on July 14 & 28 and August 4 & 25! The CFL team was Warren Moon’s first professional team, and he was later the first Black quarterback inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Moon won five consecutive Grey Cups with the Esks and sparked a bidding war when he entered the NFL.
#5. Reflect on how Canada can work toward true reconciliation with its Indigenous peoples and the possibilities for our next 150 years together at the Borealis Gallery’s exhibition, The Dream We Form by Being Together.
#24. Run, swim, and cycle with elite and beginner athletes alike at the ITU World Triathlon from July 28–29, for which the city has hosted events for more than 15 years!
#25. Watch the squirrels steal the show at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, which brings the bard to Hawrelak Park every summer for a double-bill of comedy and tragedy! Through July 16, you can see The Merry Wives of Windsor and The Merchant of Venice.
#39. Opened in 1957 alongside its sister venue in Calgary, the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium was built to celebrate the province’s 50th anniversary. Home to the Edmonton Opera and Alberta Ballet, this 2,700-seat venue hosts incredible performances throughout the year, including The Phantom of the Opera from July 26 to August 6.
#42. Host to incredible musical acts and top comedians, the River Cree Resort & Casino will host the Indigenous Peoples’ Conference (July 2 & 3) held in conjunction with the World Indigenous Nations Games.
#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.
#48. The oldest market in the city, as it opened in 1903, City Market fills the 104 Street Promenade with fresh veggies, buskers, and more every Saturday morning in the summer months.
#50. In the summer months, the experimental art gallery Latitude 53 spreads out onto the patio and welcomes in the hip crowd of Edmonton for special cocktails, delicious bites, and innovative art! Attend their Urban Garden Party on July 22.
#51. Experience the beautiful University of Alberta Botanic Garden after-hours with dance lessons, live music, and outdoor movie screenings at Date Night on Thursdays throughout the summer.
#54. From July 14–16, join the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation for their 40th annual community pow wow celebration!
#57. From July 20–29, you can sample tasty morsels from the city’s best restaurants and chefs at Taste of Edmonton!
#68. The quaint yet burgeoning 124 Grand Market creates a lively night scene every Thursday from 4–8 pm on 108 Avenue!
#71. Opened in 1984, the TELUS World of Science—Edmonton makes learning about science and technology fun through innovative exhibits. Discover how beloved animated characters are brought to life at the new feature exhibit, The Science Behind Pixar.
#93. Beat the heat at Queen Elizabeth Pool, newly rebuilt in 2011 but still considered the oldest municipal pool in Western Canada. All four outdoor city pools are free this summer!
#96. Witness stunning sand sculptures take shape in Old Strathcona at Sand on Whyte through July 9!
#106. Interstellar Rodeo curates some of the best indie rock and folk artists during their intimate festival in Hawrelak Park from July 21–23 and features wines paired with the headlining musicians.
#108. Soak in the energy at an Edmonton Prospects game, where top collegiate baseball players from across North America compete.
#118. Witness chefs battle it out from July 21–23 as they compete in various categories—including sandwich, dessert, and bacon—at the Canadian Food Championships, the only qualifying competition in Canada for the World Food Championships.
#123. Discover some of the downtown’s hidden gems with the friendly Core Crew, who will take you on a free tour filled with neat trivia and must-see landmarks through August 18.
#132. Get a guided tour or presentation at one of Edmonton’s historic spots from July 1–9 at the Historic Festival & Doors Open.
#139. Hear headliners The Strumbellas, The Rural Alberta Advantage, and Frazey Ford in the heart of St. Albert at Seven Music Fest on July 8!
#140. Witness talents from around the world at the International Street Performers Festival from July 7–16 as they entertain with magic, comedy, juggling, storytelling, music, and more.
