Alberta Culture Days are an annual celebration of the diversity, creativity, and community spirit that thrive here in our province. Starting with a one-day celebration in 2008, the event has since blossomed into a province-wide, month-long festival. All through September, you can find amazing in-person and virtual events across Edmonton’s many cultural institutions that allow you to share in the artistic hum of the city.
Art Gallery of Alberta
Sept. 25–26: Culture Days Celebrations
In honour of its new exhibit, ROYGBIV, the AGA is transforming its main floor into a colourful wonderland full of free art activities for families! On top of these activities, kids and teens can enjoy workshops on breakdancing and beatmaking, as well as portrait art and making colourful lanterns from recycled materials. Admission to the rest of the gallery has been reduced to $5 per person for the weekend.
Bibliothèque de Beaumont Library
Sept. 25: Community Mural Unveiling
All September long, Beaumont citizens have been creating their own pieces for a community mural in conjunction with Mural Mosaics. On September 25, the finished product will be revealed at the Bibliothèque de Beaumont Library! During the unveiling, enjoy performances from the Beaumont Children’s Choir and more.
Edmonton Opera
Sept. 25: Alberta Performing Arts Showcase
Edmonton Opera, Calgary Opera, the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, the Running Thunder Dancers, and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra have united to bring you a spectacular virtual performance experience! This one-hour show will be premiering on the Edmonton Opera Facebook page.
Spruce Grove Public Library
Sept. 25: Notorious Cree
Award-winning fancy Powwow dancer James Jones, AKA Notorious Cree, will be bringing his high-energy dance and comedy routine to Spruce Grove’s central park for a free, all-ages performance!
Sept. 26: Finding Beauty Every Day Adult Writing Workshop
Hosted by poet and writer Lynn Gale, this free virtual workshop includes meditation, journaling, and gentle movement with the intent of allowing you to see and express the little joys to be found in the everyday. Prior registration is required.
Sept. 26: Virtual Blanket Exercise
This virtual exercise will take participants through 500 years of Indigenous history. Learn about our shared Canadian history and the importance of truth and reconciliation. This event is for participants aged 18 and up.
Edmonton Multicultural Coalition
Sept. 24–25: Mapping Cultural Diversity Together
Experience the rich, diverse cultures of Turkey, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Nepal, Azerbaijan, & Sierra Leone with this two-day virtual event filled with music, stories, food and costume exhibitions. Above all, enjoy a sharing and celebrating of cultures, embracing both difference and similarity.
YouthWrite
Sept. 25–26: 25th Anniversary Block Party
For 25 years, YouthWrite has given Edmonton’s youth the chance to hone their writing skills through inclusive, comprehensive camp experiences. Join them in celebrating this milestone with two days of speakers, special activities, food trucks, a dance party, and much more.
Bay 1 Gallery
Sept. 26: Fall Art and Music Night
Enjoy an evening of live music and art—and even make some masterpieces for yourself by purchasing a PaintNic box for 2, complete with everything you and a partner need to create your own paintings. Locally-brewed kombucha from Garage Kombucha will be also available for tastings and purchase.
Alberta Craft Council
Sept. 25: Culture in the Making Crafternoon
Join the Alberta Craft Council at their downtown gallery for a free one-hour crafting session! Decorate your own one-of-a-kind tote bags with supplied materials—you can also bring your own supplies, including fabric, buttons, or whatever your imagination calls for! Register for a time slot online.
Jube School
The Jube school is offering crafts, stories, and other fun activities for kids, all streamed online! You can catch past streams on their Youtube channel.
Sept. 21: Storytime with Darlene Auger
Join the Jube School and Cree author Darlene Auger for a virtual storytime! Darlene will be sharing a story from her series, The Little Women’s Lodge Kit, which teaches children about traditional Indigenous culture and parenting.
LINGAP Canada
Sept. 21: International Day of Peace Concert
In honour of the International Day of Peace, join LINGAP Canada for a free virtual concert and discussion featuring guests from both the Philippines and Canada, sharing a message of peace and hope through music.
Writer’s Guild of Alberta
Sept. 25: Free Writing Workshops
Improve your short fiction skills, master the art of writing with humour, and take your story from idea to written word with three free virtual workshops! Space is limited, so be sure to register ASAP.
And Many More!
Looking for even more fun stuff to do? Find a full list of Alberta Culture Days events across the province through the Culture Days website.
