Here are the can’t-miss festivals going on this August in Edmonton!
Big Valley Jamboree
When: Aug 1-4
Where: Camrose, AB
About: Put on your cowboy hat and join the crowd for the biggest summer country music extravaganza in Alberta! The jamboree features performances from top country artists, including including Brooks & Dunn, Old Dominion, Toby Keith, Pam Tillis, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Blueberry Bluegrass & Country Music Festival
When: Aug 2-4
Where: Heritage Park | 5100 41 Ave. Stony Plain
About: Head west of Edmonton for a celebration of roots music with legendary acts, jam sessions, and family activities. Enjoy the shows at the licensed Blueberry Patio!
Heritage Festival
When: Aug 3-5
Where: Hawrelak Park | 9930 Groat Road
About: This lively, outdoor festival showcases different cultural and ethnic backgrounds with culinary delicacies, creative performances, shopping for crafts, artwork, and clothing, and the opportunity to talk with people eager to tell you a little about their cultural roots and their present-day communities in Canada.
Rock’N August
When: Aug 6-10
Where: Servus Credit Union Place | 400 Campbell Rd. St. Albert
About: At this classic car show, you can admire over 400 vintage vehicles that have been well maintained and polished by their owners. Other exciting events include a pancake breakfast, music festival, and soapbox derby.
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
When: Aug 8-11
Where: Gallagher Park | 9411-97 Ave.
About: International stars of blues, Celtic, bluegrass, gospel, and world music perform at this open-air festival, where a hillside serves as a natural amphitheatre.
EPCOR RiverFest
When: Aug 10
Where: Laurier Park | 13221 Buena Vista Rd.
About: Get ready for EPCOR RiverFest and take part in river valley activities such as cycling, hiking, geocaching, and paddling. Join in the Raft Float—bring your boat or rent one, and take a shuttle back—and enjoy the kids’ play area, entertainment, food trucks, and more!
Animethon
When: Aug 9-11
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre | 9797 Jasper Ave.
About: This annual celebration of Japanese animation and design includes workshops, gaming, costume contests, film screenings, and more. You can meet special guests, voice actors, cosplayers, and more!
Cariwest Festival
When: Aug 9-11
Where: Capital Plaza | 108 St. & 99 Ave.
About: Dance the song of life at this lively festival of celebrations, including a colourful costume parade, calypso competition, dance performances, block party, and steel band competition.
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
When: Aug 15–25
Where: Various venues
About: This alternative theatre festival is the largest of its kind in North America, featuring over 1,200 uncensored and non-juried shows and performances from over 200 theatre companies from around the world! Venues are located in the Old Strathcona area with roving street performers, beer gardens, delicious food, and great street shopping adding to the festive spirit.
Edmonton Rock Music Festival
When: Aug 16-17
Where: Hawrelak Park | 9930 Groat Road
About: Get ready to rock Hawrelak Park this weekend with an amazing lineup of rock music icons!
Edmonton Marathon Family Festival Weekend
When: Aug 17-18
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre | 9797 Jasper Ave.
About: Missed registration? Take part in the free 3km friendship run and walk with John Stanton, renowned founder of the Running Room, who will motivate and guide the walk at a manageable pace. Family-friendly activities include a fitness expo, live music, and the ABC Run for Kids.
Edmonton Airshow (CANCELLED)
When: Aug 17–18
Where: Villeneuve Airport
About: Celebrating Edmonton’s rich aviation history—the first licensed municipal airport in Canada was the city’s Blatchford Field—and its modern evolution, this spectacle features impressive pilots performing astonishing stunts. Drive out or use the Park’n’Ride option provided with every ticket, and enjoy the food trucks on-site.
Edmonton Blues Festival
When: Aug 23-25
Where: Various venues
About: Top local and international acoustic and electric blues acts shake the house with everything from funk to zydeco.
