Your guide to Edmonton’s hottest art, music, and food festivals in July!
Sand on Whyte
When: Through July 7
Where: Old Strathcona | Whyte (82) Ave.
About: Award-winning artists from around the world sculpt magnificent, giant sand creations on Whyte Avenue. This is a great festival to visit more than once, as you can watch the sculptures take shape throughout the week!
Freewill Shakespeare Festival
When: Through July 14
Where: Hawrelak Park | 9930 Groat Rd. | 780-425-8086
About: Local theatre troupe, the Freewill Players, perform their Shakespeare double feature in Edmonton’s beautiful river valley. This year, the festival has programmed a summer of classics with Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Winter’s Tale.
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
When: July 5-14
Where: Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park | 8303-104 St. | 780-425-5162
About: You never know who you’ll run into when roving artists take to the streets for a variety of shows featuring magic, comedy, puppets, juggling, storytelling, music, fire, and more! Most performances are free, although donations for the performers are encouraged.
Alberta Pianofest
When: July 4-July 21
Where: Various venues
About: This biennial festival hosts notable pianists from around the world and includes free public performances, traditional piano recitals, panel discussions, thematic variety shows, children’s outreach, master classes, and more.
Edmonton Carnaval
When: July 13 & 14
Where: Dr.Wilbert Mcintyre Park | 8303-104 St.
About: Celebrate Latin American culture at this multicultural arts and entertainment festival! With delicious food, live music, and cultural performances, this free carnival is full of fun for the whole family.
Taste of Edmonton
When: July 18-28
Where: Capital Plaza | 108 St. & 99 Ave. | 780-423-2822
About: Dozens of chefs from restaurants all over the city serve up sample sized portions of their popular dishes, and a few custom creations, too. Sample a variety of delicious food, wine, and beer in a vibrant outdoor setting while enjoying live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and food pairing workshops. This year they’re also partnering with the Canadian Food Championships!
Interstellar Rodeo
When: July 26-28
Where: Hawrelak Park | 9930 Groat Rd.
About: Enjoy an innovative mix of performers across genres, with a core emphasis on roots and Americana. This fantastic music festival, held in the heart of the river valley, will feature an eclectic lineup that includes Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Sharon Van Etten, Aloe Blacc, Perfume Genius, and many more!
K-Days
When: July 19-July 28
Where: EXPO Grounds | 7515-118 Ave.
About: This lively carnival kicks off with a Jasper Ave parade (Friday, July 19) and follows with a fun-filled lineup of live entertainment, midway games, thrilling rides, unique food, and extravagant nightly fireworks. Check out musical acts at the free concert series—or try the new exclusive Premium Party section for front-row seats and a private bar.
Check out our Festival Guide for a list of Edmonton’s upcoming fests for 2019!
