It’s one thing to stay inside and hustle during the cold bleak months here in Alberta, but once it starts to warm up, don’t you want to take a break and get outside?
Summer provides the perfect time to step away from your work and have some fun.
We’ve put together a list with some fun festivals and events in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and surrounding areas to get you started.
June
Edmonton International Cat Festival
Paging all cat lovers. This event is all about cats and cat culture. An added feel-good bonus is the fact that the event raises money and awareness for rescues helping cats in need by donating 100% of proceeds to local cat rescues.
Paid
Heart of The City Music and Arts Festival
The mission behind this free festival is to provide a family-friendly festival full of music and art in the heart of Edmonton. It promotes and supports original, local and emerging artists.
Free
Edmonton Pride Festival
Hosted by the Edmonton Pride Festival Society, this festival endeavors to unify and educate by celebrating gender and sexual diversity.
Free & Paid
Beaumont Town & Country Daze
Beaumont's annual community festival that kicks off with a Saturday pancake breakfast followed by the parade. There are loads of events including a soapbox derby, car show & shine, midway, movies in the arena, fireworks and more.
Free & Paid
Improvaganza
If you love improv or sketch comedy, this festival is for you. It’s 10 days full of performances, workshops and social events.
Paid
Beaumont Blues & Roots Festival
Worth the drive, this is Canada’s longest-running 100% Canadian Content festival. Their goal is to provide high-quality live music for all ages.
Paid
July
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
This festival has been bringing street artists to Edmonton for over 35 years. It’s 10-days with over 40 acts from around the world.
Free
Whyte Avenue Art Walk - Edmonton
This event turns a 4 km section of Edmonton in a feast for the eyes for three days. You can find over 500 visual artists sharing their wears. Rain or shine they’ll be there.
Free
K-Days - Edmonton
For the last two weeks of July, K-Days creates Edmonton’s biggest festival. The line-up of activities, food, and talent is sure to offer something for everyone.
Paid
Interstellar Rodeo
This music festival doesn’t fit any one particular box. It offers a diverse line-up of artists, wine pairings and delicious food options.
Paid
Taste of Edmonton
Come eat all the things at this event that boasts more than 80 different dishes from around the world, plus Edmonton’s best from the classics to the newest offerings.
Free & Paid
August
Edmonton Heritage Festival
This 3-day event is a feast for the senses. Take in the tastes, sights, and sounds from 100 countries. This festival is a wonderful way to celebrate Canada’s multiculturism with the family.
Free
Edmonton Folk Festival
For over 30 years this festival has brought in the best of folk music from around the world. It happens each year on the second weekend in August.
Paid
Big Valley Jamboree - Camrose
If you’re a country music fan, this August long-weekend festival is for you. With more than 50 artists on multiple stages, plus bull riding and a songwriters’ workshop, there’s something for everyone.
Paid
Rock’N August - St. Albert
This event combines music & cars, plus funds raised support the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. Located in St. Albert, you can expect to see hundreds of cars on display. It’s a week-long celebration with events held throughout the city.
Paid (Minimum donation of $5 to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation)
Cariwest - Edmonton’s Caribbean Arts Festival
This 3-day event has been happening in Edmonton for over 30 years. It includes a costume extravaganza, a parade, and the Caribbean Village with live music, Caribbean food and a marketplace.
Free & Paid
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
Come to Old Strathcona for 11 days of fun. This festival has buskers, outdoor performers, artisans, vendors and of course live theatre performances.
Free & Paid
Edmonton Rock Music Festival
This 2-day festival boasts a range of rock bands to entertain and delight.
Paid
Edmonton Blues Festival
This festival serves up music from newcomers to legends and everything in-between. Three days of blue infused bliss.
Paid
Edmonton Airshow
World-class headliners, an aviation career fair, lots of aircraft to check out, plus the chance to learn about Alberta’s rich aviation history.
Paid (Children Under 7 are free, but still requires a ticket.)
This is by no means a complete list of all the wonderful events and festivals that are available.
If you’re looking for more ideas here are a few extra resources for you:
Book: DAY TRIPS FROM EDMONTON
Website: Explore Edmonton
Website: Sherwood Park Festivals and Events
If you really can’t break away from the hustle but still want to soak up some sun, our south Edmonton coworking location offers a patio so you can do both.
~ Heather
PS: If you haven't had the chance to check out our coworking space in South Edmonton, Dylan & I would love to show you around and answer your questions about coworking. Book a tour now.