Canada Day is a day jam-packed with activities, concerts and, of course, fireworks. Since it is the anniversary of Confederation, it is also a time for reflection and learning (or unlearning). If you would like to commit to understanding the truth and move toward reconciliation, read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (PDF) or visit CBC’s interactive page about Indigenous History on Treaty 6.
Alberta Legislature Grounds
10800 97 Avenue | July 1 | 7 AM – 5 PM
7–9 AM Edmonton Canada Road Race – Head to the Legislature South Grounds for the morning runs.
7–10 AM 37th Annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast – Enjoy a free pancake breakfast on the grounds, hosted by the Ismaili Council for Edmonton. This cherished community tradition has been running for 37 years and welcomes thousands of guests for breakfast and a celebration of Canadian diversity.
10–11:15 AM Canadian Citizenship Ceremony – Welcome Canada’s newest citizens during a special ceremony inside the Queen Elizabeth II Building, featuring participation from elected officials and community leaders.
11 AM – 5 PM Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre – Located in the Queen Elizabeth II Building. Drop in to explore the Borealis Gallery, Capital Gifts, the Democracy Discovery Centre, and the Pehonan Theatre.
12–5 PM Main Stage – Head over to Violet King Henry Plaza for live performances. Catch the Welcome Ceremony from 12 PM to 12:30 PM, followed by Secondhand Dreamcar (1 PM to 2 PM), Uptown (2:30 PM to 3:30 PM), and Reuben and the Dark (4 PM to 5 PM).
12–5 PM Games Zone – Stop by the East Grounds for Olivia Flows Hula Hooping from 12:30 PM to 5 PM.
12:30–4:30 PM Open House – Walk through the Alberta Legislature Building. Bookings are not required.
12:30–5 PM Family Fun Zone – Located on the South Grounds. Catch live performers including Spandy Andy (12:45 PM to 1:45 PM), Delia Barnett (1:55 PM to 2:55 PM), Lakota Tootoosis (3:05 PM to 3:35 PM), and Ron Pearson Magic (3:45 PM to 4:45 PM). Tents featuring Zuma Crafts, Alberta Parks, and balloon artists will also run from 12:30 PM to 5 PM.
1–5 PM South Stage – Take in multicultural live performances at the South Grounds Bandshell, featuring Invasive Invasion (AB Parks Show) from 1 PM to 1:45 PM, Al Jabal Dance from 2 PM to 2:45 PM, Hong De Canada from 3 PM to 3:45 PM, and Tempo Franco Danse from 4 PM to 4:45 PM.
1–5 PM Roving Entertainment – Keep an eye out across the Legislature Grounds for Brasstactics, Hula Hoop Circus, Charlie Peters, and Dream Dance Circus. Balloon artists will also be at the Amphitheatre Central Grounds from 12:30 PM to 5 PM.
Sir Winston Churchill Square
2 Sir Winston Churchill Square | July 1 | 12 PM – 10 PM
July 1 is the final day of the Works Art and Design Festival. It is your last chance to experience Churchill Square packed with public art pieces, including feature outdoor installations like Technicolour DreamCloth, SUPERGARDEN, and Belly of the Bull.
Over on the Works Street Stage, catch live musical performances running all afternoon and evening:
12:15 PM & 1:45 PM – Gateway Big Band
3:15 PM – Kaylin Kowalyshin
4:45 PM – Ann Vriend
6:00 PM – Lindsey Walker
7:15 PM – The Uncas
8:30 PM – Funk the Matriarchy
Fan Park and ICE District Plaza
10128 104 Avenue & 10360 102 Street | July 1 | 9 AM to late
It is a massive Canada Day celebration overlapping with Edmonton’s Summer of Soccer for the World Cup. Fan Park hosts the free, family-friendly Canada Celebrates fan experience inside The Tent. Doors open at 9 AM with football-themed activities, food trucks, DJ entertainment, face painting, and refreshments alongside three big Round of 32 match screenings:
10 AM – Match 80
2 PM – Match 82
6 PM – Match 81
Over in the ICE District Plaza, catch other tournament action broadcast live on the giant Rogers Place terminus screen throughout the day.
Art Gallery of Alberta
2 Sir Winston Churchill Square | July 1 | 11 AM – 5 PM
Immerse yourself in inspiring exhibitions that highlight diverse Canadian voices, perspectives, and stories with pay-what-you-may admission all afternoon. Take some time to explore current featured exhibitions, including Zoe Ann Cardinal Cire: Funny Bone, Wish Bone, Back Bone, Sport! The Art of Competing, and Wallflower.
Baijiu Patio & Indoors
10359 104 Street NW | July 1 | 5 PM – late
Keep the celebrations going late into the night at the “Blanche” Canada Day Party, presented by Baijiu and A La Maison. Taking over both the patio and the indoor spaces, the venue will feature two separate DJ booths pumping hip-hop and house music. Catch sets from David Stone, Lugz, Navasia, Levy Breaks, and Kris Harvey. Doors open at 5 PM, and ticket holders can enjoy drink specials on select vodka and pre-mixed cans all night long. Tickets are available online via Showpass.
Cask & Barrel
10041 104 Street NW | July 1 | All day
Celebrate Canada Day on the patio at The Cask. Drop by for drink specials running all day and night while enjoying a high-energy patio atmosphere. The day’s festivities will feature live entertainment by DJ Wasiname to keep the music going into the evening.
Little DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen
10404 Jasper Ave | June 30 | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Kick off your holiday celebrations a day early with a free pre-Canada Day family event hosted by Don’ya in the heart of downtown. Head over to the park to enjoy carnival games, a prize wheel, free toys for children while supplies last, and a chance to climb the iconic beaver play structure. The afternoon features live music from Mitch and Mitch of the band Neech, alongside complimentary bags of Ukrainian khrystyky, a sweet pastry twist on traditional “beaver ears.”
Fireworks
Edmonton River Valley | July 1 | 11 PM
The big show! End the night with a stellar display launched from the Kinsmen Sports Centre area over the North Saskatchewan River. If you cannot make it down, CBC Edmonton will be broadcasting a live stream of the show.
Excellent viewing locations with a direct sightline include:
- Queen Elizabeth Park and Hill
- Victoria Park
- Constable Ezio Faraone Park (west entrance to the High Level Bridge on 109 Street north)
Good viewing locations with an indirect sightline include:
Note: There is no fireworks viewing available from inside Kinsmen Park itself due to safety proximity. Using public transit is highly recommended to navigate downtown closures.