With more festivals than there are weeks of the year, Edmonton has earned its name as Canada’s Festival City. Here’s what you can expect downtown each season.
For even more events, check out our events page because we’re always up to date with the best parties, performances, and festivals.
SPRING | MARCH – MAY
Spring is when Edmonton gets a head start on summer fun. Dust off your t-shirts and join in on these exciting festivals and events.
DOWNTOWN DINING WEEK
Downtown restaurants plan mouthwatering multi-course meals at unbeatable price points.
When: Mid-March
EDMONTON COCKTAIL WEEK
This week is all about toasting local libation creations.
When: Mid-March
DOWNTOWN DEFROST FESTIVAL
Warm up at this family-friendly celebration of dance music and culture.
When: Mid-April
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
Pick up fresh produce and artisanal goods in the core.
When: Saturdays from May long weekend to Thanksgiving
NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS
Get ready to cheer alongside some of hockey’s most passionate fans.
When: End of April
SUMMER | JUNE – AUGUST
Summertime is festival time! Like the temperature, events are on the rise.
PRIDE MONTH
Edmonton does Pride Month right! Check out our events calendar to see what’s on each year.
When: June
SUMMER BLOCK PARTY SERIES
Rice Howard Way shuts down to cars and turns into one giant (licensed) patio.
When: Select weekends
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
Pick up fresh produce and artisanal goods in the core.
When: Saturdays from May long weekend to Thanksgiving
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Get lost in the world of jazz with performances by local and world-renowned musicians.
When: Late June
THE WORKS ART AND DESIGN FESTIVAL
This free event is North America’s largest outdoor celebration of visual art and design.
When: Late June
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL STREET PERFORMERS FESTIVAL
This festival brings the circus downtown.
When: Early July
TASTE OF EDMONTON
Savour Edmonton’s culinary delights at Western Canada’s largest food festival.
When: Late July
CARIWEST
Experience the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean at Western Canada’s largest Caribbean arts festival.
When: Early August
ANIMETHON
Feel free to be yourself when Edmonton’s downtown comes alive with anime fans, gamers and cosplayers.
When: Early August
AFRO MUSIC FEST
Don’t miss Western Canada’s fastest growing celebrations of Afro-Caribbean music and culture.
When: Mid-August
EDMONTON DRAGON FESTIVAL
Downtown and the river valley come alive with a week of high-energy performances, cultural celebrations and family-friendly fun.
When: Mid-August
GHANAFEST ALBERTA
Celebrate the richness of Ghanaian culture with this multi-day celebration.
When: Late August
FALL | SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER
Fall is a welcome break from the summer heat. Celebrate scarf season at these festivals and events.
PURPLE CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL
A celebration of underground sounds and Edmonton’s indie music scene.
When: Early September
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
A showing of all kinds of film.
When: Late September
CANADIAN FINALS RODEO
Enjoy thrilling performances by Canada’s best rodeo athletes.
When: Early October
OILERS PRE-SEASON/REGULAR SEASON
Get ready to cheer alongside some of hockey’s most passionate fans.
When: Available on the Rogers Place website.
WINTER | DECEMBER – FEBRUARY
We’re a four-season city, so a little cold never slows us down! Come warm up at these high-energy festivals and events.
WINTERVAL
This is Downtown Edmonton’s cozy, street-side kickoff to the holiday season.
When: Late November
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Watch a close-up fireworks show surrounded by the beautiful architecture and holiday lights in the core.
When: December 31
WINTERRUPTION
Don’t miss the premiere music and arts festival in Downtown Edmonton.
When: Late January
OILERS REGULAR SEASON
Get ready to cheer alongside some of hockey’s most passionate fans.
When: Available on the Rogers Place website.
YEAR-ROUND
The Arts District is our cultural hub hosting events and exhibitions, regardless of the season. Make sure to check in with these downtown staples.
CITADEL THEATRE
From big Broadway productions to experimental plays, Citadel Theatre has it all. Come visit one of the largest non-profit theatres in North America!
Schedule: Available on the Citadel Theatre website.
WINSPEAR CENTRE
The Winspear Centre is the home of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, but it also hosts a wide array of concerts and events. The acoustics alone make it a must-visit.
Schedule: Available on the Winspear Centre website.
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
With immersive, limited time exhibitions and frequent hands-on events, the Royal Alberta Museum has cemented itself as one of the greats.
Schedule: Available on the Royal Alberta Museum website.
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
Catch the latest touring and seasonal exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Each one is eye catching, innovative and boundary pushing.
Schedule: Available on the Art Gallery of Alberta website.
LATITUDE 53
If you like your art to take risks, Latitude 53 is the gallery for you. They were the starting place for many famous Canadian artists!
Schedule: Available on the Latitude 53 website.
ROGERS PLACE & FAN PARK @ ICE DISTRICT
If it’s a big, flashy tour you’re after, you’ll find it at the Rogers Place arena or the outdoor Fan Park.
Schedule: Available on the Rogers Place website.
For even more events happening now, check out our events page.