Events in Edmonton

Despite being only the fifth largest city in Canada, Edmonton is considered the country’s festival epicentre. Each year there’s a huge number of cultural, sports and arts events taking place in Alberta’s capital. You can certainly find something on at any time of year, although many of Edmonton’s top events take place during summer when the city enjoys long hours of sunshine until late into the night.

Music, film, fringe or food...whatever you are looking for you'll find it in Edmonton.

Ice on Whyte (January to February)

A mesmerising ice-carving festival that takes place on Whyte Avenue every winter, Ice on Whyte is a truly unique Edmonton event and one of only three ice carving competitions in Canada.

As well as viewing the magnificent entries to the main competition, visitors are able to have a go at ice-carving themselves and then grab a drink in the Ice Bar Tent.

Edmonton International Jazz Festival (June to July)

The Edmonton International Jazz Festival takes place over a two-week period in early summer each year. Compared to the jazz festival heavy-weights of Montreal or New Orleans, this is a younger and smaller, but nonetheless sophisticated affair.

Concerts are played out in venues across the city and each passing year the organisers are able to attract even bigger international jazz stars. Past headliners have included Veronica Swift, Porter and Dianna Reeves. Every year the Edmonton Jazz Orchestra performs and the organisers are also passionate about shining a light on local emerging talent.

A Taste of Edmonton (July to August)

The city plays host to a number of gastronomic events each year, but A Taste of Edmonton is the largest and most exciting of all. In fact, it is the biggest food festival in Western Canada. Currently held at Churchill Square, it’s been running for 35 years and takes place over a ten-day period in late summer.

As well as the chance to enjoy food from a huge number of local restaurants and food stalls, visitors can also enjoy culinary have-a-go workshops and then dance the night away at the free open air concerts that accompany the festival.

Edmonton International Theatre Fringe Festival (August)

The Edmonton International Theatre Fringe Festival is the biggest theatre fringe festival in North America. Many of the event's 1000 performances take place in venues across the Old Strathcona area. As the name suggest the festival showcases a truly offbeat, diverse, alternative and non-commercial calendar of theatrical and arts events.

It was founded in 1947 and has been ‘defying the norm’ ever since. Families can enjoy the KidsFringe program whilst everybody can get involved in the action some way or another and discover the show person inside of them.

Edmonton Heritage Festival (August)

This family-friendly event is a truly multicultural affair, celebrating the more than 100 cultures that make up Canada. All events take place outdoors in Hawrelak Park. Dance and musical acts are enjoyed alongside the showcasing of arts and crafts. Food is also an important element of the Edmonton Heritage Festival so be sure to arrive with an empty tummy and an open mind as you sample cuisine from every corner of the globe.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival (August)

Arguably the most significant folk festival in Canada, some 80,000 visitors attend the city’s Gallagher Park to see some of the globe’s finest folk musicians at this sell-out event. There are six stages at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, showcasing new and established talent across the full four days, as well as many workshops, craft shows and talks. Previous headline acts have included HOZIER, Brandi Carlile, k.d. lang, Oysterband, and Steve Earle.

Attendees can also relax in the festival’s huge beer garden whilst those with children can enjoy the excellent Family Fun Area.

Edmonton International Film Festival (September)

The Edmonton International Film Festival is an excellent nine-day film festival that showcases over 150 films each year in cinemas all over the city. Each year around a third of the films are feature length and the other 100 are short films.

The organisers are dedicated to giving a platform for high-quality, diverse, and independent productions. As well as, straightforward screenings, the festival, includes Q&A sessions with filmmakers, film and lunch events, and special gala screenings.

With year-round festivities there’s always something to celebrate in Edmonton. Search for cheap flights to Edmonton with BudgetAir and also find hotel accommodation close to the city’s top events.