August 3 to 6
For those seeking to combine an outdoor camping trip in the country with some of the best country bands in the game, there is Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose. This year’s headlining acts are Dallas Smith, Morgan Wallen and Dierks Bentley. Pitch your tent and grab a pitcher or two, hit up the vendors at the trade show, or check out the bull riders. It’s going to be a jam-packed jamboree.
Until September 24
Get spooked by a bunch of scary spectres at Fort Edmonton Park’s latest new attraction — Where Dark Things Dwell. It’s an immersive outdoor escape experience that takes place the fort’s iconic 1885 street. It’s best enjoyed at night, preferably when it’s pitch black. At that point, the entire park transforms into a horror movie and makes you and your friends the main characters.
August 4 to 6
If you haven’t noticed, disco, R&B, funk and all those sweet ’70s aesthetics are in full swing again. So, grab some bell bottoms and some flared collared shirts and head down to Louise McKinney Riverfront Park for a weekend of groovy music at Disco in the Park. This year’s lineup features performances from New Jersey house artist Crystal Waters and French disco-house artist Fred Flake.
August 5
Ever heard about the Shrek Rave? It’s the latest thing the kids are doing these days (or so we’re told). This month, hordes of people will gather at Midway Music hall adorning green ears, makeup, and even full-on costumes to listen to Shrek-themed EDM music and dance the night away. Unleash your inner ogre, or get down like an all-star at Shrek Rave.
August 5 to 7
While Hawrelak Park is currently getting its makeover, the Edmonton Heritage Festival has moved to its new home. Eat around the world at the Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park. This year boasts over 60 different pavilions with food, artisans and performances.
August 8 to September 3
The performances may be intense and put you on the edge of your seat — just remember not to bite your thumb, lest you start a family feud. Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night take the main stage, along with several other classics from the bard, at this year’s Freewill Shakespeare festival. Head down to the Edmonton Expo Centre to catch some of the greatest plays ever written, and don’t forget your longsword.
August 8 to 12
Something about hearing an electric guitar ring out a heavy riff while behind the wheel of a classic muscle car just feels right. This is the feeling that the Rock’n August festival in St. Albert goes for. Over 800 cars will congregate in downtown St. Albert over four days, with plenty of different activities, from live music to pancake breakfasts. Donations and proceeds go to help fund Diabetes research. With all the stylish cars and rock music, you’re bound to feel like a highway star.
August 10 to 13
Grab your tarp, dust off last year’s dirt, and head out to Gallagher Park for four days of peace, love, and folk music at this year’s Edmonton Folk Music Festival. This yearly tradition has become an icon thanks to its laid-back vibes, great outdoor venue, and exceptional lineup of top-class singers/songwriters year after year. This year’s headliners include Feist, Danny Michel, Fleet Foxes and Half Moon Run.
August 11 to 13
There’s no need to jet set away to the Caribbean — Edmonton summers already have the heat, and with Cariwest Festival, you can also experience the culture and food of the Caribbean here in town. It’s a yearly tradition that celebrates the city’s Carribean community, where they share their culture with the rest of the city. This festival also has one of the most colourful and vibrant parades the city sees all year. Enjoy the upbeat music, delicious food and the famous extravagant masquerade costumes of the Cariwest Festival.
August 12 to September 14
What happens when you combine diva-driven pop music with English nobility from the 16th century? The answer is Six. This musical is a modern re-telling of the storied lives of the six wives of King Henry VIII and the utter bullcrap the infamous monarch put them through. The world-renowned production will bring some serious girl power to the Citadel Theatre.
August 17 to 27
Fringe 42: The Answer is Fringe is set to be a hitchhiker’s guide to Edmonton’s eclectic theatre and performance arts scene. The whole area around the Fringe Theatre and Arts Barns in Old Strathcona turns into a bustling bazaar of food truck vendors, clowns, stiltwalkers and theatre-goers deking out of the way of each other as they tour from show to show. What are you in for? A show about a robot caring for house plants? Or a Dungeons and Dragons improv musical?
August 18, 19, and 23
The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is all about bringing the best talent to Edmonton audiences. But for Jubefest, all of that talent comes from right here in wild rose country. Hip Hop artist Arlo Maverick takes the stage on August 18 with Mouraine. August 19 features an Opera night from Nuova Vocal Arts. And August 23 is all about singing with the a cappella group Apocalypse Kow and vocal group 6 Minute Warning.
August 18 to 26
“Isn’t Pride usually in June?”
Shut up. No, it’s not. It’s always been in August. You’re crazy. Just click that link, and you’ll see. There’s a two-spirit Powwow on August 24, a Y2k party on August 25 and an all-out pride party on August 26. It’s gonna be great. And maybe it was in June…vbut we’re pretty sure it’s always been in August.
August 18 and 25
Throughout summer, businesses along Alberta Avenue have been taking turns moonlighting as night markets for the local community. On August 18, the market is coming to Mona Lisa Pub and will bring a number of vendors, and crafters, along with great food and live entertainment. On August 25, it all happens again at Canadian General Store.
August 19 and 20
How are your skills on the basketball court? If you think you and two friends got what it takes to become kings and queens of the court, then dribble down to the Alley Hoop Classic 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Alley Hoop is all about building the hype for basketball right here on our own home turf. Everyone is welcome to participate, and the recently refurbished Blue Quill Community Basketball Courts are in fantastic shape thanks to the work Alley Hoop has done.
August 19
After taking her show around the world from Nigeria, the United Kingdom and South Africa, Edmonton’s ninth Poet Laureate, Titilope Sonuga, is back home with her show, Open, at the Triffo theatre for an evening of poetic and musical meditations. Joining her will be the Afro-fusion band, Melafrique, and Key 30 Orchestra.
August 19
Take it easy, and don’t worry about a thing while you chill out to some of the best global talents in reggae music, like Ky-Mani Marley and Macka Diamond. The Edmonton Reggae Festival is all about bridging Edmonton with reggae culture while growing local artists.
August 26
Witness some truly phenomenal levels of human endurance and tenacity as the river valley transforms into an intense triathlon course for the Americas Cup & Do North Triathlon. If you’ve got the training, you can enter yourself in one of three different heats and compete with some of the best on the endurance circuit. Participants must be 16 or older and have a provincial triathlon license or have purchased a day license.
August 19 and 26
The walls of Alberta Avenue are alive with art, and there is history behind every piece. Take a stroll down the ever-changing landscape of graffiti and murals with a guided tour from Arts on the Ave, then enjoy some gourmet caffeinated beverages from The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse.
August 20
We’ve had one Pride River Boat Party, yes, but what about seconds? If it weren’t for winter freezing the river, we could even do three or four of these things. Join Evolution Wonderlounge on the Edmonton riverboat for a party featuring drag performances, dancing and of course, pride.
August 25 to 27
The Purple City Music Festival is focused on promoting the most innovative new music coming out of the underground and alternative scene. The fest has a diverse lineup that ranges from hardcore punk, shoegaze and good ol’ rock’n’roll that will take over multiple downtown venues.
August 25 to 27
The Edmonton International Blues Festival has moved its home from its old stomping ground at Hawrelak Park (currently under construction for the next couple of years) and has moved to the RE/MAX Field. But the location is sure to be the only difference, as the lineup is shaking up to be just as sound as ever with blues royalty, Jimmy Vaughan and his Tilt-a-Whirl Band, as well Monkeyjunk, and John Primer.
August 26
For most runners, obstacles include rough terrain, steep hills, a couple of twigs, and maybe a log if you’re in the river valley after a heavy storm. But on this 5k run, the greatest obstacles are giant bogs of bubbles which competitors have to make it through. The 2023 Bubble Chase 5k run is coming to Capilano Park this month. It’s a family-friendly event that offers a 2.5km course, a 5km course and mountains of bubbles (of course).
August 24 to 27
The River Cree Resort and Casino is hosting an emporium of goods and wares from local Indigenous vendors. Its location has grown and is now bigger than ever at the casino’s south parking lot. The event showcases over 100 vendors in addition to artisans, food trucks and live entertainment.
