While you can’t crowd together and share food, you can still enjoy the great cultural experience that is Heritage Days. Its new site launches August 1, so you can still learn about all the cultures that make Edmonton such a diverse and welcoming place.
The Edmonton Corn Maze is back! All month long (and into the fall), you can head out to Spruce Grove (26171 Garden Valley Rd.) to get the good kind of lost, and while you’re waiting for the most directionally challenged member of your crew to emerge, you can shoot spud guns and air powered potato launchers, play games, have a picnic and more.
Kick August off in rockin’ style at Passport Restobar (10810 – 124 Street) with a night of high-energy blues, country and roots music by Edmonton’s own Guitarface on August 1. The band will play original songs and cool covers starting at 9 p.m.
Global Pet Foods on Jasper Ave and ARTS Senior Animal Rescue host Pet Patio Party August 1 from noon to 5 p.m. (10103 117 Street NW). Check out pet products from local vendors and meet some adorable adoptables from ARTS Senior Animal Rescue.
Get Cooking hosts its first Farm Dinner at Prairie Gardens August 1. Enjoy an outdoor five-course meal, followed by a seated meal in the Greenhouse, as well as a farm tour and live entertainment along the way!
The indoors can’t contain the city’s ghosts and ghouls, which means you can experience the hauntings and mysteries outside on the Old Strathcona Ghost Tour all summer long. Hosted by a veteran storyteller, the one-hour walking tour takes you to haunted buildings where murders and other mysteries have been reported by residents and business owners themselves.
The U-Pick season is on at Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm! Check the calendar for upcoming Picking Days (posted three days in advance), safely reserve an hour slot then head out to the farm (56311 Lily Lake Rd., Bon Accord) to fill your pail.
The river valley is as active as ever, and now the Rossdale Power Plant is, too! All summer long, the Prairie Sky Power Plant Tour takes you behind the scenes of the historic building and teaches you the Indigenous and civic story of the area.
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is already one of the most beautiful spots in the Edmonton area, and it becomes even more romantic — and delicious — with its Twilight Picnic Experience. Order a gourmet picnic box full of local and Canadian charcuterie, cheeses, fresh fruits and more, and enjoy exclusive admission to the Garden in the serene sunset hours.
Mercury Opera kicks off its Summer Lemonade Series — August 8 at 5 p.m. at 10909 92 St. NW — with an intimate garden concert featuring Cara McCleod, Emilio De Mercato and guest Boris Derow.
Cariwest is Edmonton’s biggest, longest-running Caribbean Arts Festival, and arguably the best fest to get up and groove to. Take part online on August 8 for the virtual version and enjoy the music, dance and vibrant costumes from the comfort of your own home.
Where can you see a prehistoric snake, a two-faced calf and a Rolls Royce made of matchsticks, all in one place? At the Telus World of Science Edmonton’s The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! You won’t just see the oddities and anomalies, you’ll learn the science behind them (and learn about Robert Ripley himself) all month long. Check out our Q&A with Staff Scientist Marie McConnell as well!
The Spotlight Cabaret celebrates the ’20s — the 1920s — every Thursday at 9 p.m. with The House of Hush Burlesque’s Bourbon and Burlesque, a night of dance, laughs, glimmering costumes and flair to spare.
The River Valley Adventure Company has all kinds of cool ways to travel in and around the river valley, from cycling and rafting to Segway riding. Whether you need lessons or have experience, get out and enjoy the greenery!
Quarters Arts has a new home and they want to celebrate with you every Saturday this summer! Local musicians, DJs and artists will perform just inside the big yellow doors for passersby to enjoy and groove to. Stop by and donate towards their official opening.
The City of Edmonton has your health and fitness needs covered all summer long, with Community Rec Centre green spaces and river valley parks hosting 50 fitness classes per week. Check out the summer schedule and locations to figure out the class and park that’s best for you.
La Cité Francophone’s Summer Patio Series is back, bringing outdoor musical shows from local musicians every Friday until September 4. With Café Bicyclette and the safe option to move shows indoors if need be, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy local music each week.
The Rosenthal Community League has teamed up with Kids Run Wild for some outdoor fun and learning every Thursday and Sunday in August. Kids aged 5 to 17 will get fit and play games while learning map reading and navigational skills, and take part in some friendly, physically distanced competition.
Mark Meer and Donovan Workun make up Edmonton’s Monsters of Improv, and they’ll create a brand new show, based on your suggestions, every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Spotlight Cabaret.
You can’t frolic on the Commonwealth Stadium field, but you can still enjoy a locally sourced feast prepared by Edmonton’s top chefs, delivered right to your yard, on August 19 (remember to cut the grass first). As always, funds go to the CapitalCare Foundation.
There’s a new street celebration happening on 104 Street, every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 4th Street Promenade presents Al Fresco on the Street, providing an open-air dining experience at locally owned food trucks and restaurants, all next to a fabulous vendor market. It’s a great way to get out and #SupportLocalYEG.
Prana Yoga Studio hosts Summer Yoga in the Park at Glastonbury Park every Saturday at 10 a.m. until August 15. Bring your mat, some water and sunscreen, then get fit, have fun and connect with your community!
Edmonton’s killer comedy scene returns (it’s actually a very friendly scene) all month long at the Grindstone Theatre (10019 81 Avenue). Check out — or take part in — Open Mic Wednesdays or come by Fridays for The Stand Up Show, featuring hysterical local talent.
The Meadows Community League hosts two drive-in style movie events, August 22 and 29. Tickets get you a fun night out for the whole family, and sales go to the Edmonton Food bank. It’s a great, safe way to get out of the house and help a good cause.
