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Throughout August
Every Saturday this month, head to 124 Street for Afternoon Sound Sessions. Live music, DJs and family-friendly fun bring the community together all summer.
August 1
The original summer blockbuster, Jaws, turns 50 this year. Where better to catch it than for free at Films at the Library? Make your way to the Stanley Milner library for an afternoon screening.
August 2
The Edmonton Riverhawks season is coming to a close, but there’s still time to catch a fly ball this year. It’s Back to the ’90s Night, celebrating 30 years of Re/Max Field with ’90s hits, prizes and a post-game home run derby.
August 2
Create a personalized lantern to send off into the water in Rundle Park at the Water Lantern Festival. Held in cities around the world, the Water Lantern Festival celebrates connection, peace and reflection.
August 2
One of Edmonton’s most beloved comedy institutions, the Grindstone Theatre, is holding a special fundraiser show. Help them keep the lights on and the laughs rolling in — and enjoy an entirely improvised musical, sketch and stand up comedy.
August 2 to 4
A festival that truly needs no introduction, Heritage Festival is back for the August long weekend — this year at Borden Park and the Exhibition Grounds. Celebrate cultures from around the globe with food, drinks, dance and vendors.
August 2 & 6
You could scroll funny animal videos at home, or you could catch it all on the big screen. CatVideoFest at Metro Cinema brings audiences a curated selection of cat videos, animations and old viral internet classics. Best of all? Part of the revenue goes to SAFE, a local cat charity.
August 7
Cristian De La Luna brings Latin music and storytelling to the Arden Theatre’s plaza series. Bring your chair and get lost in the history and rhythm at this free, outdoor concert.
August 7 to 10
If it’s the second weekend in August, it’s time for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. For more than four decades, Edmonton has been host to one of the biggest and best folk festivals in the world. This year, catch headliners like The Roots and Mt. Joy. Grab a beer, put on your biggest hat and wander around — you’re sure to find your new favourite artist.
August 8
Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace plays a solo show at the Starlite Room this month. Get there early to catch the opening acts: Trapper Schoepp’s Americana-inflected rock, and queer melodic punk band Team Nonexistent.
August 8 to 10
Animethon is back. Featuring cosplay competitions, musical performances, appearances by voice actors and an after-party at Double Dragon, this weekend is packed. Grab your cosplay gear, connect with fellow fans and celebrate Asian popular culture.
August 8 to 10
Cariwest has become one of Edmonton’s signature summer festivals, celebrating Caribbean culture in the heart of downtown with a parade, food and entertainment all weekend.
August 14 to 17
Join the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose for their Golden Jubilee Coronation as they celebrate 50 years of drag in Alberta with performers from across Canada and the United States.
August 14 to 24
It’s not summer in the city without the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, the oldest and largest Fringe festival in North America. This year, the festival includes more than 220 theatre productions — and of course, all the lemonade and green onion cakes you can eat.
August 15 to 16
Another chance to take in music and culture this month, Afro Music Fest comes to the Ice District’s Fan Park. More than music, the festival also brings hands-on workshops, African food and drink and a fashion showcase celebrating the colours and textures of African style.
August 15 to 24
Connect with Chinese culture and sport at the Edmonton Dragon Festival. From dragon boat races to the evening gala, this is your chance to immerse yourself in Edmonton’s vibrant Chinese cultural community.
August 16
Edmonton’s seventh NoiseFest takes over The Aviary for a full day of noise music by local artists and acts from across the country.
August 17
Choose your own adventure at the Edmonton Marathon. Run the full marathon or bring the kids along for a family fun run. Stop by the official Block Party Series Afterparty, once you’re done running and take in a cold one.
August 18
If an actual marathon isn’t really your speed, there’s always the Movies on the Square marathon. Bring your lawn chair and snacks to Churchill Square for a day of cinema under the sky.
August 20 to 23
Symphony Under the Sky invites you to pull up a chair (or picnic blanket) and enjoy a night of live music at Snow Valley. Beethoven, Broadway or Disney — there’s a night of music for everyone.
August 23
After seven years, the Pride Parade is returning to downtown Edmonton. The whole weekend is a party at Ice District with music, drag, food and celebration.
August 27
This month offers opportunities to hear just about every kind of music while soaking up the sun. Opera Al Fresco at the Botanic Gardens is your opportunity to stroll through the gardens with opera classics in the air.
August 29 to 30
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra presents Disney in Concert Live Your Dream, two free nights of family friendly music in Churchill Square. Make sure to get there early to secure a spot — and grab a bite from a local food truck, too.
August 30
Finally, a chance to catch some music indoors this month. Modern rock stalwarts Wilco bring their indie sound to the Jubilee Auditorium.
August 31
Swifties of all ages are invited to downtown’s pinkest bar for Dolly’s Swiftie Sunday. Make friendship bracelets, sip Taylor-inspired mocktails and dance to all your favourite tracks.
