Until July 14
Ever wondered what happens when a shipwreck meets a magical island full of spirits, intrigue, and… a fishy man named Caliban? Prepare for laughter, enchantment, and maybe even a touch of romance, as the Freewill Shakespeare Festival presents The Tempest.
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and don’t miss the chance to see Prospero’s wild tricks and Ariel’s mischievous magic come to life in an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Come for the drama, stay for the chaos — after all, “We are such stuff as dreams are made on!”
July 1
Celebrate Canada Day at the Alberta legislature a day jam-packed with activities like a pancake breakfast, road race, performances by Edmonton Métis Cultural Dancers, Celeigh Cardinal and, of course, fireworks. Since it is the anniversary of Confederation, it is also a time for reflection and learning (or unlearning).
July 2 to August 27
Head over to Edmonton’s Snow Valley Ski Club for a night of music and poetry at the bottom of the ski hill. Enjoy performances from the talented artists of Edmonton Public Library’s Capital City Records and Capital City Press, all set against the stunning backdrop of Rainbow Valley. Admission is free, but consider taking non-perishable food donations for the Edmonton Food Bank.
July 3 to 7
Edmonton, prepare your funny bone for the Grindstone Comedy Festival! This isn’t just any comedy fest — it’s the ultimate showdown where national headliners and our homegrown local talent unite to tickle your ribs and challenge your bladder control.
This year, one of the legendary members of the Kids in The Hall, Bruce McCulloch, will be headlining. The bill also features Debra DiGiovanni, Bonnie McFarlane and Dave Merheje. Come for the laughs, stay for the… well, more laughs. And maybe a few awkward snorts.
July 5 to 14
Kick off summer with a bang at Sir Winston Churchill Square! For 10 thrilling days, enjoy circus acts, comedy, music, and death-defying feats as Streetfest celebrates its 40th anniversary. Join thousands of city-goers for unforgettable performances and nonstop fun!
July 6
Prepare your taste buds for a spicy adventure at the Jamaican Jerk Festival! Head over to Queen Mary Park for a sizzling day of mouth-watering jerk chicken and lively reggae beats.
July 6
Head over to the Metro Cinema for a cinematic rollercoaster ride that’ll have you questioning why you ever messed with the quiet girl in English class. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or just in it for the popcorn, Carrie promises a night of thrills, spills and maybe a few questionable fashion choices.
July 6 & 20
Whether it’s your six-year-old obsessed with fire stations, or you, don’t miss the opportunity to meet firefighters and fire prevention officers in your community. Check out the fire trucks and learn important fire safety information during Fire Station Open Houses… for free!
July 6 to August 4
Are you the type of person who has plans A to Z set up in case something goes wrong? Well this is just the show for you. Get ready for chaos with The Cornley Drama Society’s latest production: The Play That Goes Wrong — a 1920s murder mystery where Murphy’s Law reigns supreme.
Watch as the hapless actors struggle against every possible mishap to reach their final bow, creating a whirlwind of comedy chaos that’ll have you in stitches. It’s an award-winning rollercoaster of mayhem, where the only thing guaranteed is laughter — just hope they make it to the end without setting the stage on fire (again)!
July 7
You know how you get so excited for Christmas every year and before you know it, it’s over? You have to wait another year for it. Make the wait more bearable with the Christmas-themed Riverhawks game. Bring your dog, too, and hang out in the “Barking Bleachers.”
July 7 to 14
For 28 years, the Edmonton and District Historical Society has been the backstage pass to Edmonton’s rich history. This summer, it’s bringing the past to life with a wink and a nod to innovation. The festival will whisk you away on a journey through Edmonton’s past faster than you can say “back in my day…”
Enjoy one of the many walking tours like “Strathcona — Small City, Big Dreams,” or take an aviation history tour at the Alberta Aviation Museum and learn about the rich heritage of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
July 10 & 11
Hold onto your hats! From his signature cowboy hat to his sequinned masks, Orville Peck is a true outlaw of the modern West, and he’s coming up north as part of his Stampede Tour. Get ready to two-step the night away with this cowboy crooner for a night of twangy tunes, heartfelt ballads and enough fringe to make even Dolly Parton jealous.
July 10 to 20
Head to the Walterdale Theatre this month to meet Vanya and Sonia, two aging siblings who share a home and a penchant for quarrels. Their mundane routine takes a wild turn when their glamorous movie-star sister, Masha, arrives with a younger beau and a bold scheme to sell their family house. As tensions soar and absurdities abound, this comedic tale unfolds in true Chekhovian style, promising unexpected twists at every turn.
July 12 to 14
Experience Alberta’s largest outdoor studio and gallery on Whyte Avenue this month. The Whyte Avenue Art Walk stands as Edmonton’s pioneering art event, gathering 400 artists along the streets of Old Strathcona every second weekend of July.
Catering to a variety of tastes and budgets, the Whyte Avenue Art Walk artists offers a free, family-friendly environment surrounded by local restaurants and shops.
July 12 to 14
Picture this: you’re under the open sky, amidst the towering trees, hilarious heavyweights like Andrew Schulz, Kevin Hart and Shane Gillis are set to unleash waves of laughter that’ll echo through the wilderness and leave you gasping for breath. It’s comedy in the wild — well, Kinsmen Park — where the only thing wilder than your surroundings are the jokes.
July 13 & 14
Rev your engines and prepare to witness the biggest, baddest trucks on the planet go head-to-head in a battle of the behemoths. It’s the show where giant trucks, gravity-defying stunts and adrenaline-pumping action collide to create a spectacle that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat (and maybe even craving a monster-sized snack). Get ready to witness jaw-dropping jumps, nail-biting races and the kind of horsepower that makes your Prius cry.
July 14
Edmonton Elks celebrate their 75th anniversary this year, so make sure to join the crowd at Commonwealth Stadium for an electrifying game day experience. The theme is Dino Day and there are plenty of activities if you’re not a football fanatic, including the world’s first inflatable T-Rex combine.
July 14
Join this annual running event along the incredibly scenic route around Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park by taking the 21- or 10-km trail walk or run.
July 18 to 28
Taste of Edmonton is the ultimate 11-day foodie fiesta where the city’s top chefs and restaurants come together to serve up a smorgasbord of delicious delights. This year the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary, so make sure to stop by and try everything from mouth-watering street eats to gourmet goodies.
July 19 to 27
Enjoy Jubefest performances at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, featuring some of Alberta’s finest musicians and performers including Celeigh Cardinal, Martin Kerr and BrassTactics.
July 19 to 28
K-Days, the annual ten-day exhibition is back and better than ever. With a musical lineup including the likes of Ludacris and classic festival games like ring tossing, water gun squirting, and balloon popping — it’s the perfect way to spend your days. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m already training to carry a 30-pound bear around the grounds.
July 20 & 21
Experience the pulsating rhythms and vibrant colours of Latin culture firsthand. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere full of captivating performances and mouthwatering cuisine. On July 20th, you can join celebrations for Colombia’s Independence Day and claim a replica of the traditional ‘sombrero vueltiao’!
With activities for all ages, including salsa classes and artisan vendors, there’s no better way to experience the spirit of Latin America. Don’t miss out on the ultimate fiesta at the Alberta Avenue Community League.
Every Thursday and Friday in July
If you’re looking for an adventure beyond the city limits, hop on board the Elk Island Express bus service and explore Elk Island National Park. No more having to drive back exhausted at the end of an eventful day, and the best part — the only thing you are charged for is entry into the park itself, so the bus service is free!
All of July
Step into Fort Edmonton Park’s newest interactive adventure, Where Dark Things Dwell — if you dare. When you and your fellow travellers stop in the Village of Edmonton for the night, you find yourselves ensnared by an ancient curse driving the villagers to madness. As the curse escalates, it’s up to you to uncover secrets, decode occult clues, and find the relic to break the curse. But beware, only the bravest will see the light of dawn again.
All of July
From the towering T-rex to the majestic Triceratops, explore lifelike replicas, interactive displays, and immersive exhibits that bring the prehistoric past to life. Discover the latest scientific discoveries, marvel at fossil specimens, and experience the thrill of a dino dig firsthand. It’s a journey millions of years in the making, and it’s waiting for you at Telus World of Science. Don’t miss the ultimate dino adventure that’s perfect for dino lovers of all ages!
