May 1
Let spring begin with this memorial concert presented by motivated youth musicians of the Edmonton Youth Orchestra. The Thelma Johannes O’Neill Memorial Concert features Annual Northern Alberta Concerto Competition Winners (String & Voice), with additional violin, cello and voice solo performances.
May 2
Just in time for a new season, New Music Edmonton and Harcourt House have some audio treats for vinyl lovers. In this free listening session, sound artist Parker Thiessen will share some of his favourite music on LP and provide deep listening warmups to get your ears ready.
On Throughout May
Take a tour of the Art Gallery of Alberta’s newest exhibition, Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From. Led by 15 second-generation immigrant artists, this project explores “the dynamics of living between different cultures and the hybrid identities they lead.”
May 3-8
It’s time to meet your new favourite plants at Muttart Conservatory’s online plant sale. Shop for herbs, hanging baskets, succulents, ornamental grasses and fruit planters. Pickups between May 13-21.
Starts May 5
Are you tired of Netflix’s endless-yet-not-so-fresh algorithm? Check out NorthwestFest, Canada’s International Documentary Festival. With 24 film events in-cinema and 26 films streaming online, the chance of you enjoying the flavour of cinematic journalism looks better than ever.
May 6-7
Enjoy the magic of contemporary ballet at Ballet Edmonton’s Program Three at 7:30 p.m. This two-act mixed program opens with two new works by Ballet Edmonton Artistic Director Wen Wei Wang and choreographer Diego Ramalho. The second act features Montreal-based choreographer Andrea Peña.
May 6-8
Whether you are in need of Edmonton-themed decor, hand painted cards for loved ones, local new reads, or something weird to stare at, Royal Bison Fair has the raddest top-notch arts and crafts to offer. The tightly-curated, vendor-run fair returns to in-person-only status starting with the Spring 2022 season.
May 7
How do we power our everyday lives? How does electricity charge up for us (like for Pikachu)? Join the one-day adventure with University of Alberta energy system researchers and get hands on with fun science experiments at Telus World of Science.
Throughout May
Get ready for an hour-long laughter blast at Grindstone Theatre’s award winning improvised musical comedy. The Eleven O’clock Number goes on at 9 p.m. every Saturday. Early arrival recommended.
May 7
Don’t let budget get in the way when you can learn how to make a film on your pocket devices. The Edmonton Short Film Festival presents a free mobile filmmaking class. All novice and intermediate filmmakers welcome, available one time only for in-person or live stream attendance.
Starts May 7
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden welcomes visitors on May 7 to open the spring and summer season. Try out the new Patio Cafe menu and sit outside in the Leaf Pavilion accompanied by sunlight. The Botanic Garden is also giving out a free pansy for each visitor on Mother’s Day. There are 500 pansies in total — first come, first serve.
May 8
This is the day to put a spotlight on moms — animal and human. Celebrate Mother’s Day at Edmonton Valley Zoo with a list of activities to do: special gift making, flower planting, music and mimosa, family photo booth — and watch the animal moms getting special enrichment snacks throughout the day!
Until May 15
The new Roxy Theatre opens its first returning season with William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, A Radical Retelling by Cliff Cardinal. In this tasteful retelling of Shakespeare, Indigenous creator and cultural provocateur Cliff Cardinal delights in black humour, difficult subject matter and raw emotions. Age restriction: 18+.
May 11-21
If you are into mysteries and good old-fashioned romance, don’t miss this fast-paced theatre experience at Walterdale Theatre. This version of The 39 Steps is based on John Buchan’s ground-breaking novel, Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic movie and the exquisite idea of doing the whole thing with just four actors. Mysteries will be solved… by you!
Throughout May
Go grab a coffee upstairs in the alley behind Sugarbowl and enjoy jazz night at Kaffa Roaster and Studio every other Thursday. In collaboration with Kaffa, New Standards Music hosts bi-weekly jam sessions with jazz and creative improvised music. Come and hangout with local jazz lovers at Kaffa’s cozy space.
May 13-21
Don’t forget to catch Brontë, the final performance of the season at Timms Centre for The Arts. This ambitious non-biopic performance, directed by MFA candidate Amanda Goldberg, is a compelling re-imagined take on the turbulent lives of the literary talented Brontë sisters.
May 18
What is your primary love language? How to feel loved surrounding your loved ones? Join this lecture session with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, to explore your deepest emotional needs.
Until May 18
Embark on a guided walk around the Indigenous Peoples Experience trails with storytelling and discussion at Fort Edmonton Park. The Indigenous perspective workshops are designed to enhance the diverse Indigenous voices and perspectives, and the best of what this land has to offer. Sign up for the “Birch Bark Basketry” workshop to learn more about Indigenous culture, and learn how to create a birch bark basket yourself.
May 18
Are you interested in raising a garden but don’t have a wide, open space? Grab a copy of The Prairie Gardener’s Go-To Guide from Glass Bookshop and join this virtual workshop to maximize your success in small-space gardening.
May 20
Start your long weekend stress free with a night of bass music at 99ten. DJ, The Librarian, co-founder of Bass Coast Music Festival, is in town for your wildest craving in the electronic music world. Tickets on sale now.
May 20
Have you ever wondered how museum experts put up exhibitions through research and collections projects? Meet the curators and special guests at Royal Alberta Museum’s Up Close virtual talk series and explore the stories behind your favourite exhibitions. Sign up for “Elk Ivory Pendants in Alberta”, which goes from noon to 1 p.m. Learn more about the significance of elk ivory pendants in Indigenous communities.
May 24-27
Celebrate independent filmmaking at Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta’s annual screening week of the newest locally made independent films. While the gala is postponed to October, in celebration of FAVA’s 40th anniversary, online screening of the shortlisted indie films will be available. View the latest awards list and previous years’ screening schedules on the webpage.
May 25
Looking for a better way to end your day on a high note? Grab your yoga mat and take a taco-loving friend to the yoga and tacos night at the Common. Margaritas. Tacos. Move your body. This hour-long yoga class is a full healing sesh.
May 27-28
Started in 2018, UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival brings together people of Ukrainian heritage, and attracts audiences of many diverse cultures. This two-day event is a celebration of Ukrainian culture, food, music, visual arts, crafts and dance. Shop for authentic Ukrainian art, enjoy some beer and vodka, and enjoy the music and performances throughout the night!
May 27-28
Presenting in the defunct Navy and Army store on Whyte Avenue, Once and After is a contemporary, site-specific dance performance presented by the brilliant duo, KnK Collective. Oscillating between small details, intricate partnering, and physical virtuosity, this movement piece explores the relationship between two women who are trapped in a space together.
