illustration by Mike Kerr
It might not be summer yet, but, with festivities already kicking off, Edmonton lives up to its yearly “festival city” sobriquet. How are you going to make it through the 50-some festivals that saturate the city this time of year? Fortunately, we’ve compiled some tips on how to make the most of festival season.
Early bird gets the worm
If you’re contemplating going to the Edmonton Folk Music Festival this year, you’ll have to make a decision soon, since tickets go on sale on June 4. And the festival sells out fast – in 2012, tickets sold out by 11 am. The box office opens at 7:00 am, and the lottery cut off is at 8:00 am. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster starting at 3:00 pm – so whether you prefer the in-person experience or the convenience of buying tickets online, you’re covered.
Cash is king
Most Edmonton festivals have been running for more than three decades – Servus Heritage Festival has been in operation for 42 years; Edmonton Folk Music Festival, 37 years; and the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, 36 years – meaning this shouldn’t be your first rodeo. More and more vendors are beginning to accept credit/debit cards, but it’s always best to have some cash on hand, just in case.
Your feet will thank you
While those Christian Louboutins look great, they aren’t practical for walking the festival grounds. Leave those at home and opt for a sensible pair of shoes that will last you a solid five hours or more of walking time. When it’s a behemoth like K-Days or the Servus Heritage Festival, you’ll be doing a lot of walking – and standing in queues for food or rides.
