May 1
Take a free virtual tour of the Art Gallery of Alberta’s newest exhibition, The Scene, led by Lindsey Sharman and Danielle Siemens from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The exhibition explores emerging to mid-career practices and highlights Edmonton’s vibrant artistic community.
Until May 2
Are you in need of a new book to read? How about some cool art to liven up your living space? Check out the online Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair to find the most curious art, jewellery, fashion and more. It only happens twice a year!
May 2 – 11
Founded in 1996, this year marks a quarter-century of the Edmonton Jewish Film Festival! The free virtual festival will feature Jewish-made dramas, comedies, documentaries and shorts — as well as engaging Zoom lectures — during the 10-day celebration of Jewish film.
On throughout May
Staying home doesn’t have to be boring, especially if you’re tuned into the International Children’s Festival of the Arts! This year marks 40 years of the festival, and to celebrate, it’s giving you the chance to take part in 40 days of visual art, creative challenges and exploration, all from the comfort of your home. The festival kicks off on April 28 and runs until June 6, with updates being posted daily on Instagram, Facebook and the festival website.
May 3 – 8
Memories are forever, and Brian Webb Dance Company is thrilled to present Ballet Edmonton’s new work, Persistence of Memory. The pandemic has shown us love and loss, and Wen Wei Wang’s brand new digital piece artistically demonstrates the everlasting effects COVID-19 has had on us.
May 4 – June 8
Have you ever wanted to work out with your dog? Sit, Stay, Squat is offering a six-week long virtual pup-ilates class on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. that focuses on core activation, balance and muscular strength for you AND your dog. Don’t sit this one out!
May 15
Make sure to sign up list for the Society of Northern Alberta Print-artists’ (SNAP) Brush Dyeing Paper course because spots are sure to fill up fast! From 10 a.m. to noon, learn how to use common kitchen scraps to make your own custom-coloured paper. Registrants will be provided with prep instructions and materials prior to this environmentally friendly Zoom course.
May 5 – 11
Turn over a new leaf and check out the Muttart Conservatory’s online plant sale. Shop for annuals, herbs, tomatoes and hanging floral baskets.
May 6 – 16
Tired of scrolling through Netflix trying to find a show you haven’t seen before? Check out NorthwestFest, Canada’s International Documentary Festival, to get your fix. With 40 feature films and 40 short films, there will be plenty of documentaries you’ve never seen.
Starts May 6
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden will be ready to welcome visitors on May 6th for the spring and summer season. Take a walk through the garden and explore the plant life peeking back into the sunlight after a long winter, accompanied by live music. Concession services are available for light snacks and beverages, or pre-order a brunch box for a charcuterie-style picnic Thursdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special events this month also include Sound Vibes yoga services and Dog Days, where you can bring your furry friend (on-leash) to explore the garden with you for the long weekend. Be sure to check out the calendar to confirm your schedule beforehand!
May 7
Zoom into the Kingsway Mall parking lot from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. to start your summer off right at the Free Wheelin’ Food Truck Fest. Make sure you bring an empty stomach as you’ll find plenty of 124 Grand Market food trucks waiting for you. It’s an outdoor feast the whole family will enjoy!
May 7, 8 & 15
Let your creativity blossom at the Lotus Art Gallery. Choose from three dates (with three sessions each day) and join Art on the Patio, a for-beginners event that will teach you how to unleash your inner artist.
May 7 & 8
Celebrate Mother’s Day early with a Staycation Brunch at the Westin Edmonton! Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a fun weekend with the kids, treat yourself to a three-course à la carte brunch, late check-out, overnight parking, popcorn and an on-demand movie.
On throughout May
Kick your feet up and stream the fan-favourite Citadel Theatre production of A Brimful of Asha. Starring Adolyn H. Dar and Nimet Kanji, the Canadian one-act details the process of moving out and finding love — but with your mom doing the picking.
May 8
Mother’s Day and Eid al-Fitr both fall in the same week this year, and the team at EdmontonEats is ready to make the most of it. During the month of May, it will prepare Mother’s Day Sweet Treat Boxes, but with an Eid al-Fitr twist! Make sure to order your box online and pick it up at Bannerman Community Hall or Culina-To-Go on May 8 between noon and 2 p.m.
May 8
Spruce up your garden with plants from the Outdoor Bloomin’ Garden Market, one of the Alberta Avenue Community Centre’s largest fundraisers. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., shop plants, art, “food to go” and more at the local market, but remember to shop with purpose so that as many people as possible can root local.
May 8 – 14
Grab your bear-y best friends and take part in the Teddy Bear Fun Fest for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. You’ll receive daily emails with participant activities that you can enjoy from the comfort of your bear-y own home!
May 9
Edmonton Opera is back with a Mother’s Day Drive-In Opera. Select from two matinee performances, grab your snacks, get in your vehicle and enjoy the sound of classical favourites performed from the roof of the Jubilee Auditorium.
May 12 – 16
Unleash your inner artist and take part in The Citadel Theatre’s free Collider Festival. The play development festival helps artists develop scripts and bring new life to works through workshops, keynote speakers and a digital preview. Playwriting not your thing? Register for one of the play reading sessions and listen to new and classic plays as they’re read out loud.
May 16
Lamb is a delicate meat, and many people are hesitant to try cooking the perfect leg or rack of lamb. Join Get Cooking and Chatsworth Farm for a virtual farm tour, followed by step-by-step instructions to make your own farm-to-table feast. This online cooking class runs from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. – conveniently right at supper hour!
May 17
Nisha Patel, poet laureate for the City of Edmonton, is launching her debut poetry collection, Coconut, and celebrating her birthday virtually! Join Patel and award-winning poet Bertrand Bickersteth for a virtual reading and Q&A. Coconut features works about her experiences with racism, sexuality, empowerment, grief and love.
May 18
Turn your lunch break into a breakthrough with the City of Edmonton’s Change For Climate Lunchbox Series: Front Yard Gardens. This free one-hour webinar starts at noon and will teach you how to grow veggies just about anywhere, whether it’s your backyard, balcony or maybe even a shoebox!
May 28
Have you ever wondered how objects are preserved in museums? The Royal Alberta Museum’s Up Close virtual talk series shares the behind the scenes workings of the museum. Sign up for “Up Close: Rainbow Bright” from noon to 1 p.m. to learn more about how the RAM preserves colourful, historic objects.
May 28 – 29
Grab your cowboy (or cowgirl) hat, put on your muddiest boots and giddy up on down to St. Albert for the Kinsmen Rainmaker Rodeo and Exhibition. From a pancake breakfast to carnival rides to concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. (Remember to check in for any restriction updates.)
Available until May 31
Watch Edmonton’s arts district come to life as part of the Downtown Spark: Arts District Animation. Digital ‘windows’ at The Citadel Theatre and Winspear Centre will project performances and vignettes all throughout the month of May, and the Art Gallery of Alberta will feature outdoor exhibitions, installations and al fresco performances during its Sidewalk Cinema series. Simply walk up and take a peek!
