Drive a little outside of the city this summer and discover 240 acres of lush greenery, native plants and cultural exchange — courtesy of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. For more than six decades, the Botanic Garden has been an oasis and a space for learning and connection, introducing visitors to the beauty and vitality of nature.
Beyond curated plant collections and peaceful pathways, the garden’s stunning beauty is now a destination for cultural celebration. This summer marks the launch of Pathways: Art | Music | Culture, an all-new series of immersive events that bring global traditions to life through performance, food, storytelling and art.
With each event, a different space becomes a vibrant stage — from the Islamic-inspired architecture of the Aga Khan Garden to the quiet elegance of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Whether set among reflective pools or flowering gardens, scenic vistas or forested glades, each experience is about soaking in something new and extraordinary.
Pathways kicks off July 3 with a celebration of arts and culture from the Islamic world — including music, henna, textiles and dance. In August, Horizons in Unison gathers international artists for an open-air concert led by vocalist Shabnam Merali, blending voices and languages from across the globe. In September, a powerful evening unfolds in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, featuring local artist Nozomi Kamei’s photographic project on Japanese-Canadian internment, alongside music and food rooted in cultural history.
Lay out a blanket for a Twilight Picnic for two, with gourmet snacks and live music, or discover new cultural traditions that awaken the senses and expand your perspective. Every event hosted at the garden offers an opportunity to connect with nature and other visitors.
Or explore the garden at your own pace. Extended summer hours mean visitors can soak in the natural beauty until 10 p.m. — an opportunity to enjoy those extra hours of sunlight that Edmontonians treasure in the summer months.
Expansive and ever-changing, the garden offers new experiences with each visit. Whether you take a meditative walk through the Kurimoto Japanese Garden or find inspiration in live performances, visitors will discover new sights and sounds every time they return. Throughout the seasons, Pathways events will continue to bring cultures alive and unite people through music, art and forging new relationships.
Explore the full lineup and plan your visit: uab.ca/garden.
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