Edmonton and Area still has one of its busiest stretches of the year ahead, with a stadium rock show, a multi day dragon festival, a downtown pride celebration, and the final week of the Fringe all landing before Labour Day. Whether you're drawn to live music, theatre, or a free Saturday afternoon downtown, here's what's still to come this summer.
Festivals
The Edmonton International Fringe Festival, North America's largest and longest running fringe theatre festival, runs through August 23 in Old Strathcona, filling the neighbourhood with hundreds of performances across theatre, comedy, and experimental art. The Edmonton Dragon Festival takes over from August 21 to 26, with dragon boat races returning to Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, the Canadian National Lion Dance Championships in Chinatown's Kinistinâw Park, guided food tours through Taste of Chinatown, and the closing Dragon Ball Gala. Pride Festival runs August 21 to 23 at Fan Park in ICE District and Churchill Square, an all ages, free to attend celebration with live music and performers. And the Edmonton Mural Festival wraps the season in late August and September, turning walls across the city into an open air gallery with hands on art experiences and a closing party.
Concerts
Guns N' Roses brings their World Tour to Commonwealth Stadium on August 26, the biggest remaining stadium show of the summer. Boots and Hearts West makes its debut at Fan Park on August 28 and 29, headlined by Russell Dickerson and Shaboozey, closing out the month with a country music finale. On a smaller scale, the 124 Street Afternoon Sound Sessions bring live music to the street every Saturday in August, and Christ Church Anglican hosts free, intimate concerts on its grounds every Wednesday evening, worth pairing with a walk over to Kind for ice cream afterward.
Arts and theatre
Fringe is the main event for theatre lovers this month, but it's worth building a night around more than one show since venues sit within walking distance of each other through Old Strathcona. The Edmonton Mural Festival is the pick for anyone who prefers to browse rather than sit in a seat, with new large scale murals appearing across the city and guided experiences built around them. For something smaller, Nightbird Alley continues to bring a rotating lineup of local musicians and artists together under the stars.
Family and free
The Rice Howard Way Summer Block Party runs every Saturday through September 19, with live music, local vendors, and family friendly programming downtown at no cost. The Winds of Unity Multicultural Kite Festival brings a colourful, community focused afternoon for all ages, and SPRBA's free community movie night returns August 22 at RioCan Mayfield Common with a double feature and no registration required. The Edmonton Valley Zoo's Zoobrew and ongoing evening programming are worth checking for families looking for something outdoorsy that isn't just a park.
Frequently Asked
What are the biggest events left in Edmonton this summer?
Guns N' Roses at Commonwealth Stadium on August 26 and Boots and Hearts West on August 28 and 29 are the two largest remaining concerts of the summer. The Edmonton Dragon Festival, running August 21 to 26 with dragon boat races and the Canadian National Lion Dance Championships, and Pride Festival, running August 21 to 23 in Churchill Square, are the biggest multi day festivals still to come.
Is the Edmonton Fringe Festival still on?
Yes. The Edmonton International Fringe Festival, North America's largest and longest running fringe theatre festival, runs through August 23 in Old Strathcona, with hundreds of live performances across theatre, comedy, and experimental art.
What free events are happening in Edmonton for the rest of summer?
The Rice Howard Way Summer Block Party runs every Saturday through September 19 with live music and local vendors at no cost. The 124 Street Afternoon Sound Sessions run Saturdays in August, and Christ Church Anglican hosts free concerts on its grounds every Wednesday in August. Pride Festival is also free to attend.
What arts and theatre events are on in Edmonton this summer?
The Edmonton International Fringe Festival runs through August 23 with hundreds of theatre and comedy performances in Old Strathcona. The Edmonton Mural Festival takes over the city with large scale outdoor murals and hands on art experiences in late August and September, with a closing party to wrap the season.
A city that shows up for summer
Weeks like the one ahead are a good reminder of why so many people fall for Edmonton and Area once they actually live here. Mary Bark and David Szusz work across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, Beaumont, and the surrounding rural counties, and both know this city's rhythm firsthand, including what it's like to relocate here and build a life around summers like this one.
Thinking about where in Edmonton and Area you'd want to be for summers like this one? Let's talk about which neighbourhood fits your life.
780 905 6255 · thereteam.ca
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