It’s one thing to stay inside and hustle during the cold bleak months here in Alberta, but once it starts to warm up, don’t you want to take a break and get outside?

Summer provides the perfect time to step away from your work and have some fun.

We’ve put together a list with some fun festivals and events in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and surrounding areas to get you started.

June 

Edmonton International Cat Festival

Paging all cat lovers. This event is all about cats and cat culture. An added feel-good bonus is the fact that the event raises money and awareness for rescues helping cats in need by donating 100% of proceeds to local cat rescues.

Paid

Heart of The City Music and Arts Festival

The mission behind this free festival is to provide a family-friendly festival full of music and art in the heart of Edmonton. It promotes and supports original, local and emerging artists.

Free

Edmonton Pride Festival

Hosted by the Edmonton Pride Festival Society, this festival endeavors to unify and educate by celebrating gender and sexual diversity. 

Free & Paid

Beaumont Town & Country Daze

Beaumont's annual community festival that kicks off with a Saturday pancake breakfast followed by the parade. There are loads of events including a soapbox derby, car show & shine, midway, movies in the arena, fireworks and more.

Free & Paid

Improvaganza

If you love improv or sketch comedy, this festival is for you. It’s 10 days full of performances, workshops and social events.

Paid

Beaumont Blues & Roots Festival

Worth the drive, this is Canada’s longest-running 100% Canadian Content festival. Their goal is to provide high-quality live music for all ages.

Paid

July

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

This festival has been bringing street artists to Edmonton for over 35 years. It’s 10-days with over 40 acts from around the world. 

Free

Whyte Avenue Art Walk - Edmonton

This event turns a 4 km section of Edmonton in a feast for the eyes for three days. You can find over 500 visual artists sharing their wears. Rain or shine they’ll be there. 

Free

K-Days - Edmonton

For the last two weeks of July, K-Days creates Edmonton’s biggest festival. The line-up of activities, food, and talent is sure to offer something for everyone. 

Paid

Interstellar Rodeo

This music festival doesn’t fit any one particular box. It offers a diverse line-up of artists, wine pairings and delicious food options.

Paid

Taste of Edmonton

Come eat all the things at this event that boasts more than 80 different dishes from around the world, plus Edmonton’s best from the classics to the newest offerings. 

Free & Paid 

August

Edmonton Heritage Festival

This 3-day event is a feast for the senses. Take in the tastes, sights, and sounds from 100 countries. This festival is a wonderful way to celebrate Canada’s multiculturism with the family.

Free

Edmonton Folk Festival

For over 30 years this festival has brought in the best of folk music from around the world. It happens each year on the second weekend in August.

Paid

Big Valley Jamboree - Camrose

If you’re a country music fan, this August long-weekend festival is for you. With more than 50 artists on multiple stages, plus bull riding and a songwriters’ workshop, there’s something for everyone. 

Paid

Rock’N August - St. Albert

This event combines music & cars, plus funds raised support the Alberta Diabetes Foundation. Located in St. Albert, you can expect to see hundreds of cars on display. It’s a week-long celebration with events held throughout the city.

Paid (Minimum donation of $5 to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation)

Cariwest - Edmonton’s Caribbean Arts Festival

This 3-day event has been happening in Edmonton for over 30 years. It includes a costume extravaganza, a parade, and the Caribbean Village with live music, Caribbean food and a marketplace.

Free & Paid

Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival

Come to Old Strathcona for 11 days of fun. This festival has buskers, outdoor performers, artisans, vendors and of course live theatre performances. 

Free & Paid

Edmonton Rock Music Festival

This 2-day festival boasts a range of rock bands to entertain and delight. 

Paid

Edmonton Blues Festival

This festival serves up music from newcomers to legends and everything in-between. Three days of blue infused bliss.

Paid

Edmonton Airshow

World-class headliners, an aviation career fair, lots of aircraft to check out, plus the chance to learn about Alberta’s rich aviation history. 

Paid (Children Under 7 are free, but still requires a ticket.)

This is by no means a complete list of all the wonderful events and festivals that are available. 

If you’re looking for more ideas here are a few extra resources for you:

Book: DAY TRIPS FROM EDMONTON

Website: Explore Edmonton

Website: Sherwood Park Festivals and Events

If you really can’t break away from the hustle but still want to soak up some sun, our south Edmonton coworking location offers a patio so you can do both.

~ Heather

PS: If you haven't had the chance to check out our coworking space in South Edmonton, Dylan & I would love to show you around and answer your questions about coworking. Book a tour now.