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Edmonton truly lives up to its 'Festival City' nickname with a vibrant, year-round calendar packed with over 50 major events celebrating community and culture.

The city defiantly embraces winter with the Deep Freeze festival on Alberta Avenue and the iconic Silver Skate Festival in Laurier Park.

When summer arrives, the energy explodes with massive events.

July's K-Days fair leads into an incredible August featuring the world-renowned Heritage Festival, the legendary Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and North America’s largest Fringe Theatre Festival in Old Strathcona.

From the free outdoor art of The Works festival downtown to the whimsical Kaleido Family Arts Festival, there is a celebration for every season.

This constant rhythm of creativity is the heartbeat of our community, ensuring there is always a reason to gather and connect.

But first....

Test your Edmonton IQ!

Q: Which river flows through the heart of Edmonton?

Answer: The North Saskatchewan River.

Q: What annual festival in Edmonton is known for its massive multicultural pavilions showcasing food, music, and dance?

Answer: The Edmonton Heritage Festival.

Q: In what year did Edmonton officially become a city?

Answer: 1904.

Interesting Facts

Edmonton is nicknamed “Canada’s Festival City” and hosts more festivals than any other Canadian city - including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, which is the largest and oldest fringe theatre festival in North America, featuring over 1,000 performances each year.

Strathearn Art Walk & Music Festival: A scenic festival overlooking the Edmonton skyline, featuring a large number of artists from across Alberta, live local music, and artisan craft beer. It's a perfect way to enjoy a late summer weekend outdoors.

Date: September 5–7, 2025

Location: Strathearn Drive (between 89 St & 91 St), Edmonton

Cost: Free admission

Click for details: https://www.vanessacorrigall.ca/events/strathern-artwalk

University of Alberta Botanic Garden: Escape the city and wander through 240 acres of beautiful gardens, natural areas, and ecological preserves. It’s a peaceful retreat with fragrant pathways and stunning displays of flora.

Date: Open year-round

Location: Parkland County, Alberta

Cost: Admission fee applies

Click for details: https://www.ualberta.ca/botanic-garden/index.html

Elk Island National Park: A short drive from Edmonton, this park is a sanctuary for bison and over 250 bird species. Spend the day hiking, canoeing, or wildlife spotting in this beautiful and wild landscape.

Date: Open year-round

Location: Lamont County, Alberta

Cost: Park admission fee applies

Click for details: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland

Southwest Edmonton Farmers’ Market: Enjoy the open air while browsing products from local farmers and artisans. It’s a "make, bake, or grow" market, ensuring a variety of fresh produce and handmade goods. 

Date: Wednesdays and select weekends until October 8, 2025 

Location: Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre Parking Lot E, Edmonton 

Cost: Free admission 

Click for details: https://www.swefm.ca 

Southwest Edmonton Farmers’ Market: A fantastic place to source fresh, local ingredients directly from the producers. Find everything from seasonal vegetables and fruits to baked goods and unique artisan products. 

Date: Wednesdays and select weekends until October 8, 2025 

Location: Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre Parking Lot E, Edmonton 

Cost: Free admission 

Click for details: https://www.swefm.ca 

Local Coffee Shops for Fall Treats: Early September marks the arrival of cozy fall flavours. Explore Edmonton's independent coffee scene and be the first to try seasonal specials featuring pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Date: September to November

Location: Various cafes throughout Edmonton

Cost: Varies

Click for details: https://exploreedmonton.com/articles/things-to-do-in-september

Bernadette's: Located on the bustling 104 Street, Bernadette's is an Indigenous-owned restaurant that has quickly become a local favourite for its unique and delicious culinary offerings.

Date: Open year-round

Location: 104 Street, Edmonton

Cost: Varies

Click for details: https://www.eatatbernadettes.com/

Purple City Music Festival: An all-ages music festival celebrating independent and underground music. Discover new bands and enjoy performances from established artists across genres like psyche rock, electronic, and folk.

Date: September 5–7, 2025

Location: Various venues in downtown Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.purplecityfest.com/

Down With Webster at Midway Music Hall: Don't miss the high-energy performance of Canadian band Down With Webster at one of Edmonton's premier music venues.

Date: September 6, 2025

Location: Midway Music Hall, Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.midwaymusichall.com/

Where Dark Things Dwell: Challenge yourself with Edmonton's largest outdoor escape room. This immersive and thrilling experience takes place on the historic grounds of Fort Edmonton Park.

Date: June 6 - September 15, 2025

Location: Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/

Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Kaleido Family Arts Festival: Specifically designed for all ages, this festival is bursting with creative and interactive experiences. Kids can enjoy everything from street performers and puppet shows to hands-on art activities.

Date: September 5–7, 2025

Location: Alberta Avenue (90-95 Street), Edmonton

Cost: Free

Click for details: https://www.kaleidofest.ca/

Where Dark Things Dwell: A thrilling adventure for families with older children or teens who love puzzles and escape rooms. Work together to solve clues in a unique and historic outdoor setting.

Date: June 6 - September 15, 2025

Location: Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/

Elk Island National Park: A perfect family day trip! The park offers "discovery kits" for kids, easy hiking trails suitable for little legs, and the exciting chance to see real bison roaming freely.

Date: Open year-round

Location: Lamont County, Alberta

Cost: Park admission fee applies

Click for details: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland

Night life

Purple City Music Festival: As an indie music festival, Purple City takes over multiple downtown venues after dark, offering a great way to club-hop and experience Edmonton's live music scene.

Date: September 5–7, 2025

Location: Various venues in downtown Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.purplecityfest.com/

Down With Webster at Midway Music Hall: Experience a high-octane night of music with this well-known Canadian band. Midway Music Hall is a popular spot for live shows and a great night out.

Date: September 6, 2025

Location: Midway Music Hall, Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.midwaymusichall.com/

Where Dark Things Dwell: An unconventional but exciting option for a night out. This outdoor escape room runs in the evening, providing a spooky and memorable experience under the stars.

Date: June 6 - September 15, 2025

Location: Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/

Edmonton Elks vs. Calgary Stampeders: The classic Alberta rivalry heats up! Be part of the electric atmosphere at Commonwealth Stadium and cheer on the Edmonton Elks as they take on the Calgary Stampeders in this iconic CFL matchup.

Date: September 6, 2025

Location: Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.goelks.com/

While specific "meet up" events can be spontaneous and organized closer to the date on platforms like Meetup.com, the weekend's festivals offer excellent opportunities for social gatherings.

Strathearn Art Walk & Music Festival: With its relaxed, open-air atmosphere, this festival is a great place to wander, mingle with artists and art lovers, and connect with people from the community.

Date: September 5–7, 2025

Location: Strathearn Drive, Edmonton

Cost: Free admission

Click for details: https://www.vanessacorrigall.ca/events/strathern-artwalk

Kaleido Family Arts Festival: The communal and interactive nature of this festival, with its street performances and shared art experiences, makes it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people.

Date: September 5–7, 2025

Location: Alberta Avenue (90-95 Street), Edmonton

Cost: Free

Click for details: https://www.kaleidofest.ca/

Purple City Music Festival: A perfect gathering spot for music lovers. Bond with fellow fans over shared musical tastes while exploring different venues and discovering new bands.

Date: September 5–7, 2025

Location: Various venues in downtown Edmonton

Cost: Ticketed event

Click for details: https://www.purplecityfest.com/

Try taking advantage of free admission days at local museums and attractions, such as the first Thursday of every month at the Art Gallery of Alberta.

It looks like you'll be experiencing the beginning of fall weather. With chilly temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings, it would be a good idea to pack warm clothes and dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day

Friday, September 5, 2025

Forecast: Mostly sunny with a few clouds.

High: 17°C

Low: 6°C

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Forecast: A mix of sun and clouds.

High: 16°C

Low: 5°C

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Forecast: Partly cloudy.

High: 16°C

Low: 5°C

Monday, September 8, 2025

Forecast: Mainly sunny.

High: 18°C

Low: 7°C

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Antoine 'Scoop master' Joseph