Welcome to Thursday, Edmonton! While the forecast doesn’t look super amazing this weekend, we’ve got a few ways to make the most of it. After all, we’re running out of summer here pretty quickly, and we still want to have some fun while we can.

Here’s our list of things to do around Edmonton this weekend.

EDMONTON TATTOO & ARTS FEST

Over 150 artists from Edmonton and beyond are hitting the Expo Centre this September. Whether you’re looking to get a new tattoo or just want some flash to hang on your wall, these festivals are a who’s who of upcoming and established talent in the tattoo world.

When: Friday, September 10th to Sunday, September 12th
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $25

CANADIAN DERBY

The 92nd instalment (geeze) of the Canadian Derby is in Edmonton this weekend, and is the perfect off-the-beaten-path option for you and your friends. We think there are two ways to approach- dress up and be fancy, or grab general admission and make $2 bets based on names alone.

When: Saturday, September 11th
Where: 4711 Airport Perimeter Road
Cost: $10+

WATCH A FOOTBALL GAME

The Edmonton Elks have officially returned to Commonwealth Stadium! It hasn’t been an easy start to the season for them, but we’re confident that playing in front of their home crowd will give them the energy they need to turn around. And of course, the fact that they’re playing the Stampeders makes this a no-brainer.

When: Saturday, September 11th
Where: 11000 Stadium Road
Cost: $35+

WATCH A MOVIE

Looking to stay out of the rain, instead of embracing it? A great option this weekend is to head back to the Metro Cinema, and enjoy a little something on the silver screen. Fun fact- for the first time ever, they’re showing the animated classic The Castle of Cagliostro, which is Hayao Miyazaki’s directorial debut.

When: Showtimes throughout the weekend
Where: 8712 109 Street NW
Cost: $13

CADENCE WEAPON

We’re including this online event for two reasons. First up, Cadence Weapon (Rollie Pemberton) was actually Edmonton’s Poet Laureate between 2009 and 2011. Second, he’s bonafide a cult legend ever since, and we cannot get over his collaborations with Canadian producer Jacques Greene. Of course, the cherry on top is that it’s free!

When: Saturday, September 11th
Where: Online
Cost: Free

MURAL MASSIVE

Hosted by the Grindstone Theatre, Mural Massive is a 2-day event showcasing art, music, and entertainment, with food and drink options to keep you going all day long. For a final summer weekend, this is hard to beat, even in the rain!

When: Starts Friday, September 10th
Where: 10019 81 Avenue NW
Cost: $25+

ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA

Good news, art lovers! A new exhibition has arrived at the Art Gallery of Alberta! Titled ROYGBIV, this group show focuses on the use and impact of colours. If you find yourself staring at Rothko prints more often than you’d like, this is right up your alley.

When: Open Thursday to Sunday weekly
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14

ALBERTA CULTURE DAYS

We could practically make a list off this lineup alone! Alberta Culture Days will be presenting a ton of virtual and in-person events around Edmonton and beyond this morning. Learn something new in the kitchen, attend a live event… all you have to do is check out the list and see which one suits your fancy!

When: Events throughout the weekend
Where: Online and in-person options
Cost: Free to access

CHECK OUT AN IN-PERSON PLAY

Live plays are back at the Citadel Theatre! Currently showing is Mary’s Wedding, which is a prairie romance set during the time of the First World War, but reimagined through a Métis perspective. Movies have been great this past year and a bit, don’t get us wrong, but this would be a nice switch up.

When: Showtimes until September 12th
Where: 9828 101 A Avenue
Cost: $34.65+

DIVE INTO LE BURGER WEEK

That’s right folks, Le Burger Week is back. This nationwide festival has quite a few Edmonton spots hopping in, and they’re offering a full range of mouthwatering burgers to try. Treat yourself for dinner this weekend and see which one strikes your fancy!

When: On throughout the weekend
Where: Click the link above for participating restaurants

That’s what we’ve got in mind for this weekend, Edmonton!