Well folks you know what they say- April showers bring May flowers. And while Edmonton might have skipped the showers bit (mostly), we’re still confident that we’re going to see some amazing weather next month. With that in mind, we’ve got a whole range of indoor and outdoor options for you, from watching movies at home to exploring our local wonderland.
Here are 25 things to do in Edmonton this May.
Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, provincial and city guidelines are continually changing. Please double-check business closures and restrictions before proceeding.
Available Options
TAKE A TRIP TO THE GARDEN
The stunning U of A Botanic Garden, which is really like four different gardens combined, is reopening this month! Located just outside Edmonton, the garden offers hours of relaxation and beauty, plus some fun architecture to boot. Plus, a springtime visit means you might get to see some amazing flowers in full bloom.
When: Opens May 6th
Where: Parkland County, Alberta
Cost: $18.75
GO SEE SOME NEW DIGITAL INSTALLATIONS
All three of Edmonton’s newest public art installations have now arrived! Located at the Winspear Centre, the Citadel Theatre, and the Art Gallery of Alberta, these installations will showcase what the institutions can’t wait to bring back to Edmonton.
When: On until May 31st
Where: Click the link above for more info
LISTEN TO A DRIVE-IN MOTHER’S DAY OPERA
The Edmonton Opera has brought back their drive-in experience for Mother’s Day! If you’re looking for a unique activity, then this is definitely for you. Or maybe you just really like the opera, which is cool too. Either way, a drive-in opera is undoubtedly one of the more interesting things happening next month.
When: Sunday, May 9th
Where: 15230 128 Avenue NW
Cost: $40 per car
CHECK OUT AN ONLINE PLANT SALE
It might not be open yet, but the Muttart Conservatory is bringing back its amazing plant sale in May! If you’re looking to add a little extra touch of green to your own space, then checking out the dozens, if not hundreds, of plants for sale is a great way to do it. Plus, maybe you can sneak a peek inside during pickup, who knows!
When: May 5th to May 11th
Where: Online/9626 96a Street NW
ENJOY AN AMAZING FILM FESTIVAL
Edmonton’s NorthwestFest has, by one name or another, become the longest-running documentary film festival in all of Canada. And although it might be online this year, it’s still a great opportunity to support local initiatives and see some amazing films from all over the world. We’re definitely going to take a look through the lineup closer to the start.
When: May 6th to May 16th
Where: Online
Cost: Varies
RETURN TO FORT EDMONTON PARK
After an extended closure for renovations, it looks like Fort Edmonton Park is just about ready to reopen! The beloved park closed last year to bring new attractions and experiences, and we’re as excited to check them out as they must be to show them off! So really, it’s a win-win situation.
When: Slated to open May 22nd
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
Cost: $26.20
DINE AT A LOCAL PATIO
There’s no doubt that there will be some super sunny days this May, and there are few better ways to enjoy it than heading to a nice local patio. If you’re looking for a few options, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ones to visit. From new openings to hidden gems, there are some great spots to check out!
Where: Click the link above for more info
GO FOR AN OUTDOOR WORKOUT
Got some excess energy to burn? Skip pushups in your kitchen and go explore some of Edmonton’s best places for an outdoor workout. From yoga in the park to running trails and more, we’ve got you covered from all angles. Plus, May is like the perfect month for outdoor activities- not too hot, and not too cold (mostly).
Where: Click the link above for more info
SPOOK YOURSELF ON A GHOST TOUR
Edmonton Ghost Tours will be available all next month! Join on an outdoor walking tour through Old Strathcona, and learn about the darker side of the area’s history. Led by a guide with over 12 years of experience, these ghost tours are a great way to get outside and learn about Edmonton.
When: Tours throughout May
Where: 10322 83rd Avenue
Cost: $22.23
EAT AT A FOOD TRUCK FEST
The first food truck fest of the season is gearing up to kick-off! Free Wheelin’ Food Truck Fest is being organized by Wild Heart Collective, the same people behind the 124 Grand Market. So, expect an amazing array of some of the city’s best food trucks. Just make sure you come hungry!
When: Friday, May 7th
Where: 1 Kingsway Garden Mall Northwest
TOUR SOME ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Edmonton seriously might be the best city in Canada for access to roadside attractions. There are over a dozen amazing, small-town sights to see, from a giant Easter Egg to the world’s first official UFO Landing Pad. And, unlike those poor folks in Calgary, we can get to them in a day trip or less.
Where: Click the link above for more info
STREAM A MOVIE
While we’ve got a pretty solid TV at home, we really want Edmonton’s local movie theatre to start screening movies again. To help out, we check in with the Metro Cinema on a weekly basis to see what movies are available to stream. And, we have to admit, they’ve got some great taste.
When: Streaming throughout May
Where: Online
Cost: Varies
WATCH SOME HOCKEY
We’re down to the final few games of the season, folks! And the all-Canadian division is looking as competitive as ever, with the Canucks having more than a few games in hand and other teams trying to keep or earn their spot in the playoffs.
When: Games throughout May
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM FROM HOME
While it waits to reopen, the Royal Alberta Museum offers a wide variety of educational options that you can access online. Explore the collections on virtual tours, learn to build a banjo (awesome), or take some custom-made quizzes to learn more about the museum.
When: On throughout May
Where: Online
Cost: Free
DO SOME STARGAZING
One great part about the spring? Amazing sunsets and wide-open skies. Make the most of it with a trip to Elk Island National Park- explore some of the trails in the afternoon, then head back to your car for stargazing in the evening. Add in some hot cocoa in a thermos and you’re cruising!
When: Throughout May
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
GET A LIBRARY CARD
You know what they say- having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card! Cozy up on the couch and treat yourself to a world of adventure. Plus, books have this weird effect where you feel productive afterwards, in a way that Netflix just can’t compare. Maybe that’s just us, though.
Where: Click the link above for more info
Cost: Free!
HIT UP THE FARMERS’ MARKETS
We love takeout and delivery as much as the next person. But, sometimes, it’s nice to just grab some fresh fruits and veggies, or some local baking, or a nice frozen meal. And, there’s no better place to do that than at Edmonton’s farmers’ markets!
When: Open throughout May
Where: Various locations
WATCH A PLAY
Missing watching live shows at the Citadel Theatre? While you wait for their return, you can still support them by streaming a show or two from their virtual options. Plus, they’re also putting on Collider Festival next month, a new ‘play development festival’ for writers and actors alike!
When: Streaming throughout May
Where: Online
Cost: Varies
ZOOM AROUND ON SOME GO-KARTS
While you can’t trash some 12-year-olds, we think that a trip to the new DRIVE Go-Kart track in West Ed is a solid idea. You can book the entire thing for a heavily discounted price, but, the catch is that everyone needs to be from the same household. Good idea for families or those with multiple roommates.
When: Reservations daily
Where: Inside West Edmonton Mall
Cost: $249 for 2 private races
HIT THE LINKS
Once again, we think that golf is going to have another screaming hot summer. Luckily, advance booking makes it easy to work it into your schedule, and Edmonton has got a handful of affordable municipal courses for you to go swing your sticks at.
When: Now open
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Varies
HEAD TO THE ZOO
That’s right folks, the Edmonton Public Zoo has officially reopened! While the indoor exhibits are closed for the foreseeable future, you’ll still be able to enjoy all the outdoor ones. Watching red pandas zoom around? Yes please!
When: Open throughout May
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $10.95 (reduced price)
SEE WHAT’S NEW FOR DISNEY+ AND NETFLIX
Without a doubt, streaming services were a real crutch for us during the winter months. And while warmer weather might have you getting out more, know that these two streaming giants are continuing to roll out amazing content. Netflix is getting Volume 2 of the Love, Sex and Robots anthology, while Disney+ is going to be releasing their latest live-action movie, Cruella.
When: Throughout May
PLANNED OPTIONS
SEE THE RENOVATED MUTTART CONSERVATORY
This is wishful thinking on our end, but we’re hoping that museums, galleries and other indoor attractions reopen before spring ends. And, the first thing on our ‘to-see’ list is the Muttart Conservatory, which has now finished renovations that took well over a year.
When: Opening pending public health restrictions
Where: 9626 96A Street
RETURN TO THE ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
While the AGA continues to host online events, we’re really hoping that they’ll be able to reopen safely sooner rather than later. Alberta’s provincial art gallery has been closed since early December, and we’re eagerly awaiting new measures that will allow them to reopen safely.
When: Opening pending public health restrictions
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
That’s our roundup of some amazing things to do in Edmonton this May. We hope that you enjoy the next few weeks, folks!
