Edmonton, we hope that you’re ready for the start of September! We sure are, especially because it looks like we’ve got a few final sunny days to enjoy before fall rolls around. So, we think you need to make the most of the opportunity, while keeping in mind some options when the rain says hello. Lucky for you, we’ve got tons of ideas for both!
Here are the best things to do in and around Edmonton this September.
Live Events and Music
HSBC CANADA SEVENS
One of the biggest things to look forward to this month is also arriving for the first time ever! Following years of sold-out crowds in Vancouver, the HSBC Rugby Sevens have decided to show Edmonton some love. This 2-day event is action-packed, offering multiple games per day featuring some of the best players in the world. In summary- you don’t even have to know about rugby to know this is worth it.
When: September 25th and 26th
Where: 11000 Stadium Road
Cost: $106.20+
CANADIAN DERBY
For a more classic option, you can always go off to the races! The 92nd instalment (geeze) of the Canadian Derby is in Edmonton this month, 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: 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. We’re happy to be a part of it.
When: September 11th and 18th
Where: 11000 Stadium Road
Cost: $35+
MURAL MASSIVE
Alright, onto a few non-sports options. 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.
When: September 10th to 12th
Where: 10019 81 Avenue NW
Cost: $25+
DOWNTOWN LIVE
Meanwhile, this free concerts series courtesy of Edmonton Downtown is set to wrap up this month. Each week, you can check out amazing local artists, for free, and intimate as well as outdoor settings around the city. And while it’s fun to stumble across one, we say build a night around it instead!
When: Concerts throughout September
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: Free to access
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: September 11th
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Outdoors
EDMONTON CORN MAZE
Young and old alike can appreciate the value of a good corn maze during the start of fall. And honestly, the Edmonton Corn Maze is amongst the best in the country. Massive, and featuring a new design every year, a trip here is going to be a breath of fresh (literally) this month.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove
Cost: $13.50+
SEE IF YOU HAVE A FEAR OF HEIGHTS
Want something a little more extreme? This is it. The Snow Valley Aerial Park is a great option for when a walk in the River Valley just won’t cut it. After all, you really do find out new things about yourself crossing a bridge some 4 stories up in the air.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road NW
Cost: $37+
FORT EDMONTON PARK
Meanwhile, two major Edmonton attractions are only open for a few more days! First is Fort Edmonton Park, which reopened earlier this following a massive renovation and update. Know what the means? More stuff to enjoy, including a brand new Indigenous Peoples Experience exhibit.
When: Open until September 6th
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
UKRAINIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE VILLAGE
This is your last weekend to step into the past with a visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. This old-school attraction features more than 40 early Albertan buildings that have been restored and cared for, and the result is a super weird, but super interesting, stroll down memory lane.
When: Open until September 6th
Where: Highway 16 E, Lamont County
Cost: $15 for GA
EXPLORE THE BIG ISLAND
Ready to be weirdly nostalgic? Say hello to Big Island, a formerly very popular destination just outside Edmonton. Well, the company Urban River Adventures has been revitalizing it, with camping kayaking, gold panning, and more! Head out as a day trip, or see what kinds of accommodations they have available.
When: Open throughout September
Where: Click the link above for more info
DRIVE OUT TO THE GARDEN
Full honesty- we think that the U of A Botanic Garden is best enjoyed during the spring or the fall. For fall visits, we get to see the leaves turn magical shades of orange and red, and the weather can be perfect for a leisurely stroll. Need a reason to visit? Keep in mind the Fall Family Festival later in the month.
When: Open throughout September
Where: Parkland County, Alberta
Cost: $18.75
COMMUNE WITH A COUPLE OF BISON
For the same reason, we love a late summer/early fall trip out to Elk Island. Of course, that weekend walk is made all the sweeter if you actually get to see some bison up close and personal, but either way, it’s a great time. After all, they’re just 1 of hundreds of species living in the park!
When: Open throughout September
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
CHASE SOME WATERFALLS
Still have that road trip itch? Scratch with a trip to one of our province’s stunning waterfalls. Whether you’re staying close to home or heading to the mountains, the majestic beauty of a waterfall is not lost any time of year, and fall’s changing colours offer some stunning sights.
Where: Click the link above for more info
TOUR SOME ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS
Speaking of road trips, 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
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. And with the weather cooling down, this is one of the best times of the year to get out there!
Where: Click the link above for more info
HIT THE LINKS
Golf has had another banner year, but don’t let that discourage you from joining in on the fun. 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. And, things get cheaper the closer to fall we get!
When: Open throughout September
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Varies
OR TRY YOUR HAND AT DISC GOLF
Not ready for the immense frustration that golf without practice brings? Take things a little easier with a round of frisbee golf! This free activity is a great way to get outside all around Edmonton, and it’s no wonder our friends love it! Once you’ve toured the city, we recommend this crazy option outside Drumheller.
When: Open throughout September
Where: Click the link above for locations
Arts/Culture
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: September 10th to 12th
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $25
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+
OR WATCH A MOVIE
Speaking of movies, Edmonton’s movie theatres are just waiting for your return. Catch a recent release at your local Cineplex (and take advantage of the new CineClub card). Or, click the link above to see what’s playing at the Metro Cinema, which we usually check first.
When: Showtimes throughout September
Where: 8712 109 Street NW
Cost: $13
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE
While we wouldn’t hesitate to check out the Telus World of Science for the exhibits, it’s not what we seek it out for. Nope, not since the arrival of the state-of-the-art Zeidler Dome and the return of laser shows set to crazy music. Trust us- this can be just as fun as a rave, if you can sit still that long.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $31.45 for GA
MUTTART CONSERVATORY
It’s nice to know that Edmonton has it’s own slice of summer, thanks to the Muttart Conservatory. This indoor botanical garden is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, or relax with a friend during the weekend. Either way, it’s sure to get more and more popular as temperatures drop.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 9626 96a Street NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
Speaking of the temperature dropping, the Royal Alberta Museum is another amazing option in Edmonton. Whether you’re rediscovering the permanent collections or seeing what’s new, the Royal Alberta Museum is a perfect way to spend a few hours inside.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
Of course, the alternative for a trip to the Royal Alberta Museum is one to the Art Gallery of Alberta. Here, you’ll find some incredible pieces from both well-known and up-and-coming artists from around the world. If you feel like a little culture is what you need, this is your spot.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
IMAGINE VAN GOGH
For a lot of culture, and on a massive scale, Imagine Van Gogh is the answer. This immersive exhibition shows off over 200 of the iconic artist’s works using state-of-the-art technology. No, you won’t actually get to see The Starry Night in person, but this is a great alternative to flying to New York about it.
When: Open until September 26th
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $41.61 and up for GA
Food and Drink
HIT UP THE FARMERS’ MARKETS
There’s no better time to take advantage of farmers’ markets than late summer! Located throughout the city, these are a great way to support local growers and vendors. And, there’s no denying that somehow, meals made using local goods just taste that much better.
When: Open throughout September
Where: Locations around Edmonton
AL FRESCO ON 4TH
For an even more ambitious market, check out Al Fresco! This fantastic outdoor experience rolls a market, food trucks and expanded patios into one convenient location. So, whether you’re looking for a beverage on a patio, the hustle and bustle of the market, or something fresh from a local food truck, this is the place to be.
When: On until September 18th
MISC.
HEAD TO THE ZOO
Both the indoor and outdoor exhibits are now open at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! Plus, they recently got their license to serve alcohol on the premises, which we have to admit, really ups the appeal for us as adults. Watching some monkeys frolic around with a beer in hand? That’s our kind of weekend.
When: Open throughout September
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $14.95
SPOOK YOURSELF ON A GHOST TOUR
Looking for an out-of-the-box idea? This could be right up your alley. For years, Edmonton Ghost Tours has been delighting residents and tourists alike with informative and fun tours that explore Edmonton’s shadier past. It’s a great mix for getting outside while learning something about the city!
When: Tours throughout September
Where: 10322 83rd Avenue
Cost: $22.23
ROSSDALE POWER PLANT TOUR
We know, this might not be as exciting as some of the other options on this list. But, this is your chance to check out a historic landmark in the city, while learning about its history at the same time! You should have known we’d be excited from the roadside attractions round up.
When: Until September 26th
Where: 10155 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $27.30
That’s what we’ve got in mind for Edmonton this September, folks! We hope some of the options on this list have caught your eye.
