Finally! The forecast is heating up, and so are our options for the things to do around Edmonton this May. Whether you’re getting outside, enjoying the city’s many attractions, or appreciating some of the finer things in life, it’s a good month the be in the city. So, let’s check out our options, shall we?
Here are the best things to do around Edmonton this May.
ATTRACTIONS
FORT EDMONTON PARK
The already iconic destination got a major renovation last year, and this is its first full season back! Family-friendly options that double as date ideas are few and far between, but we definitely think Fort Edmonton Park is a great example of it.
When: Opens Saturday, May 21st
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
Tickets: TBD
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE
There’s always something fun going on at the Telus World of Science, but we’ve got two things in mind here. First, their IMAX theatre is a great way to experience a classic movie, a new blockbuster, or a stunning documentary. Second, the Zeidler Dome has laser shows that are, frankly, out of this world.
When: Open throughout May
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $31.45 for GA
EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO
With the weather hopefully getting nicer, it could be time to head back to the zoo! Watching some animals lay around, play, and just vibe is weirdly therapeutic for us, and it’s fun for all ages.
When: Open throughout May
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: TBA
WORLD WATERPARK
We don’t know why, but a trip to the waterpark just seems way more fun when it’s nice outside. So, knowing that we’ve got one of the best indoor options on the continent in the city has us really motivated to return once more.
When: Open throughout May
Where: 8882 170 Street NW
Cost: $59 for GA
MUTTART CONSERVATORY
Last but certainly not least for attractions around the city, we’ve got the Muttart Conservatory! This indoor botanical garden is the perfect option for those wanting to speedrun that summer feeling, just like a day at the waterpark (except much cheaper).
When: Open throughout May
Where: 9626 96a Street NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
LIVE EVENTS/CONCERTS
BILLY TALENT
Relive the best part of the Vans Warped Tour! If you didn’t listen to at least a few Billy Talent songs during an angsty teen phase, then you didn’t grow up in Canada. It’s that simple.
When: Tuesday, May 3rd
Where: 9797 Jasper Avenue
Cost: $60.50+
ACTION BRONSON AND EARL SWEATSHIRT
Arguably the most rowdy concert of the month also happens during the first week! We’ll admit this isn’t a mashup we really expected to see, but we’re nonetheless super excited to witness it play out.
When: Tuesday, May 3rd
Where: 6240 99 Street NW
Cost: $54.50+
YUKON BLONDE
A little indie rock never hurt! Yukon Blonde has sold out at venues across North America for their tour, but regular priced tickets are still available for Edmonton. Take advantage of them.
When: Wednesday, May 18th
Where: 10030 102 Street
Cost: $20+
AVRIL LAVIGNE
Speaking of Vans Warped Tour callbacks… Avril Lavigne is also coming to Edmonton next month! A bonafide superstar in Canada, Lavigne has both new music and some absolutely iconic bangers from years gone by in her repertoire.
When: Thursday, May 19th
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: $35+
FUTURE ISLANDS
Like Yukon Blonde, we’re surprised that Future Islands is one of the concerts yet to sell out in Edmonton for May. We’re not complaining though… it’s all the more reason to go see them!
When: Thursday, May 19th
Where: 6107 104 Street NW
Cost: $39.50+
EDMONTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The ESO has got some great variety in store for music lovers this month. You can hear everything from family-friendly options to full-blown symphonies. So, if you’re looking for a high-class night out, this is a great option to keep in mind.
When: Concerts throughout May
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Varies
ARTS & CULTURE
NORTHWESTFEST
Canada’s longest running nonfiction film fest returns to in-person experiences this month! However, those looking to enjoy the options at home will be pleased to know that they’re keeping the virtual side as well.
When: May 5th to 15th
Where: Online and in-person options
Cost: Varies
JUBILATIONS DINNER THEATRE
Before we get into more ‘serious’ live options, we’re thinking dinner and a show sounds lovely as a springtime night out! And naturally, Jubilations has got exactly what we need, with topics ranging from spoofs on Schitt’s Creek to The Beatles.
When: Showtimes throughout May
Where: 8882 170 Street NW
Cost: $69.95
THE CITADEL THEATRE
There’s only one show on at the Citadel this month, but boy oh boy are we excited to see it. A musical based entirely on the music of Dolly Parton? Yeah, we’ll be going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds.
When: Shows throughout May
Where: 9828 101 A Avenue
Cost: Varies
THE GRINDSTONE THEATRE
For even more variety, this is our recommendation. Comedy shows, small plays, fun satires… the Grindstone has it all, and wants you to come see for yourself.
When: Shows throughout May
Where: 10019 81 Avenue
Cost: Varies
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
While their latest feature exhibition is wrapping up, the RAM is an easy pick if you’re hoping to stay inside one weekend this month.
When: Open throughout May
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
On the flipside, the AGA has pulled out all the stops for the spring. There are tons of temporary exhibitions to check out, and even a fundraiser event where you can bid on donated art (or just see some high rollers in action instead) during the first week of May.
When: Open throughout May
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
OUTDOORS/SPORTS
U OF A BOTANIC GARDEN
Just in time for Mother’s Day, this stunning and massive botanic garden is reopening for the season! Easily one of our favourite, and also one of the most relaxing, day trips around the city.
When: Opens for the season on Saturday, May 7th
Where: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County
Cost: $19.75 for GA
ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
On another note, Elk Island National Park is a wonderland any time of year. Enjoy some hiking and exploring during the day, then kick back for some stargazing afterwards before you head home.
When: Open throughout May
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
EDMONTON OILERS
Heyo! The Oilers has clinched a playoff spot, and we couldn’t be happier. While we don’t know who they’ll be facing just yet, we do know that every home game is going to be worth the price.
When: Games throughout May
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
FC EDMONTON
As one season winds down, another is just beginning! If you’re looking for a different sports night out, then we think watching an FC Edmonton match is the perfect option. Especially once the weather starts to heat up.
When: Games throughout May
Where: 11000 Stadium Road NW
Cost: Varies
HIT THE LINKS
Edmonton’s local golf courses are finally opening for the season! Rundle is back in action already, and the other two shouldn’t be far behind. Need a little more time? Swing by the driving range instead.
When: Now open
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: $20+
FOOD AND DRINK
WHC SUMMER SERIES
Wild Heart Collective’s 124 Grand Market is set to make a return this month. The food and drink (plus a little shopping and entertainment) will be running Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays at locations around the city starting on May 12th.
When: Starts May 12th
Where: Locations around Edmonton
URBAN PEDAL TOURS
For something a little less family-friendly, it might be time to go on a boozy bike tour! Urban Pedal Tours will allow you to experience some of the city’s best breweries, bars and more in a whole new way, and is a supremely fun choice for a birthday party or friends day out.
When: Tours throughout May
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: $549 for a 2-hour tour
DISCOVER A NEW BAR
And when we say discover we mean it. We recently rounded up all the best hidden bars and speakeasies around the city, which offer the perfect spot to grab an after-dinner nightcap, or even just some drinks with friends.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
HIT UP THE FARMERS’ MARKETS
We will literally never tire of a weekly or monthly trip to one of Edmonton’s farmers markets. Get some great groceries, maybe treat yourself to a snack… it’s a couple of hours well spent.
When: Open throughout May
Where: Locations around Edmonton
TRAVEL
GO CAMPING
May is, for us, also the start of relatively relaxing camping expeditions! And heck, even if you’re not the most outdoorsy type, we threw some glamping options in there for good measure.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
OR CHECK OUT AN AIRBNB
Of course, you can kick the comfort notch up even more by opting for an Airbnb instead! We’ve got you covered there as well, with our top picks around the province for a weekend getaway.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
That’s what we have in mind for things to do around Edmonton this May! Now, all you have to do is go and make the most of it. Pretty easy, right?
