Summer is most certainly here, and we’ve got some ideas about the best free and cheap ways to make the most of it around Edmonton! Whether it’s festivals, exploring the great outdoors, concerts, or some weirder options, there are tons of options to explore. So let’s dive in!
Here are the best free and cheap things to do this summer in Edmonton.
FESTIVALS
K-DAYS
While it’s not free, it’s very easy to ball on a budget at K-Days. Our advice? Check out their lineup of free concerts, pick one that sounds good, and head down there to enjoy it! Maybe keep a little extra cash on hand for some snacks while you’re there, too.
When: July 22nd to 31st
Where: 7515 – 118 Avenue
Cost: $15+
TASTE OF EDMONTON
Speaking of snacks, Taste of Edmonton is a great way to enjoy some of the city’s best cuisine without breaking the bank. Plus, they’ve also got free concerts in the lineup, adding even more to your experience.
When: July 21st to 31st
Where: Churchill Square
Cost: $5+ for tickets
EDMONTON HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Well, Edmonton didn’t get the nickname of ‘Festival City’ for no reason. To cap off July and kick off August, the Edmonton Heritage Festival is coming back to Hawrelak Park! We’re talking free concerts, food trucks, entertainment and more to enjoy.
When: July 30th to August 1st
Where: Hawrelak Park
Cost: Free to attend
CARIWEST
While the main draw for Edmonton’s Caribbean festival is the parade, there’s a whole lot more to look forward to as well. A marketplace, live music, and even a rum garden will have you loving every second of your visit!
When: August 5th to 7th
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free to attend
EDMONTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
For those looking for something a little more, let’s call it funky, you’ll feel right at home at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. Check out dozens of local and touring shows from all walks of the theatre and performance world.
When: August 11th to 21st
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: $5+
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO
Even with summer pricing in effect, the zoo remains one of the cheapest date ideas for attractions in Edmonton. And for this summer, they’ve got a super cool LEGO exhibit, with sculptures located around the grounds!
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $15.95 for GA
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
The AGA has got a serious amount of stuff to check out this summer. If you’re curious, there will be as much as 10 temporary exhibitions and installations on view! General admission ain’t so bad, but head down on the final Thursday of every month for admission by donation night.
When: Open throughout the summer
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14 (Free every final Thursday of the month)
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE
While the regular exhibits here are always fantastic, we’ve got a more specific (and cheaper) option. Oh yeah, we’re talking about the laser shows in the Zeidler Dome, for full 1980’s glory.
When: Shows throughout the summer
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $14.95 for GA
OUTDOORS/TRAVEL
HIKE AROUND
From inner-city gems to full on day trips, there’s no shortage of amazing hikes to check out around Edmonton. A solid choice if you’re looking for an afternoon (or a full expedition) that’s a little more outdoorsy than most.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
BE COOL IN THE POOL
Whether you’re just looking to splash around with some pals on the weekend, or get a few serious laps in before the work day begins, you can now visit Edmonton’s outdoor pools once more.
Where: Locations around Edmonton
HAVE A LAKE DAY
Summer means sunny days, folks! If you’re not scared of the water temps, then go check out some of the most amazing lakes and beaches around the city.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
GO CHASING WATERFALLS
Safely, of course. But Alberta is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Canada, and they’re just waiting for you to enjoy them. Whether you’re seeing an iconic spot for the first time or taking a trip off the beaten path, we’ve got picks for you.
Where: Click the link above for more info
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
EVENT SERIES
AL FRESCO ON 104TH
Al Fresco on 4th is back! 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: Saturdays throughout the summer
Where: 104th Street Downtown
Cost: Free to attend!
TG ICE FRIDAYS
On the other hand, head down to the Ice District Plaza on Fridays for some free end of the week fun! Live music, games, street food and more await on Edmonton’s largest licensed patio!
When: Fridays throughout the summer
Where: Ice District Plaza
Cost: Free to attend!
ESO OUTDOORS
A little bit of a high class night but for a very low price sounds alright with us! Throughout August the ESO will be touring around Edmonton’s parks and beyond, bringing incredible concerts in a pay-what-you-can format.
When: Showtimes throughout August
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: Pay what you can
SPORTS
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 the summer
Where: Click the link above for locations
FC EDMONTON
Who said pro sports have to be expensive? Edmonton’s own soccer team has kicked off their 2022 season, with matches against names from across North America.
When: Games throughout the summer
Where: 11000 Stadium Road NW
Cost: $10.50+
WORLD DODGEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
If you can dodge a wrench… you can watch the World Dodgeball Championships! They’re touching down to wrap up the summer, and their round robin games are free to check out.
When: August 28th to September 4th
Where: 11610 65 Avenue NW
Cost: Free+
Ok Edmonton, those are our picks for the best free and cheap things to get up to around the city this summer! Have fun out there, and stay frugal!
