Summer is in full swing and though we’ve already had an action-packed season, we can confidently say that the fun is just getting started. We can also say that our wallets have taken quite a hit in the process, luckily – there’s plenty that you can check out for under $25 this upcoming month. Not sure what’s happening? Here are 23 of the best FREE and cheap things to do in Edmonton this August.
FESTIVALS AND MARKETS
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 August
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: FREE
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
CARIWEST FESTIVAL
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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: Friday, August 5th – 7th
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
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
EDMONTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
For those looking for something a little more ‘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: Thursday, August 11th to 21st
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: $5+
SPORTS/OUTDOORS
PICK A FEW BERRIES
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Meanwhile, the U-pick farms around Edmonton are entering their prime seasons! Whether you’re baking a pie, freezing them for smoothies, or just stuffing your face immediately after, a fresh berry (or a hundred) is always a nice summer treat.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Cost: Prices vary
HIKE AROUND
From inner-city gems to full on day trips, there’s no shortage of amazing hikes to check out around Edmonton.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Cost: FREE
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
Cost: Prices vary
HIT THE BEACH
July means sunny days, folks! If you’re not scared of the water temps, then go check out some of the most amazing beaches around the province.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Cost: FREE
EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO
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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+
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+
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
Cost: FREE
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
Cost: FREE
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
Cost: FREE
EDMONTON RIVERHAWKS
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Take us out to the ball game! No seriously, a day eating outdoors, enjoying the sun, and hearing the sweet crack of the bat is a perfect summer option.
When: Games throughout August
Where: 10233 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19.99
HIT THE LINKS
We love golf, so we’re going to go ahead and recommend that this month as well. Get out for a full round, or just go mess around on the driving range! It works well, especially since this city’s municipal courses are top-notch.
When: Open throughout August
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: $20+
GET LOST AND FOUND IN A CORN MAZE
That’s right, the Edmonton Corn Maze is back for the season as well! Head down and quite literally lose yourself in acres upon acres of corn. Sounds like a Stephen King novel, but we assure you, it’s much more fun than that.
When: Open throughout August
Where: 26171 Secondary Hwy 627, Spruce Grove
Cost: $12+
U OF A BOTANIC GARDEN
In our opinion this is one of the best day trip options in the summer, full stop. Pair it with a picnic experience to make things extra special!
When: Open throughout August
Where: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County
Cost: $19.75
ARTS AND CULTURE / CONCERTS
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
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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
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
And there you have it, folks! 23 FREE and cheap things to do in Edmonton this August. Enjoy!
