Summer is officially winding down, and, while it feels so far away, fall is just around the corner. And if you’re looking to save, there are plenty of things that you can check out for free or under $25 this upcoming month. Not sure what’s happening? Here are some of the best FREE and cheap things to do in Edmonton this September.

Cocktails and Jerk Festival 

Check out the Cocktails and Jerk Festival the first weekend of September! Cocktails and Jerk is a “Caribbean-themed food event, showcasing popular street foods and tropical cocktail beverages.” So, expect a variety of vendors, representing the best cuisine in the city, to be offering some delicious Caribbean dishes, from jerk chicken to fried plantains and more.

When: Friday, September 1st until Sunday, September 3rd 2023
Where: 8331 104 Street NW
Cost:  $15

WHC Summer Series

The Wild Heart Collective’s 124 Grand Market continues! The food and drink (plus a little shopping and entertainment) event is still running Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays at locations around the city.

When: On now until October 5th
Where:108 Avenue & 124 Street
Cost: Free to attend

Alberta Avenue Night Market

Continuing our market theme, the Alberta Avenue Night Market is also on again this September over three Fridays. Each Market offers different vendors, entertainment, and community partners.

When: September 1st, 8th, and 15th
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend

Al Fresco On 104th

Al Fresco on 4th is still on! 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 until September 9th
Where: 104th Street Downtown

Symphony in the Square

On September 1st & 2nd, you can check out a FREE Disney concert featuring the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and vocalists. Disney in Concert A Dream is a Wish will feature music from beloved Disney animated feature films, including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, and more!

When: Friday, September 1st & Saturday, September 2nd, 2023
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free to attend

Movies on the Square

The City of Edmonton’s Movies on the Square is about to wrap up, but there is one more movie to catch before summer is officially over! Check out Matilda on September 8th. Movies will include closed captioning.

When: Friday, September 8th, 2023
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free to attend

The Strathearn Art Walk & Music Festival

Get your art on, Edmonton! The Strathearn Art Walk is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates art in our community. Enjoy the work of emerging and professional artists, all with the scenic backdrop of our beautiful river valley and city skyline!

When: Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th, 2023
Where: Strathearn Drive, Edmonton
Cost: Free to attend

Immersive Cinema Experience

The Immersive Cinema Experience returns in September with Dazed and Confused. The event is free to attend, and popcorn, snacks, and beverages will be available for purchase!

When: Saturday, September 9th, 2023
Where:  ICE District Plaza
Cost: Free to attend

Savour Strathcona

The annual celebration of local food and art returns on September 10th.  Check out independent restaurants, local food trucks, and new this year, you can also check out local liquor manufacturers! There will be artists and live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening.

When: Sunday, September 10th, 2023
Where: Strathcona County Community Centre, 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
Cost: Free to attend

Kaleido Family Arts Festival

From September 15th to 17th, Arts on the Ave and Kaleido are presenting Kaleido Family Arts Festival 2023: Hearts’ a Bustin’! Kaleido is coming back to the Ave, “bringing light and joy and filling hearts with music, art, and acts that are a wonder to behold, and (as always) free to the community!”

When: Friday, September 15th to Sunday, September 17th, 2023
Where: Alberta Avenue – 118 Ave, between 90 & 94 St, Edmonton
Cost: Free to attend

According to organizers, the Fancy Women Bike Ride is an international women-focussed, trans-inclusive, cycling event held annually on the third Sunday in September, just before World Car Free Day. This is the third ride in Edmonton, and last year’s event saw over 120 participants!

When: Sunday, September 17th, 2023
Where: Edmonton City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill
Cost: Free to attend

Pumpkins after Dark

Are you ready for Halloween season? If not, we’ve got Pumpkins After Dark to look forward to later in September to get you ready for spooky season! For over an entire month, you can enjoy thousands of hand-carved pumpkins in a beautiful setting.

When: Starting Friday, September 22nd, 2023 until October 31st, 2023
Where: Borden Park
Cost: $22.95+ for GA

Family Movies for $2.99

Looking for a fun Saturday morning activity this month? Cineplex Canada has brought back its Family Favourites deal for September, offering just $2.99 movie tickets deal. Movies in September include Trolls.

When: Saturday mornings throughout the month
Where: At a Cineplex near you

Edmonton 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. What could get you into the fall season more than a corn maze?

When: Open throughout September
Where: 26171 Secondary Hwy 627, Spruce Grove
Cost: $12+ for GA