Categories: Lifestyle

Edmonton’s Hawrelak Park is officially reopening this weekend

Photo via SenorGogoPhotography/Shutterstock

Edmonton, there’s no question about what’s going to be the go-to outdoor destination this summer: Hawrelak Park.

Hawrelak Park closed in 2023, and after three long years of construction, it’s officially reopening to the public this Saturday, May 30. It’s been in a soft opening phase for a short amount of time, but this date marks the completion of all construction and the return of full park services.

Previously, this park held many of the city’s big festivals and events. Though it’s not only great for that, but also for relaxing, reconnecting with the outdoors, and going on walks or runs with friends. It was definitely one of the most popular parks in the city.

The fact that it’s reopening ahead of the summer season is absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t be more excited. To kick off its grand reopening, the city is holding a series of events and activities for folks to celebrate the occasion.

What to expect

The grand reopening will take place this Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When you enter, don’t forget to visit the Welcome Table at the Heritage Amphitheatre. Here, you can find the parkwide Savenger Hunt, for prizes, and skill-testing challenges, with prizes that include Edmonton Elks Home Opener tickets, a round of golf at Rundle Park, and a family pass to Fort Edmonton Park.

Also at the Heritage Amphitheatre, there will be an open house, live performances, prize draws, and food trucks to keep you sustained throughout the day. Morning performances begin at 11 a.m. and afternoon performances begin at 1:30 p.m. These amphitheatre festivities will be going on throughout the whole event, so there’s ample time to check out what else is going on in the park.

Speaking of food, not only are there food trucks, but you can also visit Tiramisu Bistro‘s new lakeside attraction: Lift Me Up on the Lake Bistro. This restaurant is right inside the park’s Main Pavilion, and the menu is absolutely worth your while.

As for other activities, there will be activity discovery zones across the park’s picnic sites. These will consist of showcases like the City of Edmonton: Service Showcase at Picnic Site #4 or Outdoor Adventure Skills and Fireside Fun at Picnic Site #3. There’s also a Fort Edmonton Experience, Playing Through History, which is south of the Community League Plaza.

For a full list of activity discovery zones, you can check out the grand reopening program on the City of Edmonton’s website.

If you’re ready to kick off the weekend by being outdoors and soaking in the good weather, there isn’t a better place to do it. I’m definitely heading to Hawrelak Park soon, and I couldn’t recommend it more.