There’s a new cultural festival taking over Edmonton with music and food galore

Kejia Festival is taking Edmonton by storm this year, bringing a load of multicultural madness to the city with food, music, and close community vibes.

This will be the inaugural year of the new go-to free event, Kejia Festival. Folks around Edmonton are welcome to come down to Louise McKinney Riverfront in September for three days jam-packed with endless things to do, see, and eat.

According to the festival itself, “Kejia” is commonly translated as “guest people.” The Hakka experience is deeply connected to migration, community-building, and finding a sense of belonging in new places. While the Kejia Festival begins with the Hakka community’s own experience of immigration and belonging, it doesn’t stop there. Through this festival, the community invites other cultures to bring their food, music, traditions and stories to the same table.

“A Filipino dance group, a Japanese cultural vendor, an Indian mehendi artist, a Mexican food vendor and a Hakka family sharing their traditions are not separate attractions. Together, they represent the larger story the festival is trying to tell: different cultures, different histories, but one community,” says the festival.

What to expect at Kejia Festival

Food sits at the centre of the Kejia Festival, and trust us when we say there is absolutely no shortage of it.

Through bringing together local-led kitchens, family recipes and pop-up food vendors to create the ultimate cultural dining experience. With over 50 global street snacks and drinks, you’re definitely going to find something to satisfy your craving.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available across participating vendors, and you’ll be able to follow the dietary iconography for guidance.

For a full list of the dishes making their way into the festival, we’d suggest checking out Kejia Fest’s website online.

To accompany the dishes, of course there’s going to be some wonderful performances.

There’s a great lineup ahead of us, with lion dances, indie folk music, K-pop dances, and so much more to witness from the comfort of the park. Interested in exactly who’s performing for the inaugural year? You can check out the performers on the festival’s website.

If you’re looking to help the community even further, you can even volunteer to help the festival yourself! Volunteer applications are available on its website, with all types of roles ready for those looking to lend a hand.

What to know before going to Kejia Festival

While there is no entrance fee, you will have to pay for food and drink (which all will vary in cost).

As for parking, there are downtown parkades available nearby, with EPL, City Centre Mall, and Edmonton Tower all being viable options. However, the festival recommends the LRT, with Churchill and Central stations nearby.

Kejia Festival

When: Friday, Sept. 4, to Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 9999 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

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