We’re nearing the official end of summer… so naturally, we’re going to squeeze all the fun out of it that we possibly can. Luckily, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in and around Edmonton, whether you’re looking for concerts, festivals, arts & culture… the list goes on, you know the deal! Here are the best things to do around Edmonton this August.
DISCO IN THE PARK
Music lovers, kick off August with Disco in the Park! Taking place over the long weekend, the festival is presented by Grindstone Theatre Society and SWEAT DJ Collective, and showcases original electronic music! This year’s lineup includes Crystal Waters, Fred Falke, French Horn Rebellion, Humans, Pat Lok, and Never Dull.
When: Friday, August 4th to Sunday, August 6th, 2023
Where: Louise Mckinney Riverfront Park, 9999 Grierson Hill Rd NW
Cost: $79.38+
AVENGED SEVENFOLD WITH ALEXISONFIRE
Multi-platinum headliners and famed heavy metal rock group Avenged Sevenfold have launched an extensive Life is But A Dream… North American tour with Alexisonfire. The tour stops in Edmonton in August.
When: Friday, August 4th, 2023
Where: Rogers Place – 10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
Cost: $65+
The world’s largest three-day multiculturalism celebration takes place in Edmonton, and it is coming up in August. The Edmonton Heritage Festival showcases a diversity of cuisine, entertainment, interpretive materials, and crafts worldwide.
When: Saturday, August 5th to Monday, August 7th, 2023
Where: Edmonton Exhibition Lands and Borden Park
Cost: Free to attend
The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is in Edmonton this August, and they are bringing back the audience favourite Romeo and Juliet, as well as Twelfth Night. There are Pay What You Can showings, as well as ASL at select performances.
When: Tuesday, August 8th until September 3rd, 2023
Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Ave
Cost: Pay what you can – $35
EDMONTON FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
Easily the biggest draw of the month, the Edmonton Folk Music Fest is coming back in a big, big way this summer. Country, indie, rock, folk (of course)… there are dozens upon dozens of amazing names coming including Ben Harper and Fleet Foxes!
When: Thursday, August 10th until Sunday, August 13th, 2023
Where: Gallagher Park, 9505 96 Ave
Cost: $97.50+
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: Friday, August 11th until Sunday, August 13th, 2023
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free to attend
ROD STEWART
Sir Rod Stewart needs no introduction. Stewart’s first tour in four years is taking place this summer, and promises an unprecedented night of iconic hit songs from one of the best-selling music artists of all time!
When: Tuesday, August 15th, 2023
Where: Rogers Place – 10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
Cost: $37+
EDMONTON FRINGE FESTIVAL
For those looking for something a little more funky and indie, 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 17th until Sunday, August 27th, 2023
Where: Venues around Edmonton
Cost: $10+
EDMONTON PRIDE FESTIVAL
Edmonton’s Pride Festival returns to Churchill Square this August! Celebrate love and diversity, and check out Alberta’s first 2-Spirit Powwow, then head back in time at Y2K @ Churchill, featuring a 90s-themed dance party with the legendary PROZZAK! And cap it off with Pride @ Churchill Square which features several artists including Ralph and Stereos.
When: Friday, August 18th until Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free, and VIP at $107
Immersive Cinema Experience
Get ready for an Immersive Cinema Experience this August, once again taking place on a Saturday! You’ll be able to see some of the most popular cult classic movies, there will be food and drinks, and themed decor!
When: Saturday, August 19th, 2023
Where: ICE District Plaza
Cost: Free to attend
ASTRONAUT BOOTCAMP
Were you a kid that dreamed about being an astronaut? What if we told you you could experience that chance, and for only one day? This August, there’s 3-hour, adults-only training camp called Astronaut Bootcamp! Get ready to live out your childhood dream.
When: Thursday, August 24th, 2023
Where: Telus World of Science Edmonton
Cost: $24
MILKY CHANCE
If you danced to “Stolen Dance”, you may want to check out Milky Chance this month! The band is on their Summer Haze 2023 Tour in support of their latest album.
When: Friday, August, 25th, 2023
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave NW
Cost: $52
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EDMONTON BLUES FESTIVAL
The Edmonton Blues Festival is back and has a new home! The fest will now take place at the RE/MAX Field, home to the Edmonton Riverhawks. This year, you can catch Colin James, Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-a-Whirld Band, Tom Lavin and the Legendary Powder Blues Band, Veronica Lewis, and more!
When: Friday, August 25th, until Sunday, August 27th, 2023
Where: RE/MAX Field, 10233 96 Ave
Cost: $60+
PURPLE CITY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Looking for a music festival but not the Blues Fest? How about the Purple City Music Festival? This Festival features the newest sounds from the global underground, the best talent from Edmonton’s own backyard, along with national and international acts!
When: Friday, August 25th, until Sunday, August 27th, 2023
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: $30+
NF WITH CORDAE
Michigan rapper and producer NF announced his HOPE TOUR earlier this year, and it stops in Edmonton in August and will feature special guest Cordae.
When: Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Where: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW
Cost: $75+
PRIDE CUP
Celebrating Pride 365 in Edmonton in true ICE District fashion, by playing hockey! The Pride Cup ball hockey championship proudly supports diversity, equality and inclusion through sport. Besides the championship game, the event will feature food & drinks, DJs, Oilers alumni and the presentation of the Pride Cup itself.
When: Sunday, August 27th, 2023
Where: ICE District Plaza
Cost: Free
ESO OUTDOORS
Less a festival and more a series, ESO Outdoors is also coming back this August. Treat yourself to a concert in the heart of the city, enjoy one in one of the suburbs with the family- whatever you pick, you’re in for a treat!
When: Concerts throughout August
Where: Click the link above for all locations
Cost: Free+
THE GRINDSTONE THEATRE
For something a little more homegrown, we’ve got the Grindstone! Comedy nights, one-act plays, “professional” karaoke… yeah, this is a great option for a night out.
When: Shows throughout August
Where: 10019 81 Avenue
Cost: Varies
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
Museum nights are cool any time of year, but especially when it is hot out! Check out the Royal Alberta Museum, which holds some amazing collections and is a great family-friendly option.
When: Open throughout August
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
ALBERTA AVENUE NIGHT MARKET
Ten Night Markets are taking place in the Alberta Avenue District this summer. Each market will have different vendors, entertainment and community partners. So bring the family, and enjoy some food outdoors!
When: August 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2023
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free to attend
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
There’s lots to see at the AGA this month! They’ve got different exhibitions and installations in there right now, and later in August, August 19 to be precise, check out their first-ever Pride Market!
When: Open throughout August
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
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
HOP ON THE EDMONTON RIVERBOAT
One of the summer’s most beloved activities is back in action! The Edmonton Riverboat first set sail a couple of weeks ago, and is cruising through summer. Check out their Sunday brunches, or buffet dinners!
When: Click the link above for next cruises
Where: 9734 98 Avenue NW
Cost: $41+
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. 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+ for GA
Have a great month!
