July is a huge month for Edmonton, and we’ve got the things to do list to prove it! From concerts to festivals to sports to the great outdoors, there are quite literally dozens of ways to make the most of the month. And of course, we’ve got the absolute best picks lined up for you.
Here are the best things to do around Edmonton this July.
FESTIVALS/LIVE EVENTS/CONCERTS
MAKE THE MOST OF CANADA DAY
Before anything else, we’ve got some Canada Day options around the city! It’s the perfect was to kick off the month, especially with so many things to choose from!
When: Friday, July 1st
Where: Click the link above for our picks
K-DAYS
The quintessential pick for your summer bucket list! Enjoy midway rides, games, live entertainment, concerts, food… the list goes on and on!
When: July 22nd to 31st
Where: 7515 – 118 Avenue
Cost: $15+
TASTE OF EDMONTON
Running at the same time, this massive food festival is a great bonus pick for those wanting a break from K-Days, but with no shortage of the fun.
When: July 21st to 31st
Where: Churchill Square
Cost: $5+ for tickets
THE WORKS & STREETFEST
For the first time ever, two major Edmonton festivals will be joining forces this July, which means even more excitement for you. Get your arts fill with The Works, then be amazed by the performers at Streetfest!
When: July 8th to 17th
Where: Churchill Square, Edmonton
Cost: Free to attend!
SHAWN MENDES
One of the biggest names of the month is also the first up! Superstar Shawn Mendes will be playing at Rogers Place, with a little support from Dermot Kennedy as the opening act.
When: July 5th
Where: 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: $80+
THE ZOMBIES
To celebrate their Hall of Fame induction, The Zombies are going on tour! This band is arguably the birth of psych rock, and is absolutely a bucket-list name for anyone who is into the genre.
When: July 11th
Where: 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert
Cost: $69+
TASH SULTANA
Speaking of a little bit of psych-style music, Tash Sultana is among the lineup of Edmonton concerts this July! Relax and settle into summer with her soulful style.
When: July 12th
Where: 9797 Jasper Avenue
Cost: $45+
ERIC CHURCH
We’ve got two concerts that are part of music fests, but are must-sees! Our top pick for Big Valley Jamboree is Eric Church, but know that he’s flanked by Dallas Smith the day before and Tim McGraw the day after, so you really can’t go wrong here.
When: July 30th
Where: Camrose, Alberta
Cost: $130+
JELLYBEAN BENITEZ – DISCO IN THE PARK
One of the least known names, but undeniably coming from one of the most well known places. A top name in the DJ game for decades, Jellybean Benitez has the extremely rare claim as one of the folks who managed to play at Studio 54 in its heyday. If that’s not a reason to go to Disco in the Park, we don’t know what is.
When: July 30th and 31st
Where: 9999 Grierson Hill Road
Cost: $75+
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
For a little bit of a high-class night out, know that the Jazz Festival is back in the city this month! Hear acclaimed artists from close to home and around the world, at a variety of venues ranging from heritage spaces to the Ice District Plaza.
When: Until Sunday, July 3rd
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: Varies
EDMONTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The ESO has got some great variety in store for music lovers. You can hear everything from family-friendly options to full-blown symphonies. So, if you’re looking for another high-class night out, this is a great option to keep in mind.
When: Concerts throughout July
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Varies
TG ICE FRIDAYS
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
ARTS & CULTURE
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL – OVO
Need some thrills? Know that Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Ovo’ show will be coming to Edmonton for only a few days this summer, more than earning a spot on this list.
When: July 13th to 17th, 2022
Where: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
HAMILTON
Broadway has come to Edmonton, and it brought one of the most acclaimed contemporary plays with it. Take a musical trip down memory lane with this pseudo-biography of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of America.
When: Shows until July 10th
Where: 11455 87 Avenue
Cost: $84+
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 July
Where: 10019 81 Avenue
Cost: Varies
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
The end of spring also means some rainy days, but we’re fine with it! First option- check out the Royal Alberta Museum, which holds some amazing collections and is a great family-friendly option.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
ART GALLERY OF ALBERTA
There’s lots to see at the AGA this month! They’ve got 10, yes 10, different exhibitions and installations in there right now, from contemporary to classic and everything in between.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $14
IMAGINE MONET
After over a year of waiting, this acclaimed immersive art exhibit has finally come to Edmonton! Enjoy the works of one of the world’s best painters, in a level of detail that rivals actually, you know, booking a flight to France to see them in person.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $34.95+ for GA
IMMERSIVE CINEMA EXPERIENCE
On July 23rd, ICE District plaza will host the debut of the Immersive Cinema Experience, an adult-friendly, outdoor movie night that’s got more to offer than a night inside a theatre. The plaza-turned-al-fresco-cinema will screen cult classics from 7 pm to 11 pm, starting with Wayne’s World for the first show. AND they will be serving themed food and bevies. Just remember to bring your own chairs.
When: July 23rd from 7 PM to 11 PM
Where: ICE District Plaza
Cost: Free
SPORTS
EDMONTON ELKS
A sporty summer awaits as well! First up are the Elks, who are looking towards a return to form after a rocky start to the season.
Where: 11000 Stadium Road
Cost: $32.53+
EDMONTON RIVERHAWKS
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.
Where: 10233 96 Avenue NW
Cost: $19.99
FC EDMONTON
Last for our spectator sports picks, we’ve got a little bit of soccer. FC Edmonton is facing off against teams across North America all summer long.
Where: 11000 Stadium Road NW
Cost: $10.50+
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 July
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: $20+
OUTDOORS
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
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 won’t have to wait too long until you can once more!
Where: Locations around Edmonton
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
U OF A BOTANIC GARDEN
In our opinion this is one of the best day trip options in the summer, full stop.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County
Cost: $19.75 for GA
ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
For those feeling a little more adventurous, then the hikes/walks/lakes at Elk Island are always enticing. Plus, you might spot a few (hundred) bison!
When: Open throughout July
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $7.90 for admissions
GO ON AN ADVENTURE
For those craving a little more excitement, we’ve rounded up some of the best adventures and extreme activities around the province as well!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
FOOD AND DRINK
AL FRESCO ON 4TH
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
STREET CAR CASK PARTY
Ah, summer is in the street… cars. The Common’s Street Car Cask Parties are back, and will be on practically all summer long! Enjoy some unique brews, eat some treats, then return to The Common itself for a little live music!
When: Select Thursdays in July
Where: 10910 100 Avenue NW
Cost: $53.50+
BITE INTO BURGERS
We’ve got a few guides that we’re going to use at least a few times ourselves this summer. First up is the classic lunch/road trip snack- the humble burger. Of course, Edmonton’s burger scene has a lot to brag about, from longtime favourites to gourmet options and new concepts.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
SCOOP UP A LITTLE ICE CREAM
Ice cream is without a doubt the yin to the burger’s yang, and luckily Edmonton has no shortage of that, either. Best paired after a day trip or another outdoor activity, a trip for a delicious scoop of ice cream is something we can’t go without. Especially when somewhat healthier options (like plant-based) are available.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
DISCOVER A NEW BAR
And when we say discover we mean it. We recently rounded up all the best hidden bars and speakeasies around the city, which offer the perfect spot to grab an after-dinner nightcap, or even just some drinks with friends.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
GRAB A BEER
Quick patio brew? You’ve got no shortage of options. Click the link above for all the breweries in the southern half of the city, and here for those in the north.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
TAKE SOME PALS TO THE PATIO
Whether it’s weekend brunch, an afternoon snack, or a full blown multi-course meal, Edmonton has an amazing variety of patios to check out this summer. And with our list, you’ll be the go-to friend for picking!
Where: Click the link above for our picks
BALL AT THE BUFFET
Speaking of nice meals, those looking to get the most bang for their buck should know about all the amazing buffets and all you can eat spots around Edmonton. Once again, we’ve got you covered.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
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 July
Where: Locations around Edmonton
ATTRACTIONS
SPEEDERS EDMONTON
While the name isn’t new, this facility sure is! The three-tier track offers some 1,250 ft. of raceway as you wind through the complex. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve also installed some fun LED lighting on the side of the track, which we’re getting a real Tokyo Drift vibe from.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 12808 170 Street NW, Edmonton
Cost: $30+
FORT EDMONTON PARK
The already iconic destination got a major renovation last year, and this is its first full season back! Family-friendly options that double as date ideas are few and far between, but we definitely think Fort Edmonton Park is a great example of it.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
Tickets: $26.20
SNOW VALLEY
Family friendly fun abounds, with a ropes course, a panning area, and even a little bit of target golf to check out.
Where: 13204 Rainbow Valley Road
Cost: Varies per activity
TELUS WORLD OF SCIENCE
There’s always something fun going on at the Telus World of Science, but we’ve got two things in mind here. First, their IMAX theatre is a great way to experience a classic movie, a new blockbuster, or a stunning documentary. Second, the Zeidler Dome has laser shows that are, frankly, out of this world.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: $31.45 for GA
EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO
What’s new at the zoo? Lego, that’s what! In addition to the regular exhibits, a world-renowned Lego artist (yes, that’s a thing) has installed some absolutely incredible sculptures.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $15.95
WORLD WATERPARK
Splish-splash, pals! If the weather heats up a little too much this month, then take a day and go hang out at one of Edmonton’s most iconic attractions.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 8882 170 Street NW
Cost: $59 for GA
MUTTART CONSERVATORY
Speaking of iconic, everybody recognizes those pyramids jutting out above the Muttart Conservatory. Luckily, inside you’ll find an amazing botanic garden to explore.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 9626 96a Street NW
Tickets: $14.95 for GA
TRAVEL
BOTTOMLESS PADDLE BOARD RENTALS
New for this summer, the ‘bottomless’ paddle boards are exactly what the name implies. Rather than the classic option, these are built with a see-through plastic, offering practically immediate access to the downright stunning waters of Lac Beauvert, which the Jasper Park Lodge sits on.
When: Now available for the summer!
Where: 1 Old Lodge Road, Jasper
Cost: $75 per hour
SYLVAN LAKE AQUA SPLASH PARK
Located just outside of Red Deer, Alberta, the Sylvan Lake Aqua Splash park is THE place for sizzling summer days and they recently announced that they’ll be opening for the season on July 1st.
When: Opens July 1st, 2022
Where: Bay #1, 5100 Lakeshore Drive– Sylvan Lake, Alberta
CANYON SKI RESORT ALPINE COASTER
Now open for the summer, the Canyon Coaster is approximately 1,300 metres and can travel up to speeds of 40 km/hr – though guests will be able to adjust the ride with a brake.
When: Open throughout July
Where: 38433, Range Road 264A, AB
GO CAMPING
While we are personally city-slickers, even we can admit that Alberta has some absolutely fantastic options for camping and glamping this spring.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
OR CHECK OUT AN AIRBNB
This is more our speed. After all, you can still be a stone’s throw away from some gorgeous areas of the province, while enjoying all the modern day comforts we’ve grown so used to.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
Those are our picks for the best things to do this July in Edmonton! Now, go have some fun for us!
