And just like that, it is May! Which means the forecast is heating up, and so are our options for the things to do around Edmonton. Whether you’re getting outside, enjoying the city’s many attractions, or appreciating some of the finer things in life, it’s a good month the be in the city. And with that, here are the best things to do around Edmonton this May.
MEGADEATH AND BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
Kick off your May with metal titans Megadeth, who are bringing the Crush the World Tour to Canada, with a stop at the Edmonton Convention Centre! They will be bringing special guests Bullet for My Valentine & ONI.
When: Monday, May 1st, 2023
Where: 9797 Jasper Ave
Cost: $95+
AN ODE TO JOY: BEETHOVEN’S 9TH
How about checking out the ESO this spring? There will be two performances of “An Ode to Joy” which the ESO describes as, “always invigorates” and “delivers a powerful message of unity and peace. The program also features thoughtful and reflective pieces by two of today’s celebrated women composers, Canadian Vivian Fung and American Jessie Montgomery.”
When: Thursday, May 4th, and Saturday May 6th, 2023
Where: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq
Cost: $50+
SPONSORED PICK: GET YOUR TIX TO THE EPIC STREET CAR CASK PARTY 2023 BEFORE THEY’RE GONE
Looking for the ultimate summer party experience that combines craft brews, stunning city views, and a fun mode of transportation? Look no further than the Street Car Cask Party 2023, back and better than ever! Hosted by The Common, this epic party takes place on a street car and features exclusive Albertan craft beers, light food, and live music. Plus, the hour-long journey provides unbeatable views of Edmonton’s cityscape and a gorgeous sunset atop the High Level Bridge.
When: Every Thursday from May 25th to September 21st
Where: High Level Streetcar (Jasper Plaza Terminal) – 10910 100 Avenue Northwest
Cost: $56
NORTHWESTFEST
Canada’s longest running documentary film festival takes place right here in Edmonton. The NorthwestFest International Documentary Festival is a cinematic celebration of real-life stories and it will run for 10 days.
When: Thursday, May 4th until May 14th, 2023
Where: Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre – 8712 109 St
Cost: $84.40 – $105.49
Ballet Edmonton is finishing its season with two pieces by its artistic director, Wen Wei Wang. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
When: Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th, 2023
Where: Triffo Theatre, Allard Hall, 11110 104 Ave NW
Cost: $40
Want to spend a glam evening at the Art Gallery of Alberta? Then head to Art on the Block on May 5! Expect an evening filled with opportunity to bid on and take home stunning artwork, along with one-of-a-kind experiences and packages donated by local businesses and makers! It’s the AGA’s largest fundraising event and a highly sought-after gathering!
When: Friday, May 5th,2023
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: $150 +
You know all her songs, so why not experience it live? Iconic Canadian singer Shania Twain is going to be in Edmonton this month, and you know it’s all everyone will talk about that weekend!
When: Friday, May 5th, 2023
Where: 10220 104 Ave NW
Cost: $137+
The world’s largest and most popular display of Lego art is coming! If you’re a Lego fan, be sure to make time to head to Telus World of Science to discover over a million Lego bricks transformed into over 100 sculptures by contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya.
When: Opens Friday, May 5th until October 10th, 2023
Where: TELUS World of Science – Edmonton – 11211 142 Street
Cost: $30.90
Prison Dancer is a musical by Filipino-Canadian creators Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus. It is based on a viral video from 2007, showing 1,500 inmates in a Philippines prison dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
When: Opens Saturday, May 6th until Sunday, May 28th, 2023
Where: The Citadel Theatre, 9828 101 A Avenue
Cost: $30+
American duo The Bellamy Brothers will be bringing their pop/country sounds to the Century Casino the first weekend of May.
When: Saturday, May 6th, 2023
Where: 13103 Fort Rd NW, Edmonton, AB
Cost: $115+
If Bellamy Brothers aren’t your jam, perhaps Whipped Cream is! The Canadian DJ is on tour and will be in Edmonton with COKA COBRA.
When: Saturday, May 6th, 2023
Where: 6240 99 St NW Edmonton, AB
Cost: $34+
Need a weekday pick me up? How about Canada’s own Virginia to Vegas? The singer/songwriter is performing in Edmonton on Tuesday, May 9th, as part of his “LIFE GETS INTERESTING” tour!
When: Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
Where: 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton, AB
Cost: $32+
WHC SUMMER SERIES
Wild Heart Collective’s 124 Grand Market is set to make a return this month. The food and drink (plus a little shopping and entertainment) will be running Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays at locations around the city starting on May 11th.
When: Starts Thursday, May 11th, 2023
Where: Locations around Edmonton
BLIPPI: THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR
Attention families! Blippi is coming to Edmonton for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour! Bring the children, and get ready to sing, dance, and learn with Blippi!
When: Saturday, May 13th, 2023
Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 11455 87 Ave
Cost: $45
Get ready to dance! Reggae Up North will be taking over in Old Strathcona for a street concert – but not only that, there will be food & drinks, along with local Caribbean vendors. A portion will be free, and a paid concert will start at 6 pm.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 2023
Where:10310 83 Ave NW
Cost: Free and paid at $43
It’s back, Stars on Ice returns with Patrick Chan, along with Kurt Browning, and Elvis Stojko! Not only that, they will also be joined by Canadian Dance Champions Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier and an international cast of Olympic and World Medalists including Alexa Knierim & Brandon Frazier, Jason Brown and many more!
When: Saturday, May 13th, 2023
Where: Rogers Place
Cost: $30
THE CANADA-WIDE SCIENCE FAIR (CWSF)
The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is the country’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event, bringing together top young scientists and their projects! There will be select days for the public to check it out- for Free!
When: Wednesday, May 17th to Friday, May 19th, 2023
Where: Edmonton Convention Centre, 9797 Jasper Avenue
Cost: Free
FORT EDMONTON PARK
The already iconic destination is almost ready for its season! 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: Opens Saturday, May 20th
Where: 7000 143 Street NW
Cost: $26.20
Downtown Spark is back! Expect this year’s event to be bigger and better, with more things to see including art installations and musical performances, as well as street parties! The event will be free, and family-friendly!
When: Thursday, May 25th until June 5th, 2023
Where: Rice Howard Way & Alex Decouteau Park
Cost: Free
UFEST EDMONTON UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL
UFest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival is a celebration of Ukrainian culture, food, music, visual arts, crafts and dance. The two-day event will be free to attend!
When: Friday, May 26th and Saturday May 27th, 2023
Where: Borden Park, 7507 Borden Park Rd NW
Cost: Free
HIT THE LINKS
Edmonton’s local golf courses are finally opening for the season! Rundle is back in action already, and the other two shouldn’t be far behind. Need a little more time? Swing by the driving range instead.
When: Now open
Where: Locations around Edmonton
Cost: $20+
ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM
While their latest feature exhibition is wrapping up in June, the RAM is an easy pick if you’re hoping to stay inside one weekend this month.
When: Open throughout May
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Varies
ELK ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
On another note, Elk Island National Park is a wonderland any time of year. Enjoy some hiking and exploring during the day, then kick back for some stargazing afterwards before you head home.
When: Open throughout May
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: $8.50 for admissions
Have a great month!
