Albertans like festivals. I mean, we really love them at any time of year. But there’s something special about summer events.
We typically punch through six months of winter. So when we get a chance to bask in the hot sun while listening to music or watching a live play, it’s so serene and relaxing.
Perhaps what stands out most is the camaraderie between strangers and the fun of enjoying a shared activity.
Get ready for summer ‘cause there’s plenty to do. No excuses. There are festivals, weekend activities, pop-up bashes and special one-day events.
If it’s sunny and hot, bring a hat and water bottle. If skies are grey and raining, flip open an umbrella.
Just scroll through this list and get ready to party through the next two months.
JULY
Taste of EdmontonJuly 19 to 28. Alberta Legislature Grounds, 10800 – 97 Ave. No admission. Food tickets on site.
Edmonton Carnaval
July 20 to 22. Latino festival, Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park, 8331 – 104 St., Free entrance.
K-Days
July 20 to 29. Midway, games, entertainment and food at Northlands Park, 73 St. and 116 Ave. For ticket info, visit www.k-days.com
Interstellar Rodeo Music Festival
July 20 to 22. Hawrelak Park Heritage Amphitheatre, 24 acts, $259 weekend transferable pass, $115 daily pass at www.interstellarrodeo.com
Elk Island National Park Parks Day Celebration
July 21. Canoeing and camping, Elk Island National Park, Free.
Sourdough Raft Race
July 22. Pancake breakfast and raft launch at Terwilleger Park.
A Taste of the Past
July 22. Tourtière and homemade ice cream, Father Lacombe Chapel Provincial Historic Site, St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert. Admission: donation to St. Albert Food Bank.
AUGUST
Blueberry Bluegrass FestivalAug. 3 to 5. Stony Plain, Ticket options at www.blueberrybluegrass.com
Heritage Festival
Aug. 4 to 6. Hawrelak Park, 100 cultures represented, $1 food tickets on site.
Poundmaker’s Lodge Annual Powwow
Aug. 4 and 5. Theme is Honouring Our Elders, traditional dancers, singers, traditional foods, crafters. 25108 Poundmaker Rd., Sturgeon County.
Rock’n August
Aug. 7 to 11. St. Albert, car cruise, street dance, show and shine car show, diabetes fundraiser.
Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Aug. 9 to 12. Gallagher Park, 94 Street and 92 Avenue, 65 artists. Passes $25 to $246, visit www.ticketmaster.ca
Animethon 25
Aug. 10 to 12. Japanese animation themed festival, Shaw Conference Centre, 9797 Jasper Ave. Passes $20 to $50 at www.animethon.org
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
Aug. 10 to 12. Parade, costume extravaganza, food and music at Federal Plaza in downtown Edmonton.
EPCOR RiverFest
Aug. 12. Activities, entertainment and organized raft float on North Saskatchewan River.
Edmonton International Fringe Festival
Aug. 16 to 26. Live theatre in Old Strathcona in dozens of venues, ticket info at www.fringetheatreadventures.ca
Movie Under the Stars
Aug. 17. Legacy Park, Fort Saskatchewan. Free. For information call 780-912-2157
Edmonton Rock Music Festival
Aug. 17 to 18. Heritage Theatre, Hawrelak Park. Ticket info at www.edrocks.ca
Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival
Aug. 17 to 19. Races on the North Saskatchewan River begin from Louise McKinney Park.
Ukrainian Day
Aug. 19. Celebrates pioneer roots, Ukrainian Heritage Village near Tofield. Visit www.ukrainianvillage.ca for directions.
Farm & Heritage Carnival
Aug. 19. Old-fashioned carnival for kids, Grain Elevator Museum Site, 120 Railway Ave., Spruce Grove.
Edmonton Blues Festival
Aug. 24 to 26. Heritage Amphitheatre Hawrelak Park. Passes $32 to $145, visit www.bluesinternationalltd.com
Symphony Under the Sky
Aug. 31 to Sept. 2. Heritage Theatre Hawrelak Park. Single tickets $25 to $50. Call 780-428-1414 or www.winspearcentre.com
