16 Edmonton festivals to keep summer moving

By Cynthia Wandler

Edmonton art festivals see millions of visitors over the entire season – and from July through September, everything from anime to theatre to accordion music is on offer. From Blues on Whyte to the Edmonton Folk Fest, here are 16 Edmonton festivals to mark on your calendar. [Photo credit: Marc J Chalifoux Photography for the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival]

• What: The Blues on Whyte Block Party is held yearly on Whyte Avenue, where one will find an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and shops. Featuring multiple bands as well as beer gardens, food trucks and vendors, this outdoor party is sure to help you get your boogie on.
• When: June 30 to July 2

• What:  Although Whyte Avenue is far from a beach, festival-goers at Sand on Whyte would never know it. With Canadian sculptors creating masterpieces from sand, observers of this performance art will see amazing scenes developing before their eyes.
• When: June 30 to July 9

• What:  For more than two decades, the Art Walk has featured hundreds of artists displaying their work and creating art live. Attendees have the opportunity to stroll through Old Strathcona taking in visual art created from a variety of mediums including charcoal, oil paints, alcohol inks – and even fire.
• When: July 7 to 9.

• What: In Edmonton’s arts district, you’ll find Canada’s oldest street theatre festival, the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival. Drawing entertainers from around the world, you never know what wacky shows you’ll encounter at this family-friendly festival – but juggling, magic, balancing acts and laughter are sure to abound.
• When: July 7 to 16

• What: If music is more your scene, check out the Interstellar Rodeo. Taking place at Hawrelak Park, the Heritage Amphitheatre stage hosts over a dozen musicians and bands for a weekend-long bash. Featured performers in 2017 include Broken Social Scene, Aloe Blacc and Serena Ryder.
• When: July 21 to 23

• What: With representation from more than 100 countries, the Edmonton Heritage Festival has food and performance of every variety. Remember to bring a food bank donation to this outdoor festival, which is scheduled to take place at Hawrelak Park.
• When: August 5 to 7.

• What: July isn’t the only month with awesome concerts in our city. The Edmonton Folk Fest began in 1980 and averages thousands of attendees and more than a dozen performers. Featured performers this year include The Decemberists, Leon Bridges and Rhiannon Giddens. The event sells out every year so be sure to snap up your tickets quickly!
• When: August 10 to 13

• What: A celebration of all things anime, the 24th annual Animethon is scheduled to take place at MacEwan University’s downtown campus. The event features merchandise and includes cosplayers, voice actors, music and comedy.
• When: August 11 to 13

• What: Held annually since 1982, the Edmonton Fringe Festival is North America’s biggest and oldest fringe theatre festival. From one-man shows to group productions, this theatre event, scheduled to be held across multiple venues in Old Strathcona, is not to be missed.
• When: August 17 to 27

• What: Edmonton Rockfest features award-winning rock musicians as well as merchandise, food trucks and beer gardens at an outdoor venue at Hawrelak Park. Get your fill of sun and take in some classic acts, such as Trooper, Prism and Tom Cochrane.
• When: August 18 and 19

• What: The Edmonton Blues Festival helps round out August’s best musical offerings with performances by prominent blues singers and bands, many of them award winners. Weekend and day passes are available for this outdoor show.
• When: August 25 and 26

• What: The grand finale of summer music comes from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra  at Symphony Under the Sky. With a range of pricing, an outdoor show from the ESO is a wonderful way to enjoy music with the whole family. Don’t miss the dramatic concert conclusion as the ESO produces Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with firing cannons.
• When: August 30

• What: The free Strathearn Art Walk, taking place in the city’s beautiful river valley, features artisans with a variety of offerings from jewellery to aprons. While you're there, check out the musical stage and grab some food, or send the kids on an art walk, complete with interactive art experiences.
• When: September 9

• What: Another free festival, the Kaleido Family Arts Festival takes place near the city’s downtown. Using surrounding spaces from rooftops and parks to back alleys, the entire area becomes a venue for arts exploration.
• When: September 15 to 17

• What: A tribute to a very unique instrument, the Edmonton Accordion Society Extravaganza features a dance with music by Accordion Society members, workshops, an open stage and a trade show.
• When: September 15 and 16

• What: With tens of thousands of attendees, the Edmonton Expo is the perfect place to check out cosplay, attend a media panel, shop for merchandise, gaze at artwork or get an autograph from your favorite fantasy/sci-fi actor.
• When: September 22 to 24

From the Edmonton Expo to Sand on Whyte, there truly is something for everyone this festival season in our great city. Get out there and let your soul get its fill!