July\u2019s finally here, and we\u2019re crossing our fingers for a dry weekend so we can actually enjoy it in Edmonton.<\/p>\n
From sports and night markets to summer festivals taking over the city, here are 19 great things to check out this weekend.<\/p>\n
What: Get ready to LOL because the Grindstone Comedy Festival is back. This annual indie comedy fest takes over the Grindstone Theatre in, shining a spotlight on some of the funniest folks from across the country (and right here at home). From side-splitting stand-up to top-tier improv and sketch, this festival serves up epic laughs. This year\u2019s lineup is no joke (pun intended).<\/p>\n
When:\u00a0July 2 to 12, 2026 What: The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival returns to Churchill Square this July with 10 days of exciting, unpredictable entertainment for all ages. StreetFest transforms the Square into busker central; catch jaw-dropping circle shows, interactive roving acts, and family fun in Kids\u2019 World from a lineup of renowned local, national, and international street performing talent.<\/p>\n There is no admission charge for the festival. That said, the performers are paid through the \u2018Pass the Hat\u2019 tradition of busking, so guests are encouraged to bring cash to show their support.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0July 3 to 12, 2026 What: Feel the adrenaline at the Edmonton Expo Centre, home to the Edmonton Stingers. Catch Canada\u2019s top basketball players in action until early August as they chase the CEBL Championship.<\/p>\n When: Sunday, July 5, at 4 p.m. What: This June and July, Edmonton\u2019s Summer of Soccer takes over the ICE District with free soccer celebrations for fans of all ages. Catch the action at 97 free World Cup Watch Parties, including at least 17 featured matches inside The Tent at Fan Park @ ICE District, highlighted by every Team Canada match. The celebration also includes a special Canada Celebrates event and community soccer programming for kids throughout the summer.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Various dates and times between June 11 and July 19 What:\u00a0Get thee to a festival most lively, where the Bard himself doth spring to life upon the stage. The Freewill Shakespeare Festival, now celebrating over 35 glorious years, returns to the Heritage Amphitheatre in William Hawrelak Park with mirth and merriment aplenty. This season\u2019s delights include the riotous Something Rotten!\u00a0and the ever-charming\u00a0Much Ado About Nothing.<\/p>\n When: Tuesday, June 16 to July 12, 2026 What: Fort Edmonton Park is the largest living history museum in Canada. Visitors can experience the history of Edmonton before their very eyes, with a recreation of a fort from 1846 that was on the grounds during that time, to streets detailing each time period from 1885 to 1920.<\/p>\n When: Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. What: For three decades, Edmonton\u2019s iconic riverboat has offered unparalleled views of the Edmonton city skyline and the stunning river valley. This incredible 90-minute excursion lets you indulge in fantastic dining options, drinks, and some awesome live music, and you get to experience Edmonton from a whole new vantage point.<\/p>\n When: Operates on weekends and select weekdays in May What:\u00a0The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to more than 250 animals, focused on conservation, and offers fun and education for the whole family.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day What:\u00a0International rugby returns to Edmonton this July as Canada\u2019s Men\u2019s Rugby Team hosts Spain, Portugal, and Tonga as part of the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup. Cheer on Team Canada as they compete for valuable World Ranking points on the road to Rugby World Cup 2027. Edmonton will host Canada vs Spain on July 4, a free Rugby Canada Fan Fest<\/a> on July 5, and a July 11 double header featuring Tonga vs Spain and Canada vs Portugal at Clarke Stadium.<\/p>\n When: Saturday, July 4, Sunday, July 5 and Saturday, July 11, 2026 What: This market is a summer fixture on 124th Street. This pop-up market with a wide range of vendors strives to serve visitors with high-quality, locally made or grown products, and support the growth of Edmonton\u2019s smallest businesses and entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n When: Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from June 7 to Oct. 11, 2026 What:\u00a0Right in the heart of downtown, the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) has been Edmonton\u2019s go-to for art and culture for 100 years. With rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, it\u2019s the perfect spot to get inspired, learn something new, or just soak up some creativity.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Open Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Fridays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. What:\u00a0Bountiful Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh goods, including local vegetables and meat, coffee roasters, and beer and wine. It also has an ethnic food hall, a children\u2019s play area, live entertainment, and more.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round What: Be amazed at the stunning Muttart Conservatory, with each glass pyramid showcasing a different environment for plants from around the globe. It\u2019s a relaxing, insightful, and beautiful experience and a lovely thing to do in Edmonton.<\/p>\n When: Hours vary What: Experience history brought to life by costumed interpreters at our open-air museum. Hear the first-hand stories of early settlers to east central Alberta and learn how Ukrainian immigration impacted Alberta\u2019s cultural identity and heritage.<\/p>\n When: Opens Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. What:\u00a0Located just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, Elk Island National Park offers rolling hills, glassy lakes, and some of the best stargazing around, no matter the season. Explore over 80 km of trails while spotting bison, elk, and hundreds of bird species.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Hours vary What:\u00a0Marvel at the Royal Alberta Museum\u2019s vast collections. From its archaeology, Indigenous studies, and work-life industry sections to Earth and Life Sciences that will wow you, it\u2019s one of the most intriguing things to do in Edmonton.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0Hours vary\u00a0 What: It\u2019ll feel like a bit of a tropical getaway when you visit the World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. Shoot down some massive slides or relax in the wave pool. Whatever you choose, it\u2019s a prime way to spend the day.<\/p>\n
Where: The Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro \u2014 10019 81st Ave. NW
Cost:\u00a0Ticket and pass prices vary and can be purchased online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where:\u00a0Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost:\u00a0Free<\/p>\n
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre \u2014 7515 118th Ave. NW
Cost: Single game tickets start at $27 and can be purchased online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where:\u00a0Fan Park \u2014 10104 104th Ave. NW
Cost:\u00a0Free<\/p>\n
Where:\u00a0Heritage Amphitheatre \u2014 William Hawrelak Park
Cost:\u00a0$40 adult admission; find tickets online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where: Fort Edmonton Park \u2014 7000 143rd St. NW
Cost: $27.90 adult admission; find tickets online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where: 9734 98th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online<\/a><\/p>\n
Where:\u00a013315 Buena Vista Rd. NW
Cost:\u00a0$16.95 adult admission<\/p>\n
Time:\u00a0July 4: Canada vs. Spain \u2013 7 p.m. kickoff; July 5: Rugby Canada Fan Fest \u2013 1 to 3 p.m.; July 11: Tonga vs Spain \u2013 3:45 p.m. kickoff; Canada vs Portugal \u2013 7 p.m. kickoff
Where: Clarke Stadium \u2014 11000 Stadium Rd. NW
Cost:\u00a0Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online<\/a>; Fan Fest is free<\/p>\n
Where: 124th Street and 102nd Avenue NW
Cost: Free<\/p>\n
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW
Cost:\u00a0$13.33 regular adult admission<\/a><\/p>\n
Where:\u00a03696 97th St. NW
Cost: Free<\/p>\n
Where: Muttart Conservatory \u2014 9626 96A St. NW
Admission: $14.95 adult admission<\/p>\n
Where:\u00a0195041 Hwy. 16 E., Lamont County, Alta.
Admission:\u00a0$18 adult admission<\/p>\n
Where:\u00a0Improvement District No. 13, Alta.
Cost:\u00a0Free admission<\/p>\n
Where: 9810 103A Ave. NW
Cost:\u00a0$10 to $21; tickets can be found\u00a0online<\/a><\/p>\n