Summer’s Not Over! Great Festivals Throughout August in Edmonton

It was a wet July in the Edmonton area, but the sun has come out and it’s finally starting to feel like summer.  July had great festivals like the International Street Performer’s Festival, K Days, and Taste of Edmonton, but there’s even more lined up for August!

I’ve said this many time, but festivals are truly one of the best things about Edmonton.  They are a great way to explore the neighbourhoods, taking in music and artistic performances, and the food, oh my goodness the food!! As homeschoolers, they are also fabulous for social studies, helping us learn about Indigenous Peoples, early settlers, and international people that now call Edmonton home. 

So here is a list of some of the festivals coming up this month.  Get out and see, hear, taste, and experience the Festival City in full swing! For more information, click on the festival title for a link to their website.

Rust Magic Mural Fest – August 1-10

For 10 days, local and international artists will be taking to the streets of Edmonton to beautify walls and buildings. You can view a map of previous murals on their website and find out artist information on their Facebook page. 

Edmonton Heritage Festival – August 3-5

Taking over Hawrelak Park on the long weekend, the Heritage Festival is my favorite festival of the year! With over 70 pavilions and 100 countries represented, it’s an amazing cultural experience.  Fabulous ethnic food, shopping, and so many wonderful dances and performances to take in throughout the weekend.  It’s free to visit and watch the performances and $20 for a sheet of 20 food tickets.  E-Ticket vouchers can be purchased online and redeemed for sheets on site, or you can purchase tickets there. Park n’ Ride is your best option for getting there, but there is also a drop off spot or biking and walking trail options to get there. It is also one of the Edmonton Food Bank’s biggest donation events, so be sure to bring an donation if you can.

Cariwest – August 9-11

This year is the 35th Anniversary of this energetic and colorful festival that celebrates all things Caribbean.  Amazing Carnival costumes, a parade and Caribbean village with  it’s main stage, Taste of Caribbean, Marketplace, and more are all part of this high energy festival in Downtown Edmonton.

Fringe Festival – August 15-25

Festa Italiana – August 25