What’s Happening This Weekend in Edmonton

The well-deserved long weekend is just around the corner and temperatures in the region are also high.

With festivals, sporting events, exhibitions and live performances, there’s plenty of entertainment for the whole family this weekend.

Here’s what’s happening in Edmonton this weekend:

Edmonton Heritage Festival

Audience watches dancers representing Venezuela at the 2017 Edmonton Heritage Festival (supplied)The weekend kicks off with the Edmonton Heritage Festival, which continues another year of global delights. With over 70 pavilions and 90 countries and cultures to experience, the festival is packed with family-friendly activities and performances from around the world. Due to ongoing renovations at Hawrelak Park, the Heritage Festival will be held at Edmonton Exhibition Lands & Borden Park.

Where: Edmonton Exhibition Grounds and Borden Park, 7515 – 118 Ave.

When: August 3-5

Recognition: Entrance to the grounds and viewing is free, food is available for purchase

TD Family Evenings at Telus World of Science

Telus World of Science combines hands-on learning and entertainment for all ages. Families can attend the free CuriousCITY Exhibition, where kids can play in a series of interwoven treehouses based on iconic Edmonton landmarks, direct aircraft traffic at the YEG Control Tower, create light shows for the High Level Bridge and more. Tickets must be reserved online.

Where: 11211 142 St. NW

When: 2 Aug to 6 Dec

Recognition: Free

Edmonton Corn Maze

In this undated photo (provided), an RCMP design graces the Edmonton Corn Maze for 2023.The Edmonton Corn Maze is officially open for the season. This year, the maze celebrates Telus World of Science’s 40th anniversary with a maze design that invites us all to be curious and keep learning. The corn maze also features potato guns, air-powered potato launchers, bounce houses, pedal carts, farm animals, picnic areas, a farmers market and more. Tickets can be purchased through their website.

Where: 26171 Secondary Highway 627, Spruce Grove, Alta.

When: Summer season starts on July 24th and lasts until September 2nd

Recognition: Children under 4 – Free, Youth – $12 online and $13 at the door, General – $14 online and $15 at the door

Where pyramids collide at Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart Conservatory debuted its newest signature pyramid last month, called Where pyramids collide. It showcases the botanical and agricultural life of ancient Egypt, including roses, grapes and palms. Guests will experience artifacts that extend outside the pyramid and replicas of ancient Egyptian tools in the plant beds. Tickets are available here.

Where: 9626 96A St.

When: June 29 – September 2

Recognition: Children under 2 – Free, Children 2 – 12 – $7.75, Youth/Senior Citizens – $12.95, Adults – $14.95

The play that goes wrong

Actors perform The Play That Goes Wrong in an undated photo. (Source: The Citadel Theatre)It’s the last weekend to catch The play that goes wrong. The production says it all in the title: anything that can go wrong on stage probably will. The play is about a fictional theatre company called the Cornley Drama Society who are attempting to stage a murder mystery play set in the 1920s. When chaos takes over the stage, all the actors fight against all odds to make it to the final. Tickets are available from the Citadel box office.

Where: Citadel Theater, 9828 101A Ave.

When: July 6 to August 4, matinee performance at 1:30 pm, evening performances at 7:30 pm

Recognition: $96+ depending on seat

Blueberry Music Festival

The Blueberry Music Festival features three days of music, workshops led by musicians performing at the festival, dancing, food, open jam sessions and games. There will be plenty of family fun for everyone as the festival also features a petting zoo, a birdhouse painting workshop and mini golf. Tickets are available here.

Where: Heritage Park, 5100 – 41 Ave., Stony Plain, Alta.

When: August 2nd to 4th

Recognition: $60 Day Pass (Friday & Sunday Only), $70 Day Pass (Saturday Only)

Magic and madness

Promotional art for Magic & Madness, an all-ages magic show featuring magician Chris Gowen. (Source: Chris Gowen)You don’t have to book a trip to Las Vegas to catch a decent magic show. The all-ages Magic & Madness show kicks off a month-long run Friday at the Rec Room Southside venue. Skill magic tricks with borrowed equipment from the audience, disappearing acts, top-notch card tricks and even a “mind-bending” illusion performed by the talented Chris Gowen. Tickets available via the link.

Where: Rec Room South Common, 1725 99 St. NW

When: Every Friday at 7:25 PM from August 2nd to 30th

Recognition: $25 plus fees

Dirt Track Racing Series – Extreme Cup

One of the biggest sprint car races is coming back to RAD Torque Raceway. The Dirt Track Racing Series will pit racers against each other for the Extreme Cup in a full day event. Tickets are available via the link.

Where: RAD Torque Raceway, 50342 Range Road 253, Leduc County

When: August 2 at 5:00 PM, August 3 at 4:00 PM

Recognition: $13 – Youth, $20 – Adults