EDMONTON FESTIVAL CITY — LIVE ALL YEAR

Edmonton is renowned for its rich heritage and entertaining spirit — and as a cultural centre with celebrations throughout the year that earn it the name “Festival City”.

Suggested Months: A festival for all seasons!

Depending on the season, you can include one of Edmonton’s many festivals as part of your travel plans during your visit.

IDEA 1
In the heart of downtown Sir Winston Churchill Square is Edmonton’s signature centennial park. Home to many festivities, it’s a great place for family fun. From The Works Art and Design Festival, the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival and CariWest to A Taste of Edmonton, the palate-pleasing food festival held during Capital EX, there’s no shortage of enjoyment here.

IDEA 2
Voted one of Canada’s "coolest neighborhoods," Old Strathcona lies in the heart of the entertainment festival scene and gives a home to a vibrant theatre community. For 11 days each August, the world-renowned International Fringe Theatre Festival transforms the area into a cultural Mecca. The neighborhood also features Art Walk, the Silly Summer Parade, and the winter festival ‘Ice on Whyte’. Year round, Old Strathcona entices visitors to its funky, eclectic shops, antiques, bookstores, a farmers’ market, fabulous restaurants and nightlife as well as chic boutique hotels.

IDEA 3
Take in a signature festival in the splendour of the river valley. The Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Edmonton Heritage Festival, Labatt Blues Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Symphony Under the Sky all take place near the banks of the North Saskatchewan River in the heart of Edmonton. When it comes to nightlife, the Citadel Theatre ranks as one of Canada’s top theatres and ensures the city’s reputation as a cultural leader. The complex houses three world-class theatres, a cinema and an open stage next to a year-round tropical indoor garden and waterfall. While in the Arts District, also visit the head-turning Art Gallery of Alberta, an architectural icon which just opened this year. Acoustically excellent, architecturally elegant, the adjacent Francis Winspear Centre for Music is a stunning, world-class concert hall and rental facility, ideally situated in the heart of downtown Edmonton. The crown jewel of the Winspear Centre — the Davis Concert Organ — is the largest concert organ in Canada.

IN WINTER . . .
Canada’s toughest rodeo cowboys ride into town every November for the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the national pro-rodeo championships. Each February, the Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival, Canada’s premier cross-country ski event, keeps alive the historic legend of the original Birkebeiner (Viking skiers). The annual race runs from the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, along Elk Island National Park and through the scenic Cooking Lake Blackfoot Recreation area.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Photo: Edmonton Tourism

DAY TOUR YEAR ROUND

TOUR FEATURES
• Sir Winston Churchill Square
• Old Strathcona
• Dining & Nightlife
• Citadel Theatre
• Francis Winspear Centre for Music

For more information:
For more information on festivals and special events happening in 2010, please visit Edmonton Tourism or Edmonton Festival City

Citadel Theatre
Photo: Travel Alberta

Year Round . . .
Edmonton, the provincial capital, gets its character from the rich diversity of its citizens. One million people and one million voices drawn from many cultures and backgrounds thrive in this city of contrasts. Edmonton’s vibrant music, art and theatre scene is sustained throughout the year in signature venues like the Yardbird Suite and Blues on Whyte; the Art Gallery of Alberta; the Varscona Theatre ... and so many more.

Whether you visit during winter, spring, summer or fall in Edmonton there’s always something to celebrate.