The BEST Edmonton & Area Family Weekend Guide: August 15–17, 2025

Hey, Mamas! This weekend is packed with local summer goodness — dragon boats, outdoor movies, block parties, fire trucks, and classic Alberta fun. Whether you’re planning a full family adventure or a chill day in the city, there’s something here for everyone.

Here’s your full guide for Friday through Sunday. Save this, share it, and let the memories begin!

Friday, August 15

Edmonton Dragon Festival August 15th – 24th
📍 Louise McKinney Riverfront Park | All day | Free + ticketed activities
Cultural performances, lion dances, dragon boat races, food vendors, storytelling, and more — all happening throughout the heart of the city.
👉Info Here!

Rivercrest Carnival Fundraiser
📍Rivercrest Lodge, Fort Saskatchewan | 💵 Ticketed (carnival tickets ~$1, cash)
Join in for carnival games, face painting, a petting zoo, caricatures, BBQ treats, popcorn, mini-donuts, and fun—all to support recreational activities for Rivercrest Lodge residents.
👉Info Here!

Saturday, August 16

Alberta Open Farm Days
📍 Various locations near Edmonton | Times vary | Free
Visit participating local farms for family fun, animal visits, wagon rides, markets, and more.
👉Info Here!

South Cooking Lake Trail Days
📍 South Cooking Lake | 9 AM–4 PM | Free
Parade, pancake breakfast, wagon rides, petting zoo, bouncy castles, face painting, games, vendors, and more — a perfect small-town Saturday just east of Edmonton.
👉Info Here!

Fire Station Open House – Lake District (Station 25)
📍 8403 167 Ave NW | 12 PM–4 PM | Free
Meet local firefighters, explore the trucks, and learn important fire safety tips in a fun and interactive way.
👉Info Here!

Albany Block Party – Market Square
📍 12904 167 Avenue NW | 12 PM–3 PM | Free
A fun-filled community event with bouncy castles, mini golf, a bubble show, giveaways, and more.
👉Info Here!

7th Annual Edmonton NoiseFest
📍 The Aviary, 9314 111 Ave NW | 2 PM–12 AM | $16–$20
This one’s best for older kids and music lovers. Expect an eclectic mix of experimental sound and immersive audio experiences.
👉Info Here!

Sunday, August 17

66th Annual Sourdough Raft Race
📍 Terwillegar Park | Breakfast at 9 AM | Race starts around 12:15 PM
Homemade rafts, wild costumes, and a whole lot of fun (and sometimes sinking). Great family event — bring chairs or a blanket and cheer them on from the riverbank.
👉Info Here!

BARC’s in the Park – Dog Carnival Fundraiser
10 AM–3 PM | 📍 Greenland Garden Centre, Sherwood Park | $10 cash entry (kids free)
Calling all dog lovers! Join BARC’s Rescue for a day of paw-some fun — puppy petting zoo, kissing booth with adoptable pups, face painting, balloon animals, BBQ, dog art station (“Paw-casso Creations”), and more. All proceeds go to supporting rescue efforts.
👉Info Here!

Edmonton Marathon – Family Day & Main Events
📍 Downtown & River Valley | From 7 AM | Free to watch
Come out to cheer on runners or join the family fun runs! Tons of community spirit, fresh air, and smiles. Don’t miss the after party!
👉Info Here!

Outdoor Movie: The Wild Robot
📍 RioCan Mayfield | 3 PM | Free
This event is a drive-in style movie, so make sure to bring your fold out chairs for sitting up front – first 5 rows, or set up your car beds to watch the movie drive in style! The event will include preshow entertainment and refreshments on site!
👉Info Here!

Alberta Open Farm Days – Last Day!
📍 Various locations near Edmonton | Times vary | Free
Visit participating local farms for family fun, animal visits, wagon rides, markets, and more.
👉Info Here!

Weather Watch

Friday – Mix of sun and cloud | 26°C
Saturday – Sunny and warm | 27°C
Sunday – Partly cloudy | 25°C

☀️ Mama Tip: Don’t forget sunscreen, refillable water bottles, and a hat — it’s a warm one!

Ongoing Family Favourites

Fort Edmonton Park – Step back in time and explore four historical eras
Muttart Conservatory – Beautiful indoor botanical gardens in glass pyramids
Edmonton Valley Zoo – 350+ animals, and it’s stroller-friendly!
World Waterpark – All-weather waterpark at WEM with slides and wave pool

Weekend Mama Hacks

Keep a bag packed: sunscreen, wipes, snacks, water
Snap a photo of your parking spot at big events
Bring extra clothes — because summer
Check event pages for updates or registration

Plan Your Day: Sample Itinerary

Saturday

9 AM – Pancake breakfast & Trail Days parade
12 PM – Fire Station tour or Albany Block Party
2 PM – Sourdough Raft Race or NoiseFest (for teens)
6 PM – Grab ice cream and chill at home or the park

Sunday

9 AM – Cheering on marathon runners
2 PM – Sourdough Raft Race or NoiseFest (for teens)
3 PM – RioCan Drive-in family night to end the weekend

💬 Let me know what you’re up to — or DM me for help planning!
Tag @edmonton.mama in your photos — I love seeing your adventures!

✨ Written by Jana Konelsky — your local mama with the inside scoop. Stay playful, stay present, and stay caffeinated, Edmonton!