✨ Edmonton Mama’s Weekly Pick

⭐ Top Pick

Canada Day at the Alberta Legislature Grounds

The 37th Annual Ismaili Council Pancake Breakfast starts at 7 AM, then from noon the Main Stage runs all afternoon with Secondhand Dreamcar, Uptown, and Reuben and the Dark. The South Stage has multicultural performances from Al Jabal Dance, Hong De Canada, and more. The Family Fun Zone has Spandy Andy, Lakota Tootoosis Hoop Dance, balloon artists, crafts, and roving performers including Brasstactics and Dream Dance Circus. Legislature building tours from noon. Fireworks launch from Kinsmen at 11 PM. Best viewing spots: Queen Elizabeth Park, Victoria Park, Ezio Faraone Park, Legislature Grounds, Walterdale Hill Road, and Government House Park. Stake out your spot by 9 PM — it fills up completely.

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🚗 Edmonton Mama’s Road Trip Pick

🚗 Road Trip Pick

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

A perfect post-Canada Day road trip. An open-air living history museum with over 30 restored buildings, costumed interpreters, horse-drawn wagon rides, and Ukrainian pioneer homesteads from the 1890s to 1930s. It’s also a participating Historic Festival site this week with bonus programming. Kids 17 and under get in free all summer with the Canada Strong Pass.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Events

FREE · Launches Friday

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

41 years of awesome and going strong. Edmonton’s beloved International Street Performers Festival is back at Churchill Square for 10 full days of acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, tightrope walkers, comedians, unicyclists, and jaw-dropping circle shows from world-class local, national, and international performers. Completely free to attend — bring cash to pass the hat for the performers. Kids World runs July 4–12, 10 AM–5 PM, right in Churchill Square, with interactive programming designed specifically for young families. One of the best free family events of the entire Edmonton summer. Go more than once — the acts change daily.

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🎪 Under the Big Top

Europa Super Circus at Londonderry Mall

World-class circus entertainment under a real Big Top with 650 seats, right in the Londonderry Mall parking lot. International tight-wire acrobats, the Wheel of Death with Jose Ponce Ramos, FMX Ultimate Circus riders, high-flying aerialists, dizzying roller skaters, and comedic clowns — all animal-free and all genuinely spectacular. The 2-hour show includes an intermission. Great for all ages including young kids. Saturday has three shows — the 1:30 PM matinee is the best family option. Buy tickets online in advance.

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FREE · All Week

Historic Festival and Doors Open Edmonton: 30th Anniversary

Edmonton’s heritage festival turns 30 this year with free tours, open houses, and events all week. Highlights include the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (July 5), Highlands Neighbourhood Walking Tour (July 5), Edmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum tour (July 6), Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum (July 6), Smeltzer House Garden Tour in Strathcona County (July 7), and a Horse-Drawn Carriage tour of Olde Towne Beverly (July 8). Most events are completely free — check historicedmonton.ca for times and to reserve spots.

Full Lineup ->

🍯 Canada Day at the Muttart

Hundred Acre Wood Canada Day at Muttart Conservatory

The Muttart’s Feature Pyramid transforms into Winnie-the-Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood for the whole summer — topiaries, honey pots, zinnias, and gazanias throughout. On Canada Day specifically there is crafting, planting, face painting, and storybook treasure hunts. Book tickets in advance at Move Learn. The exhibit runs all summer until September 13, so come back anytime. Kids 17 and under free with the Canada Strong Pass.

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⚽ FREE · Canada Day · ICE District

Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup at ICE District Fan Park

Three live World Cup Round of 32 matches on the big screen inside The Tent at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM. Live music from The Barkells at 12:35 PM and 4:35 PM. Football-themed activities, cultural programming, food trucks, and face painting all day. A great second stop on Canada Day after the Legislature grounds — both are downtown and both completely free.

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🚀 Canada Day · TELUS

Galaxy Fest at TELUS World of Science

TELUS marks Canada Day and its 42nd anniversary with an outdoor rocket launch, space activities, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and bubble art. First two hours are sensory-friendly. Kids free with Canada Strong Pass all summer.

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⚾ Canada Day · Best Fireworks View

Riverhawks Canada Day Game vs. Bellingham Bells

Canada Day baseball with one of the best views in Edmonton for the 11 PM city fireworks — watch them explode over downtown from your seat in the stadium. Legislature in the afternoon, Riverhawks in the evening. Sells out every year so book ahead.

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🏀 Canada Day Classic

Edmonton Stingers vs. Calgary Surge: Canada Day Classic

The third annual Canada Day Classic against provincial rivals Calgary Surge. A 4 PM tip-off means you can catch the game and still make it downtown for the fireworks at 11 PM. Post-game autograph session on the court after every home game.

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🎬 Pop-Up Drive-In · Edmonton Valley Zoo

Horizon Drive-In at Edmonton Valley Zoo

Horizon Drive-In brings back the classic outdoor movie experience for two nights under the stars at the Edmonton Valley Zoo — a completely unique setting to watch movies from your car. The lineup across both nights: Friday July 3: Geese (9 PM – 11:30 PM) and Top Gun. Saturday July 4: Zootopia and The Conjuring. Double feature vibes, zoo backdrop, the whole thing. Buy tickets in advance as these sell out. Check Horizon Drive-In’s website for exact showtimes and booking.

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🦁 Fort Edmonton Park

Movie Morning at the Capitol: The Lion King

Fort Edmonton Park’s Movie Morning series screens The Lion King at the historic Capitol Theatre inside the park. A gorgeous heritage movie house, a beloved classic on the big screen, and then a full day in the park after. A perfect Saturday morning for families — arrive early to grab seats in the Capitol.

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🎪 FREE · O-day’min Park

Free Downtown Playdates in the Park: Firefly Circus

The free Downtown Playdates in the Park series brings Firefly Circus to O-day’min Park for a Saturday afternoon of circus performances and interactive activities for kids. Right in the heart of downtown — an easy add-on to a day at StreetFest at Churchill Square. All ages, no registration, just show up.

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🦇 FREE · Wild Birds Unlimited

Bat Day at Wild Birds Unlimited

An annual celebration of Edmonton’s bats — one of the most underappreciated and genuinely helpful wild neighbours we have. Wild Birds Unlimited hosts bat experts and educators for a free afternoon of bat-focused programming, bat house demos, and all the things your kids never knew they needed to know about bats. A wildly fun (pun intended) and educational Saturday morning activity.

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💦 Drop-In Swim · Inflatables

Drop-In Swim with Inflatables at Coronation Recreation Centre

A drop-in swim session with inflatables in the pool — one of the easiest and most fun Sunday afternoon activities for kids of all ages. No registration required, just show up at drop-in swim rates. Confirm the exact session time with Coronation Recreation Centre before heading out.

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🏀 Edmonton Stingers

Edmonton Stingers vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears

Another Sunday home game — Stingers vs. Winnipeg at the EXPO Centre. Gates open an hour early, post-game autographs on the court. Great value family afternoon.

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⚾ Riverhawks Theme Nights

Riverhawks Baseball at RE/MAX Field

Wed July 1: Canada Day game, 7:05 PM — best fireworks viewing in the city. Tue July 7: vs. Nanaimo NightOwls, special 1:05 PM afternoon start. Wed July 8: Turning Singles Into Doubles — Date Night, 7:05 PM.

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🌊 Open All Summer

Edmonton River Float: Tube the North Saskatchewan

One of the best lazy summer afternoons in Edmonton — float the North Saskatchewan right through the heart of the city. Edmonton River Float handles the shuttle from Kinsmen Park to Laurier Park, provides your premium tube with backrest and cup holder, life jacket, and paddle. Float back under the Walterdale Bridge in about 2 hours with gorgeous views of the skyline and river valley. Book ahead online — weekends fill up fast.

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⚽ FREE · All Week

FIFA World Cup Watch Parties at ICE District

The FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is in full swing this week. Featured matches in The Tent at Fan Park come with food trucks, DJ entertainment, and face painting — gates open 60 minutes before kickoff. All other matches show on the big Rogers Place screen in ICE District Plaza. Check icedistrict.com for this week’s match schedule.

Full Schedule ->

FREE · Kids All Summer

Free Kids Admission at Royal Alberta Museum

Kids 17 and under free all summer with the Canada Strong Pass. Natural History Hall, Human History Hall, Bug Room, and feature exhibitions. The best rainy-day call in Edmonton.

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🍷 Date Nights & Social Plans

😂 All Week · July 2–12

Grindstone Comedy Festival: 7th Annual

Ten days of stand-up, improv, and sketch. Headliners: K. Trevor Wilson, Shaun Majumder, Brittany Lyseng, DJ Demers, Chris Locke, Ashwyn Singh, and Mitch Wood. This week: Sat July 4 — Colour Me Comedy (Grindstone 7 PM) and The 11 O’Clock Number feat. Mitch Wood (Orange Hub 7 PM). Sun July 5 — Danielle Smith’s Drag Brunch (Orange Hub 2 PM) and Mixtape Showcase (Grindstone 5 PM). Mon July 6 — Improv Bucket Show (Grindstone 7 PM). Tue July 7 — Henry Sir (Grindstone 7 PM). Wed July 8 — Clown Showcase (Grindstone 7 PM) and Maki Happy Comedy Jam (Grindstone 8 PM). One of the best summer festivals for date nights and girls nights out.

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🎆 Canada Day Fireworks

City of Edmonton Canada Day Fireworks: 11 PM

Best viewing spots: Queen Elizabeth Park and Hill, Victoria Park, Ezio Faraone Park, Legislature Grounds, Walterdale Hill Road, Government House Park, and 109 Street between Saskatchewan Drive and the High Level Bridge. Cannot watch from inside Kinsmen Park. Stake out your spot by 9 PM — the river valley fills completely.

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🎬 $5 Every Tuesday All Summer

$5 Tuesday Nights at Metro Cinema

Edmonton’s favourite cheap date night — Metro Cinema’s $5 late-night Tuesday screenings are back all summer. Independent cinema, thoughtfully programmed films. Check their website for this week’s title. Pair with the Riverhawks 1:05 PM game July 7 for the ultimate budget Tuesday.

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FREE · Mitchell Art Gallery

Art Buffet at Mitchell Art Gallery

Art materials open to everyone, drop in, no experience needed, all ages. Every Wednesday afternoon all summer.

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☀️ Every Saturday Downtown

Summer Block Party on Rice Howard Way

Every Saturday this summer, Rice Howard Way activates with live music, local businesses, and full patio energy downtown. A perfect pre-show stop before Grindstone Comedy Festival Saturday evenings.

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