Folk Fest, Cariwest, and a big week.
Folk Fest. Cariwest. Animethon. Hot August Night at RAD. Slave Lake Beachfest road trip. One of the biggest weeks of the Edmonton summer. ☕
✨ Edmonton Mama’s Weekly Pick
⭐ Top Pick
Midas Hot August Night at RAD Torque Raceway
📅 August 12 (Wednesday)
Funny Cars, Pro Mods, Nitro bikes, Jet Cars, and a fireworks finale that literally lights up the sky. Buy tickets in advance — this one always sells out.
🚗 Edmonton Mama’s Road Trip Pick
🚗 Road Trip Pick
Lesser Slave Lake Beachfest: Prehistoric Shores
📅 August 8–9 (Saturday and Sunday)
Sandcastle competition, cardboard boat race, dino race, tug of war, performers, and a beer garden on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake. Make it overnight — accommodation fills up fast.
👨👩👧👦 Family Events
🎵 4 Days · Gallagher Park
Edmonton Folk Music Festival at Gallagher Park
📅 August 6–9 (Thursday to Sunday) ·
60 artists over four days on Gallagher Hill. Headliners: Nathaniel Rateliff, Of Monsters and Men, Cat Power, Arrested Development, Corb Lund, and Thee Sacred Souls. Buy tickets now.
🌴 FREE · Downtown · Aug 7-9
Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival
📅 August 7–9 · 🎟️ Free to attend · Caribbean Village all weekend · Parade Saturday Aug 8
Three days of Caribbean music, food, elaborate costumes, and the iconic Saturday parade through downtown. Caribbean Village in Churchill Square all weekend with Kids Korner — free to attend.
🎌 Edmonton Convention Centre · Aug 7-9
Animethon: Canada’s Longest-Running Anime Convention
📅 August 7–9
Canada’s longest-running anime convention — cosplay, gaming tournaments, a massive vendor hall, live concerts nightly, and a charity auction for the Stollery. 15,000+ fans can’t be wrong.
🚶 Walking History Tour · Edmonton
Take a Walking History Tour of Edmonton
Explore Edmonton’s heritage streets on foot before Folk Fest kicks off. Check historicedmonton.ca and exploreedmonton.com for current tour schedules.
🎬 Drive-In Movie · The Garrison
Drive-In Movie Night at the Edmonton Garrison
📅 August 7 (Thursday) · ⏰ · Movie begins around 7pm
Classic drive-in format at the Garrison — watch from your car or lawn chair, concession on site. Military community and Sturgeon County residents free.
🍉 FREE · Freson Bros
Watermelon Fest at Freson Bros
Free watermelon and family fun at Freson Bros locations across the region. Confirm your nearest location and time on their website.
🐾 FREE · Billy Bacon Memorial Bulldog Race
Billy Bacon Memorial Bulldog Race
Wrinkly, enthusiastic bulldogs racing for glory.
🏒 Edmonton Oilers Community Day
Edmonton Oilers Community Day
Oilers players, activities, and community spirit before the season heats up.
🛹 FREE · Clareview
Clareview Skateboard Festival
📅 August 8 (Saturday) · 🎟️ FREE
Free skate demos, competitions, and community vibes in Clareview. All skill levels welcome. Confirm location before heading out.
🫧 Bubble Chase 5K
Bubble Chase 5K Edmonton
A 5K run through bubbles and colour stations — great for families, not serious runners. Confirm registration and location before heading out.
🌲 FREE · Picnics in the Forest · Sherwood Park
Once Upon a Forest Market at Picnics in the Forest
📅 August 8–9 (Saturday and Sunday) · 🎟️ FREE
A storybook-themed outdoor market on the forest trails of Picnics in the Forest — local artisans, bookish vendors, reading nooks, and magical photo ops through the trees. Free, all ages.
🎳 Glow Bowling · Ed’s Bowl
Glow Bowling at Ed’s Bowl
Neon lights, bumping music, and glowing pins at Ed’s Bowl. Confirm session times before heading out.
🌊 Open All Summer
Edmonton River Float: Tube the North Saskatchewan
Float the North Saskatchewan through the city — tube, life jacket, and shuttle included. The perfect afternoon after a Folk Fest or Cariwest morning. Book ahead.
FREE · Kids All Summer
Free Kids Admission at Royal Alberta Museum
Kids 17 and under free all summer with the Canada Strong Pass. Best rainy-day backup in Edmonton.
Fort Edmonton Park · Edmonton Valley Zoo
Both open all week — steam train rides, historical streets, animal encounters. Great quieter option if the festival crowds get to be too much.
🍷 Date Nights & Social Plans
🎵 Best Date of the Week · Gallagher Hill
Folk Fest on Gallagher Hill: A Classic Edmonton Date
Blanket on the hill, world-class music, river valley backdrop. One of Edmonton’s best summer date nights. Get tickets while they last.
🏎️ Wednesday Night · RAD Torque
Midas Hot August Night: Date Night at the Drag Strip
Jet Cars, nitro fumes, and a fireworks finale you will feel in your chest. Not your average Wednesday night out.
Edmonton Mama’s Weekly Guide · August 5–12, 2026 · All events verified at time of publication. Always confirm details before heading out.