Top 8 Free Things to Do in Edmonton

All of the summer fun with none of the cost!

 Getting out with family or friends this summer shouldn’t break the bank. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of free activities in Edmonton. Take advantage of free admission days, explore some of the city’s arts festivals, or get up close and personal with the night sky—Edmonton’s free summer fun awaits.

Check out the Whyte Avenue Art Walk     July 7 – 9 in Old Strathcona

The Whyte Avenue Art Walk brings together over 450 visual artists and their masterpieces to line the avenue every July. Grab an iced chai from Remedy café, and stroll through the 4 km art show. A great event for families, friends, and solo art-lovers alike!

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Walk around the Edmonton International Fringe Festival grounds       August 17 – 27

This annual theatre festival features international and local acts for ten days of plays, street performers, improv shows and more. Walk around the main grounds (located in Old Strathcona, on 83 Ave and between Calgary Trail and Gateway Blvd) and take in the sights and sounds of the oldest and largest Fringe festival in North America.

Note: While you’ll need to buy tickets to the plays, the Fringe grounds are a lively hub of activity that you can enter for free, or with a small donation to the festival.

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Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta      2 Sir Winston Churchill Square

The last Thursday evening of each month from 4:00–7:00 p.m., the AGA is free for all visitors! Start your evening with a walk around the Ice District, and then scope out the Art Gallery for some world class exhibits and architecture.

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Stroll through Larch Sanctuary     23 Ave, between 119 St and Rabbit Hill Rd

A south Edmonton hidden treasure, this nature sanctuary is a little bit of wilderness right in the city. Pack your hiking shoes and a camera, and trek alongside Whitemud Creek on the MacTaggart Sanctuary Trail loop. There’s a parking lot at the entrance to the sanctuary where you can park for free before spending an afternoon bird watching, mountain biking, or on a rugged nature walk.

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Stargaze at the University of Alberta Observatory     Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (CCIS)

Visit the Department of Physics’ Observatory during their public hours on Thursdays for solar or evening observing. Learn from an astronomer before taking a trip to the roof for a peak through the observatory’s telescopes. Teachers can book class visits for free too!

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Explore the Works Art & Design Festival      Dates and online TD

This 13-day visual extravaganza is jam packed with art exhibits, live music performances, workshops, and art and food markets. Taking over 30 venues around the downtown core, with a main stage at the Alberta Legislature, this festival will introduce you to local artists and give you the opportunity to explore your own creativity!

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Walk across the Fort Edmonton Footbridge

The Fort Edmonton Footbridge is Edmonton’s first suspension bridge over the North Saskatchewan River. Located southwest of Fort Edmonton Park, this footbridge connects a network of paths between Wolf Willow Ravine and Patricia Ravine. Stop in the middle of the bridge and enjoy the sights before wandering through either of the surrounding ravines.

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Visit the St. Albert Botanic Park      265 Sturgeon Rd, St. Albert, AB

As a largely volunteer-run garden, the St. Albert Botanic Park is free for visitors. Take a stroll down Crabapple Lane, or reminisce in the English-inspired Cottage Garden. Pack a picnic lunch and make it a day trip, or pop by for a quick evening stroll.

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