Here are the most exciting festivals coming up in Edmonton

Festivals are popping up everywhere in Edmonton around this time of year, with food, culture, and music taking the spotlight in every aspect.

From the ever-so-popular Fringe Festival to the all-new Kejia Fest, there’s a great line-up of events coming up soon. No matter what your vibe, you’re definitely going to find a festival that matches. Whether it’s at a multicultural bonanza or a magical musical experience, there’s a great time to be had.

We’re here to round up some of the most popular and exciting festivals coming up in the next few weeks. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the exciting events we’ve got ahead of us.

The Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival is ranked as one of the top five Fringe Theatre Festivals in the world, next to Edinburgh, Scotland, and Adelaide, Australia. According to its website, it’s also the largest and longest-running festival of its kind in North America. Since 1982, it’s only grown more and more and continues to flourish as one of Edmonton’s most iconic festivals.

When: Thursday, Aug. 13, to Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Varies

The Edmonton Mural Festival is a month-long celebration of the stunning murals across the city. It focuses on fostering inclusion, connecting artists, and highlighting their talent. Behind the festival, the team’s goals are to elevate local Alberta arts and continue to create opportunities for individuals to get represented in the arts and beautify Edmonton in the process.

When: Saturday, Aug. 15 to Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free or $49.26 for Mural and Food Tours

Edmonton’s Chinatown is going to be absolutely bursting with energy during this August weekend. From Aug. 21 to 23, you’ll be able to watch international teams compete in a beautiful dance championship, dance and sing along to live Cantonese music, or watch an outdoor film beneath the stars.

When: Friday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Time: Noon to 10 p.m. on Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 10249 96th St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

Edmonton’s ICE District will be transformed for a whole weekend of spectacular Pride events and concerts. Whether it be for the community Pride Parade, sing-alongs with your favourite drag queens, or a powerful stage performance, this weekend has it all. You won’t be able to get enough of some of these legendary artists, so soak it up while you can.

When: Friday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

Boots and Hearts is bringing its iconic country music charm out west in 2026 for Boots and Hearts West. This will be the first time the festival will be leaving Ontario, and there’s no better place than the wild, wild west. With Shaboozey and Russell Dickerson headlining the fest, it’ll have to be a good one.

When: Friday, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Time: Gates at 2:30 p.m., ending at 11 p.m.
Where: Fan Park — 10128 104th Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: $154+

Kejia Festival is taking Edmonton by storm this year, bringing a load of multicultural madness to the city with food, music, and close community vibes.

This will be the inaugural year of the new go-to free event. Folks around Edmonton are welcome to come down to Louise McKinney Riverfront in September for three days jam-packed with endless things to do, see, and eat.

When: Friday, Sept. 4, to Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Time: 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday
Where: 9999 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

Foundation Series, an established house music festival, is making its way to Edmonton this year. These electronic dance beats will have you swaying all night long, and now that they’re coming to Fan Park in the ICE District, it’s going to be an unforgettable night for Edmontonians.

When: Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
Time: 4 to 11 p.m.
Where: Fan Park at ICE District — 10104 104th Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: $79.99+

This coming September, this facility is going to be bursting with energy for the annual Rocktoberfest festivities. Whether you’re climbing or cheering, this awesome community event is not one you’re going to want to miss. With music, food, beer and climbing activities all day long, there’s going to be no shortage of excitement at this festival.

When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, to Monday, Sept. 21, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: 9735 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free

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Alyssa Gallardo

Alyssa is a Staff Writer for Dished and Curiocity Edmonton. She’s a big fan of everything entertainment, and can always be seen running around the city going from concert to concert.

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