West Edmonton Mall is kicking off its anniversary activities next week, celebrating 45 years of making memories and setting records.
Since Sept. 15, 1981, the mall has continuously grown with new stores, restaurants, and fresh attractions to check out. To celebrate its 45th year, the mall is going to be holding a series of events and activities, as well as some exciting contests and giveaways.
Before you visit the mall or any of its events for this anniversary, you might want to RSVP. Those who enter will have the chance to win an Ultimate WEM Prize Package, a One-Year Annual Family Multi-Play Pass, and a $450 WEM gift card. Additionally, 10 runners-up will receive a $45 WEM gift card.
All the activities for West Edmonton Mall’s 45th anniversary
As for the activities, Paint Your Pet will be the first event to kick off the anniversary celebrations on Thursday, Sept. 17. For $75, visitors will submit a photo of their pet to be transformed into a custom sketch by West Edmonton Mall’s creative director, Ken Christensen.
You will bring your pet portrait to life through an evening of painting on The Ship, with the added benefit of being able to go back home with a keepsake of your pet!
Pop-up Party Fun starts the same day, Sept. 17, and brings along live musical performances and interactive entertainment to the mall. On the 17th, local singer Sawyer Craig will perform opera classics from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bridge over Deep Sea Adventure Lake. For a full schedule of all the anniversary pop-ups, you can check out all the times online.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, the birthday celebration hits the ice. WEM Birthday Skate will feature appearances by mall mascots, special birthday treats to enjoy, and a 1980s playlist to keep you rockin’ around the rink. Not to mention, SONiC 102.9’s Lauren Hunter will be leading the celebration.
This skate session is free to attend. You’re welcome to bring your own skates or rent some from the Ice Palace.
If you consider yourself a West Edmonton Mall expert, you might want to head on down for WEM Trivia Night. On Thursday, Sept. 24, this trivia sesh only costs $5 to participate and will test you on your mall knowledge.
Pay and Play Like it’s 1981 is on its website for Galaxyland and the World Waterpark, but these specific events will not be revealed until Monday, Sept. 14 and Monday, Sept. 21.
If you’re ready to celebrate this momentous occasion, get ready to head on down to the mall this upcoming week. You definitely won’t regret this next visit.
When: Starting Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
Time: Varies
Where: 8882 170th St. NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Varies
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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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