15 of the very best issues to do that lengthy weekend in Edmonton: September 2 to five

It’s going to be a HOT Labor Day long weekend in Edmonton, and there are plenty of fire things to do with your time.

From a vibrant festival in the downtown core to running some stairs in the always stunning River Valley, here’s a bunch of things you can check out this long weekend.

Get lost in the Edmonton Corn Maze

Edmonton Corn Maze | Laine Mitchell/Daily Hive

What: Get ready to wander around and maybe get a little lost! For more than two decades, the maze has been a staple in the area for some fun during the later months of summer and into the heart of fall. Each year brings with it a new design, with this season paying homage to the Edmonton Elks.

When: Now to October 16, 2022
Where: 26171 Garden Valley Road, Spruce Grove
Tickets: Tickets can be found here

Cocktails and Jerk Festival

What: This is an incredibly vibrant festival with dancing, live entertainment, cocktails, and all kinds of jerk-style eats. Enjoy Caribbean dishes like jerk poutine, curried goat, Jamaican peanut drops, and mini donuts, to name just a few.

When: September 3 and 4, from 1 to 9 pm
Where: dr Wilbert McIntyre Park — 8331 104 Street NW, Edmonton
Price: Free

Elk Island National Park

Elk Island/Shutterstock

What: Whether you’re hitting the trails, stargazing, or trying to see some buffalo, this national park is well worth the short drive out there. Why not enjoy the outdoors at this prestigious national park?

When: Open year-round
Where: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Free; Parks Canada pass is required to enter

Art Gallery of Alberta

What: Wander through the thoughtful and beautiful artwork at the Art Gallery of Alberta and marvel at each exhibit. Grab a bite at a downtown Edmonton restaurant when you are all finished!

When: Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursdays from 11 am to 7 pm
Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Cost: $14, purchase online

Whyte Avenue Blues Festival

What: The Commercial Hotel/Blues on Whyte is the home of the Whyte Avenue Blues Festival this long weekend. This intimate music festival is showcasing the best in Canadian blues outdoors in the heart of Old Strathcona.

When: September 2nd and 3rd
Where: The Commercial Hotel/Blues on Whyte — 10329 82 Avenue, Edmonton
Cost: $44 to $133 purchase online

Work up a sweat on a set of stairs in YEG

@foryeg/Instagram | @drangelapucci/Instagram

What: It’s finally nice enough to get out and enjoy the outdoors in Edmonton, so why not work up a sweat after work by running some stairs? We are so lucky to have various spots to run them, so let’s get to work!

Where: Various locations
Cost: Free

TG ICE Fridays

@IceDistrict/Twitter

What: Ditch work early on Fridays for some street food, beer, cocktails, games, and live music with your friends and coworkers as ICE District Plaza is transformed into downtown Edmonton’s largest licensed patio.

When: July 8 to September 23
Where: ICE District Plaza – 10360 102nd Street NW
Cost: Free

Southwest Edmonton Farmers’ Market

Local produce and goods are found at this super popular farmers’ market, and the same goes for a number of different food vendors and food trucks to try while here.

When: Every Wednesday from 4 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: 2051 Leger Road NW, Edmonton
Price: Free

Fort Edmonton Park

@fortedmontonpark/Instagram

What: Fort Edmonton Park is open for the season and it’s a must-see! Nestled on 64 acres of forested parkland along the river valley, visitors can experience the history of Edmonton before their very eyes. Explore a recreation of a fort from 1846 on the grounds during that time, and streets detailing each era from 1885 to 1920. Check out the Ferris wheel, theatre, games, and so much more!

Where: 7000 143rd Street NW
When: May 21 to September 18, Wednesday to Sunday (and holiday Mondays)
Cost: $21 to $26, tickets can be found here

Snow Valley Aerial Park

What: With over 100 elements on the structure, there is something for everyone! Crawl, climb, swing, and step your way through locally themed elements up to 15 meters high, including the rainbow wall, ski bridge, swinging picnic table, and tons of other challenges!

When: Monday to Friday from 5 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm
Where: 3204 Rainbow Valley Rd
Cost: $37 to $46; tickets can be found here

Edmonton Food Bike Tours

Biking to and from four of YEG’s best spots, this summer-only tour is a great chance to try dishes created by the area’s top chefs.

When: Every Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Start Location — Constable Ezio Faraone Park
Price: Starting at $155.90

Splash around at the WEM World Waterpark

What: It’ll feel like a bit of a vacation when you visit the World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall. Shoot down some massive slides or relax in the wave pool. Whatever you choose, it’s a prime thing to do this weekend.

When: Hours vary throughout the week
Where: West Edmonton Mall
Cost: $40 to $54; tickets can be found here

Imagine Monet

@imagine_monet/Instagram

What: Edmonton will be coated with the works of Charles Monet, the French painter and founder of impressionism, who is among the most famous figures in the history of the art world, as Imagine Monet rolls into town.

When: June 8 to September 10
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre
Cost: $0 to $45, tickets can be found here

Nature Connects Exhibit

Imagine Exhibitions

What: The Nature Connects exhibit at the Edmonton Valley Zoo offers some stunning sculptures made entirely out of the classic toys by acclaimed artist Sean Kenney. It’s been wowing audiences at botanical gardens, zoos, arboretums, and science centers around the world since 2012, so you don’t want to miss out on this!

When: Until September 4th
Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo – 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: $15.95 for general admission

Check out the Royal Alberta Museum

What: Marvel at the Royal Alberta Museum’s vast collections. From its archaeology, Indigenous studies, and work-life industry sections to Earth and Life Sciences that will wow you, it’s one of the most intriguing things to do in Edmonton!

When: Open year-round, Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: $10 to $21; tickets can be found here