This summer, Edmonton is once again proving why it's known as Canada's Festival City. From June through September, a vibrant lineup of world-class festivals and major events is set to captivate visitors and locals alike, offering something for every taste and passion.

Kicking off the season is the Edmonton International Jazz Festival (June 21-29, 2025), bringing together acclaimed artists from around the globe. With performances in intimate venues and grand stages across the city, the festival has been a cornerstone of Edmonton's cultural scene for over 40 years.

In July, the iconic Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (July 4-13, 2025) transforms downtown into a bustling hub of creativity. Recognized as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious festivals of its kind, it showcases over 1,500 outdoor performances from artists hailing from across the globe.

Art enthusiasts will delight in the Whyte Avenue Art Walk (July 11-13, 2025), an open-air studio and gallery featuring hundreds of local artists who set up along the sidewalks of historic Old Strathcona, inviting guests to watch, meet, and purchase original artworks directly from the creators.

Western Canada's largest food festival, Taste of Edmonton, takes over Sir Winston Churchill Square from July 17–27, 2025. Offering hundreds of dishes from Edmonton's top restaurants and food trucks in an open-air celebration of culinary creativity, local foodies and visitors alike gather to savour a mouthwatering array of flavours, enjoy live music, and experience the vibrant spirit of the city's culinary scene.

No summer in Edmonton would be complete without the K-Days (July 18-25, 2025), a beloved tradition since 1879 featuring thrilling rides, live concerts, a nightly fireworks show, and the iconic Indigenous Experience, which celebrates Indigenous culture, art, and cuisine. Last year, K-Days welcomed more than 780,000 visitors.

The Edmonton Heritage Festival (August 2-4, 2025) continues to be one of the world's largest celebrations of multiculturalism. With more than 60 pavilions representing over 85 cultures, this family-friendly, volunteer-driven event offers a feast for the senses with international cuisine, performances, and displays.

Music lovers won't want to miss the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (August 7-10, 2025), an internationally renowned event staged in the natural amphitheatre of Gallagher Park. Tickets sell out quickly each year as festivalgoers flock to hear leading folk, roots, and world music artists in a spectacular outdoor setting.

Adding to the excitement, the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival (August 14-24, 2025) — North America's largest and oldest fringe theatre festival — turns Old Strathcona into a theatrical playground. With over 1,600 performances and artists from around the world, it draws more than 850,000 attendees annually.

As the summer winds down, the Symphony Under the Sky (August 20-23, 2025) offers a magical outdoor concert series, presented by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, featuring a blend of classical masterworks and popular favourites.

Film buffs should mark their calendars for the Edmonton International Film Festival (September 25-October 5, 2025). Recognized as an Oscar-qualifying festival, it presents a curated selection of independent films from Canada and beyond, right in the heart of downtown at Landmark Cinemas.

“Summer in Edmonton is an invitation to experience the extraordinary,” says Melissa Radu, Executive Director, Destination Stewardship at Explore Edmonton. “Our city's festivals are a true reflection of our diverse, welcoming spirit — and there's no better time to visit, celebrate, and be inspired.”

With its unbeatable combination of long summer days, warm prairie sunshine, vibrant city energy, and a calendar brimming with unforgettable events, Edmonton is poised to deliver a summer like no other. Plan a visit now and discover why Edmonton's festivals are celebrated not just across Canada, but around the world.

For more information, visit ExploreEdmonton.com.