Looking for something to do this August long weekend?
Whether you are looking for a low-key weekend around town or are planning on hitting up major festivals in the area, you and your family will have plenty to do this weekend.
Here is a list of the top ten activities taking place in the region:
Kal Tire presents: Family Drive-in Movie Night
Enjoy a movie at the drive-in right in Fort Saskatchewan this weekend. Kal Tire is hosting a screening of Disney’s Encanto, with all proceeds of the event going to the Families First Society. Additionally, Kal Tire will offer free wheel and tire inspections before the showing, and there will be door prizes courtesy of NAPA Auto Parts.
- When: July 30 - Doors open at 7 p.m., movie begins at 8 p.m.
- Where: The Kal Tire and Home Depot parking lot (9320 Southfort Drive).
- Cost: $25 per vehicle.
Take in the final days of K-Days
It's not too late to enjoy the rides, games, music, food, and adventure of this 10-day festival. K-Days officially wraps up on Sunday.
- When: July 22-31
- Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre & Exhibition Grounds: 7515 – 118 Avenue, Edmonton
- Cost: $18 for adult general admission and $12 for youth (7+) general admission. Check here for more ticket details.
Cree crafting at Elk Island National Park
Take in an evening of Indigenous crafting with mother-daughter duo Marge and Cassandra of Cree-Ative Designs. They’ll guide you through the crafting process, share Indigenous teachings, and you’ll be able to take home your creation (either a medicine wheel, mini drum, or a dream-catcher). Connect with each other and with a living culture that traces its way back to time immemorial.
- When: July 29 from 7-9 p.m.
- Where: Elk Island National Park
- Cost: $27.75
- To register: Email interp.elkisland@pc.gc.ca or call 780-992-2965
Edmonton Heritage Festival
After a scaled-back event last year, Heritage Festival is back at full capacity and is expected to draw crowds of more than 350,000 visitors. Enjoy the tastes, smells, sights, and sounds from 60 countries and cultures at 50 outdoor pavilions.
- When: Saturday 10a.m.-9p.m., Sunday 10a.m.-9p.m., Monday 10a.m.-8p.m.
- Where: Hawrelak Park, Edmonton
- Cost: Entry is free
Go garage sale-ing
Find treasures and bargains throughout the region. Check out the Fort Sask and area Garage Sales Facebook page or take a cruise around town (good thing gas prices dropped!) to find garage sales.
Fill up on delicious food during the final days of Taste of Edmonton
The eleven-day festival features live performances from all genres, daily entertainment, and of course, Edmonton's best cuisine.
- When: July 21 – 31 from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
- Where: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
- Cost: The festival admission and concerts are free to attend. For a sheet of 40 food sample tickets, it’s $69.50 on-site.
Beat the heat at area spray parks and pools
There’s no shortage of spray parks and outdoor pools around the area. Links to park hours and locations are provided below for some of the area favourites:
- Kin Family Spray Park
- Redwater Pool
- ArrKann Spray Park, Adrossan
- RE/MAX Spray Park, Broadmoor Lake Park, Sherwood Park
- Morinville Splash Park
Pembina River Tubing
Enjoy views of the Pembina River Valley by floating down the river. Tubing rentals and shuttle service are by reservation. Floaters under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present.
- When: Open all weekend from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Where: 53217 Range Rd 74A, Entwistle, AB T0E 0S0.
- Cost: Details here.
Morinville Farmers’ Market
Pick up some locally grown and handcrafted products at the Morinville Farmer's Market
- When: Sunday 12-4 p.m.
- Where: 104 Street in front of the Rendez-Vous Centre
National Backyard BioBlitz
Become a biologist for the weekend with the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s third annual National Backyard BioBlitz. People can register anytime at natureconservancy.ca/bbb. Once registered, participants will receive a step-by-step guide on how to participate, photography tips, information about species identification, and an automatic entry to win a Big Backyard BioBlitz prize pack.
This initiative helps compile critical information on species populations and locations for scientists and conservation planners, who can use this information to plan future protection and restoration efforts across the country.
- When: July 28 to August 1
- Cost: Free - All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or camera.