Friday 17 June 2016

Summer events taking place in Edmonton this June 2016 (or what's left of it)

Edmonton Festivals

Every summer I tell myself not to fall into the routine of waking up at lunchtime and going to bed at 3AM. Not only do I end up midnight snacking, but I also miss half the day and by the time August rolls around, I feel like I have wasted my entire summer. So, just as I am currently on the verge of slipping back into this lazy routine, I decided to do some research and figure out what events are going on around Edmonton during the month of June. This way, I will have the motivation to wake up early, and will hopefully be tired enough to go to bed at a more decent hour. For those of you who, like me, don’t know what to do with yourselves once school is out (I know, it’s sad), why not join me in filling your summer schedule with some of the Edmonton events that will be taking place during the month of June.

Mercer Summer Super Party

Who Might Enjoy It? 

Who are known to be the best partiers? Students! Combine our partying skills with various interests like food (obviously), live music, and art and you have the perfect recipe for a good time. So please, art lovers, music lovers, foodies, take your student-partying responsibilities seriously and jam-pack this event!

What Is It? 

The street will be closed for this special event where the Mercer Warehouse opens the street to all ages for live music, food, art, and dining. And personally, I find nothing better than a summer dance party!

When Is It?

Friday, June 17th 2016 | 5:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.

Where Is It? 

Mercer Warehouse 10359-104 Street

Old Strathcona Farmers' Market
Image courtesy of U of A Inside Out's Nathalie Batres 

Who Might Enjoy It? 

To those who want to keep a healthy diet, the farmers market is the place to go if you want to find affordable and organic food. What’s even better is that you are buying it directly from the people who grow it.  

What Is It? 

A personal favourite of mine, the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning or afternoon. The smell of fruits and veggies sold by local farmers has the extra benefit of giving you warm fuzzies because you know that your purchase is helping to support the local community. Not only will you get to enjoy handmade arts and crafts and fresh produce, you may also have the chance to eat the best breakfast bagel you’ve ever tasted. 

When Is It? 

Saturdays 8AM-3PM

Where Is It?

10310 83 Avenue NW

Edmonton International Jazz Festival

Edmonton International Jazz Fest
Image courtesy Jazz Fest

Who Might Enjoy It? 

This is most definitely a call to all arts and music students. I know for sure that music students who specialize in this genre of music will probably be the ones who will most greatly appreciate this event. 

What Is It? 

For those with a love for music, especially jazz, you would probably like to know that the annual International Jazz Festival, produced by the Edmonton Jazz Festival Society will be taking place in June this year. Jazz usually isn’t my go-to genre, but I will admit that the sultry sound of a saxophone would probably be enough to lure me to this event.

When Is It?

June 24 to July 3, 2016


Where Is It? 

All around Edmonton (including a right here on campus!)

Freewill Shakespeare Festival

Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Image courtesy of the Freewill Shakespeare Festival

Who Might Enjoy It?

Yoohoo, English Majors! I don’t mean to say that every English major loves Shakespeare, because I know for a fact that this is not true. However, you will not be tested or quizzed on these performances, and you wont have to memorize quotes or act them out yourselves, this is 100% for your own enjoyment and entertainment. So why not make an appearance? 

What Is It? 

As stated on their website, you must “get thee to a performance” and experience the spectacular outdoor performances at this season’s festival: Romeo and Juliet (a personal favourite) and Love’s Labour’s Lost. While doing so, you’ll likely be supporting a few of your fellow of U of A comrades and alumni (as the production usually includes a lot of U of A students). 

If this doesn’t already sound tempting enough, the festival sympathizes with our empty wallets by offering a student rate and “pay what you will” for the matinees. If you are unfamiliar with Shakespeare, this would be the perfect opportunity to gradually ease yourself into the world of romance and tragedy, alongside beautiful sets and serious talent. 

When Is It? 

June 21, 2016 to July 17, 2016
Evening performances start @ 8:00 p.m. every night (minus Mondays - they don't do Mondays)
Saturday and Sunday Matinee performances start @ 2:00 p.m.

Where Is It?

Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park (9930 Groat Road)

The Works Art and Design Festival 


The Works
Image courtesy of The Works

Who Might Enjoy It? 

Anyone who has an appreciation for visual art would absolutely love this festival. It is not too challenging to simply look at things, so if you are on the fence about attending this event because you think you are not artsy enough, stop right there and click the link. 

What Is It? 

This completely free event (hooray!) displays over 200 exhibits throughout 1 square kilometer of Edmonton’s downtown. And it lasts for 13 days, so you pretty much have no excuse not to go, unless of course you are going on an international voyage (then by all means do not listen to me). Enjoy visual art, design and entertainment (get hyped because that includes work from fellow University of Alberta students), alongside the company of fellow locals as well as people from around the world.

When Is It? 

June 23, 2016 to July 5, 2016

Where Is It?


Spring Events at Sir Winston Churchill Square


Sir Winston Churchill Square
Image courtesy of the Edmonton Arts Council

Who Might Enjoy It?

The great thing about these events is that Churchill Square caters to a variety of interests. So there is a little something for everyone. Whether or not you are a fitness guru, an amazing chess player, or a die-hard Star Wars fan, there will most likely be an event that interests you in one way or another.

What's happening?

So it turns out that Churchill Square actually has a weekly events and activities schedule for the spring. Who knew? (Admission: I did not, but now I do!) Check it out if you have an interest in or are curious about Zumba, Yoga, Live at Lunch featuring local musicians, daily games like basketball, table tennis, ball hockey, and wait for it….drumroll please….LIGHTSABER TRAINING! 

When Is It?

Activities are held on a weekly basis throughout the spring. For more times, events, and schedule information, visit http://www.edmontonarts.ca/eac_projects/eac_projects_churchillsquare/

Where Is It? 

Sir Winston Churchill Square 


Now remember, the fun doesn’t end here. Edmonton oozes with exciting events, festivals, and activities during the summer. As someone who has lived here for most of my life, I can vouch for Edmonton summers by saying that whether you are new to this city, or have lived here for a long time, it will definitely be worth getting up and out of bed at a good hour, and going on a adventure, local style!


Niabi - YouAlberta Contributor

Niabi is a fourth year BA student double majoring in English and Spanish. She’s a relentless optimist, hazardously curious, and loves a good laugh (her friends would say that she has a juvenile sense of humor). When not jamming out to Reggaeton, you can find her trying to cuddle every dog she sees, or serving herself “eyes-are-to-big-for-your-stomach” helpings.
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