YEG’s Jam Packed Weekend of Summer Fun
Cooler nights and falling leaves all suggest summer in the city is quickly drawing to a close. Edmontonians are acutely aware just how little of the season we get to experience up north but also how to best take advantage of our few warm days. If you feel like you’ve dwindled the summer away, fear not. We’ve compiled a list of all the best events happening this weekend right here in town:
Truly all ages, this is a great event for families with kids, adults, and aviations buffs alike. From Saturday August 22 to Sunday August 23 out at Villeneuve Airport, the show runs from 10 am to 6 pm both days. Showcasing a combination of modern avionics and the rich history of flight, the event will host aerobatic performances to awe and delight.
View from Edmonton Blues Fest. Image Courtesy of Explore Edmonton.
Hosted in Hawrelak Park’s Heritage Amphitheatre, this long running Edmonton institution is not to be missed. Featuring Grammy, Juno, and IBC winners, this superstar lineup makes this event the ‘premier blues festival in Western Canada’. The shows run August 21-23 and there are a variety of weekend and daily ticket packages available for every level of fan from casual observer to diehard.
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival
There’s still time to catch the last few days of Fringe, which runs right up until this Sunday night! And in this case last certainly does not mean least. The entire weekend (and week leading up to it) is jam packed with professional calibre theatre performances across multiple venues in the Strathcona area, street performers, kids fringe activities, and of course festival food (the deep fried mars bars are not to be missed).
Since its state of the art renovations, the shiny new AGA (formerly Edmonton Art Gallery) has been host to world class exhibitions from Warhol to Degas to Toulouse-Leutrec. Of the 8 current, stunning exhibitions they have on display, this Sunday is the last day for the long running Jack Bush Retrospective exhibit. An amazing showcase of the Canadian abstract painter’s talents, truly considered a vanguard in the ‘colour field’ movement. Also not to be missed, the breathtaking Italian Baroque Masterworks exhibition, and another highlight, “The Double Bind” which represents a juxtaposition of modern and postmodern works.
Al Fresco, the 104th Street Community Block Party
Both ends of 104th street, North and South of Jasper Ave will be closed of for this spectacular community based event. This will allow extended patio seating for Promenade district restaurants and cafes, and allow for food trucks, and on street programming that includes DJ’s, live music, and a wine garden! Fundraising events include a silent auction for the Edmonton Food Bank, who will also be on hand accepting donations. Even the 104th Street 7-11 is involved, vowing to give out free slurpees all day long. Who can say no to free icy treats???
