Edmonton has over 55 festivals across the year, but many people are only aware of the big summer festivals, starting in June, and perhaps one or two of the winter festivals.
There are festivals all year round.
Here, at the very tail end of April, is a list of all of May’s festivals, so that you can plan ahead. As many of them take advantage of the May long weekend, coordination is necessary!
May 21-30 | Edmonton Jewish Film Festival
Where Jewish perspectives come to life. Discover, connect, and engage in person and virtually. Join the conversation, as they explore and reflect on stories, traditions, and history, from a wide and varied Jewish world. This year they offer four feature films in-person and four virtually.
May 23-26 | Sing! The Edmonton International Vocal Arts Festival
A festival devoted to a capella singing, with performances by local groups, workshops and educational opportunities. Connect with other a cappella enthusiasts, share your experiences and knowledge, and learn from one another.
May 24-25 | Edmonton Ukrainian Festival
A celebration of Ukrainian culture, food, music, visual arts, crafts and dance. The festival brings together people of Ukrainian heritage, and attracts audiences of many diverse cultures.
May 24-26 | Beaumont Days
Multiple events across the three days, including a midway, food trucks, lots of kid-friendly activities, a street party every day, a career fair, a soapbox derby and much more.
May 25 | Edmonton International Cat Fest
Celebrating their tenth year, this festival brings together cat lovers to celebrate cats and cat culture, while raising money and awareness for rescues helping cats in need. They donate 100% of proceeds to local cat rescues. Since 2014, they’ve raised $146,000 for local rescues helping cats in need.
May 25-26 | Tasty Truck Food Festival NEW!
The inaugral event for this festival! A weekend full of family friendly fun, music, a fully licensed event grounds, and some of the best food trucks in town! Free to enter, the festival will take place in the Fan Park in the ICE District. This will be the city’s largest food truck festival, and the first event of its kind in downtown Edmonton.
May 30-Jun 9 | Nextfest
Nextfest showcases hundreds of young and emerging artists from a wide variety of disciplines, banding together to present Edmonton’s most unique annual multi-disciplinary arts festival. Founded in 1996 by Bradley Moss, Nextfest is a common ground for the next generation of creators and producers. The future is theirs!
May 31-Jun 2 | Edmonton Drag Festival
Celebrating all things drag. This year includes a 2 Spirit Pow Wow, the Drag Fest Extravaganza, and the Ultimate Pink & White Drag Brunch. Kids are welcome until 6pm.
_____
Also check out even more events around the dates you’re interested in, with our Events listings.
