It’s the festival all foodies wait for in mouthwatering anticipation. Local cuisine from local participating restaurants, in small servings so you can TRY to have one of everything.
Taste of Edmonton is Western Canada’s largest food festival–and the best way to enjoy a wide variety of tasty offerings from dozens of Edmonton’s best chefs and restaurants. This fest remains open to hungry patrons from lunch until late evening (when the live music starts!). It’s dinner AND a show, all in Churchill Square.
Several years-long participants are returning this year, including Japanese Village (who has attended since 1990!), and there are some exciting newcomers as well. The packed roster includes The Lingnan, Hong Kong Bakery, Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse, Lemon Heaven, Splash Poke, Blue Willow, District 102, and so so many more. With 41 booths and 10 food trucks expected on-site, you’ll need those extensive hours to sample everything.
Did we mention that admission to the festival grounds–and all the on-site performances–is completely free?
Concerts on the main McLennan Ross Stage generally begin around 4 pm, with headliners starting around 9 pm— accumulating to 40 shows over the course of the festival. This year, performances include Terra Lightfoot’s bluesy-rock, British/ Canadian-turned-Edmontonian folk artist Martin Kerr, Desi Artists of Alberta’s South Asian dances, and Edmonton’s alternative/pop soul artist Nuela Charles. Plus, elsewhere in a more intimate tent, you can sit comfortably to enjoy the Court Jester Dueling Pianos and even submit song requests.
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Canadian cuisine, innovative fusion dishes, or beautiful local music, you’re in good company—and even better luck. As for food tickets: “We haven’t raised our ticket prices since 2018,” emphasizes Joanne Bartolome, their marketing manager. “And we do encourage our restaurant partners to have a two-ticket item on their menu boards.” You can also save $10 on a sheet of 40 if you purchase before July 20.
Make sure you come hungry!
Did you know?
Taste of Edmonton is largely volunteer-driven and working to support the Taste of Edmonton Community Fund. “We are non-profit, and we work with amazing charities that need the support, and they benefit from Taste of Edmonton running,” says general manager Donovan Vienneau. Between the vendors, ticket donations (on-site), and a 50/50 raffle (running July 18–31), they support other local non-profits like HIV Edmonton, Mamas for Mamas, Christmas Bureau, and Edmonton’s Food Bank.
The Breakdown
July 20–29 (11 am–11 pm) & July30 (11am–9pm)
• 41 booths, 10 food trucks
• 2 performance venues:
McLennan Ross Stage, Duelling Pianos tent
• MR Stage Headliners: July 20—Shaela Miller July 21—Whitehorse July 22—The Watchmen July 23—AHI
July 24—Sparrow Blue
July 25—Punch Drunk Cabaret
July 26—Gord Steinke & the Big Stein Band
July 27—The Sadies July 28—Martin Kerr July 29—Terra Lightfoot
