Alright, pals, time to trade your couch for something a little more exciting. Edmonton’s poppin’ off this week with everything from string quartets and street fairs to gin-soaked concerts and doc-heavy film fests. Meaning, there are plenty of things to do in Edmonton to spice up your schedule. Take a look —
Kick off your week on a musical note with Quatuor Élysé. The French string quartet is performing live at Fringe Theatre this Tuesday. These ridiculously talented musicians will tug your heartstrings and raise your cultural clout in one go.
When: Tuesday, May 6; 7:00 p.m.
Where: Fringe Theatre – 10330 84th Ave. NW
Cost: $12 to $17
This film fest is serving up laughs, feels, and fresh perspectives with a slate of Jewish-themed films from across the globe. Whether you’re watching in a theatre or from your couch, expect stories that stick with you longer than your popcorn butter stains.
When: Tuesday, May 6 – Thursday, May 15, 2025 (see timings above)
Where: Capitol Theatre – 1920 St., Fort Edmonton Park and online
Cost: $5 to $70
If you think classical music is a snoozefest, wait till you hear Jean-Willy Kunz play. Kunz on the organ. Ballet Edmonton in motion. Music from three legendary composers. This show is a whole vibe—equal parts dramatic, dreamy, and straight-up impressive.
When: Wednesday, May 7; 7:30 p.m.
Where: Winspear Centre — 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW and corner of 99th Street and 102nd Avenue NW
Cost: $36.50 to $56.50
Listen up, non-fiction movie buffs: Northwest fest is here! And along comes a thoughtfully curated lineup of documentaries that challenge, captivate, and inspire. It’s a weeklong celebration of cinema that speaks the truth.
When: Thursday, May 8 – Thursday, May 15, 2025 (see schedule here)
Where: Metro Cinema – 8712 109th St. NW
Cost: $12 to $22 per film
This ain’t your grandma’s craft fair (unless your grandma’s into zines and neon crochet). Oddbird is where the cool makers hang—expect funky art, edgy designs, and more personality than your average Etsy scroll.
When: Friday, May 9; 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre – 8426 Gateway Blvd. NW
Cost: $5; free for kids under 12
Cinema magic, clearly, is on a roll this week with yet another film fest. Catch this rising-star film fest celebrating Asian stories, voices, and culture. It’s part cinema, part community lovefest, and fully packed with meaningful (and seriously entertaining) flicks.
When: Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11 (see schedule here)
Where: Multiple venues
Cost: $10 to $12
Grammy-winning guitar playing and fancy gin tasting! This classy-meets-boozy night has good times written all over it. Enjoy Jason Vieaux’s music alongside some world-class gin this Friday at Winspear. Come for the music, stay for the buzz.
When: Friday, May 9; 8 p.m.
Where: Winspear Centre – 4 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW and corner of 99th Street and 102nd Avenue NW
Cost: $37.50 to $79.50
Small-town chaos? Check. Sisterly secrets? Double check. This heartwarming comedy follows two island-dwelling sisters whose chill life takes a sharp left turn when unexpected guests (and big news) roll in. It’s full of laughs, love, and just the right amount of family drama.
When: Now until Sunday, May 18 (see timings here)
Where: Varscona Theatre – 10329 83rd Ave. NW
Cost: $25 to $38
Brains are weird and wonderful. And this vibrant exhibit dives deep into how your neurons fire, why your thoughts wander, and what makes your mind uniquely you. With interactive displays and eye-popping visuals, it’s part science lab, part art show and all curiosity.
When: Now until Sunday, June 22, 2025
Where: Royal Alberta Museum — 9810 103a Ave.
Cost: $21+
Peacocks, tigers, dragons and more! This stylish exhibition has it all. The exhibit explores how Qing dynasty elites wore their status (literally) through embroidered animal badges. This historically fashionable display is absolute eye candy.
When: Now until Sunday, June 28, 2025
Where: University of Alberta Museums Gallery A — 11104 87th Ave.
Cost: Admission by donation
There you go — 10 ways to dodge boredom this week and sprinkle a little flair into your life. You’re welcome!
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