Date the City
An arts day in Edmonton
Galleries, history, a gallery-hopping stroll and a show to finish. Here’s how to spend a creative day in Edmonton.
What is Date the City?
Fall in love with Edmonton, one day at a time
Edmonton’s arts scene is bigger than most people expect, and a lot of it sits within walking distance downtown. This plan mixes the big names with the small, local spots.
Date the City is my series about getting to know Edmonton like a local. Grab your favourite person (or go solo) and try this plan. Then tell me how it went.
Photo: Zalfa Imani / Unsplash
The plan
Your day, stop by stop
Coffee and the Art Gallery of Alberta
Start with a latte downtown, then explore the gallery under that famous swooping steel roof.
Royal Alberta Museum
A short walk away. Give yourself time for the human history hall and the Indigenous galleries.
Downtown on 104 Street
Lots of choice for a sit-down lunch close to Churchill Square.
Gallery hopping on 124 Street
Wander the independent galleries, design shops and cafés along 124 Street and Jasper Avenue.
A show
Catch a play at the Citadel Theatre or an indie film at Metro Cinema at the Garneau, then debrief over dessert on Whyte.
Hours and prices change, so check each spot’s website before you go.
nooooodles 1337 / Unsplash
Kyle Head / Unsplash
Josh Liu / UnsplashMake it yours
Swap it for the season or your budget
Summer swap
In August, spend the whole day at the Fringe in Old Strathcona. Short shows, street performers and great people watching.
Winter swap
Late January brings Flying Canoë Volant to Mill Creek Ravine, a free night of lights and storytelling.
Budget version
Watch for free-admission evenings at the Art Gallery of Alberta, and pop into artist-run spaces like Latitude 53.
Where to live
Love this kind of day? Live close to it
These neighbourhoods put this whole plan a short trip from your front door.
Keep exploring
More Edmonton lifestyle guides
Earl McKenzie / UnsplashFood & Drink
Farmers’ markets, patios, coffee and the spots locals actually go back to.
Read the guide →
Darby P. / UnsplashOutdoors & Nature
The river valley, trails, lakes and how to love all four seasons.
Read the guide →
Darin Wicentowich / UnsplashFamily Fun & Festivals
Playgrounds, rainy-day spots and Canada’s Festival City with kids.
Read the guide →
Tyler Clemmensen / UnsplashEntertainment & Nightlife
Live music, comedy, game nights and date-night ideas.
Read the guide →
Want to live close to the arts?
I’m Sarah Jackson, an Edmonton REALTOR® with REMAX River City. I love helping people find the neighbourhood that fits the way they actually live. New to town or just curious, I’m always happy to share my favourite spots.
Sarah Jackson, REALTOR® · REMAX River City · Edmonton, Alberta