Festivals, tattoos and WHL playoffs: What a weekend in Edmonton

The APEGA Science Olympics are being held at the University of Alberta on April 5, 2025. (Courtesy: APEGA)

Temperatures in Edmonton will be climbing to double-digit numbers over the weekend.

Whether or not you’re debating wearing the first pair of shorts for the season, there are some indoor and outdoor activities to keep your weekend cup full.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Edmonton:

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Expos and events

Galaxyland Afterdark

Guests can enjoy the attractions at West Edmonton Mall’s amusement park long into the night on Saturday.

Galaxyland Afterdark will be lit with neon lights after hours while guests get access to unlimited rides and music from a live DJ. Ticket holders can commemorate the night with a 360-degree photo booth.

Tickets for the afterdark party are available online.

Where: Galaxyland, West Edmonton Mall – 8882 170 St. NW

When: Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission: $45

Beaumont’s Spring Fling Market

The 11th annual spring market will take over the Beaumont Community Centre this weekend.

The market features door prizes, swag bags, more than 80 vendors on site and a treasure hunt for kids.

Where: Beaumont Community Centre – 5204 50 Ave., Beaumont

When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free

Edmonton Tattoo & Arts Festival

One of the largest tattoo expos in Canada is coming to the Edmonton Expo Centre for the weekend.

More than 450 local and international tattoo artists will be offering their services and showing off their best work.

The tattoo convention will also feature contests, fire dancers, burlesque, drag shows and seminars.

Friday night of the event will only be reserved for 18+ guests.

Tickets are available on the festival website.

Where: Edmonton Expo Centre – 7515 118 Ave. NW

When: Friday to Sunday

Admission: $35 on Friday and Saturday, $30 on Sunday

Sensory Daytime Festival

The Sensory Daytime Festival is a feast for the senses.

Guests can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the sensory-themed event featuring interactive art installations, live music performances and activities.

The event offers gourmet eats, drinks and unique hand-crafted goods from vendors.

To reserve a timeslot, click here.

Where: The Pendennis Weddings and Events – 9660 Jasper Ave.

When: Saturday at 10 a.m.

Admission: Free

Fine arts

Bonfire Festival

Rapid Fire Theatre presents the annual improv show featuring the cast’s newest takes on the beloved theatre experience.

Every show at the festival is a new idea for the theatre company, with stories crafted on the spot from the Rapid Fire ensemble.

Some of the shows listed on the theatre company’s website are Made In Japan, Romantasy, Mad Libs, Poetry Sports and Nonsense and Sensibility.

Tickets for the event are available on the festival website.

Where: Rapid Fire Exchange – 10437 83 Ave.

When: Friday and Saturday

Admission: $10 with student ID, $20 general admission

Beauty and the Beat

Jubilations Dinner Theatre present their take on the fairytale with a battle of the bands twist.

The Mayor is hosting a battle of the bands contest where he hopes to find someone that will win with the hand of his daughter Beauty. Beast decides to join the contest but needs to learn how to play an instrument and start a band.

Kids can expect a family-friendly show filled with fun tunes and comedy, and enjoy delicious food that comes with the purchase of a ticket.

The show will be wrapping up after the weekend.

Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre, West Edmonton Mall – 8882 170 St.

When: Friday and Saturday

Admission: $42 and up

Sporting events

APEGA Science Olympics

An inter-school science competition will test the skills and knowledge of Grade 1 to 12 students.

Students will demonstrate their engineering and geo-science know-how in prepared classroom challenges developed by professionals and local teachers or in mystery challenges that are introduced the day of the competition.

The event is hosted by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

Spectators are welcome at the event.

Where: Universiade Pavilion at the University of Alberta – 114 Street and 87 Avenue

When: Saturday

Admission: Free

Edmonton Oil Kings v. Prince Albert Raiders

Round one of the WHL playoffs are in full swing and the Oil Kings are looking to take on the Prince Albert Raiders in Game 6 action on Sunday if they don’t win Game 5 in Prince Albert Friday night.

The Oil Kings are holding a 3-1 series lead after winning their first two games on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Where: Rogers Place – 10220 104 Ave.

When: Sunday at 4 p.m.

Admission: $20 and up