The forecast is calling for rain. Again. Here’s what’s happening in Edmonton this weekend, anyway. Festivals and markets The Works Art and Design Festival will be open rain or shine in the downtown core, according to organizers last week. The event begins in Churchill Square and takes attendees to 41 exhibits across 18 locations, many of which will be moved indoors should the rain be too heavy. The Edmonton International Jazz Festival is also going strong for its last weekend and offers both outdoor and indoor shows around the city. This Friday, Edmontonians can celebrate Pride Month at the Love Out Loud Night Market and Pride Celebration, which will bring 85 vendors, local artists, food trucks, flash tattoos and community groups to the Alberta Aviation Centre. Entry is free. The Rad Torque Raceway is bringing back Alberta Diesel Day on Saturday and Sunday. The motorsports event is a weekend full of drag racing, Show and Shine, vendor market and live music. Admission is $45 for one day or $85 for both, but kids 12 and under get in free. GospelFest, Edmonton’s first-ever gospel music festival and showcase, invites everyone back to the Citadel Theatre for a second year to celebrate the culture, history, legacy and joy of Black gospel music. There will be a food fair and musical showcase on Sunday. Sports For the first time ever, Canada advances to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup – and Edmonton will be watching. An Ice District watch party for Canada’s game vs. South Africa begins Sunday at noon. The game is at 1 p.m. The Edmonton Stingers play the Saskatoon Mamba on the Edmonton Expo Centre home court at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The Edmonton Riverhawks are, as always, hosting a theme night for home games at Re/Max Field this weekend. Friday is First Responders and Healthcare Heroes night. Saturday is ‘Yeee-Kawwww’ Country Night. Sunday is Baseball and Body Slams, which includes a full-sized wrestling ring rolled onto the field for a post-game showdown. They’ll be playing baseball, too. Edmonton is hosting the 2026 North American Cup Series for climbing from Friday to Sunday. The three-day event at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park will combine international competition with an outdoor festival featuring speed and lead climbing. Attendees will also be able to watch demos, buy from food vendors and beer gardens and even try their own hand at beginner’s climbing. The Commonwealth Stadium will be home to Game Changers, a beginner-friendly women’s football training camp experience, on Friday. The evening begins with a locker room social hour before training led by Edmonton Elks players.
