By Joel Dryden
Though Edmonton’s neighbours to the south will be caught up in Stampede-mania throughout the month of July, YEG boasts a stacked lineup of festivals all its own. From the Interstellar Rodeo to the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival, here’s the best of Edmonton this month. [Photo credit: Edmonton International Street Performers Festival]
We’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of “poke” to Edmonton’s city streets, covering the construction process of Ono Poke Co. on 104 Street. The wait came to an end in June as the shop opened its doors to Edmontonians anxious to sample the latest food trend. For the uninitiated, poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish that mixes raw fish and salad (it’s delicious). A second poke joint, Splash Poke, also recently opened on 109 Street.
Three Boars co-owner and chef Brayden Kozak is the mastermind behind Wishbone, which opened in late June on Jasper Avenue. Designed with sharing “Canadian Surf and Turf” dishes in mind, the restaurant is the third project by the owners behind Three Boars, who also run Farrow Sandwiches & Coffee on 109 Street. Chicken, pork and beef skewers complement main dishes such as beef striploin and baked oysters.
Of course, July kicks off with a bang as we all ring in Canada’s big 150. Edmonton’s Canada Day celebrations promise to commemorate the landmark anniversary in style, and the annual fireworks show will surely be bigger and better than ever – so make sure you stake out a great vantage point.
But they don’t call Edmonton the Festival City for nothing – Canada Day is just the start of a month jam-packed with summer fun. Sand on Whyte – which kicked off in late June – continues until July 8 in Old Strathcona. Though carving with sand isn’t as well-known as ice carving, the festival draws internationally renowned artists whose sand creations will surely impress.
The Edmonton International Street Performers Festival is yet another niche event that will surely enlighten onlookers as to the value of an often-overlooked art form. Mimes, puppeteers and character actors take center stage at this festival, which runs for 10 days starting July 7 at Sir Winston Churchill Square.
Not to be bested by the Calgary Stampede, Edmontonians will hold a different sort of rodeo July 21 to 23 at Hawrelak Park. The sounds of Broken Social Scene, Aloe Blacc and Serena Ryder will fill the Heritage Amphitheatre as the Interstellar Rodeo rides into town for its 2017 festival. Weekend passes and single-day tickets are still available.
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Discover more fun things to do in Edmonton:
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There’s simply too much on the calendar this month for us to cover it all in one Smart Tip. Thankfully, Cynthia Waldner has circled all the dates you can’t miss in this Smart Tip – from the Blues on Whyte Block Party (June 30 to July 2) to the Whyte Avenue Art Walk (July 7 to 9).
Though we strive to keep you up to date on the latest and greatest storefronts and restaurants opening up around your city, some eateries are hard to keep track of. Thankfully, we have Gene Kosowan to keep track of all food on four wheels with this Smart Tip dedicated to Edmonton food trucks.
Edmonton might not have the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, but the Festival City proves there’s more to July than a rodeo. Grab a bowl of poke and enjoy the sunshine while watching internationally renowned sand sculptors and performances – it’s all on the schedule in Edmonton this July.
