I Heart Edmonton

The Other Festivals By Emil Tiedemann I would be remiss if, in a town rightfully recognized as “Festival City,” I didn’t mention all of those other exciting and enticing festivals that happen all year round here in Edmonton. The 101 Reasons Why I Heart Edmonton book includes individual entries for the Fringe , Folk Fest , the Street Performers , Heritage Fest , and collectively the film festivals (‘The Cinema’), but there are so many others that deserve to be praised, and this list simply wouldn’t be complete without them. So, in alphabetical order, here they are from A to Zoofest... ALL IS BRIGHT FESTIVAL (since 2013) 124th Street and High Street light up for one vibrant Saturday night in November, as All Is Bright celebrates the coming of the winter season by providing illumination, entertainment, food, fashion, and plenty of all-ages fun. It is hosted by the 124th Street Business Association. ANIMETHON (since 1994) Japanese animation fanatics come out for three d...

Our privileged city, world famous for its festival line-up, is getting ready to premiere a new comedy fest this fall BY EMIL TIEDEMANN E DMONTON is no stranger to virgin festivals trying to get their piece of our city's viral festival community, one that remains active all year long. Every year it seems new events are popping up to celebrate and promote some art form, whether it be music, film, theatre, literary work, or even ice sculpting. Edmonton Comedy Festival organizer Andrew Grose But there's always been something lacking on the local festival scene (despite the little-known Improvaganza Fest in June), a theme familiar in world class events around the world, yet practically foreign to our own. That is, until now. Homegrown(ish) comics will take center stage at what has been christened the inaugural ATB Financial Edmonton Comedy Festival , set to make us actually lol from October 19-22, at various locations in the downtown, including the Stanley A. Milner Li...

Some of the latest happenings in Edmonton... BY EMIL TIEDEMANN F estival season has officially arrived, as events are on the verge or are in full swing as we speak. In just its third year, the unique Creative Age Festival has already begun, starting on June 8 and running until next Wednesday ( June 16 ). The 9-day event showcases our talented senior citizens who are somehow involved in film, theatre, music, visual arts, literary arts, and dance. "It encourages seniors to become more involved in arts programs and celebrates the contributions that senior artists have made in the arts fields," reads the CAF's official website . "A festival centered on these themes promotes healthy aging and attracts more seniors into creative fields." For a full program of the third annual Creative Age Festival click here . S peaking of festivals, Edmonton will celebrate Irish culture with the 6-day Serca Festival of Irish Theatre , which will feature four mainstage plays, music,...