Pride, Lego and horse races: What’s happening in Edmonton this weekend

Edmonton Pride Parade in an undated file photo. (CTV News Edmonton)

The second-to-last weekend of the summer holidays is nearly here and it’s accompanied by plenty of sunshine and 25 C temperatures to enjoy.

There’s much to do in Edmonton with ongoing festivals, markets and parades on the horizon.

Here’s what’s happening in the city this weekend.

• Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts on all the top Edmonton stories

Festivals and events

Edmonton Pride Festival

The 2025 Edmonton Pride Festival will be taking over Ice District over the weekend.

The festival will kick off with a “Pink Pony Club” event at Fan Park at 5 p.m. on Friday and will feature live music, acrobats, mechanical bull rides and dancers.

Edmonton’s Pride Parade will make its return after seven years and will march from Churchill Square to Ice District Plaza starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Guests can catch a ball hockey championship game between the Edmonton Rage against the Calgary Pioneers for the coveted Pride Cup trophy and watch live musical performances from artists including Jamie Fine and Lu Kala.

More information on the event can be found on the Edmonton Pride Festival website.

Where: Fan Park at Ice District, 10104 104 Ave. NW

When: Friday to Sunday

Admission: Free

Yego 2025

Lego enthusiasts will have their hands full at Yego 2025, the largest Lego festival in Edmonton.

Beginning Sunday, Lego builders can compete in various Lego-constructing competitions including a prebuild event where contestants bring what they’ve made at home before the judges, a master build competition, speed-building events, racing, train challenges and a Lego soccer tournament.

If you’re feeling less competitive, a free building area will be offered to those wanting to exercise their creative muscles.

For tickets, visit the Mill Woods Town Centre website.

Where: Mill Woods Town Centre, 2331 66 St. NW

When: Saturday and Sunday

Admission: Free and ticketed events

Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival

It’s the last weekend to experience the International Fringe Theatre Festival in Edmonton.

There are more than 223 theatre productions across 40 venues participating in this year’s festival with plenty of free fun for the whole family.

An outdoor market will be set up on the Fringe grounds filled with local artisans and plenty of dining options available with the alley of food trucks on site. Hello, delicious green onion cakes, lemonade and deep-fried oreos.

To buy tickets to a show, visit the festival’s website.

Where: Old Strathcona area and various venues

When: Ends Sunday

Admission: Free and ticketed events

Markets

Chinatown After Dark

Sunday marks the last Chinatown After Dark event of the summer.

Chinatown’s neighbourhood alleys will turn into patios and entertainment spaces for the night.

The event offers food, music, entertainment and craft-making sessions.

Tickets can be purchased on site to order food, including curry fish balls, beef skewers, fried golden buns, ginger beef, spicy wontons, and more.

Where: In the alley behind 10566 97 St.

When: Saturday, 6 to 11 p.m.

Admission: Free

Festa Italiana 2025

Festa Italiana, put on by the Viva Italia Edmonton community group, celebrates all things Italian.

The event features face painting, entertainment for kids, bouncy castles, local vendors, professional wrestling, cars and, of course, food.

Musical performances will be put on throughout the event as well as a stand-up comedy by actor and television personality John Catucci from You Gotta Eat Here and Big Food Bucket List.

Where: Giovanni Caboto Park, 9425 109A Ave.

When: Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Big ticket events

Deftones North American Tour 2025

Legendary alternative rockers Deftones are making a stop in Edmonton for their latest North American tour this weekend.

Ever since forming in 1988, Deftones have paved the way for metalheads with their hits including Change (In the House of Flies), Digital Bath and Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away).

The Grammy award winning metal band will take over Rogers Place with special musical guests Phantogram and The Barbarians of California.

Where: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave. NW

When: Sunday, doors open at 7 p.m.

Admission: $79 and up

96th Running of the Canadian Derby

We’re off to the races!

The largest event in Western Canadian racing is heading to Century Mile Racetrack on Saturday.

Visit the Century Mile Racetrack and Casino website for more details or to purchase tickets.

Where: Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, 4711 Airport Perimeter Rd.

When: Saturday at 3 p.m.

Admission: $25 and up