Rainmaker Rodeo, after dark parties and Oilers action: Here’s what’s happening in Edmonton this weekend

A crowd explores the Rainmaker Rodeo festival grounds in an undated photo. (Courtesy: Rainmaker Rodeo)

The weekend is gracing us with mid-to-high 20 C temperatures and plenty of sunshine to enjoy.

It will be easy to plan your weekend with plenty of outdoor festivals and family friendly events to choose from.

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

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Festivals and exhibitions

Rainmaker Rodeo

The St. Albert Kinsmen club will be kicking the weekend off with the 58th annual Rainmaker Rodeo.

Guests can expect carnival favourites including games, foods, rides and live music.

There will be plenty of action with nine rodeo events such as junior bull riding, barrel racing, bareback riding.

The Rural Alberta Advantage will perform Saturday night with The Royal Foundry and The Ramifications, while Sunday’s country lineup will include Gord Bamford, Kalsey Kulyk, Justin Hogg and Mourning Wood.

Although the event will begin Friday afternoon, the parade to ring in the festival will be happening Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

More information can be found at the Rainmaker Rodeo’s website.

The Rainmaker won’t be the only festival happening around Edmonton this weekend; Beaumont Days and the Londonderry Mall Fair will have plenty of carnival amenities to savour.

Where: Kinsmen Fair Grounds, 47 Riel Drive, St. Albert

When: Friday to Sunday

Admission: Free to attend with ticketed events

2025 Twinfest Edmonton

2025 Twinfest Edmonton showcases large-scale balloon sculptures of twin cultures and celebrations around the world.

The family friendly event celebrates National Multiple Births Awareness Week in Canada.

There will be face painters at the event along with henna artists, dancers, drummers and live performances from the Rumba Caliente Orchestra.

For more information, click on the link.

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

When: Friday and Saturday

Admission: Free

After dark parties

Galaxyland After Dark

Edmonton’s indoor amusement park will go dark on Friday.

Galaxyland will be lit with neon lights throughout the evening while guests get access to unlimited rides accompanied by a live DJ spinning tunes to keep the party going.

Ticket holders can opt to remember the night with a commemorative 360-degree photo booth.

After Dark tickets are available online through the link.

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

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

Admission: $45

Chinatown After Dark Night Market

The back alleys of Edmonton’s Chinatown will transform into a bustling market where guests can buy wares from vendors and enjoy delights from more than 20 restaurants in the neighbourhood.

The night market will offer patio spaces, entertainment and activities for the whole family.

More information on the event is available on the Facebook event page.

Where: 10566 97 St.

When: Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Admission: Free with food and drink tickets

Theatre

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder

With ten Tony Award nominations and four wins, including 2014’s Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a tale about a poor commoner who finds out he’s ninth in line to a family fortune after the death of his mother.

One by one, the eight relatives ahead of the protagonist are found dead.

Tickets to the show are available online.

Where: The Orange Hub, 10045 156 St. NW

When: Friday to June 1

Admission: $51 to $77

The Stand Up Show presents: Tesh Aytenfisu

The Grindstone Theatre is hosting a local up-and-comer comedian for a Saturday night full of laughter.

Tesh Aytenfisu is headlining the evening. He was one of the finalists in the CBC’s Top 100 Next-Up Comedians and has performed all over Canada.

The comic’s routine is shaped by his Ethiopian heritage mixed with a unique Canadian perspective.

Tickets for the show are available on Grindstone Theatre’s website.

Where: The Grindstone Theatre, 10019 81 Ave. NW

When: Friday at 9 p.m.

Admission: $22 plus fees

Sports

Game 3: Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars

The Edmonton Oilers are coming off a heavy 6-3 loss after leading the first two periods during Wednesday’s game.

The Oilers will face-off against the Stars on their turf Friday evening, but will return to Oil Country for Sunday’s afternoon game, hoping to take the lead for the first time this series.

Tickets to Sunday’s game are available online.

Where: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave.

When: Sunday at 1 p.m.

Admission: $475 and up

JB’s Power Centre Street Legal Drag Racing

Thrill seekers can get behind the wheel and drag race to their heart’s delight every Friday and Saturday until the end of September.

Any willing driver can put their drag-racing skills to the test in a safe, controlled environment so long as they have a valid driver’s license, proof of registration and insurance.

Spectators are welcome.

More information on the drag racing event can be found on the RAD Torque Raceway website.

Where: RAD Torque Raceway, 50342 Range Rd.

When: Friday to Sept. 27

Admission: $10 to $40