Labour Day is the final long weekend of summer—and Edmonton knows how to send it off in style. Whether you want to soak up live music, take part in local traditions, feed a sheep, experience Canada’s Best Toilet 2021, dive into Alberta history, or just get outside under the stars, there are plenty of family-friendly events and adventures waiting for you.
This guide brings together the best things to do in Edmonton this Labour Day weekend, including festivals, BBQs, stargazing events, and lakeside escapes just beyond the city limits.
Alberta Day at the Legislature Grounds
Address: 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton
Date & Time: Sunday, August 31, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Highlights:
Marketplace, Kids Zone, food trucks, beer garden
Live performances all day, with The Prairie States headlining at 8 PM
Spectacular drone show finale at dusk
Cost: Free, family-friendly
More Info: Alberta Day
Edmonton & District Labour Council’s (EDLC) 34th Annual Labour Day BBQ
Address: Giovanni Caboto Park, 9425 109A Ave NW, Edmonton
Date & Time: Monday, September 1, 11:30 AM–3:30 PM
Highlights:
Free BBQ (burgers, hot dogs, Taber corn, frozen treats)
Live music, bouncy castle, giveaways
Volunteers may receive Edmonton Elks tickets
Cost: Free, family-friendly
More Info: EDLC Event Page
Fort Edmonton Park
Address: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton
Hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Why Go: Ride a steam train, explore historic streets, and meet costumed interpreters in Canada’s largest living-history museum.
Cost: Admission required — see Fort Edmonton Park
Family-Friendly: Yes
Borden Park Natural Swimming Pool
Address: 7615 Borden Park Rd NW, Edmonton
Hours: 11 AM–7 PM
Why Go: Experience Canada’s first chemical-free public outdoor pool.
Tips: Pre-shower required, no sunscreen or cotton clothing.
Cost: Admission applies — see City of Edmonton Pools
Family-Friendly: Yes
Also located not far away, former winner of Best Toilet In Canada, the snare-drum shaped public toilet at the Borden Park Pavillion is a great place to answer nature’s call. No, really - this happened.
Milky Way Day at Elk Island National Park
Address: Astotin Lake Day Use Area, Elk Island National Park
Date & Time: Sunday, August 31 — 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (solar viewing), 8:00 PM (guest talk), 9:00 PM onward (night sky viewing)
Why Go:
Solar telescope viewing in the afternoon
Evening astronomy talk with Dr. Sharon Morsink
Stargazing under pristine skies at an official Dark-Sky Preserve
Cost: Free with park admission (Adults ~$9, youth free)
Family-Friendly: Yes—bring a blanket, bug spray, flashlight, and warm layers
More Info: RASC Edmonton
Sheep Leaving Parade – Fort Saskatchewan
Address: Fort Heritage Precinct, 10006 100 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan
Date & Time: Saturday, August 30, 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Why Go: See Fort Saskatchewan’s resident sheep parade through downtown before returning from summer grazing. Perfect for families and little ones.
Cost: Free
Info: Visit the Sheep – Fort Saskatchewan
This one really is the GOAT.
Songbird Banding at Beaverhill Bird Observatory
Location: Near Tofield, AB (directions on website)
Dates & Times: Aug 30 & 31, 6:30 AM–12:45 PM
Why Go: Join biologists as they band migratory songbirds. Educational and unforgettable for nature lovers.
Cost: Tickets required — Buy Here
Family-Friendly: Yes, though best for older kids and early risers
More Info: Beaverhill Bird Observatory
The bird bird bird, bird is the word
🏖️ Seba Beach Regatta
Address: Seba Beach, AB
Date & Time: August 30–September 1 (fireworks Saturday night)
Why Go: Historic lakeside regatta with volleyball, parades, crib tournaments, dancing, and fireworks.
Cost: Most events free
Family-Friendly: Yes
More Info: To Do Canada
Kinosoo Beach (Cold Lake)
Address: Cold Lake, AB
Why Go: Alberta’s ultimate beach adventure with ziplining, flyboarding, and soft sand.
Travel Time: ~3 hours from Edmonton
Family-Friendly: Yes
More Info: To Do Canada
🗓️ Sample Labour Day Itinerary
Labour Day in Edmonton – FAQ
Q: Why do we celebrate Labour Day in Canada?
A: Labour Day has been a statutory holiday since 1894, created to honour workers’ contributions and the labour movement’s role in shaping Canada. It grew out of rallies and parades organized in the late 1800s, particularly the Toronto Printers’ Strike of 1872.
Q: What’s the history of Alberta as a province?
A: Alberta joined Confederation in 1905, carved from the Northwest Territories. Known for its sweeping prairies, Rocky Mountains, and energy industry, Alberta’s history blends Indigenous heritage, European settlement, ranching, and resource development. Today, it’s a province celebrated for its festivals, natural parks, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Q: Are Labour Day events in Edmonton family-friendly?
A: Yes! Events like the Alberta Day celebration, EDLC BBQ, Sheep Parade, and Seba Beach Regatta are designed with families in mind. Elk Island’s Milky Way Day is also great for kids, though evenings can run late.
Q: Do I need tickets for these events?
A: Most events are free. The main exceptions are Beaverhill Bird Observatory’s banding sessions (ticketed) and Elk Island National Park’s entry fee. Always check event pages before heading out.
Q: What should I bring to Labour Day weekend events in Edmonton?
A: Essentials include sunscreen, water, hats, bug spray, and comfy shoes. For Elk Island, bring a flashlight, blanket, and warm layers. For Seba Beach, pack swimwear, towels, and a picnic basket.
Why Edmonton?
Edmonton’s Labour Day weekend captures the very best of this city: music, history, quirky traditions, and nights under one of Canada’s brightest starry skies. If this lifestyle speaks to you, maybe it’s time to plant roots here.
Call or text me at 780-232-2064, or visit PabianRealty.ca to start your Edmonton home journey today.
