June is for Festivals

It’s been a while since I’ve put together one of these, but here are some upcoming events of interest (many, if not most, are free of charge to attend) in River City.

• I’ve been meaning to tag along one of the free Discover Downtown Walking Tours since the Downtown Business Association started the promotion a few years ago, but it’s difficult given the weekday hour. At any rate, if you can spare some time during the day, these one hour tours will be offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1-2pm starting June 2 – August 20.
• The Edmonton Film Society continues their “Ye Olde British Comedy” series through to mid-June. Just $5 a screening!
• The first ever Creative Age Festival, which runs June 2 – 8, highlights “arts and aging by showcasing arts-based workshops, performances and events, including special film screenings and an Arts Café”.
• From June 4 – 7, the Dreamspeakers International Film Festival will celebrate the best of Aboriginal films through screenings, workshops and events.
• Heart of the City: Music & Arts Festival 2008, a community celebration of the diverse music and arts scene in the city’s downtown core, is taking place on June 7 at Giovanni Caboto Park (95 Street & 108 Avenue).
• Take some time to meet with local producers on June 8 & 9, for the Spring Time Family Drive, where 10 farms open their gates to the public for tours, children’s activities, and shopping. The Summer Family Drive will take place in early August if you can’t make it in June.
• The now Epcor-sponsored NextFest, taking place June 5 – 15, features 10 (plus the gala) days of performances, visual art displays, and more.  
• The annual Pride Awards kick off the always spirited Pride Week 2008: Unmasked and OUTrageous. Lunches, film screenings, and of course, the celebrated parade can be attended between June 13 – 22.
• I had no idea this year would see the 11th incarnation of the City’s River Day, being held on June 14 this year. Free family events include a pancake breakfast, paddling sessions, fishing lessons, and boat demonstrations, all at Rundle Park.
• Also on June 14 is the Hermitage Park Family Fishing Event – for $5/family, you can fish away!
• Improvaganza, Rapid Fire Theatre’s annual improvisational comedy festival, runs June 18-29 at the Varscona Theatre. Tickets are $10 for each show (with the exception of the Grande Finale), but there are two pay-what-you-can, family-friendly shows on Saturday afternoons.
• National Aboriginal Day celebrations will be taking place from June 18 – 24, with everything from drumming performances, art displays, and outdoor barbeques to take part in.
• The noted Edmonton International Jazz Festival runs June 20 – 29. Though most of the concerts require paid tickets, there are a number of free outdoor events and workshops to look forward to as well.
• Art lovers have probably been looking forward to the June 20 – July 2 Works Art & Design Festival all year.
• Airfest, billed as an “aviation extravaganza” has been growing every year, and will be held on June 22 in 2008. Check out the Alberta Aviation Museum website for updates.

Have fun!

EDIT: an ad in Vue Weekly reminded me about a festival I forgot to include: June is also Bikeology month, with drive-in movies, mocktails mixed by blenders hooked up to bikes, and free tune-ups. Check out the website for full details.