K-Days: Edmonton’s Iconic Summer Festival

A Visitor’s Guide to K-Days: Rides, Food, and Entertainment

K-Days is one of Edmonton’s largest and most popular summer festivals, offering ten days of rides, live entertainment, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Held annually at the Edmonton EXPO Centre and Exhibition Grounds, K-Days is a vibrant celebration of summer that draws visitors from across Alberta and beyond. With its roots dating back to 1879, the festival is a beloved tradition that has evolved over the years, while still retaining its spirit of fun and excitement.

From heart-pounding midway rides and carnival games to an impressive lineup of live concerts, cultural exhibits, and interactive experiences, K-Days has something for everyone. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for the thrill of the rides or a foodie eager to try unique treats, this festival delivers an unforgettable experience every July.

A Festival with Deep Roots in Edmonton’s History

K-Days began as the Edmonton Exhibition in the late 19th century, originally showcasing local agricultural products and livestock. Over the years, it grew into one of the most anticipated events in Alberta, offering a mix of carnival fun, agricultural exhibits, and live performances. Known as Klondike Days from the 1960s to 2006, the festival embraced the city’s connection to the Klondike Gold Rush, with attendees dressing in gold rush-era costumes. In 2012, the festival was rebranded as K-Days, continuing its tradition of high-energy entertainment and community celebration.

What to See and Do at K-Days

1. Midway Rides and Carnival Games:
   • The heart of K-Days is its midway, packed with exciting rides, classic carnival games, and bright lights. Whether you’re looking for high-speed roller coasters or gentle rides for kids, the midway has options for everyone.
   • Thrill Rides:
     • Adrenaline seekers can enjoy heart-pounding rides like the Zipper, Mega Drop, and the Ferris Wheel. These rides offer breathtaking views of the city skyline or rapid twists, turns, and drops for those craving excitement.
   • Family-Friendly Rides:
     • For younger visitors or those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of family-friendly rides such as the carousel, bumper cars, and giant slide. Kids can also enjoy mini versions of some of the bigger rides, ensuring fun for all ages.
   • Carnival Games:
     • The midway wouldn’t be complete without classic carnival games, where visitors can try their hand at winning plush toys, stuffed animals, and other prizes. Popular games include ring toss, water gun races, and basketball shots.
2. Live Music and Entertainment:
   • K-Days is known for its impressive lineup of live music and entertainment, with daily performances by both local and international artists. The festival features multiple stages, with shows ranging from rock and pop to country and hip-hop.
   • Main Stage Concerts:
     • Every evening, the main stage comes alive with performances by well-known artists and bands. Previous headliners have included Billy Talent, Marianas Trench, and The Arkells, offering something for every music fan.
   • Cultural Performances:
     • In addition to live music, K-Days also features a variety of cultural performances and shows, showcasing Edmonton’s diverse arts scene. From Indigenous drumming to Ukrainian dance troupes, these performances highlight the city’s multicultural heritage.
3. Food and Drinks:
   • K-Days is a food lover’s paradise, with an incredible variety of festival food and unique treats that range from sweet to savory. Strolling through the food stalls, visitors can sample traditional fair favorites like cotton candy, corn dogs, and mini doughnuts, as well as more adventurous options.
   • Creative Festival Foods:
     • Every year, K-Days vendors bring out creative and indulgent foods. You might find options like deep-fried Oreo cookies, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, bubble tea ice cream, or even insect-based snacksfor the more daring eaters.
   • Food Trucks and Local Flavors:
     • In recent years, K-Days has expanded its food options to include food trucks serving gourmet street food, as well as local vendors offering Alberta beef burgers, perogies, poutine, and more.
4. Parade and Fireworks:
   • The K-Days Kick-Off Parade is one of the festival’s most iconic events, officially launching the 10-day celebration. Held on the first day of K-Days, the parade winds through downtown Edmonton, featuring floats, marching bands, costumed performers, and community groups.
   • Spectacular Fireworks Show:
     • Every night during K-Days, the skies above the midway light up with a spectacular fireworks display. The fireworks are choreographed to music and can be seen from various locations around the festival grounds, offering a perfect way to cap off an exciting day.
5. Exhibits and Interactive Experiences:
   • K-Days isn’t just about rides and food—it also offers a range of exhibits and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. The Edmonton EXPO Centre plays host to several indoor displays, including technology showcases, art exhibits, and hands-on science activities.
   • Innovation and Technology:
     • Explore the latest in technology, virtual reality, and robotics at the K-Days tech exhibits. These interactive displays give visitors the chance to try out new gadgets and learn about innovations in various industries.
   • Indigenous Experience:
     • The festival also includes an Indigenous Experience area, where visitors can learn about the cultures and traditions of Alberta’s Indigenous peoples. This area often features craft demonstrations, traditional music, and storytelling.
6. Family Fun Zone:
   • K-Days is a family-friendly festival, with plenty of activities designed specifically for children and families. The Family Fun Zone includes play areas, interactive games, and craft stations where kids can let their creativity run wild.
   • Animal Exhibits:
     • Kids and animal lovers can visit petting zoos and exotic animal displays, where they can interact with friendly farm animals like goats and sheep, or learn about more exotic creatures from around the world.
7. Shopping and Vendors:
   • Throughout the K-Days grounds, there are numerous vendors offering a wide variety of goods, from handmade crafts and artisan jewelry to clothing, souvenirs, and gourmet food products. Visitors can browse through these stalls to find unique items and gifts to take home.
   • Market and Craft Fair:
     • Inside the EXPO Centre, visitors will find a marketplace with local vendors selling everything from art to home décor. It’s the perfect place to shop for handmade goods and support local businesses.

How to Get There

K-Days takes place at the Edmonton EXPO Centre and Exhibition Grounds, located just north of downtown Edmonton.

• Address: 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 0J2
• Public Transport: The festival is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), with several bus routes and LRT stations near the grounds. The Coliseum LRT Station is a short walk from the main entrance.
• Parking: Paid parking is available on-site, but it fills up quickly during peak times. Using public transport or ridesharing services is highly recommended.

Admission and Tickets

K-Days offers both single-day tickets and multi-day passes, with discounts for families, children, and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gates. Ride passes are also available for those who want unlimited access to the midway rides.

• Hours: The festival typically runs from 12 p.m. to midnight during the 10-day event.
• Admission Fees: General admission fees apply. Early bird discounts and special packages are often available.
• Official Website: K-Days

Best Time to Visit

K-Days is held annually in late July, and each day offers a different lineup of entertainment and events. However, certain days might be busier due to major performances or the kick-off parade.

• Opening Weekend: Great for experiencing the parade and early events.
• Weekdays: Often less crowded, making it easier to enjoy rides and games.
• Evenings: Ideal for live music and fireworks.

A Must-Visit Summer Festival for Thrills and Fun

Whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, live music, delicious food, or family fun, K-Days delivers a one-of-a-kind summer festival experience. With its mix of traditional carnival attractions and modern entertainment, this annual event captures the spirit of summer in Edmonton and offers something for visitors of all ages.