Ukrainian Fest: A Celebration of Culture and Cuisine
The Edmonton Ukrainian Festival, known as UFest, returns to Borden Park on Friday and Saturday, showcasing Western Canada's largest Ukrainian heritage event. With a local population of over 150,000, the festival offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can learn a bit of Cyrillic, such as the city's name in Ukrainian: Едмонтон.
Food, Shopping, and Workshops
Indulge in traditional foods like chubby perogies, creamy nalysnyky, and the must-try kubbie burger. Beyond the culinary delights, the festival features shopping opportunities and craft workshops, including pysanky egg-decorating sessions at 7 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday.
Live Music and Dance
Enjoy wandering with a beer while local Ukrainian dance troupes perform to jaunty folk songs, showcasing intricate moves in stunning costumes. Live music continues with UFest After Dark from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night, featuring Neech on Friday and Zabava u Koli on Saturday.
Details: 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday at Borden Park, free admission. Slava Ukraini!
Cat Fest Finale: A Purr-fect Sunday
The monthlong Cat Fest concludes Sunday at MacEwan Robbins Centre, offering everything from informative panels to yoga with cats and adoption opportunities. The event features contests for art, poetry, and photography, with celebrity Instagram cats like Fitzcapades and the adventure cats Puff & Cocoa Climbs.
Proceeds support local cat rescues, having raised nearly $200,000 since 2014. Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, $15/adult, $14/senior, 12 and under free at edmontoncatfest.com.
Edmonton Drag Festival: A Vibrant Extravaganza
The non-profit, 2SLGBTQIA+ Edmonton Drag Festival kicks off with the Queetiosity showcase, featuring a cascade of drag luminaries and DJs. This event promises high-energy performances and inclusive fun for all attendees.
Tekkonkinkreet Anime Screening
Anime fans can enjoy a screening of the acclaimed film Tekkonkinkreet, adding a cinematic dimension to the weekend's festivities. Check local listings for showtimes and venues.
