Discover the city and its heritage with these five activities in Saskatoon from June 19 to 21. Highlights include the annual Back Alley Antics, a classic musical, a celebration of local history, live music, and an online Canadian book festival.
1. Explore Back Alleys with a Dance Show
Free Flow Dance Theatre presents Back Alley Antics, a unique travelling outdoor experience showcasing Saskatoon's back alleys through site-specific performances focused on dance and poetry. Featured performers include Kyle Syverson, Kyla Joyce, Jodie Lonsberry, Ryan Bradshaw, Quinlan Sharkey, Peter Abonyi, and Avery Gelhorn. This family-friendly event runs Friday to Sunday, nightly at 7 p.m., starting at Horn Park (10th Avenue North and Empress Street). Learn more at freeflowdance.com/events.
2. Relive a Memorable Classic
Saskatoon Summer Players present Lionel Bart's Oliver!, a classic musical based on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. The heartfelt story follows a young orphan navigating hardship, temptation, and kindness, reminding audiences that compassion can be found even in the darkest corners. The production features 26 children aged eight to 13, with actors sharing the stage alongside parents, children, siblings, and married couples. The musical runs Friday to June 28 at the Remai Arts Centre. Learn more at saskatoonsummerplayers.ca.
3. Embrace Local History
The Saskatoon Heritage Society presents Our City, Our Stories, a celebration of 50 years exploring the city's natural, cultural, and built heritage. The event includes speaking presentations, cultural entertainment, informative walking tours, visual displays, food stations, and a youth colouring station. A blank paper Story Wall invites attendees to write their favourite moment or building in Saskatoon's history. Opening ceremonies feature First Nations Knowledge Keeper Lyndon Linklater and Mayor Cynthia Block, with City Archivist Jeff O'Brien as MC. The free event is Saturday at River Landing near the Pumphouse, from noon to 5 p.m. Register for select events at saskatoonheritage.ca.
4. Celebrate Music Across the Ages
Saskatoon's Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue presents an evening of fun and music, performing classic favourites from the '50s and '60s alongside surprising new tunes. The concert is Friday at The Bassment at 8:30 p.m. Learn more at thebassment.ca. Additionally, vocal jazz ensemble Solstice celebrates its 50th anniversary with Solstice: The First 50 Years!, featuring nine vocalists performing songs from the 1930s to the 2000s accompanied by piano, bass, percussion, synthesizer, and saxophones. The concert is Saturday at The Bassment at 7:30 p.m. Learn more at solsticevocaljazz.com.
5. Online Canadian Book Festival
An online Canadian book festival offers a virtual opportunity to engage with authors and literature from across the country. Details can be found through local event listings.
