Family Five
ZOO CELEBRATION
Join Lucy the elephant as she celebrates her 40th birthday, which also happens to coincide with a certain country’s big celebration. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is also turning 56 on Wednesday, which makes for a trio of reasons why you might want to head over and enjoy the red and white Canadian mini-cupcakes on offer, and watch Lucy’s reaction as she’s served a surprise gift.
There’s also a scavenger hunt, tours on the Adventure Bus, airbrushed tattoos, as well as live music and animal facts. When: Wednesday, July 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road Admission: $13.75, adult; $11.50, youth and senior; $8.50, child Info: edmonton.ca
CITY HALL CELEBRATION
City Hall will be on top of Canada Day with a host of free activities throughout the day. It all starts with a ceremony in the City room, followed by live music and dancing, City Hall tours, children’s activities, displays, and giveaways.
Musical acts include the Edmonton and District Pipe Band and White Lightning Band, with performances by magician Ron Pearson, the Yellow Ribbon Dancers, yo-yo specialist Charles Haycock and more. When: Wednesday, July 1, noon to 4 p.m. Where: City Hall Admission: Free Info: edmonton.ca
STREET PERFORMERS
Churchill Square will be packed with free entertainment for the week as local, national and international street performers take over for the 2015 Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.
Outdoor shows take place throughout the square, but there’ll also be a kids world open daily on the northeast corner, and a ticketed latenight showcase near the end of the run downstairs in the Stanley A. Milner Library.
Performers include Alakazam the Human Knot, Dan the Balloon Man, the English Gents, Hilby the Skinny German Juggler and First Nations hip-hop dance crew Rhythm Speaks.
Check the website for more information. When: Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 12. Where: Churchill Square Admission: Free Info: edmontonstreetfest.com
BLOCK PARTY
If you can’t go to New Orleans, then at least enjoy a taste of it in Edmonton as the shops at High Street throw their annual block party, this time Mardi Gras style.
There’ll be live music by Swingtime, with dance performances by swing dancers, plus crafts, including the opportunity to make your own Mardi Gras mask. Kids’ games are also planned, plus vendors, food trucks and more. When: Sunday, July 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: 125th Street and 102nd Avenue Admission: Free Info: 124street.ca
HISTORIC FE STIVAL LAUNCH
The weeklong Historic Festival and Doors Open Edmonton gets underway on Sunday, celebrating the history of the area with walking tours, museum and archive events, and plenty of other activities.
The 19th edition of the festival kicks off on a 1920s carnival theme, with games, storytelling, tours, and lots of other entertainment. Don’t worry about the weather; the event will be held both in and out of doors. When: Sunday, July 5, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Edmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum, 10425 99th Ave. Admission: Free Info: historicedmonton.ca