Downtown Edmonton is the beating heart of our city. It’s our main economic and cultural engine, our main celebration space, offering unique public spaces with events and festivals that attract the most residents and visitors in Edmonton. It drives Edmonton’s economic prosperity. That’s why investing in it matters.
Investing in the heart of Edmonton and making downtown a vibrant place is a priority.
Downtown Edmonton's Newest Park is About to Open!
The Warehouse Park Project has turned parking lots into a community green space and we're excited to celebrate the opening! Starting November 7, join us daily for community programming. From Indigenous performances and glowing projections to family-friendly workshops, live music and cozy treats. We’re bringing warmth, culture and connection to our downtown neighbourhood. Learn more about the Warehouse Park project.
Location
106 Street to 108 Street and Jasper Avenue to 102 Avenue
Schedule of Events
Grand Opening Evening
Friday, November 7 from 5:30-8pm
- Heart Berry animated projection
- Indigenous performances and alcohol-free hot toddy bar
Play in the Park
Saturday, November 8 from 4-7pm
- Performance by 5 Elements: Drum and Lion Dance Crew
- Glow Basketball
- Dance party with DJ January
- Performances by Roger Dallaire and Edmonton’s Le Fuzz Duo
Slow Sunday
Sunday, November 9 from 1-3pm
- Acoustic performances by Suraiya, Amanda Gendron, Roger Dallaire, Edmonton’s Le Fuzz Duo and Curt Young
- Circus workshop
- Cosplay performance with Edmonton Cause Players
- Children’s musical performance by Seeka Sings
- Dog-friendly photo booth
- Free doughnuts
Meet Us Out of Office
Monday, November 10 from 1-4pm
- Circus workshop
- Acoustic performance by Liz Lauer and Cree singer/songwriter Uncle Joe and Curt Young
Lunch in the Park
Wednesday, November 12 from 11:30am to 2pm
- Stories of Us
- Stretch and breath session
- Prizes from Azzy’s Pet Shop
- Free doughnuts and lattes
- Valley Line West LRT info booth
- Guided tours by Parks Rental Tower by Maclab Development Group
Lunch in the Park
Thursday, November 13 from 11:30am to 2pm
- Performance by Marissa K, Roger Dallaire and Edmonton’s Le Fuzz Duo
- Readings by Edmonton author Janice MacDonald
- Stretch and breath session
- Free doughnuts and lattes
- Taste of Jamaica
Northern Glow Night
Friday, November 14 from 5-8pm
- Heart Berry animated projection
- Performances by DJ Rudy Roman and Suraiya
- Lantern making
Play in the Park
Saturday, November 15 from 9-11am
- Circus workshop
- Performances by Doug Robb and Liz Lauer
- Children’s musical performance by Seeka Sings
Slow Sunday
Sunday, November 16 from 1-3pm
- Circus workshop
- Performances by Angela Power, Amanda Gendron, Daniel Gervais and Roger Dallaire
- Free doughnuts
- Puppucino station
Note: There is no programming scheduled on Remembrance Day, Tuesday November 11. Activities and performances may change.
- Heart Berry Animated Projection: Sokaris Studio and artist Jcat presents an animated projection that shares the story of the Heart Berry, illuminating the area’s name and its connection to the land through art and light.
- Indigenous performances and alcohol-free hot toddy bar: Enjoy a signature alcohol-free hot toddy from SPILT while enjoying performances by traditional drum group Abraham Lake Singers and Inuk performer Jaynine McCrae in celebration of International Inuit Day.
- 5 Elements: Drum and Lion Dance Crew: This vibrant performance brings the roar of the drums and the grace of the lion to life, captivating audiences with modern choreography rooted in cultural heritage.
- Glow Basketball: Get active! Check out the park’s new basketball courts with glowing basketballs available for play.
- Cosplay performance by Edmonton Cause Players: Watch the magic of cosplay come to life, from superheroes to princesses.
- Children’s musical performance by Seeka Sings: Beloved children’s performer Seeka Sings will bring joyful music to the park, engaging young audiences with song, movement and imagination.
- Free doughnuts: Fawkes Cafe and Bakery will have free, fresh-made doughnuts available in four irresistible flavours (while supplies last).
- Circus workshop: Enjoy a high-energy circus workshop that gets kids (and kids at heart) moving, laughing and staying warm through winter play.
- Stories of Us: Cree Knowledge Keeper Monique Collins shares "Stories of Us" – reflections on land, language and connection – accompanied by freshly baked bannock and tea! (while supplies last).
- Stretch and breath session: Keith Daikow shares Métis storytelling while The Jungle Wellness Studio brings a guided stretch and breath session.
- Free coffee: Enjoy free handcrafted lattes and cappuccinos from local coffee dealer Piccolo Coffee Lab. (while supplies last).
- Readings by Edmonton author Janice MacDonald: Janice MacDonald shares a nostalgic reflection on her summers working downtown in the 1980s, alongside readings from her newest series that explore iconic urban parks around the world.
- Taste of Jamaica: Jamaica Association of Northern Alberta brings a taste of Jamaica to the park, with free lunch that includes beef patties, soup, chicken wings and hot chocolate (while supplies last).
- Lantern making: Create a glowing, strawberry lantern with Edmonton artist GABS. Enjoy a dazzling evening glow performance from Hula Hoop Circus, or throw around glow basketballs at the court.
Our downtown has transformed over the last 10 years with more than $4.7 billion in development in the residential, office, educational, cultural and entertainment sectors.
Now we have an amazing opportunity for more transformation, growth and innovation in our downtown as Edmonton’s population continues to grow. A thriving downtown means a thriving Edmonton for everyone.
Downtown By The Numbers
- 1,632 businesses*
- 69,353 employees*
- 3 major post-secondary institutions are located downtown, attracting more than 30,000 students
- Nearly 13,000 residents live downtown
- 10.5 kilometres of bike routes
- 3 LRT lines converge in downtown with a fourth line under construction
- 4,860 kilometres travelled daily downtown by all ETS buses and LRT trains
- 22 parks and open spaces downtown with easy access to the largest urban parkland in North America
- 195 events downtown with over 910,000 attendees in 2024, representing nearly 25% of all events and attendees
Downtown Action Plan
The Downtown Action Plan guides eight priority actions that we will take immediately and over the next five years to support growth and investment in Edmonton’s downtown, making it a thriving place for Edmontonians, businesses and visitors.
New Entertainment District Downtown as Summer Approaches
Downtown is getting a new Entertainment District on 104 Street, where food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, can be consumed on the street. It will be open every Saturday throughout the summer during the Downtown Farmers’ Market.
The Rice Howard Way district will also be open on select days throughout the summer. The district was recently awarded first place by Economic Developers Alberta under its economic development renewal project category.
Multi-day Transit Passes
ETS offers 3-day and 5-day ARC transit passes, making it convenient for visitors coming downtown to take in its attractions like Rogers Place, the Winspear Centre or Royal Alberta Museum.
Downtown Community Revitalization Levy Extended
Edmonton is reaffirming its commitment to fostering a thriving downtown. City Council has approved a 10-year extension of the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) plan (Bylaw 16521), until 2044. This isn't just more of the same; it's a bold move to tackle redevelopment hurdles, spark growth and transform the area into a vibrant regional hub.
This extension fuels new investments to draw in talent, boost businesses, support arts and culture and create more housing, all to secure a prosperous future for the downtown core. The plan includes six exciting new catalyst projects and enhancements to two existing ones, focusing on:
- Downtown Infrastructure Fund
- Village at Ice District infrastructure
- Event Park
- Brownfield remediation
- Transit infrastructure
- Francis Winspear Centre for Music Expansion
Since its launch, the CRL has been transformative, driving over $4.7 billion in new development. This has brought us the iconic Ice District, more than 3,500 new homes and a revitalized downtown with new businesses, improved green spaces and upgraded infrastructure. Alongside the Capital City Downtown Plan, these investments are setting the stage for long-term downtown success!
Current City Projects
The City funds projects under the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy with the goal of stimulating development and increasing vibrancy with strategic public investments.
“I like being near the pulse of the city. I like knowing that if I want to pop out at 10pm, I can go for a drink or go for a walk. It’s nice to have those adventures so close at hand.”
– Levi Binnema, manager of Audrey Books and resident living downtown. Find out what Levi and others are saying about living downtown.
"People living there, going to restaurants, coffee shops, bars – like just activities. It’s a massive investment and people are going to use the LRT and other stuff the City has built."
– Langham Developments President Reza Mostashari, owner of Falcon One, a 30-storey, 234-unit residential building and recipient of City’s Economic Incentive Grant.
Downtown Vibrancy Projects
The City has invested $14 million in 126 projects under the Downtown Vibrancy Fund between 2022 and 2024. Projects led by businesses and organizations were funded to enhance our downtown.
The Downtown Vibrancy Fund provides funding to projects that support achieving the goals outlined in the Downtown Vibrancy Strategy.
The Downtown Vibrancy Fund closed at the end of 2024. As part of the Downtown Action Plan, future funding opportunities may become available. Sign up for our Downtown Newsletter to stay informed.
Entertainment Districts
People can buy alcoholic beverages and food from participating businesses in the Rice Howard Way and 104 Street entertainment districts and consume them on the street within the designated space.
104 Street Farmers Market
This market is open between May and the fall north of Jasper Avenue where people can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, homemade meals and artisanal goods from more than 45 vendors.
The Azure Dragon of the East
9643 101A Avenue
The second of a 4-mural series called the Four Guardians of Chinatown painted by local artist Branden Cha (Busyrawk). Each mural depicts mythical beasts from Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese ancestral lore.
Edmonton Sign
A 32-foot interactive art piece with a programmable LED light display located in Sir Winston Churchill Square showcases the work of local artists, offering a great photo backdrop.
Downtown Streetcar Events
A night on the town (May to October) is spent on the High Level Streetcar where Edmontonians and visitors enjoy a spectacular view of the river valley, locally-made beer and food, wrapping up the evening downtown at The Common with live performances.
