What makes a space a place? What does it mean to share an experience?
Ask interesting questions – and you’ll get interesting answers! The Works Art & Design Festival, Edmonton’s favourite celebration of creativity, is back from June 20 to July 1, 2026. The theme Are You Here creatively explores the concept of Place. Everyone is invited to this FREE and family-friendly festival, taking place in Sir Winston Churchill Square and other downtown venues. For 11 days, Edmonton’s core will come alive with colour, creativity, and connection!
What is The Works Festival?
As North America’s largest free outdoor visual art festival, The Works promises something new to discover every day. This year’s theme, Are You Here, brings even more to explore, with 19 festival sites and venues joining in the fun. Artists such as painter David Scholny, designer Jonathan Monfries, and audiovisual composers Instant Places will exhibit their work, along with other emerging and experimental works exploring the theme of Place. Discover over 200 artists across 41 exhibits at 18 festival sites and venues, and more than 115 FREE events, workshops, and activations.
Amber Rooke, Artistic Director of The Works Art & Design Festival, offers this insight, “When a person encounters something new, understanding is never contained to that moment alone; their memories, culture, and knowledge layer in to create a unique experience, not entirely shared by the people they are with in that moment.”
From quiet moments with intimate artworks to towering, larger-than-life sculptures, The Works Art & Design Festival invites visitors of all ages to experience art in exciting, multisensory ways—through sight, sound, and even smell! Kids can engage with playful, hands-on installations, while the whole family enjoys exploring a downtown transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery. With daily live music performances on the outdoor stage, it’s the perfect setting for a sunny stroll, a bite to eat, or even an impromptu dance break.
How to Experience The Works Festival
The main festival site at Churchill Square opens daily at 11 AM. The free workshops, guided tours, and interactive art experiences run from 12 – 9:15 PM. You can also enjoy Edmonton’s top musical talent, including JUNO-nominated artists, community choirs, and emerging performers, on the Works Street Stage from 12 – 9:15 PM. There will be special programming for Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), St-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), and Canada Day (July 1).
The Works Festival offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a go-to summer event for many Edmonton families. Its central downtown location is easily accessible by transit and is surrounded by great dining options, cafés, and other amenities. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or making it part of your summer tradition, The Works is a fantastic way to experience Edmonton’s vibrant art scene together; it’s an effortless and enjoyable day out.
No tickets, no pressure—just bring your curiosity and get ready to be inspired!
The Works Art and Design Festival:
Date: June 20 – July 1, 2026
Time: 11 AM – 9:15 PM
Venue: Sir Winston Churchill Square & Downtown Edmonton
Address: 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
Website: www.theworks.ab.ca
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