Aurora Lantern Parade

Lantern Workshop • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Nina (9225 – 118 Ave)

Parade: Friday • 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Festival Route: The parade will begin on 94 St & 118 Ave, and runs 2 blocks East to 92 St, then 1 block North to the Main Stage

When the sun goes down, the lanterns light up! To kick off our Kaleido Family Arts Festival weekend, join our Lantern Parade, where performers and festivalgoers dance, sing, drum, and laugh together. Follow the light to the main stage for more performances!

FRIDAY NIGHT HEADLINER

Funk the Matriarchy

Friday • 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Main Stage (93 St & 119 Ave in the Grassy Field)

Where rhythm meets rebellion, Funk the Matriarchy brings powerful energy to the stage, championing women in funk, soul, and R&B. This 7-piece powerhouse plays iconic hits and hidden gems by female artists, igniting dance floors while pushing for equality. Featuring members of King Muskafa, Second Hand Dreamcar, The Superband, Hi-Phoniqs, and Mocking Shadows—get ready to groove and funk it to the man!

11 o’clock Number

Friday • 10:15 pm
Rated: 14+

In the Community Leauge (9210 118 Ave)

Grindstone’s award-winning improvised musical comedy! Based on suggestions from the audience, the cast improvises a brand new musical on the spot, complete with twisting plots and show-stopping numbers. Licensed Event. 

Free Bluegrass Pancake Breakfast

Saturday • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Main Stage (93 St & 119 Ave in the Grassy Field)

Enjoy bluegrass magic with 20-year Kaleido veterans Alfie & Byron Myhre, and welcome the Bix Mix Boys for their inaugural performance—followed by a cultural dance hour as the festival grounds come alive. Show your support at our Donation Tubes!

SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINER

Cirque Kalabanté Productions

Saturday • 8:45 pm – 9:30 pm

Main Stage (93 St & 119 Ave in the Grassy Field)

Cirque Kalabanté Productions (Guinea/Québec) brings explosive drumming, dance routines, and bold acrobatics that display a range of African arts. With a non-stop, dizzying pace, the group delivers mind-blowing acrobatic sequences with extraordinary precision, made all the more dramatic by hypnotic percussion.

- Sharonne Cohen, Montreal’s Festival International Nuits d’Afrique.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON HEADLINER

Captain Tractor

Sunday • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Main Stage (93 St & 119 Ave in the Grassy Field)

Since 1993, Edmonton’s Captain Tractor has fused Celtic, punk, and Prairie influences into a distinct folk-rock sound. Their breakthrough album East of Edson and their take on “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” earned them a loyal following through albums, tours, and energetic shows. Now, 30 years on, they’re celebrating East of Edson with a refreshed release—proof the party’s not over.

Did you know?: Captain Tractor band members performed at the very first Kaleido!

Takwakin (“Autumn” in Cree) Village

Saturday & Sunday • 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

91 St & 118 Ave in the Grassy Space

Autumn is a welcoming time for communities to share the richness of their heritage and traditions. Join a cultural celebration that includes the artisans, music, and dance of Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Join us on Saturday at Noon for an Elder Blessing. Learn more

Unity Project

All Weekend!

Takwakin Village (91 St & 118 Ave in the Grassy Space)

UNITY is a circular arrangement of 32 poles. Each pole is labeled with an Indigenous focused identifier. With yarn, participants tie to each pole with which they identify. A canopy of interconnectedness forms as more people participate. In the end, we see that we are all connected by something. #UNITY

Art Battle Royale

Friday • 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

On the Street

5 Artists 1 Love hosts their iconic Art Battle Royale, where five talented artists from our community go head to head for two exciting rounds. Who will shine and glow the brightest?

Jeremiah McDade Quartet

Friday • 7:15 pm - 8:00 pm

The Alley | 9321 – 118 Ave

Juno Award-winner Jeremiah McDade is a saxophonist, multiinstrumentalist, and composer bringing his signature sound to the Kaleido Family Arts Festival.

Hong De Lion Dancers

Friday & Saturday

On the Street

Hong De Lion Dancers will be sharing the lion’s blessings, which are believed to bring happiness, longevity, and good luck!

Show N’ Shine

Sunday • 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

On the Ave (between 94-95 St)

Experience a stunning lineup of classic, vintage, and custom rides at the Kaleido Family Arts Festival! In partnership with The Saxon Car Club, this show turns Alberta Avenue into a car lover’s dream.

Junk in Your Trunk

Sunday • 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

92 St & 118 Ave (North side)

It’s not your average garage sale! Stroll Alberta Avenue during Kaleido and explore trunks full of treasures. From vintage décor to fun curiosities, you never know what you will find.

The Alley Workshop

Sunday • 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm

The Alley (9321 – 118 Ave)

Attention all folk music aficionados! Join us at the Alley Stage for a unique musical journey. Featuring Jeremiah McDade, Travis Matthews,
Cédric Blary, John Hewitt, Benjamin Williams, and Connor Mishman! They are sure to deliver a transformative shared performance.

Immerse yourself in the heart of folk music as these talented artists come together, creating a folkie symphony of shared experiences!

Ethan and Brianna: Spoons, Jigging, & Fiddle Street Workshop

Sunday • 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

On the Street

Brianna Lizotte and Ethan Graves share Métis traditions through fiddle, spoons, and jigging, blending performance and education in Indigenous culture. Make music and jig with them!

Italian Opera al Fresco

Sunday • 12:45 pm – 1:00 pm

Paraiso Balcony (9136 – 118 Ave)

Catch Andrea Pinna's captivating Italian opera performance outside Paraiso Tropical, blending tradition and passion in a fleeting, unforgettable experience.

Giant Street Calligraphy

Sunday • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

On the Street

Experience a captivating live street performance with Jia Jia Yong and Paul Giang, fusing art, music, and calligraphy. Together, they explore the depth and meaning of the Chinese character for “heart”, creating an immersive installation that weaves sound, movement, culture, and visual art into one.

The Giants

All Weekend!

Make way; the Giants are coming... Keep a lookout for the Maraca Man, Calypso – the Cha Cha Gal, the Aurora Dragon, Dr Au, and the Huge Hug Monster. They will wander the site all weekend, taking in the wonders and adding a few of their own.

Kaleido Balloon Backpacks!

Purchase at the Info Booths (while supplies last!)

Balloon backpacks are a must-have this year! Grab your Kaleido backpack ($10) and fill the Ave with colour!

Family Fun Zone

Saturday & Sunday

Alberta Avenue Community League (In the parking lot) - 9210 118 Ave

The whole family will love the interactive activities happening in the family fun zone! Special thanks to our very tall friends, the National Stiltwalkers of Canada!

• Giant Jenga

• Giant Twister

• Giant Snakes & Ladders

• Giant Bubbles

• Step-up Stilts

• Bouncy Castles

Snap Your Joy

Saturday & Sunday

On the Street

Make your smile contagious this weekend as you and your loved ones smile in front of this unusual photo booth. Special thanks to The Edmonton Shutterbugs.

Le Grande Marché Kaleido

All Weekend!

118 Ave between 92 & 93 St

Shop for made-in-Edmonton gifts and wares. Find local craftspeople selling their one-of-a-kind items for every budget and occasion. Tap options available. ATM machines are located by the Info Booth for your convenience. Learn More

Compliment Booth

Saturday & Sunday

On the Street

Give and receive a compliment to a new or old friend. Call it a compliment confessional! Set your heart free and let it all out.

Presented by Sobeys Belmont

Sketch Living Art

Saturday & Sunday

On the Street

Experience a classic life drawing session designed just for Kaleido! All drawing materials are provided.

Models: Cali Hoffman and Alana Walker

Trace a Face

All Weekend!

On the Street

Trace a Face is a playful, interactive art activity where visitors are invited to trace the outlines of a friend’s face onto a clear panel, creating layered, overlapping portraits that celebrate community connection and creativity.

The Alley

All Weekend!

The Alley | (Alley) 9321 – 118 Ave (Southside of 118)

The Alley showcases a vibrant mix of local talent, spanning blues, roots, jazz, and folk. Sit back, sip a drink, and soak in the vibe—you might even find yourself dancing! Click for Performance Schedules

Filipino Pavilion Sining Stage

All Weekend!

93 St & 118 Ave

Celebrate the richness of Filipino art in all its forms at the Sining Stage! “Sining” is a Filipino (Tagalog) word that means “art.”
A lively showcase of art, music, and dance. The Sining Stage is a place where artists and storytellers share their voices to inspire, connect, and reflect the heart of culture.

Passenger Motel

All Weekend!

On the Street

Check in to The Passenger Motel on 118 Ave—where pigeons vacation in style! With nine charming suites and a poolside perch, this whimsical roost invites reflection on extinction, colonization, and cohabitation.
Artist: Hillary Mussell
Learn More

Elvira Falconer - Open Air Gallery

All Weekend!

On the Street

спорідненість (Kinship) Entwining a relationship of the diaspora of belonging and kinship with the land through Ukrainian Folk Art. Elvira Falconer's wool felted works adorn the street. Look for them on your journey through the Kaleido site.

Носій Сонце (Sun Bearer) Олень (Deer) lifts the сонце (sun) with his antlers, symbolizing life’s cycles of renewal and return. Honouring land, water, and kin, this work reminds us to cherish our deep connection to the natural world.

Cassandra Not Found

Saturday & Sunday • 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

On the Street

Cassandra Not Found is a 1–2 hour interactive mystery for adults and families, inspired by six beloved video games: Mario, Animal Crossing, Minecraft, The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Zelda. With a map and orientation, participants explore the Kaleido site to uncover six clues through cryptographic, visual, and textual puzzles. Come and go anytime to play or check your answers.

The Trollsons

Saturday & Sunday

On the Street

The Trollsons are a magical and comedic family of Trolls from the Canadian forest. The Trollsons have been entertaining at festivals and special events around Canada since 1995, as well as touring to Singapore, China, and Japan.

Green Fools Theatre

All Weekend!

On the Street

Green Fools Theatre creates imaginative circus, puppetry, and storytelling, inspiring communities and empowering youth through inclusive performances and transformative programs.

Hanbeat Samulnori Korean Drummers

Saturday & Sunday

On the Street

Get ready to feel the beat with HanBeat Samulnori, an Edmonton-based traditional Korean music and dance group that has been sharing the vibrant spirit of Korean culture since 1994.

The Medieval Village

Saturday & Sunday • 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Behind Alberta Ave Community League (In the Garden)

A lively re-enactment group bringing history before 1700 to life! Experience the fashions, arts, cultural traditions, and combat styles of centuries past—right before your eyes.

Family Beer Gardens

All Weekend!

Main Stage (119 Ave & 93 St in the Grassy Field)
The Alley (9321 – 118 Ave)
Improv Stage (The Community League 9210 - 118 Ave)

Discover the Family Beer Garden at this year's festival! We've expanded the zone behind the community league for a relaxed liquor consumption experience. Located near the main stage, feel free to bring blankets and enjoy the ambiance—sit on the gentle hill, groove at the dance party, or simply unwind.

Sip on a variety of alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic while exploring the area. Wander around with your favourite beverage and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss other fantastic bars like Jazz Alley and Improv at Kaleido after dark, offering both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage options.

This inclusive space welcomes all ages, ensuring everyone can partake in the festivities. Join us at the Family Beer Gardens and create unforgettable memories with loved ones!

Main Stage Family Beer Garden

Friday: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Improv Stage

Friday: 10:00 pm – 11:00 pm

CommuniTEA

Saturday & Sunday

On the Street

CommuniTEA is a mobile tea house that brings a “pop-up” town square to neighbourhoods across the city—inviting people to gather, share stories, and strengthen community connections. Come enjoy a cuppa!

Colour Me Quack

All Weekend!

On the Street

Interactive and collaborative, festival-goers bring a blank canvas sculpture to life. People from diverse backgrounds unite to paint the duck with vibrant colors, symbolizing togetherness in a stunning display.

Rhythm Speaks Hip Hop Stage

Saturday & Sunday • 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

118 Ave between 92 & 91 St

Dropping beats and speed speech, no one does Hip Hop like Edmonton’s MCs Don Welsh, Jon Jon Rivero, and many more!

DIY Sticker Making

Saturday • 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday • 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts (9225 – 118 Ave)

Let your creativity shine with EPL! Design colourful stickers inspired by Kaleido’s Hearts A-Glowin’ theme, or make your own one-of-a-kind creations.

Roaming Balloon Creatures

Parade, Saturday, & Sunday

On the Street

Spontaneously throughout the weekend, you will see curious balloon creatures — catch them if you can! Make sure to get a photo with our featured balloon friends!
Be sure to tag us @kaleidofestival

WeHoops 3x3 Basketball Tourny

Saturday, & Sunday • 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

118 Ave (between 90 & 91 St)

Grab your crew and hit the court for a lively 3x3 basketball tourney—full of laughs, energy, and festival spirit! It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon at Kaleido. No pro or active college players.

The Nina Pop-Up Market

Saturday • 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The Nina (9225 118 Ave - Outside)

The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts supports a collective of artists with developmental disabilities in their studio on Alberta Avenue. The Nina artists have been learning about selling and marketing their art and are excited to share their work with you! There will be a variety of unique ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paintings, and hand- printed art available. Be sure to stop by their studio to see where the magic happens after checking out the market.

Little Street Art Gallery Swap

All Weekend!

In the Alberta Avenue District

Explore the neighbourhood and find treasure along the way. The Free Little Street Art Gallery is a series of custom-built wooden boxes designed and created by local artist Olena Ingerova. Make a Kaleido Craft and drop it off at one of the boxes on your way home! Open all-year round. Leave a little art, take a little art. Learn More