Festival Greetings
The Right Honourable Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada (P.C., O.C., M.P.)
I would like to convey my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 21st annual Kaleido Family Arts Festival.
This event offers a wonderful opportunity for participants to enjoy a wide variety of activities and performances. I am certain that everyone in attendance will come away with fond memories of this year’s edition of the festival.
I would like to thank Arts on the Ave for hosting this vibrant event. You can take pride in your commitment to bringing the community together through the arts.
Honourable Paula Simons, Senator
Every year, the Kaleido Festival arrives at that numinous bittersweet moment when summer turns to autumn, and the fall equinox balances out our days and nights. That’s what makes the annual Lantern Parade so magical - as artists, performers, and ordinary Edmontonians come together to mark the shortening of the light and the lengthening of the darkness.
Kaleido is about striking that balance, about remembering and honouring the history of Alberta Avenue, while celebrating all the people pooling their talents and cultures to ensure the neighbourhood’s diverse and dynamic future. Whether you want to eat fabulous multicultural cuisine, drink in remarkable visual art, listen to beautiful music, or just dance in the streets, Kaleido is your festival: free, family-friendly, and accessible to all. At a time when the politics of division sometimes threaten to overwhelm us, Kaleido shines as a beacon of what community truly means, of what Albertans can do when they stand united, together.
Thank you, merci and hiy hiy to the entire Arts of the Ave team, to the artists, and to the hundreds of volunteers who light the lanterns and bring the magic to 118th each September. And thank you to all the residents and businesses of Alberta Avenue for welcoming the rest of Edmonton to your doorsteps.
The Honourable Kristopher Wells, Senator
It is a pleasure to extend my greetings to everyone taking part in the 2026 Kaleido Family Arts Festival.
Kaleido has become a special part of Edmonton’s arts and cultural community, bringing people together along Alberta Avenue to celebrate creativity, diversity, imagination, and the incredible talent found across our city and province.
The arts have a unique ability to connect us. They create opportunities to share our stories, experience new perspectives, and build stronger, more welcoming and inclusive communities. Events like Kaleido also show what is possible when artists, local organizations, businesses, volunteers, and residents come together with a shared commitment to their community.
I would like to thank Arts on the Ave, the festival team, participating artists and performers, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners for the tremendous work that goes into making this important festival possible.
To everyone attending, I hope you enjoy the performances, exhibitions, activities, and the vibrant spirit of Alberta Avenue. Whether this is your first Kaleido Festival or one of many, I hope the weekend leaves you inspired and proud of the creativity and community that makes Edmonton such a remarkable place.
Wishing you a very successful and joyful 2026 Kaleido Family Arts Festival.
Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, P.C, K.C, M.P
On behalf of the Government of Canada, and as your Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 21st annual Kaleido Family Arts Festival.
For more than two decades, Kaleido has brought a special kind of energy to Alberta Avenue. It is a celebration shaped by the people who live, create, perform, and gather here — and a wonderful reflection of the warmth, creativity, and character of this community.
This year’s theme, Hearts Full of Gusto, feels especially fitting. Gusto is about bringing energy, enthusiasm, and heart to everything Edmontonians accomplish — and that spirit can be felt all along the Avenue, from the performances and artwork to the food, laughter, and connections shared throughout the weekend.
To Christy, the Arts on the Ave team, the hundreds of artists and performers, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and Alberta Avenue residents who make this festival possible: thank you. Your passion, creativity, and dedication are what bring Kaleido to life year after year and create a space where community truly comes together.
To everyone attending, I hope you embrace the weekend with a heart full of gusto — explore something new, support our local artists, and enjoy all that Kaleido and Alberta Avenue have to offer.
Best wishes for a joyful and memorable 21st Kaleido Family Arts Festival!
Thank you. Merci. Hiy hiy
Kerry Diotte, M.P
Greetings,
It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 21st annual Kaleido Family Arts Festival, held right here in the heart of Edmonton Griesbach.
For more than two decades, Kaleido has filled Alberta Avenue with music, theatre, dance, visual art and lively street performances. It’s a wonderful celebration that gives local artists a chance to showcase their talents and brings neighbours, families and visitors together.
Arts and culture help create strong, vibrant communities, and Kaleido is a terrific example of that. The festival reflects the creativity, energy and community spirit that make Alberta Avenue such a special part of our riding.
I’d like to thank Arts on the Ave, the festival organizers, artists, sponsors and many dedicated volunteers who’ve worked hard to make this year’s celebration possible.
I hope everyone has a chance to explore the festival, support our talented local artists and enjoy everything Alberta Avenue has to offer.
Best wishes for a fun, successful and memorable Kaleido Family Arts Festival!
Honourable Salma Lakhani
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
As His Majesty the King’s representative in Alberta, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the 2026 Kaleido Family Arts Festival.
Alberta Avenue is a hub of culture and community, and no event captures that spirit better than Kaleido. For three days every September, the neighbourhood overflows with street performers, visual artists, musicians, and every other form of entertainment you could name. The event organizers have said their aim is to create an atmosphere that is equal parts family gathering and celebration, and they have succeeded. At Kaleido, young people and grown-ups alike can mingle with artists and experience the joy of zany, unfettered creative expression.
As Kaleido enters its third decade, I congratulate the Arts on the Ave team and the hundreds of artists, vendors, and volunteers who have reliably filled the Avenue with so much fun, colour and positive energy. I wish everyone a spectacular festival!
Honourable Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta
On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to send greetings for the 21st Annual Kaleido Family Arts Festival.
The Alberta Avenue District is a thriving hub of community, creativity and connection, and the Kaleido Festival showcases the heart and cultural fabric of this vibrant area through the power of the arts. For three days, every corner of the neighbourhood will be filled with music, dance, artisans and the opportunity for people of all ages to revel in imagination together. It is a unique and fun-filled accessible festival, and I hope everyone has a wonderful time.
I deeply appreciate the dedication of the Arts on the Ave Edmonton Society team, who have made this festival a highlight for residents and visitors for more than two decades. Your passion for creating opportunities for everyone to experience the joy of creative expression is inspiring and has made a tremendous impact on our capital region. Please accept my best wishes for another successful event.
Honourable Tanya Fir
Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
Welcome to the 2026 Kaleido Family Arts Festival!
For two decades, Kaleido has brought people together through arts, culture and community. This festival gives Albertans and visitors a chance to enjoy performances, exhibitions and creative experiences while celebrating the talents that help make our province vibrant and welcoming.
Events like Kaleido showcase the important role arts and culture play in strengthening our communities. They create spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share stories, explore new ideas and celebrate creativity. They also support the artists and cultural organizations whose work enriches communities across Alberta year-round.
I would like to recognize Arts on the Ave, as well as the many staff, volunteers, artists, sponsors and community partners whose hard work and dedication make this festival possible. Your efforts create meaningful experiences for thousands of attendees and help foster a strong and dynamic cultural sector in Alberta.
To everyone attending, performing and participating, I hope you enjoy all that the 2026 Kaleido Family Arts Festival has to offer.
Best wishes for a successful and memorable festival.
Honourable Andrew Boitchenko
Minister of Tourism and Sport
As Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2026 Kaleido Family Arts Festival.
Edmonton has earned its reputation as Canada’s Festival City, and Kaleido is one of the many events that helps draw visitors to our province. By welcoming people to Alberta Avenue, the festival supports local businesses, contributes to the visitor economy, and showcases authentic experiences that encourage travellers to explore more of Alberta.
Thank you to Arts on the Ave, as well as the many volunteers, sponsors, performers and community partners whose hard work and dedication make this festival possible. Your efforts help create the memorable experiences that keep people coming back to Edmonton and Alberta year after year.
Whether you’re visiting Alberta Avenue for the first time or returning to enjoy another Kaleido weekend, I encourage you to experience this vibrant community and support the local businesses, performers and organizations that help make it such a welcoming destination.
Enjoy the festival!
Janis Irwin, MLA
Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood
Friends, welcome to the 21st annual Kaleido Festival here on Treaty 6 territory! I love Kaleido’s Hearts Full of Gusto theme this year, as it represents the enthusiasm, diversity, creativity, and resiliency of the amazing communities that I’m so very proud to represent!
Every September, Kaleido brings all of us together through art, theatre, music, food, and community. It’s truly one of my favourite festivals and so I’m excited to be here again. As always, I’m grateful to the Alberta Avenue residents who welcome people from across the city and province into their neighbourhood for this fun-filled weekend.
I want to extend my deep appreciation to the amazing Arts on the Ave team for their dedicated efforts to make this festival happen every year. I’m also incredibly grateful for the volunteers and artists whose hard work brings us together once again.
Wishing you all a very happy Kaleido Fest!
See you on the Ave, friends!
His Worship Mayor Andrew Knack
Mayor of Edmonton
On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 2026 Kaleido Family Arts Festival 2026!
The arts are an integral part of Edmonton and our communities. They inspire us, unite us and make our city more vibrant. We’re committed to growing our arts community as part of our efforts to make Edmonton more welcoming and inclusive.
Kaleido exemplifies these efforts. As a free festival spanning Alberta Avenue, it brings art to Edmontonians where they live, and integrates it into the community over three energetic days in an accessible way.
I thank Arts on the Ave for organizing this annual event, and for their efforts to create and maintain a safe, welcoming, engaged and vibrant community. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the many artists and volunteers who work tirelessly to make Kaleido a success.
Enjoy the festival!
Ashley Salvador
City Councillor, Ward Métis
On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 21st annual Kaleido Family Arts Festival!
Kaleido is an annual highlight for me and a true testament to the spirit of Alberta Avenue. Over three days, our streets, alleys, and rooftops come alive with music, theatre, dance, vibrant artisans, and incredible local talent. With no barriers to entry, no turnstiles and no tickets, Kaleido is an accessible, joyous space for all Edmontonians to gather and celebrate.
A thriving, inclusive arts scene is a priority for the City of Edmonton, and events like Kaleido show the power of creative community-building. Thank you to Arts on the Ave, along with the hundreds of artists, performers, and volunteers whose dedication makes this weekend possible year after year.
Come dance, play, and celebrate 21 years of art, love, and community on Treaty 6 territory!
Chief Warren Driechel
Chief of Edmonton Police service
On behalf of the Edmonton Police Service, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 21st Annual Kaleido Family Arts Festival and to the vibrant Alberta Avenue community.
Kaleido is a celebration of creativity, culture, and connection. Each year, this festival brings together artists, performers, families, neighbours, and visitors to experience the energy and imagination that makes Edmonton such a welcoming city. It reminds us that the arts have a powerful way of building community.
A sense of belonging is fundamental to community safety. Events like Kaleido create important opportunities for people to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the diversity, resilience, and talent found throughout our city. It helps to create the conditions in which our city can thrive.
As you explore Kaleido, I encourage you to enjoy the performances, support local artists, connect with friends and neighbours, and discover something new. Whether this is your first time attending or a tradition you look forward to each year, I hope the festival leaves you with a newfound appreciation for the people that make Edmonton special.
Have fun and enjoy the festival!
