10 Kid-Friendly Must-Do Activities at Alberta Culture Days

Each year, Alberta Culture Days offers free, hands-on, interactive activities where the public can discover the world of artists, creators, heritage experts, architects, curators, designers and other creative professionals in their communities. This year’s event takes place on September 29, 30 and October 1, 2017.

Playdate at the Playhouse

Edmonton’s newest creation and rehearsal space, The Playhouse, invites you to a “Playdate at the Playhouse!”, a series of family-friendly theatre arts and creative activities for visitors of all ages. In cooperation with Concrete Theatre and Alberta Opera, Edmonton’s oldest and most respected Theatre for Young Audiences companies, each hour will feature a unique half hour performance or interactive activity. Stay for the entire day or come and go as you please! Activities include family crafts, an interactive puppet show, an interactive musical theatre sing-a-long and performance, and storytelling activities with percussionist Bob Rasko and young adult fiction author Marty Chan. Suitable for families with babes in arms to 12-year-olds.

Backstage Tour of the Winspear 

Join us for a half-hour engaging backstage tour of Edmonton’s distinguished concert hall. Hear interesting behind-the-scenes stories about how the community came together to build the concert hall, learn the fascinating details embedded in its walls, and explore the Winspear’s new historical photo gallery!

Lunchtime Lullabies

This multi-cultural showcase of soothing songs for children and babies brings together Cree lullabies, African folk songs, and opera. With a focus on childcare practices from Alberta’s Indigenous communities, Lunchtime Lullabies is an opportunity to learn, share stories, and participate in ensuring a bright future for young Albertans. You can also enjoy a free art exhibit, sample some bannock, browse at a pop-up market, and pose for our photo booth!

Public Art Guided Walking Tours 

Free, guided outdoor walking tours of five original landmark sculptures along Capital Boulevard in Edmonton (108 Street, between 99 and 104 Avenue), which were commissioned as a Canada 150 legacy project for the people of Alberta. Tours will feature appearances by some of the commissioned Albertan artists and members of their creative teams during select tours.

Keys for the City 

Take a turn playing the pianos embellished by local artists at the following locations: Art Gallery of St. Albert, Visual Arts Studio Association of St. Albert, St. Albert Grain Elevator Park. See what kind of songs you can come up with at these fun, decorated pianos.

Storytime with Edmonton Public Library

Take a moment to rest in the Winspear Centre’s comfortable Founders’ Room for a lively story time presentation by the Edmonton Public Library. This is perfect for kids from babies and toddlers, to older children – and a great venue to experience!

Words in the Park

The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County will again host Words in the Park. We will celebrate the 10th year in conjunction with Alberta Culture Days, bringing the book fair to you as part of the arts & culture display and celebration. Celebrate your community and its amazing creative diversity and heritage.

Drop in Sculpture

Drop in to the Gallery anytime from 11am–4pm for a free, all-ages activity. Create a bricolage sculpture inspired by the exhibit The Prairies, the Maritimes and a Few Lakes. “Bricolage” refers to the construction or creation of an artwork from any materials that come to hand.

Traditional African Games

This year, we are pleased to present a 2 day fun filled event showcasing interactive traditional African Games for Kids and Adults for Culture Days Celebrations. The event will begin at 12 pm on Friday September 29th 2017 and end at 7pm. We will also hold activities in September 30th from 12pm-
7pm at Boyle Street Plaza field in Edmonton’s downtown core. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn and teach at this exclusive one of a kind event. We look forward to a rich exchange of culture and heritage as we present this event and request that everyone come dressed comfortably. All are welcome.

Bannock and Borscht

Join us for Bannock & Borscht: A Community Event Celebrating Aboriginal & Ukrainian Cultures! Free Bannock & Borscht samples – Dance – Music -Crafts – Displays. Festivities will include a preview of elements of Shumka’s newest piece, Ancestors & Elders, a project borne from a desire to connect the Ukrainian settler experience to that of the indigenous people of Treaty 6 territory.

Find all activities to celebrate Alberta Culture Days at www.culturedays.ca