25 Things to do Under $25 in Edmonton in May
May in Edmonton hits that sweet spot with longer days, warmer nights, and a city that finally feels wide awake again. The best part? You don’t need a big budget to make the most of it. From live music and theatre to quirky film screenings, creative festivals, and totally free community events, there’s a ton going on for $25 or less - let’s just hope the warm weather comes to stay.
Here’s Your Guide to 25 Things to do Under $25 in Edmonton in May
Catch ‘For All Mankind’ Symphony Orchestra | May 2, 2026
Join the Concordia Symphony Orchestra, Cosmopolitan Music Society and Chorus Inspira for this special performance of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45. Conducted by the incredible Danielle Lisboa, and featuring local young talents, Laura Mackay (soprano) and Josiah Maxfield (baritone), this collaboration between Edmonton’s premiere music organizations will be sure to inspire and connect people from all walks of life.
Tour Showhomes and Sip at a FREE Showhome Opening Event | May 2, 2026
Tour four stunning show homes while enjoying live music, fresh florals, coffee, and sweet treats along the way. It’s a relaxed, come-and-go afternoon designed to help you slow down, explore, and imagine life in WestView at Chappelle Gardens.
‘Chameleon Street’ Screening and Spoken Word Session | May 3, 2026
Balanced with CHAMELEON STREET‘scentral theme of identity, the feature screening will be accompanied by a curated spoken word segment. This portion will consist of a verbal collage of four performers, each bringing a distinct voice and perspective that is radical in its own right. Through their pieces, the artists will explore identity as something shaped within a capitalist climate that often commodifies and simplifies our existence. Together, their pieces will create an experience inviting the audience to engage with identity not as a fixed concept, but as something contested and continuously redefined.
Bent Stick Brewing’s D&D Night | May 4, 2026
Deep in the heart of Bent Stick Brewing, there is a place where stories become more than just fantasy. It's a place where all are welcome to share and laugh and be free. A place where you can explode goblins and tell d*ck jokes. It is a beautiful place, and you are invited. Join us monthly among the brewing equipment for a night of drinks and laughs as our Dungeon Master guides you through a rowdy game of Dungeons and Dragons.
Watch Star Wars on the Big Screen for May Forth | May 4, 2026
Celebrate May the 4th with Star Wars: A New Hope at the Capitol Theatre! Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy in Star Wars: A New Hope. Nineteen years after the formation of the evil Galactic Empire, Luke is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begins Luke’s Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire.
Lecture Night: Real World Economics of Disney at MKT | May 5, 2026
We often think of Disney classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and The Princess and the Frog as simple fairy tales. However, Dr. Junaid B. Jahangir looks at them through a different lens. He uses these beloved childhood movies to tackle some of the biggest questions in economics: upward social mobility, equality of opportunity, and the myth of meritocracy.
FREE Open Mic Night at Grindstone Comedy Theatre | May 6, 2026
Every week Wednesday at 10PM The Grindstone hosts one of Edmonton's only Stand-Up Comedy Open Mics to give first timers a chance to take a huge risk, and pros a chance to work on new material. Each set is 5 minutes, with a light at 4 minutes.
In Full Color: The Vox Collective | May 7, 2026
Join The Vox Collectivefor an evening of beloved classics and indie favourites. Featuring special guests from Edmonton’s vibrant music scene, including Jed and The Valentine, John Hewitt, Candice B & The Light Meter, Sir Kadian, and more! This show is an incredible way to experience live music at Metro Cinema on stage!
FANTASIES IN TRASH: in eleven movements | May 7-9, 2026
FANTASIES IN TRASH: in eleven movements is an trancepunk giant puppet symphony collectively created by Edmonton’s transgender/gender-diverse community over the course of the last 9 months. FANTASIES is presented in partial completion of the requirements of Emilia Fox Hillyer's Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Practice.
On Stage: Before Flowers | May 9, 2026
Our 30th anniversary season concludes with a concert celebrating our three adult choirs. Performing separately and as a mass choir, Òran, Vacilando, and ChandraTala will take you on a virtuoso musical odyssey reflecting on life’s transitions and stages.
Pay What You Can ‘Autumn’ On Stage | May 9, 2026
Eccentric older sisters, Rose and Kathryn, have never had an easy relationship. Now they must live and work together to urgently organize a wedding. As optimistic Rose embraces her later years, wealthy Kathryn battles over her most recent divorce. Amid the mounting chaos, the cake, the wine, and the overly attractive gardener, the women will discover surprising new things about life and each other. A lighthearted and outrageously funny play about sisterhood, growing older, and finding laughter and hope in life of constant challenges.
Join a FREE Animators Town Hall at FAVA Fest | May 9, 2026
The Animators Town Hall is a FREE 1-day community plenary event designed for our local animation community to assist FAVA in understanding the community’s needs with the purpose of better serving animators.
Secret Secrets Show at Rapid Fire Theatre | May 9, 2026
Welcome to The Secret Secrets Club, where your most scandalous, hilarious and (most importantly) anonymous confessions become the fuel for an unforgettable night of improvised comedy. To join the club, all you have to do is write down an anonymous secret (and purchase a ticket). Then, sit back as our performers use your juicy confessions to craft scenes filled with shocking reveals, laugh-out-loud moments, and wild surprises.
Everything is Temporary Bloom Opening Party | May 9, 2026
Celebrate the presentation of Brandi Hofer’s newest exhibition Bloom, Everything is Temporary! Canadian artist Brandi Hofer presents Bloom, Everything is Temporary, a new exhibition exploring themes of impermanence, transformation, and emotional memory through layered mixed-media portraiture. Known for her vibrant storytelling and symbolic visual language, Hofer combines portraiture with organic forms such as moths, butterflies, and florals, created using recycled and repurposed materials. The works reflect the fleeting nature of beauty and the emotional imprint of time.
Lunch & Short Films for FascinAsian Film Festival | May 13-15, 2026
Enjoy a curated Asian lunch inside the theatre and watch 60 minutes of beautiful Asian short films. This is a great offer for Downtown Business community with three Lunch & Short Film programs on May 13, 14 and 15, 2026. Enjoy a curated Asian lunch inside the theatre and watch 60 minutes of beautiful Asian short films.
Watch the Locally-shot ‘Heat Score’ at Metro Cinema | May 16, 2026
A washed-up male stripper lands a job selling crack for a ruthless Edmonton strip club mogul but when things get personal behind closed doors, he finds himself caught in a deadly web of sex, violence and betrayal.
Pay What You Can ‘Autumn’ On Stage | May 9, 2026
Eccentric older sisters, Rose and Kathryn, have never had an easy relationship. Now they must live and work together to urgently organize a wedding. As optimistic Rose embraces her later years, wealthy Kathryn battles over her most recent divorce. Amid the mounting chaos, the cake, the wine, and the overly attractive gardener, the women will discover surprising new things about life and each other. A lighthearted and outrageously funny play about sisterhood, growing older, and finding laughter and hope in life of constant challenges.
Wake it Up Spring Drag Brunch at MKT | May 17, 2026
Blending rock, glam, and comedy, Emmonia is drag’s campy creature feature! Storming onto the drag scene in 2020, she has since carved out her place as Alberta’s premier kooky, conceptual icon. Known for her outlandish looks, meticulous mixes, and punk-rock attitude, she brings a silly blend of theatricality and FUN to every stage she steps on. A seasoned performer, host, and producer, Emmonia is no stranger to the spotlight. With a growing list of titles and accolades—most notably being named Edmonton’s 2023 Entertainer of the Year and Sterling Award nominee for her production of Fear Fables as a part of the Edmonton International Fringe Festival.
Get a $24 Festival Pass for ‘For Cradle to Stage’ Film Festival | May 19-24, 2026
From Cradle to Stage is Walterdale’s new play reading program. Walterdale welcomes original play submissions from local playwrights and offers them the opportunity to share their work, gain audience feedback, and experience a workshop atmosphere through staged readings of their finished, original, and unproduced plays. These works should be between 10-60 minutes in length, of any genre.
Watch Local, Short-films District Film Festival | May 23, 2026
An event celebrating local storytelling through short film. The festival brings together emerging filmmakers, actors, and creatives to showcase their work. It’s a great way to connect with the community & discover fresh talent, network with peers, and experience unique stories from right here in our area.
Catch a Late Night Performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show | May 23, 2026
Let’s do the Time Warp again! The adventure begins where it always does, as newly engaged Brad and Janet encounter car trouble in rainy weather. When they stop to look for help, they find themselves at the castle of the charming transvestite, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. They’re offered shelter for the night, but will they want to stay. Audience participation is encouraged. Dress up, bring props, and sing along! And yes, you can bring your own props! They will also be selling prop kits in the lobby for $10, quantities limited.
