The Works Art & Design Festival
Downtown becomes the gallery. The Works Art & Design Festival is Edmonton's longest-running celebration of visual art and design — turning Churchill Square and venues across the core into a free, sprawling showcase of exhibits, installations, workshops, and live music every June.
Event Details
Dates: June 2027
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Hours: Daily programming
Website: theworks.ab.ca
About the Festival
Produced by The Works International Visual Arts Society, the festival brings together professional, emerging, and experimental artists around a yearly theme (2026's was "Are You Here," exploring the idea of place). Churchill Square anchors the experience with exhibits, hands-on art, guided tours, and a licensed patio, while dozens more shows spread across downtown galleries and public spaces — all free to explore.
Highlights
200+ artists across 41 exhibits at 18 downtown sites
115+ free events including workshops, guided tours, and interactive art
The Works Street Stage with live music daily, from JUNO-nominated artists to emerging performers
Licensed patio at Churchill Square
Special programming for Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), St-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24), and Canada Day (July 1)