Can't-miss festivals and events in Edmonton this November

By Jana Lee

The snow may be here, but that won't stop Edmonton from living up to its festival city status! Kick off your November and embrace our winter city with these exciting events. [Photo credit: flickr.com/photos/iqremix]

Gear up for 10 days of rodeo fun from Nov. 3 to 12! Don your best western garb and join in the festivities in celebration of the biggest rodeo of the season.

Start Western Week off by sampling the bean-based culinary concoctions of some of Edmonton’s finest restaurants at the 27th Annual Chili Cook Off. Make sure to show up with an appetite, vote for your favourite chili and enter to win prizes!

• Date: Nov. 3
• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Location: 104 Street, between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue
• Cost: $1 for a sample bowl or $2 for a regular bowl (cash only)

Canadian Finals Rodeo officially kicks off Nov. 8 at Northlands Coliseum. Catch the excitement of major rodeo events including bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc and more. Saddle up (on the sidelines), because you’re in for a true ‘Berta experience.

Continue the festivities at CFR’s official tailgate party, complete with beer gardens, live music and tasty local food truck eats. In between events, head over to Edmonton’s EXPO Centre and stock up on western staples including jerky, leather goods, clothing, art and other delights at the Country Marketplace. The market is part of Farm Fair International, one of the biggest agricultural shows in Canada.

One of the final events of Western Week is the PBR Global Cup at Rogers Place, where the top bull riders in the world enter the arena for an eight-second duel. If you’re looking for a wildly intense rodeo experience, this is it.

For more information on Canadian Finals Rodeo, check out this Smart Tip from Becky Best-Bertwistle.

Rodeos aren’t your thing? Check out the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival! From Nov. 10 to 11 at the Shaw Conference Centre, sample your way through the delectable delights Edmonton food and drink vendors have to offer. Best of all, wash it down with your favourite beer, wine and spirit pairings!

It’s certainly starting to look a lot like Christmas these days. With December and full-time winter just around the corner, gear up for the holidays with these late-November holiday events.

Participate in festive merriment by celebrating winter at the All is Bright Festival on 124 Street between 102 Avenue and Jasper Avenue. From 4 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 25, businesses on Edmonton’s High Street will light up the night with promises of illumination, family fun and live entertainment. Bonus – it’s free to attend!

Finish your November by diving into your holiday shopping early at markets like Make It Edmonton, the Butterdome Craft Sale and Festival of Trees.  Snag unique and handcrafted goodies that are sure to wow your friends, families and coworkers!

Make it Edmonton

• Date: Nov. 23 to 26
• Time: Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Northlands EXPO Centre
• Cost: $8 at the door, children under 12 free

Butterdome Craft Sale

• Date: Nov. 30 to Dec. 3
• Time: Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: University of Alberta, Butterdome
• Cost: $8 at the door, children under 12 free

Festival of Trees

• Date: Nov. 30 to Dec. 3
• Time: Thursday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Location: Shaw Conference Centre
• Cost: Adults: $10.00; Youth/Seniors: $5.00; Children (2-12): $2.00; Infants under two: free

It’s time to transition out of fall and into winter. Between Western Week, a food and wine festival and massive holiday markets, there’s certainly no shortage of events to help ease you into winter and the upcoming holiday season!