Big music festival set to debut at Louise McKinney Park in Edmonton this summer
KED lineup hits Edmonton this summerWorld’s biggest bouncy castle returns to Edmonton this summerMonster Jam brings a six-ton unicorn to Edmonton this summer
The newest addition to Edmonton’s summer events calendar is the Down by the River music festival, set to captivate local music enthusiasts from September 13 to 14 at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. This all-ages, open-air festival boasts a thoughtfully curated lineup of artists hailing from Edmonton, across Canada, and beyond. Tickets for general admission are currently available for purchase for single-day passes or the entire weekend, but act fast before they sell out.
According to Sahib Quraishi, booking and creative director of The Factory Music & Arts, the collective organizing the event, Down by the River is a celebration of their passion for music and its unifying power. Quraishi expressed, “This festival is our chance to give back to the city that’s given us so much.” The festival is scheduled to run from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day, allowing attendees to revel in the musical performances against the backdrop of the North Saskatchewan River.
The lineup for this year’s edition of Down by the River promises to be captivating, featuring genre-defying headliners like Ruby Waters, Boy Golden, Cat Clyde, Emily Nenni, and Chaparelle. Additional acts scheduled to perform at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park include Damaris Bojor, Bad Magic, Leon Majcen, The Denim Daddies, Kip Lily, Aladean Kheroufi, Shane Ghostkeeper, Duff Thompson, and Steph Green.
Gavin Delaney, a festival board member, emphasized that this event is a homage to Edmonton’s creative vibrancy and the deep-seated western roots embedded in Alberta. Delaney stated, “It’s about supporting the artists who are pushing boundaries, sharing their work with our community, and making sure everyone feels like they’re part of something truly special.” The festival kicks off on Thursday, May 22, with a launch party at Double Dragon featuring live performances by renowned Canadian country music singer-songwriter Mariel Buckley and fan favorites Jackson and the Janks.
Tickets for the Down by the River launch party are now available for purchase. The main festival will take place on September 13 to 14, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Various ticket options are offered, with children 12 and under admitted free with a ticket-holding adult. Secure your tickets online to ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting musical experience.