Downtown Spark runs to June 5 across downtown. In its second edition, the festival features impressive large-scale inflatable sculptures from UK-based Designs in Air and a new installation from Edmonton-based Vignettes.
“Events like this contribute to downtown’s vibrancy. We hope to add to the growing number of innovative and unique cultural events happening in Edmonton. It was important to us that we focus on attracting world-renowned artists while also working with local creatives to create unique and remarkable experiences downtown ,” said Puneeta McBryan, Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA).
Rice Howard Way, Alex Decouteau Park and Yellowhead Brewery host art installations, along with free weekday and weekend programming. On Saturday, June 4, Reuben & The Dark with The Bullhorn Singers play a free outdoor show at the Downtown Spark Block Party at Rice Howard Way. Other acts to perform on June 4 include local musicians Cypress and Maddie Storvold.
On May 26, the EDBA presents Bark & Brew a FREE dog-friendly party at Alex Decouteau Park, featuring live music, a dog photo booth, agility demonstrations and a beer garden. Alex Decouteau Park will also feature performers daily and food trucks on the weekends.
Downtown Spark debuted in 2021 as a COVID-19 recovery initiative to support local businesses during the pandemic while attracting people to the area. Last year’s series of exhibitions and activations saw more than 48,000 people attend across the core.
Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike or scoot from site to site – Rice Howard Way, Alex Decouteau Park and Yellowhead Brewery – to enjoy all of this year’s art and musical programming.
Schedule and details are available at edmontondowntown.com/Spark
