Edmonton Business Calendar 2025: Key Dates That Will Drive Your Sales
by Aaron Janes, Founder
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Here we go, 2025 is here, and we're ready to kick things off and make this the best year yet. And to make sure your business is prepared and ready to rock, we're outlining your sales plan for the next year so you're not missing any of the big events or chances to maximize your growth.
This calendar is jam-packed with insights and actionable tips to help you connect with those customers and drive sales throughout the year. From Canada Day celebrations to Black Friday madness, we've got you covered.
Let's go.
An Overview of Important Dates for Edmonton
January
- New Year's Day (Statutory Holiday)
- Blue Monday (January 20th, 2025)
- Winterruption (January 22nd-26th)
- Deep Freeze (January 18th-19th)
- UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships (January 3rd into February)
February
- Family Day (February 17th, 2025)
- Valentine's Day (February 14th)
- Silver Skate Festival (February 7th-17th)
- Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival (February 7th - 9th)
March
- International Women's Day (March 8th)
- St. Patrick's Day (March 17th)
- Chinatown Events
April
- Easter (April 20th, 2025)
- Tax Day (April 30th)
- Edmonton Beerfest (April 18th-19th)
May
- Mother's Day (May 11th)
- Victoria Day (May 19th, 2025)
- Cloverdale Rodeo (May 16th - 19th)
- Edmonton International Children's Festival (May 29th - June 1st)
- Edmonton First Responders Half Marathon (May 4th, 2025)
June
- National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st)
- Father's Day (June 15th)
July
- Canada Day (July 1st)
- Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (July 4th - 13th)
- K-Days (Mid-July)
- Great Outdoor Comedy Festival (July 19th-21st)
- Taste of Edmonton Food Festival (July 17th-27th)
- Edmonton Career Fair and Training Expo Canada (July 3rd, 2025)
- Edmonton Ice Cream Run (July 12th, 2025)
August
- Edmonton Heritage Festival (Early August)
- Back-to-school season
- Edmonton Folk Festival (August 7th-10th)
- Heritage Festival (August 2nd-5th)
- Cariwest Festival (August 8th-10th)
September
- Labour Day (September 1st, 2025)
- Edmonton Expo (September 19th)
- Edmonton Career Fair (September 10th)
- Salsa Bachata International Artist Weekender (September 13th-14th)
- Heartbeat Run (September 21st)
- Carbon Capture Canada 2025 (September 23rd)
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th)
- World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th)
- International Democracy Day (September 25th)
- Gender Equality Week (4th week of September)
October
- Canadian Finals Rodeo (October 4th)
- Thanksgiving (October 13th, 2025)
- Halloween (October 31st)
- Edmonton Women's Show (October 18th-19th)
- Elevate Acro Festival (October 18th-20th)
- The DEN Summit (October 21st)
- First Day of Sukkot (October 7th, 2025)
- Diwali (October 20th, 2025)
November
- Remembrance Day (November 11th)
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November 28th)
- All Souls' Day (November 2nd)
- National Aboriginal Veterans Day (November 8th)
December
- Christmas and Holiday Season
- New Year's Eve
Q1 2025: Kickstart Your Year
January is all about fresh starts and new beginnings, but it can also be a bit of a slow month after the holiday rush. So how do you keep that momentum going? Here's the game plan:
January
New Year's Day (Statutory Holiday)
Everyone's feeling refreshed and ready to tackle new goals. This is the perfect time to launch a fresh marketing campaign with a New Year's theme. Think about offering special discounts or promotions to entice those early-bird shoppers.
Maybe a "New Year, New You" sale or a "2025 Vision" discount? Get creative and capture that renewed energy. Just make sure it fits the aesthetic of your business.
Blue Monday (January 20th 2025)
Typically falling on the third Monday of the month, this is known as the most depressing day of the year. And we all feel that it can be a bit of a downer.
The holidays are over, the weather's gloomy, and those New Year's resolutions might already be slipping.
Why not switch things up and keep your customers from feeling down by using this day to offer products or services that promote well-being and positivity.
Think about things like stress-relieving products, uplifting content, or even a "Beat the Blues" sale. A little bit of cheer can go a long way in January and can help people feel more positively towards your business.
The Winter Events
January is deep winter here in Edmonton, and you've got plenty of events that embrace it. By far, the biggest is Winterruption, which sprawls out across Downtown from the 22nd to the 26th of January, but this year also sees Deep Freeze on the 18th to the 19th.
No matter what type of business you have, maybe there's a way you can team up with the events, get a stall down there, or run some kind of offer that correlates with the festivities. Get creative and think outside the box!
Other notable events:
- UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships: January 3rd into February
February
Family Day (February 17th)
Family Day celebrates everything family, and this is, therefore, a great time to show appreciation for your customers and their loved ones, celebrating the family of your community.
Plenty of ways to do this, from hosting a family-friendly event, offering special discounts for families, or running a contest that encourages family participation.
The key here is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of the day.
Valentine's Day (February 14th)
Ah, the classic, falling on the 14th, Valentine's Day is a prime opportunity to boost sales with thematic marketing campaigns and special offers.
Think romantic dinners, couples' packages, or even "Galentine's Day" promotions for those celebrating friendship. Don't be afraid to get creative and have some fun with your marketing.
Silver Skate Festival (February 7th - 17th)
Celebrating their 35th year, the Silver Skate Festival is back, spanning 10 days from the 7th to the 17th of February 2025.
This family-friendly event showcases all things culture, art, education, sport, and recreation, is free to enter, and allows for tons of free skating.
Check out the website to see what's on, but if you can tie it into your business, perhaps teaming up with another brand, offering discounts, or setting up a pop-up stall, it can be a great way to connect with the community.
Other notable events:
- Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival: February 7th - 9th
March
International Women's Day (March 8th)
This is a day to celebrate women's incredible achievements and promote gender equality.
Consider showcasing female-owned businesses or offering special promotions on female-focused products or services. It's a chance to show your support for women in business and connect with a powerful demographic.
St. Patrick's Day (March 16th)
Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day! This is a particularly big opportunity for pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Embrace the festive spirit with themed promotions, green-themed décor, and maybe even a special St. Patrick's Day menu.
Don't forget to promote your events and specials on social media to get the word out!
Other notable events:
- Chinatown: Plenty of events and activities in the Chinatown area
Q2 2025: Spring into Action
At this time, winter's grip is loosening, the snow is (hopefully!) melting, and spring is in the air. This is the time to shake off those winter blues and really get your marketing machine humming. Here's how to make the most of Q2:
April
Easter (April 20th)
Who doesn't love a good Easter egg hunt? Embrace the playful spirit of the holiday with Easter-themed promotions and spring sales.
Think about offering "egg-cellent" discounts, hosting an online Easter egg hunt with prizes, or creating festive social media content. And don't forget those delicious Easter treats! If you're in the food industry, this is your time to shine.
Tax Day (April 30th)
Okay, I know, nobody loves tax day. But it's a reality for every business owner, and you can actually use it to your advantage! Think about offering services or products that help people de-stress after filing their taxes.
Maybe a relaxing spa package, a stress-busting yoga class, or even a "Tax Day Survival Kit" with some fun goodies. And if you're in the financial industry, this is your chance to offer valuable advice and support to your clients.
Edmonton Beerfest (April 18th - 19th)
Edmonton Beerfest is back and bigger than ever in 2025. Mark your calendars for April 18th and 19th, and get ready for two days of pure beery bliss. This is a prime opportunity for breweries, pubs, and restaurants to tap into (pun intended!) the excitement and drive sales.
Think about offering special Beerfest promotions, hosting tasting events, or even collaborating with local breweries on limited-edition brews. And don't forget to promote your involvement on social media and your website.
Use eye-catching visuals and engaging content to get those taste buds tingling and draw in the crowds. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun weekend out, Edmonton Beerfest is the place to be.
May
Victoria Day (Monday before May 25th)
The May long weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer in Edmonton, and people are eager to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Capitalize on this excitement with long weekend sales and promotions.
Think about offering discounts on outdoor gear, travel packages, or anything that screams "summer fun." And don't forget to promote your extended weekend hours!
May Long Weekend Events
Edmonton comes alive with events during the May long weekend. From the Cloverdale Rodeo to the Edmonton International Children's Festival, there's something for everyone. See if you can tie in your promotions with these local events.
Maybe offer discounts to festival-goers or partner with a local event organizer for some cross-promotion.
Mother's Day (May 11th)
Time to celebrate the amazing moms in our lives! Mother's Day is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your customers on an emotional level and offer thoughtful promotions.
Think about creating curated gift guides, offering special discounts on mom-approved products, or partnering with local businesses to create unique Mother's Day packages.
Don't forget to ramp up your social media engagement with heartwarming content that celebrates motherhood.
June
National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st)
This is a day to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Acknowledge this important day on your website and social media channels.
Consider partnering with Indigenous businesses or donating a portion of your profits to an Indigenous-led organization.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIEBtY9DSjc&ab_channel=CanadianHumanRightsCommission-CHRC
Father's Day (June 15th)
Dads deserve some love too! Father's Day is a great opportunity to offer targeted promotions for dads and families. Think about gifts that dads will actually appreciate, like tools, gadgets, or experiences they can enjoy with their kids.
And don't forget to offer gift wrapping and personalized messages to make it extra special.
Other notable events in:
Q3 2025: Summer Sales Surge
Summer in Edmonton? It's pure magic. Festivals, patios, sunshine – the energy is infectious. And that energy translates into some serious sales potential for your business. Let's make this your hottest quarter yet!
July
Canada Day (July 1st)
Oh, Canada! Time to show your patriotic pride and celebrate all things Canadian. Deck out your website and storefront in red and white, offer Canada Day-themed promotions and highlight any Canadian-made products you carry.
Don't forget to share your love for Canada on social media and engage with your followers.
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (July 4th - 15th TBC)
If your business aligns with the arts or entertainment scene, the Street Performers Festival (usually held in early July) is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community.
Maybe you could sponsor a performer, host a special event, or even offer discounts to festival attendees. It's a chance to get your brand out there and support local arts and culture.
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival 40th Anniversary
K-Days (Mid-July)
K-Days is like Edmonton's giant summer party. The city comes alive with rides, games, food, and entertainment. This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage the excitement and draw in the crowds.
Consider setting up a booth at K-Days, offering special discounts to attendees, or hosting a contest related to the festival.
K Days 2024 l Jane Rayos #kdays #yeg #edmonton
Other notable events include:
- Great Outdoor Comedy Festival: July 19th to 21st
- Taste of Edmonton Food Festival 2025: July 17th to 27th
- Edmonton Career Fair and Training Expo Canada - July 3rd
- Edmonton Ice Cream Run - July 12th
August
Edmonton Heritage Festival (Early August)
Edmonton is a melting pot of cultures, and the Heritage Festival is a beautiful celebration of that diversity. Use this opportunity to showcase your appreciation for different cultures through your marketing.
Maybe offer multicultural-themed promotions, partner with businesses from different cultural backgrounds, or simply share your support for diversity on social media.
Back-to-school season
Summer's winding down, and it's time for kids (and parents!) to get ready to head back to school. This is a prime time to target families with back-to-school promotions.
Think about offering discounts on school supplies, clothing, electronics, or anything else students might need. And don't forget about those busy parents who are looking for convenient solutions and time-saving services.
Other notable events include:
- Edmonton Folk Festival 2025: August 7th to 10th
- Heritage Festival 2025: August 2nd to 5th
- Cariwest Festival - August 8th to 10th
September
Labour Day (First Monday of September)
Labour Day marks the unofficial end of summer, but it's also a great opportunity to squeeze in some extra sales before the fall season kicks in.
Offer end-of-summer sales to clear out any remaining summer inventory and start transitioning your marketing toward fall products and services.
Edmonton Expo (September 19th)
Calling all cosplayers, comic book fans, and pop culture enthusiasts. Edmonton Expo is the place to be for all things geeky and awesome. If your business caters to this crowd, this is your chance to shine.
Think about offering Expo-themed promotions, showcasing your nerdiest merchandise, or even hosting a cosplay contest at your store. Don't forget to promote your Expo presence on social media and engage with attendees online.
Edmonton Career Fair (September 10th)
Looking for top talent to join your team? The Edmonton Career Fair is a must-attend event. This is your opportunity to connect with qualified candidates, showcase your company culture, and make a lasting impression.
Be prepared with engaging presentations, company swag, and clear information about your open positions.
Salsa Bachata International Artist Weekender (September 13th-14th)
Get ready to dance the night away - This event is a celebration of Latin dance and culture, and it's a fantastic opportunity for dance studios, fitness centers, and entertainment venues to get involved.
Think about offering special workshops, hosting dance parties, or partnering with the event organizers for cross-promotion.
Heartbeat Run (September 21st)
The Heartbeat Run is a fantastic opportunity to show your support for a great cause and connect with the health-conscious community in Edmonton.
Consider sponsoring the event, forming a company team to participate, or offering discounts to runners. It's a great way to boost your brand image and give back to the community.
Carbon Capture Canada 2025 (September 23rd)
For businesses in the energy and environmental sectors, Carbon Capture Canada is a key event. This conference brings together experts and innovators to discuss the latest advancements in carbon capture technology.
Consider attending the conference, sponsoring a session, or using your online platforms to highlight your commitment to sustainability.
Other notable events:
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30th
- World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10th
- International Democracy Day: September 25th
- Gender Equality Week: 4th week of September
Q4 2025: Holiday Hustle and Year-End Wrap-Up
Hold onto your hats because the final stretch of 2025 is a wild ride. Q4 is a whirlwind of holidays, shopping frenzies, and year-end reflections. But don't let the chaos overwhelm you.
With a little planning and some strategic marketing magic, you can turn this quarter into a revenue-generating powerhouse.
October
Canadian Finals Rodeo (October 4th)
Yeehaw, the Canadian Finals Rodeo is a thrilling celebration of Western heritage and rodeo excitement. This is a prime opportunity for businesses with a Western flair to connect with a passionate audience.
Think about offering rodeo-themed promotions, showcasing your cowboy boots and hats, or even hosting a watch party for the finals.
Canadian Finals Rodeo Edmonton Alberta Oct 4 2024
Thanksgiving (Second Monday of October)
This year falling on October 13th, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for all the good things in life, including your amazing customers. Show your appreciation with a heartfelt message on your website and social media.
Consider offering Thanksgiving-themed promotions or donating a portion of your profits to a local charity. It's a great way to build goodwill and strengthen your connection with your community.
Halloween
Things are getting spooky in Edmonton! Halloween is a fun and festive opportunity to unleash your creativity and engage with your customers.
Think about hosting a costume contest, offering "spooktacular" discounts, or decorating your storefront with eerie flair. Don't forget to promote your Halloween events and specials on social media to get everyone in the spirit!
Edmonton Women's Show (October 18th-19th)
Calling all the fabulous ladies of Edmonton.
The Women's Show is a celebration of all things feminine, from fashion and beauty to health and wellness. If your business caters to women, this is a prime opportunity to connect with your target audience.
Think about offering exclusive show promotions, showcasing your latest products, or even hosting a mini-makeover booth. Don't forget to promote your presence on social media and engage with attendees online.
Elevate Acro Festival (October 18th-20th)
For those who love to defy gravity and push the boundaries of movement, the Elevate Acro Festival is a must-attend event.
This is a great opportunity for fitness studios, dance schools, and any business related to acrobatics or movement arts to showcase their skills and connect with a passionate community. Consider offering workshops, hosting demonstrations, or sponsoring a performance.
The DEN Summit (October 21st)
The DEN Summit is a gathering of bright minds and business leaders focused on growth, collaboration, and making a positive impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to network, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights.
Consider attending the summit, sponsoring a session, or hosting a post-summit event for attendees.
Other notable events include:
- First day of Sukkot - October 7th
- Diwali - October 20th
November
Remembrance Day (November 11th)
Take a moment to honour the sacrifices of our veterans and show your respect on Remembrance Day. Consider offering a special discount to veterans or donating a portion of your profits to a veterans' charity.
It's a meaningful way to give back to those who have served our country.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Get ready for the biggest shopping weekend of the year! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a frenzy of deals and discounts, and you need to be prepared to handle the surge in traffic and online orders.
Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices, your inventory is stocked, and your customer service team is ready to handle any inquiries. This is your chance to generate some serious revenue, so don't miss out!
Other notable events include:
- All Souls' Day - October 2nd
- National Aboriginal Veterans Day - November 8th
December
Christmas and Holiday Season
'Tis the season to be jolly! December is all about spreading holiday cheer and capturing the spirit of giving. Decorate your storefront with festive lights and decorations, offer holiday-themed promotions and gift guides, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your customers.
Don't forget to send out holiday greetings to your email subscribers and social media followers.
New Year's Eve
As the year comes to a close, it's time to celebrate your achievements and look ahead to the future. Thank your customers for their support throughout the year and offer exciting promotions for the upcoming year to generate early interest.
And then raise a glass to a successful 2025.
Expert tip: Don't forget that new events may be added to the calendar throughout the year, especially towards the end of the year, so keep an eye open for them moving forward.
Beyond the Calendar: Essential Tips for Edmonton Businesses
