Edmonton Heritage Festival
Categories: Local Flavour Arts & Entertainment Festivals Local Flavour, Festivals [Edit]
Hawrelak ParkEdmonton, AB T5J 1W5
(780) 488-3378
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for Edmonton Heritage Festival
13 reviews in English
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Review from Alouise D.
Edmonton, AB
8/2/2011
I love going to the Heritage Festival (it'll always be Heritage Days to me). My friend and I went on Sunday, first thing when it opened. If you can do the walk, park at the Windsor lot at the U of A and walk down. They also have Park & Ride there, and at some other locations around the city.
Food is a big part of Heritage days. Tickets are 75 cents, and items go for 1 to 10 tickets. The 8 to 10 ticket items are usually meal combos. I prefer to go for the 1 to 5 ticket items to I can sample more things. Aditya's tip about coming with a big group to sample more food seems to be really good idea. The only bad thing? Unlike going to Taste of Edmonton where you know you can go to a specific restaurant to have the dishes you tried, and liked, trying to find a place where you had some of the Heritage days dishes might be a little harder. One of my favourite dishes I tried was the Tamia with the cucumber dip from the Sudanese Pavilion. Unfortunately I don't think there's a Sudanese restaurant in Edmonton. So unless I find a recipe and try to make it myself I'll have to wait until next year's Heritage Festival and hope they have it again.
But of course there's more than just food at the festival. There's vendors selling a variety of products, from jewellery, to woodworking, to clothes. You can watch performances from dancers, singers, drummers, etc. The water painting at the Turkish pavilion was really interesting to watch. And of course each country's pavilion has information, and often pamphlets about their country and traditions.
The best tip I have is to come early because the crowds get much bigger after 1pm. Wear good walking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Even water will cost you a ticket or two, so save yourself some money and bring a bottle from home. And of course bring a food bank donation. Either nonperishable items, or a monetary donation. As well you can donate your extra food tickets if you can't use them all. Heritage Days has free admission, so making a donation to the Edmonton Food Bank seems like a fair price to me.
I only wish that the Heritage Festival was a week long festival, and didn't just happen over the August long weekend. Usually I have to work when the Heritage Festival is on, but I ended up lucking out for this year. I really hope that I'll be able to again next year. -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
8/3/2011
The Heritage Fest is an awesome part of Edmonton's festival culture, and a very fun way to spend a summer weekend learning about (and eating food from) cultures around the world.
Sometimes I think the festival is maybe just too big (it took 2-3 hours to get through most of it), but then I remember how many countries there are in this world (and not all of them are even represented at the festival).
My two main complaints are that the food is too pricey (I find Taste of Edmonton to be a better bang for my buck) and the line-ups can get to be insanely long (20 minute line-up for meat on a stick under a hot, hot sun? No thanks!)
It would be great if there were more seating around the park -- or if I had the foresight to bring a picnic blanket! -
Review from Jacqueline S.
Edmonton, AB
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Heritage Festival is mostly about eating your way around the world, although the performances and the arts and crafts tents are great too.
The festival is probably best enjoyed with a bunch of friends, an empty stomach, and a lot of tickets, to make sure you get a good sampling of what's on offer.
That being said, it's possible to have a good time on the cheap too. $5 gets you 6 food tickets, which is enough to get a decent portion somewhere, and there's always music and/or dancing going on on one of the stages around the park. Plus, the people-watching is fantastic.Listed in: On the cheap, My 30 Day Challenge, Festival City!
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Review from Lea A.
8/1/2011
This year we were blessed with sun for the Heritage Festival weekend, which in and of itself, is a miracle considering the awful summer weather we've had. And I'm so glad that the weather co-operated, otherwise I would have missed out on one of my favourite festivals in the city!
It's essentially a slightly overpriced multicultural buffet in a park setting filled with music and a shopping bazaar -- ethnic trinkets and fashion can be bought, and even fortune telling can be had! But, as a festival, I expect to overpay a bit in order to sample food stuffs around the world and watch super cute children do their dances in costume.
I ALWAYS go to the Croatian Pavillon year after year because they serve a mean roast pork and lamb, along with a small salad and bun. They also have the classic elephant ear as well, so it's pretty convenient that my fave eats in the festival is in one place. After that, it's "anything goes" -- whatever stall hits my fancy and whatever meat-on-a-stick is on sale, I probably get. While many stalls sell the same thing, not all spring rolls, donairs, or other similar offerings are alike. Different cultures DO spice and serve them differently, so if you're aching for gyros/donairs, try say, the Iraq Pavillon instead of the more common Greek or Turkish one.
As a woman of Filipino heritage, I can't help but rep the Filipino stall and suggest the "lumpia shanghai" or spring roll (it's a lot meatier than other stalls), as well as the "turon" (basically a banana spring roll), and the "gulaman drink" -- which is a sweet drink with jello-like pieces. On behalf of my husband, who's Polish, he wants to point out that his culture sells non alcoholic Lech -- Polish beer.
Anyway, if you're in Edmonton during the August long weekend, make sure to check out the Heritage Festival and see how different and alike we all are.Listed in: 30 Day Challenge, YEG's Pulse
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Review from Aditya R.
3/26/2011
Quick Tip: Come in a big group, that way you can sample a lot without getting full!
I really like the Heritage festival. it's this unique event that happens over three days at the Hawrelak Park and exhibits a variety of cultures from the Fiji islands to eastern Europe and Cuba to Afghanistan. Not surprisingly, most of those cultures have some sort of representation in Edmonton, so it isn't all that random.
Most people think of it as a food eating event, but there certainly is a lot more to do, like learning to play Go in the Japanese tent or reading about the ancient Mesopotamian history of Iraq (yes, it wasn't always considered the "axis of evil" .. LOL) or of course, seeing the myriad dances across various cultures. There are skits, there are dance shows (the Irish tap dance show is pretty good), you can take a photograph with a hot Mountie or you can bask in the cordon of trees that dress the edge of the lake at the park.
Of course, coming back to food, they have a huge, massive variety of food but I was a little disappointed. Some stalls the food was quite sub-par. Somehow, I also feel that there isn't a spirited dialogue between neighboring countries' stalls (not neighboring stalls) about what food to put out. Like, there must have been the sweet fried bread in maybe 7-8 of the east European stalls or, of course a better example, there was samosas in maybe 20 stalls - okay, we get it - samosas are eaten in Africa, south Asia, Fiji islands etc.
All in all, you can easily spend a long day (provided it aint too hot) here and sample small food items, sample some culture and sample some sun.Listed in: Eat, Love, Pray Locally
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Review from Bradley M.
Edmonton, AB
2/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Around the World in 3 Days...
Come and fill your belly many times...
something like 80 venues in hawrelak park serving food, entertainment...
Bus, Bike or walk into the site...
I volunteered here for about 10 years, and it was always an entertaining, eye-opening experience... -
Review from Rachel F.
8/2/2011
I adore the Heritage Festival. It's one of my favourite festivals here in Festival City, and I make a point to go every year. The food is outstanding, and I recommend going with friends and sampling a few bites of many foods from various cultures. I also love the myriad displays where I can learn about different cultures here in Alberta and peruse the lovely hand-crafts from all over the world. Most of all, I enjoy the dancing, with the Lion Dance at the China Pavilion blowing me away every year. I always come early to ensure I have good seat for that show.
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Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
3/25/2010
I am always excited when Heritage Days start! It's a part of Edmonton and it's a lot of fun.
The best part about Heritage Days (that's what everyone calls it), is immersing yourself in so many different and unique cultures - all in one day. Sometimes I find that I want more though!
The dancing is amazing. I love watching all the different cultures perform because it really gives you a new appreciation for the diversity we have in our city. It's a beautiful thing.
And the food is remarkable! If you have ever wanted to try some ethnic food but haven't yet mustered up the courage to sit down in a restaurant and take on a completely foreign menu, Heritage Days can help! Try some of the food at each of the different booths. They don't usually have a full menu so the choice isn't as hard. You can also ask what they recommend (I've done it many times) and they are happy to give you the best they've got.
It's a really neat experience, Heritage Days. Enjoy great food, the great outdoors, and experience the diversity that we have right here in our own backyards! -
Review from Lauren N.
10/23/2008
This festival is my favorite one of the summer, because you get to stuff yourself senseless while appreciating diverse cultures in the city. Same deal as Taste of Edmonton, in that you purchase a sheet of tickets and use your stubs towards foods at vendors' tents. My favorite is the mango and sweet rice at the Thai pavilion; it's like heaven in a bowl on those hot summer days.
You usually need a map for this event, as there are over 100 tents, I believe. Like Jennifer mentioned, it's so great to see everyone come out and celebrate Edmonton's multiculturalism. Along with the food, you can buy cultural souvenirs from tents and take in performances throughout the day. The Japanese Kendo, Chinese dragon dances, and Spanish flamenco dances are always really popular. You usually see girls buying Chinese umbrellas too, to shade themselves from the sun.
I usually find myself running out of tickets midway, and need to go back for more. The Heritage Festival is like a multicultural buffet; you gotta sample a little bit of this and that to appreciate it. -
Review from Jeanette B.
Edmonton, AB
10/24/2008
I try to make a point to visit the Heritage Festival every year, but I feel somewhat guilty. Although I love learning about different cultures, a big part of the reason I get so excited about coming here is the food. There's just so many delicious choices from so many cultures, my mouth and stomach go completely insane. I always make sure to buy lots of tickets, because I like to try at least five foods. And every year, I make a point of trying something different.
My background is German, so one year I had the bratwurst, but it was a rather disappointing--not the best sausage I've ever had. The Portuguese pastries are absolutely amazing though, and the French crepe with chocolate sauce is to die for.
Sometimes I buy merchandise here too. I love the coconut rings that one South American tent sells. The England tent usually has some neat candies and delicious tea. I've also seen some great shoulder bags and clothing from a variety of cultures, but it's not cheap.
Hawrelak Park is also a great place for the Heritage Festival. If the weather is nice, I can easily spend the day here, eating, learning, and enjoying this beautiful park. -
Review from Chukwuma M.
3/25/2010
One of the best things about Edmonton. It's fascinating to see all the different cultures our city houses. Learning about other countries is a lot of fun as well...
Okay, but let's be real here: the best part of the festival is the insane variety of food that is available. I swear I gain 5lbs after every Heritage festival, but luckily I burn them off since I have to do so much walking during the festival. Mmmm, so many flavors...you won't even know where to start. I once had some crepes over at the French booth that changed my life. Going for the food alone is worth the trip. Don't forgot to pack an extra stomach!
Be sure to check out the Nigerian booth! Go us! -
Review from Paula K.
10/24/2008
This is my favourite festival of the summer. I always look forward to the food, music, dancing, and learning a bit about different cultures from around the world. A lot of the food is the same stuff you can get at ethnic restaurants, so I try to go for things I don't normally get a chance to try. The music and traditional clothing are also fabulous. Bring a lot of cash - you redeem tickets for food, and it can get pricy. There is also no end to the souvenirs which are offered at practically every pavilion. Hawrelak Park gets packed as the days progress, so try to come early and avoid the lineups for tickets and food.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
10/23/2008 1 photo
The heritage festival is a good excuse to spend a day eating. While it's a festival in its own right, it reminds me of Taste of Edmonton, since E-town's so multicultural. Here, you can eat perogies and green onion cakes, then in the next bite be devouring jerk chicken or lentil dal. I love wandering around looking at different pavilions and what they've got going on. Whether it's a dance performance, singing, food or clothing and art objects on display, it's fun to stop and watch for a few minutes, then move on. I love seeing people who take such pride in their heritage and others wanting to learn more about them. This is a wonderful civic event which creates positive buzz and greater visibility of minorities in our community. These are the kinds of government initiatives that everyone can participate in, and which create greater tolerance and friendliness among the people we call neighbours.
