Do you like chill vibes, local markets, artist-wine pairings and a rocking good time? By golly, Interstellar Rodeo is the festival for you! 

Edmonton’s most unique music festival boasts an impressive lineup – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Aloe Blacc and Sharon Van Etten are headliners this year – and some of the tastiest festival food you’ll ever eat. These are the five things that have kept Edmontonians coming back eight years in a row:

1. HERITAGE AMPHITHEATRE

SOURCE: http://interstellarrodeo.com/
SOURCE: http://interstellarrodeo.com/

Arguably one of the city’s coolest venues, the Heritage Amphitheatre is neatly tucked away in the middle of Hawrelak Park. It’s the largest outdoor amphitheatre in all of Western Canada and will probably be one of the best sounding outdoor concerts you ever attend. A music festival at an iconic Edmonton landmark? Heck yes.

2. MARK’T

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SOURCE: http://interstellarrodeo.com/

Each year, festival organizers invite local artists and creators to showcase their goods on display in the festival Mark’t. Combining artisanal creations and amazing music – what’s not to love?

3. FOOD & DRINK

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SOURCE: http://interstellarrodeo.com/

Show up HUNGRY. In addition to loads of unreal food trucks, enjoy a highly curated food and drink menu by local food and wine aficionado Gurvinder Bahtia, better known as the @EdmontonWineGuy. Since the festival’s inception, Bhatia has been pairing drinks with the artists on the bill. This year all the pairings include wine, so enjoy an French red during Sharon Van Etten’s set, cheers with an African red for Edmonton’s own Major Love and grab some ‘Don Aurelio Syrah” before rocking out to Courtney Barnett! See all the pairings HERE. 

4. ROOM FOR EVERYONE

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SOURCE: http://interstellarrodeo.com/

Interstellar Rodeo is accommodating to every person who wants to come rock out! While organizers still maintain a “use it or lose it” policy for the venue’s permanent seats, there’s still space for grandma to get down in the dedicated seniors’ area. Other spaces include a reserved space for those using wheelchairs and another for new parents who need a quiet place to nurse and change diapers. Talk about some serious preparation.

5. RE-ENTRY

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SOURCE: http://interstellarrodeo.com/

You read that right – there is re-entry at Interstellar Rodeo! WUT WUT!! As long as you’re rocking your wristband, you’re free to come and go as you please. Go explore Hawrelak Park! Play frisbee! Rock out!

And of course – the MUSIC!

SOURCE: http://interstellarrodeo.com/
SOURCE: http://interstellarrodeo.com/

Each year, organizers bring out amazing acts to play an amazing venue for amazing Edmontonians with past acts including Gord Downie, Sam Roberts Band, Father John Misty, Elle King and more. Edmonton is festival city, and Interstellar Rodeo is one of the best festivals to be a part of.

The festival’s unofficial motto is “Just Be Awesome”. If this appeals to you, get your tickets HERE.