The heart of Edmonton’s arts scene came alive this weekend as the iconic Citadel Theatre opened its doors for Alberta Culture Days, transforming its spaces into vibrant hubs of artistic expression and community connection.
Walking through the theatre’s grand foyer yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t help but notice the electric energy that filled the air. Families with children in tow, couples, and solo arts enthusiasts moved from one activity to another, their faces lit with curiosity and delight.
“This year marks a special return to full-scale celebrations after several years of modified programming,” explained Sarah Pocklington, the Citadel’s community engagement director, as we chatted near a bustling workshop area. “We wanted to create an inclusive space where Edmontonians of all ages could experience the transformative power of arts and culture.”
The three-day festival, running through Sunday evening, showcases the rich cultural tapestry that makes our city unique. From traditional Indigenous performances to contemporary dance, the programming reflects Edmonton’s diverse artistic landscape.
For seven-year-old Mia Johnson, the highlight was clearly the mask-making workshop. “I made it look like a fox,” she told me proudly, holding up her creation with paint-stained fingers while her mother looked on with a smile.
The Citadel’s main stage hosted a rotating schedule of performances throughout the day. I caught an enchanting set by local musicians The River Valley Folk Collective, whose harmonies filled the theatre with warmth despite the autumn chill outside.
“We’ve been participating in Alberta Culture Days for five years now,” shared lead vocalist Emma Henderson after their performance. “There’s something magical about playing in this space and connecting with audiences who might not typically attend our shows.”
Around the corner from the main stage, local filmmaker Jordan Liu showcased his short documentary about Edmonton’s river valley conservation efforts. The screening room was packed with engaged viewers who stayed for a thoughtful Q&A session afterward.
“Events like this provide crucial exposure for independent artists,” Liu explained. “Creating art can be isolating, so these community celebrations remind us why we do what we do.”
The festival isn’t limited to passive appreciation. Interactive installations throughout the building invited visitors to become creators themselves. One particularly popular attraction was a community mural project where participants added their own brushstrokes to a collective artwork.
“We’ll display the finished piece in our lobby throughout the season,” said Pocklington. “It’s a beautiful representation of how individual contributions create something greater than the sum of their parts—much like our arts community itself.”
Alberta Culture Days began in 2008 as a provincial initiative to celebrate arts and heritage. What started as a single day has expanded to a weekend-long celebration with events across the province.
For the Citadel, Alberta’s largest professional theatre, hosting these festivities represents an important outreach opportunity. Executive Director Chantell Ghosh notes that such events help break down perceived barriers around accessing arts spaces.
“Many people still feel intimidated by entering a theatre building,” she told me. “Culture Days gives us the chance to say ‘come as you are’ and show that this space belongs to everyone in our community.”
This inclusivity was evident in the diverse crowd that filled the building. Seniors chatted with students, newcomers to Canada exchanged perspectives with long-time residents, and artists networked with potential collaborators.
Local chef Daniel Rodriguez offered food for thought—quite literally—with his culinary demonstration highlighting Indigenous ingredients native to the Edmonton region.
“Food is perhaps our most accessible cultural expression,” Rodriguez said while preparing a saskatoon berry compote. “When we understand the stories behind what we eat, we connect more deeply with the land and its history.”
The festival also serves as a subtle preview of the Citadel’s upcoming season, with costume displays and set model exhibitions offering glimpses into future productions. Staff members were on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through the theatre’s various spaces, including some usually off-limits to the public.
As afternoon turned to evening, the building’s energy shifted but never dimmed. A jazz quartet set up in the lobby while a poetry slam competition began in one of the smaller performance spaces.
For young artists like 16-year-old dancer Maya Williams, the festival provides rare exposure to multiple art forms in a single venue. “I came for the dance workshop, but I’ve stayed all day,” she said. “I’ve never thought about trying theatre before, but after today, I might look into acting classes.”
This cross-pollination between disciplines is precisely what event organizers hope to achieve. By breaking down silos between different arts communities, Alberta Culture Days fosters new collaborations and inspires creative exploration.
The celebration continues through Sunday with family-focused programming in the morning and more adult-oriented performances scheduled for the evening. All activities remain free to the public, though some workshops require advance registration due to limited capacity.
As I left the Citadel yesterday evening, the sounds of music and laughter followed me onto the street. In a world increasingly dominated by digital entertainment, there was something profoundly moving about seeing hundreds of people gather to create, share and celebrate culture together in physical space.
The festival serves as a timely reminder of the vital role arts play in building community connections and fostering understanding across differences—something our city needs now more than ever.
