Hosting approximately 75 festivals each year, with at least one occurring in every calendar month, affords Edmonton the distinction of being Canada's Festival City. While for most people, the word 'festival' evokes thoughts of food and music, the main focus of North America's biggest and longest-running of festivals in Edmonton, the Fringe Festival, is arts, entertainment and theater. Participants in this unique festival receive their own performance venue and appearance schedule as well as expert assistance supplied by sound system technicians and professional ticket sales and promotional marketing services.
Edmonton music festivals are known to highlight traditional folk, classical and rock concerts, but one festival draws attention to a less often heard instrument, the accordian. Held each year at St. John's Culture Centre, under the auspices of the Edmonton Accordian Society, the goal of this festival is to heighten awareness of an instrument capable of producing musical sounds encompassing all musical genre.
Edmonton events calendar includes a rather unique festival, Water For Life, heralding spring and the observance of Canada's World Water Day celebration. Conducted by Sunshine Tree Shade Humanitarian Charity, the goal of this event is to capture attention and support to provide toxic-free water for children around the globe.