Latest news with #KDays2025
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
KDays attendance tops more than 750k: The fest by the numbers
Edmonton's biggest summer festival just wrapped – and by the numbers, KDays 2025 was one for the books. With record-breaking attendance, sold-out concerts, and thousands of corndogs devoured, this year's edition proved the midway magic is alive and well. The annual summer festival, fuelled by North Central Co-op among other business and community partners, attracted more than 764,140 fairgoers, making it the highest KDays attendance post COVID-19, according to Explore Edmonton, the organization behind the event, which called it a major success. 'KDays 2025 was a success, welcoming over 760,000 fairgoers who experienced many memorable moments on the midway,' said Arlindo Gomes, vice president of business operations and venues management at Explore Edmonton, in a release. Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'From the KDays Music Fest to Ferris Wheel Fundraisers, Explore Edmonton is so proud of the way the KDays celebrates family and friends, collaborates with community organizations, and profiles Edmonton businesses and their innovations. KDays continues to be a must-experience summer festival and a place that celebrates the spirit of Edmonton.' A look at the numbers from this year's fest: 83,759: The opening day attendance, which surpassed the previous record of 72,495, set in 2012 103,337: The peak midweek attendance, on Wednesday, breaking the daily attendance record of 86,263 set in 2014 3,300: The number of attendees at the Premier's Pancake Breakfast, which saw Danielle Smith flipping flapjacks to kick off KDays 29,811: The number of corndogs that were consumed across the grounds 4: Number of sold-out shows at KDays Music Fest, featuring G-Eazy, Bad Religion, Marianas Trench, and Jazzy B with Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga 5,000: The number of fans who attended Jazzy B with Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga, marking the first-ever South Asian act at the KDays Music Fest Music was heard throughout the festival grounds. The CKUA Radio Stage hosted a variety of programming, including local independent music, live wrestling, a strongman competition, Pride Night, the Edmonton BluesFest Concert, and La Cité – Francophone Concert. Over in the newly renovated Klondike Park, guests enjoyed Park After Dark, an evening experience with local DJs, drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere 650: This year, Explore Edmonton partnered with over 650 businesses, community partners, and vendors, showcasing the best the city has to offer 24: The number of local businesses that took part in the Feature Product Program, promoting 46 KDays-themed products that boosted visibility, brought in new customers, and increased both attendance and sales 500: The number of families who turned out for Monday Morning Magic, which featured special guests from the Edmonton Oilers , Edmonton Elks, Edmonton Riverhawks, Edmonton Stingers, and Dr. Patch-Up from the Stollery Children's Foundation 54: The number of hours former radio host Chris Scheetz spent riding the Ferris wheel to raise $70,886 in support of Alberta Dreams Elsewhere at KDays, cultural programming took centre stage at Kiyanaw, the Indigenous Experience Hall, presented in partnership with the Indigenous Edmonton Entertainment Group Association (IEEGA). Visitors were welcomed to explore Indigenous stories, performances, and traditions. Pride Night at the CKUA Stage drew a crowd with Drag Me to the Midway, an energetic show featuring Joey Jay from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13, Canada's Drag Race finalists' Kendall Gender and Aurora Matrix, and Canada's Drag Race stars Melinda Verga and Perla. At the Discovery Zone, the festival honoured its agricultural roots with a full hall of animals and agri-education, giving urban families a chance to connect with Alberta's farming traditions. KDays 2025 marked the fourth year of Explore Edmonton's Reimagine KDays Strategy. The festival will return July 17 to 26, 2026. cnguyen@
Calgary Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
KDays attendance tops more than 750k: The fest by the numbers
Article content Edmonton's biggest summer festival just wrapped – and by the numbers, KDays 2025 was one for the books. With record-breaking attendance, sold-out concerts, and thousands of corndogs devoured, this year's edition proved the midway magic is alive and well. Article content The annual summer festival, fuelled by North Central Co-op among other business and community partners, attracted more than 764,140 fairgoers, making it the highest KDays attendance post COVID-19, according to Explore Edmonton, the organization behind the event, which called it a major success. Article content Article content Article content 'KDays 2025 was a success, welcoming over 760,000 fairgoers who experienced many memorable moments on the midway,' said Arlindo Gomes, vice president of business operations and venues management at Explore Edmonton, in a release. Article content Article content 'From the KDays Music Fest to Ferris Wheel Fundraisers, Explore Edmonton is so proud of the way the KDays celebrates family and friends, collaborates with community organizations, and profiles Edmonton businesses and their innovations. KDays continues to be a must-experience summer festival and a place that celebrates the spirit of Edmonton.' 83,759: The opening day attendance, which surpassed the previous record of 72,495, set in 2012 Article content 103,337: The peak midweek attendance, on Wednesday, breaking the daily attendance record of 86,263 set in 2014 Article content Article content 3,300: The number of attendees at the Premier's Pancake Breakfast, which saw Danielle Smith flipping flapjacks to kick off KDays Article content Music that moved the crowd Article content 5,000: The number of fans who attended Jazzy B with Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga, marking the first-ever South Asian act at the KDays Music Fest Article content Music was heard throughout the festival grounds. The CKUA Radio Stage hosted a variety of programming, including local independent music, live wrestling, a strongman competition, Pride Night, the Edmonton BluesFest Concert, and La Cité – Francophone Concert.
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
KDays attendance tops more than 750k: The fest by the numbers
Edmonton's biggest summer festival just wrapped – and by the numbers, KDays 2025 was one for the books. With record-breaking attendance, sold-out concerts, and thousands of corndogs devoured, this year's edition proved the midway magic is alive and well. Article content The annual summer festival, fuelled by North Central Co-op among other business and community partners, attracted more than 764,140 fairgoers, making it the highest KDays attendance post COVID-19, according to Explore Edmonton, the organization behind the event, which called it a major success. Article content Article content Article content 'KDays 2025 was a success, welcoming over 760,000 fairgoers who experienced many memorable moments on the midway,' said Arlindo Gomes, vice president of business operations and venues management at Explore Edmonton, in a release. Article content Article content 'From the KDays Music Fest to Ferris Wheel Fundraisers, Explore Edmonton is so proud of the way the KDays celebrates family and friends, collaborates with community organizations, and profiles Edmonton businesses and their innovations. KDays continues to be a must-experience summer festival and a place that celebrates the spirit of Edmonton.' Article content 103,337: The peak midweek attendance, on Wednesday, breaking the daily attendance record of 86,263 set in 2014 Article content Article content 3,300: The number of attendees at the Premier's Pancake Breakfast, which saw Danielle Smith flipping flapjacks to kick off KDays Article content Music that moved the crowd Article content 4: Number of sold-out shows at KDays Music Fest, featuring G-Eazy, Bad Religion, Marianas Trench, and Jazzy B with Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga Article content 5,000: The number of fans who attended Jazzy B with Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga, marking the first-ever South Asian act at the KDays Music Fest Article content Music was heard throughout the festival grounds. The CKUA Radio Stage hosted a variety of programming, including local independent music, live wrestling, a strongman competition, Pride Night, the Edmonton BluesFest Concert, and La Cité – Francophone Concert.
Edmonton Journal
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edmonton Journal
Premier Smith flipping flapjacks at KDays pancake breakfast
Article content The sun was shining, the griddles were hot, and uplifted tunes played over the loudspeakers as hundreds gathered at Klondike Park for the Premier's Pancake Breakfast, the official kick-off to KDays 2025. With the smell of fresh pancakes in the air and hot food lines serving up pancakes, eggs, sausages, juice, and drinks, the festive mood was unmistakable. Article content Premier Danielle Smith worked the flapjack line alongside Explore Edmonton staff and volunteers, flipping pancakes, pouring syrup and greeting families. Article content Article content Article content 'KDays is part of Edmonton heritage, it continues to deliver tremendous excitement, welcoming nearly three quarters of a million people last year, and I'm sure you're gonna break records again this year.' Article content Article content The breakfast event, open to the public from 9-11 a.m., drew thousands of attendees, including elected officials, community partners, families and performers. Thanks to presenting sponsor North Central Co-Op, the first 5,000 guests received free gate admission. Article content Outside the gates, crowds began lining up early, eager to be among the first inside. Article content Article content 'We're so incredibly grateful to so many government leaders who are here today flipping pancakes,' said Traci Bednard, president and CEO of Explore Edmonton. 'The premier, I can see, has some mad skills in that.' Article content KDays remains one of Alberta's largest annual events, drawing hundreds of thousands each year. Bednard noted the festival has run since 1879 and highlighted what's new this year, including a second music stage powered by CKUA, international competitions and expanded youth programming. Article content Article content 'The feature product program is where innovators, foodies, techies, designers and dreamers get their moment in the spotlight, from wild snack creations to one-of-a-kind, handmade goods,' Bednard said. 'We've deepened our partnership with Indigenous communities and are welcoming more local artists and performers. There really is something for everyone here.'
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Premier Smith flipping flapjacks at KDays pancake breakfast
The sun was shining, the griddles were hot, and uplifted tunes played over the loudspeakers as hundreds gathered at Klondike Park for the Premier's Pancake Breakfast, the official kick-off to KDays 2025. With the smell of fresh pancakes in the air and hot food lines serving up pancakes, eggs, sausages, juice, and drinks, the festive mood was unmistakable. Premier Danielle Smith worked the flapjack line alongside Explore Edmonton staff and volunteers, flipping pancakes, pouring syrup and greeting families. Smith's appearance drew cheers and selfie requests as she declared the 10-day fair officially underway. 'Happy KDays Edmonton! Whether you are a long-time resident, newly arrived or just visiting, KDays offers something for everyone and is one of the best ways to experience Edmonton's unique character,' she told the crowd Friday morning. 'KDays is part of Edmonton heritage, it continues to deliver tremendous excitement, welcoming nearly three quarters of a million people last year, and I'm sure you're gonna break records again this year.' The breakfast event, open to the public from 9-11 a.m., drew thousands of attendees, including elected officials, community partners, families and performers. Thanks to presenting sponsor North Central Co-Op, the first 5,000 guests received free gate admission. Outside the gates, crowds began lining up early, eager to be among the first inside. 'We're so incredibly grateful to so many government leaders who are here today flipping pancakes,' said Traci Bednard, president and CEO of Explore Edmonton. 'The premier, I can see, has some mad skills in that.' KDays remains one of Alberta's largest annual events, drawing hundreds of thousands each year. Bednard noted the festival has run since 1879 and highlighted what's new this year, including a second music stage powered by CKUA, international competitions and expanded youth programming. 'The feature product program is where innovators, foodies, techies, designers and dreamers get their moment in the spotlight, from wild snack creations to one-of-a-kind, handmade goods,' Bednard said. 'We've deepened our partnership with Indigenous communities and are welcoming more local artists and performers. There really is something for everyone here.' Mayor Amarjeet Sohi also addressed the crowd, calling Edmonton 'the best city in Alberta.' Sohi, who has appeared alongside Smith at several events this week, praised the collaborative effort behind KDays, from government support to the dedication of staff and volunteers. 'It's only possible because we have a dedicated group of people who are willing to put their time and effort and bring everyone together to make these events a reality,' he said. Smith, attending her third event in the city within the last two days, reflected on the festival's long history. 'For over 130 years, this event has been a cornerstone of summer, evolving from the Edmonton Exhibition into the celebration that we know today,' she said. 'So get ready for 10 days of non-stop fun and community celebration held right in the height of an Alberta summer. I'm so proud to be here celebrating in the capital city.' From midway thrills and fireworks to local eats and live music, she encouraged everyone to explore the many corners of KDays. 'Have a great summer, embrace the vibrant days of KDays, and just have a blast out there!' Taras Nohas, board chair and president of North Central Co-Op, the breakfast's presenting sponsor, brought his signature blend of humour and sincerity to the stage, reflecting on the honour of returning for a second year to help launch one of Edmonton's most iconic summer festivals. 'When I said 'Hi' to the premier, she was a little surprised I was back — I guess I didn't offend enough people last year. So we'll see if I can do that this time,' he joked. Nohas acknowledged the importance of community partnerships behind events like KDays. 'Why do we keep showing up? Because the North Central Co-Op community isn't just something we write in our annual report, and forget it's the reason we exist,' he said. 'And besides that, who's going to bring the coffee?' cnguyen@ Related What to expect at KDays 2025: A look inside Edmonton's biggest summer celebration KDays 2025 rolls out bold new food lineup featuring sweet heat, global fusions, and pickle everything You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
