Billed as the “best 10 days of summer,” Edmonton’s K-Days is a well-loved annual exhibition that has been held since before Edmonton became a city and Alberta became a province.

The biggest summer festival in the city, K-Days 2018 is being held from July 20th to July 29th at Northlands Park. Every year, the festival draws crowds of up to and exceeding three-quarters of a million people. K-Days is held at the same time as Taste of Edmonton, encouraging locals and visitors to get out under the summer sun and explore the city.

During K-Days, Northlands Park is transformed into an endless playground of games, concerts, shopping, and fun family activities. Thrill seekers will want to head to the exhilarating rides and those who want to test their skill (and luck) will want to try out some midway games. It’s an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of entertainment and, of course, food. There are plenty of things to do during the day and perhaps even more after the sun sets over the festival and the party continues.

The Northlands grounds will be open daily from 12 pm to 12 am for K-days, with indoor attractions closing at 9 pm. If you wish to leave and come back to the festival later, you will be given a hand stamp for re-entry. The event is fully wheelchair accessible and located right next to Edmonton’s LRT Coliseum Station.

K-Days kicks off with its Main Parade at 10 am on July 20th. The parade will begin at 108 Street and Jasper Avenue and finish at 101 Street and 103 Avenue. That same day also marks the beginning of the K-Days Rodeo, which will run until July 22nd. The K-Days Rodeo is the largest regular-season rodeo in Canada and the eighth largest pro rodeo in the whole world.

In between all of the excitement of K-Days, make sure you stop for a taste of local craft beer. The festival has partnered with Alberta Small Brewers Association and Alberta Craft Distillers this year to bring you beer and ciders from 26 Alberta breweries. If you’re looking for activities that are a little more kid-friendly, then check out the Chilkoot Goldmine and the Klondike Express. Both offer a chance for children to experience a bit of the festival’s history.

The very first K-Days, which was originally known as the Edmonton Exhibition, took place on October 15, 1879. It was organized by the Edmonton Agricultural Society and held at the Original Fort Edmonton site when the area was still a part of the Northwest Territories. The Edmonton Exhibition showcased grains, vegetables, livestock, and handiwork and attracted about 500 people. By 1904, the exhibition was attracting 20,000 people a year and was moved to its current site in order to accommodate them all.

In 1962, the event was renamed “Klondike Days” and attendees eagerly dressed up in Klondike Gold Rush period costumes. The name was changed once again in 2006 to “Capital Ex” in an effort to capture the more modern themes and feel of the event. A mere six years later, however, Capital Ex was renamed “K-Days” by popular vote and has remained so ever since.

Whether you are looking for something fun to do with the kids or you’re more interested in having a day out with friends, there’s something for everyone at K-Days. After grabbing a bite to eat at Taste of Edmonton, make sure you stop by Northlands to test your nerve on a thrilling ride or take in some music while enjoying a craft beer.