Social Intercourse: July 4, 2022

In our biweekly column Social Intercourse, we share our picks for notable things happening on campus and in Edmonton. Check out all these amazing local events!

What: Grindstone Comedy Festival

When: July 6 to 10
Where: Various locations
Admission: $18 to $33

Join Grindstone Theatre for their third annual Grindstone Comedy Festival! With improv, stand-up, and comedy sketches, there’s bound to be something for everyone. At the end of the festival, there will also be an opportunity to attend a free live podcast recording for HUNKS, a sketch comedy group from Winnipeg.

What: Poetry in the Park

When: July 6 to August 24
Where: Giovanni Caboto Park
Admission: Free

This event is happening every Wednesday of the summer, and features a free poetry workshop and an open mic for attendees. If poetry writing and reading is for you, then this isn’t an event to be missed!

What: Eid Henna Charity Event

When: July 7 from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: University of Alberta Business Tory Galleria
Admission: $5 to $20

Eid is quickly coming up, and the Muslim Students’ Association at the U of A is hosting a henna open house where attendees can get their henna done for a donation! All proceeds will be going towards Islamic Relief, an international humanitarian aid charity.

What: Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

When: July 8 to 17
Where: Churchill Square
Admission: Free

This year, the Works Art & Design Festival and the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival are teaming up to present visual art, circus, music, and dance performances, and so much more! Entrance is free with performers honouring the pass-the-hat tradition.

What: Africanival

When: July 16 and 17
Where: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
Admission: Free

All communities are invited to celebrate African culture, history, talents, and so much more! This year, Africanival is focused on young talent, providing a kids corner with activities, bouncy castles, and face painting. Also new this year is a beer garden. Like other years, Africanival will also have a fashion show, gospel hour, food vendors, and so much more!

What: The Magpie Collection: A Dance Festival

When: July 16 to 24
Where: Various locations
Admission: $20 for one show, $15 for one workshop, with passes available

Hosted by Mile Zero Dance, The Magpie Collection: A Dance Festival features workshops on a various genres of dance from July 16 to 21 in the U of A’s Fine Arts Building, and performances on July 22 and 23 at Campus Saint-Jean. On July 24, there will be a bike tour where performances will be on route in the River Valley. It’s a packed week of learning and performances, so make sure not to miss out!