Assist Taste of Heritage Festival

The ASSIST Taste of Heritage Festival 2026 is a free, family-friendly outdoor celebration of culture, community, and belonging that showcases the rich cultural diversity of Edmonton. Celebrating its 5th Anniversary, this unique student-led festival will feature the traditions of 25 countries and cultures, alongside Indigenous representation from Treaty 6 Territory through our partnership with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.

Taking place on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the festival is expected to welcome approximately 1,200 to 1,300 attendees from across the Edmonton region. Hosted on the green spaces surrounding ASSIST’s LINC (Schindler Hall) and Southwest Centre, this free community event creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where newcomers, Indigenous communities, and longtime Edmontonians come together to celebrate the city’s cultural richness.

Primarily organized and presented by newcomer English language learners, the festival provides participants with a meaningful opportunity to build confidence, practice English in authentic community settings, and proudly share their cultural heritage. Visitors will enjoy authentic food samples, traditional teas and non-alcoholic beverages, live music and dance performances by local artists, a Heritage Fashion Exhibition, and a variety of interactive cultural experiences, including face painting, henna, crafts, calligraphy demonstrations, and traditional games from around the world.

Beyond celebrating culture, the ASSIST Taste of Heritage Festival strengthens community connections by creating opportunities for intercultural dialogue, newcomer integration, and collaboration with Indigenous-serving organizations and local community partners. By centering the voices and experiences of newcomer learners and other equity-deserving communities, the festival helps reduce social isolation, foster a sense of belonging, and promote mutual understanding among people of all backgrounds.

The festival also advances reconciliation by recognizing Treaty 6 Territory and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous organizations, while celebrating the contributions that newcomers make to Edmonton’s social, cultural, and economic life. Through these shared experiences, the ASSIST Taste of Heritage Festival continues to build a more inclusive, connected, and welcoming Edmonton for everyone.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. We invite individuals, families, and community members of all ages to join us in celebrating the stories, traditions, flavours, music, and cultures that make Edmonton one of Canada’s most vibrant multicultural cities.