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July 1 is Canada Day, the day that we celebrate Canada’s birthday. Across the country, everyone comes out to share pride in our country and celebrate some of the things that make Canada a great place to study, work, and live: multiculturalism, freedom, openness, friendship, and more.

Canada Day is the anniversary of the 1867 British North America Act, which united three colonies (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada) into one country called Canada.

This year, we are wishing this great country a happy 148th birthday!

Across Canada, we celebrate with parties, festivals, parades, and of course, the most popular event: the fireworks! Here are 5 ways that you can celebrate Canada Day in Edmonton, Alberta:

1. The Fireworks

The most popular celebration of all is the Canada Day fireworks display. Thousands of people come from all around Edmonton and the surrounding areas to gather around the river valley and see this amazing display light up the sky. During the fireworks, you will often hear people singing “O Canada” the national anthem.

2. The lighting of the High Level Bridge

Photo credit: City of Edmonton

Edmonton City Hall will be hosting an afternoon full of free entertainment, including music, dancing, and free tours. It will all kick off with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a pipe band, a magic show, ribbon dancers, and more.

4. Canada Day celebration cake at the Alberta Legislature

With any great Canadian birthday celebration comes a birthday cake! The Alberta Legislature, which is the meeting place of the Alberta provincial government, will be celebrating Canada Day with a giant birthday cake for everyone to enjoy. There will also be a free pancake breakfast in the morning, a road race, food vendors, and free tours of the Legislature building.

5. Canada Day Heritage Chinatown Night Market

Photo credit: City of Edmonton

Edmonton’s Chinatown district will be hosting the Chinatown Night Market, where everyone can gather to enjoy craft sales, food trucks, and amazing performances such as a lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, dancing, and more. The event ends at 9pm, so everyone will still have time to walk over to the river valley and enjoy the fireworks!