Wrestling, rides and music
Some big musical names will be hitting KDays’ stage this year, including Ludacris, Down With Webster and Metric.
“We truly believe that there is something for everyone at KDays, and this year we cannot wait to have people out to enjoy all the new fun that we have to offer, as well as the classics, we know and love,” said Sarah Jackson, strategic communications adviser for Explore Edmonton.
Amanda Marshall will kick off the concerts July 19, coming off her first full-length album in 22 years called Heavy Lifting.
A reunited Down With Webster will bring their rap-rock stylings to the stage on July 23, followed by Simple Plan on July 24, and Death From Above 1979 on July 25. Hip-hop fans will get the chance to see two big-name American acts (Ja Rule and Ludacris) while country music lovers can kick up their heels on July 27 with High Valley.
All shows are free with gate admission, but there are opportunities to purchase upgraded access.
Klondike Park has also been redesigned to be the “it” spot for events “after dark,” for concert after-parties and beer gardens.
For fans of pro wrestling, Alberta’s own Top Talent Wrestling will be putting on KDays Slam Fest.
Cutting costs
There were around 557,000 visitors to KDays in 2023, down from the 700,000 who visited the fairgrounds in 2022. As part of the reimagining strategy, organizers aim to draw in more crowds by making it more affordable, including offering free admission on certain days.
“It encourages more people to come to KDays. It’s also a bonus, and then sometimes with partners, we’ll work on different ticketing options,” Radies said.
For opening day Friday, the first 5,000 people to attend the premier’s breakfast will not only receive a free meal but also free admission to KDays.
Those with an Edmonton Public Library card or a Telus World of Science membership can also enjoy free entry to KDays on July 21. Transit Tuesday on July 23 gives free admission to those with an Arc card. On July 25, “Thank Goodness It’s Thursday” allows seniors with ID in for free until 6 p.m.
At Costco, people can purchase the full 10-day pass for $29.99 until July 18, while Save-On-Foods will be selling a “Ride All Day” package for $47 until July 18.
Explore Edmonton has also distributed 100,000 free tickets to Edmonton schools, 40,000 free tickets for Indigenous Day, and 30,000 free tickets for those attending Pride night.
Formerly known as the Edmonton Exhibition, the event first began as an agricultural fair and then became Klondike Days in the 1960s, hitching its wagon to the gold-rush theme from the 1890s. It was rebranded KDays in 2013 after an unsuccessful effort to sell it as Capital Ex in 2006.
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