Here's a closer look at Edmonton’s newest eateries, drinking spots, hotels, conference areas, private rooms, and other spaces available for events this summer. The new and renovated Edmonton venues are available for corporate parties, weddings, fundraisers, outdoor functions, business dinners, team-building activities, conferences, meetings, and more.
A note regarding COVID-19: Some of the venues listed here may not yet be available for hosting events due to the pandemic, or they may be operating at a lower capacity.
The Kitchen at Stanley A. Milner Library
The Edmonton Public Library added a new event space—The Kitchen—inside the Stanley A. Milner Library in March. The 2,100-square-foot kitchen space can be used for team-building cooking classes and live events, as well as interactive online classes for interested guests to join from the comfort of their own home. Activities are run by kitchen coordinator Zofia Trebaczkiewicz, and The Kitchen features a hybrid of commercial and home kitchen equipment to make guests feel like true world-class chefs. Workstations can accommodate up to 36 participants to bake challah bread, macarons, and scones, plus learn about nutrition and food literacy. Community organizations, corporate teams, and other groups can rent The Kitchen in its entirety for their own team-building activities and events, and are encouraged to acquire within for pricing and additional details. The Edmonton Public Library also offers other event spaces, including a computer lab, community room, and learning loft.
Photo: Courtesy of Edmonton Public Library
Gothic Princess Theme Room at Fantasyland Hotel
Fantasyland Hotel launched its newest theme room, the Gothic Princess, in June. The goth-themed space features a queen bed in a horse drawn carriage, a two-person luxury jacuzzi, velvet balloon chairs, and Swarovski crystal chandeliers, plus a replica of a 17th-century antique salon mirror. Aside from the turnkey space, the Fantasyland Hotel offers a total of 25,000 square feet for meetings and events, including the 9,100-square-foot Beverly Hills Ballroom for up to 1,200 guests theatre style and 10 conference rooms ranging from 558 to 4,002 square feet. Various dining options are also available on-site, including the laid-back L1 Lounge and fine-dining destination L2 Grill.
Photo: Courtesy of Fantasyland Hotel and WEM Public Relations
Forest Park Hotel
A 240-room hotel by Pursuit—Forest Park Hotel—will debut in Jasper later this July. The retreat was inspired by wilderness and nature and was designed to be the perfect landing spot for visitors seeking outdoor adventure or looking to explore the local community. The Forest Park Hotel will offer multiple meeting and event spaces—the largest room is the full ballroom, which spans 2,990 square feet and can accommodate up to 240 guests, and smaller ballrooms can host anywhere from 60-150 eventgoers. For those looking for a more intimate meeting spaces, consider the 1,104-square-foot Hearthstone for up to 50 guests, or the 600-square-foot Boardroom for up to 40. Full and partial buyouts are also available; inquire within for pricing. Room discounts will also be provided for larger groups.
Photo: Courtesy of Forest Park Hotel by Pursuit
Yesterday's Auto Gallery
Yesterday’s Auto Gallery is a unique venue featuring—you guessed it—an auto gallery collection, plus retail shops and a retro diner. The space opened in May and spans 53,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 200 seated guests. For groups looking to give back to the local community, consider Yesterday's for its nonprofit efforts through the Yesterday’s Auto Gallery Foundation. On-site activities include strolls through the car gallery and tours of vehicles that date back to 1926. Food is served courtesy of Sylv’s Diner (pictured) and consists of quintessential American fare such as hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes. The diner area is 1,600 square feet and features an audio input, plus a microphone and keyboard setup for presentations and performances. Full and partial buyouts are available; inquire within for event pricing.
Photo: Courtesy of Yesterday's Auto Gallery
El Corazón YEG
Edmonton welcomed a 2,430-square-foot, Latin-American-inspired restaurant in April. El Corazón can seat up to 94 guests, plus has a private dining room for groups up to 20 looking for a more intimate dining experience. The private space is equipped with a smart TV to accommodate presentations at business meetings or live-streaming for guests unable to attend in person. Additionally, an outdoor patio can seat up to 40 guests. Thirsty? Sip on one of El Corazón's cocktails, sangrias, or beers. To accompany libations, an extensive food menu offers a range of Latin dishes, from tapas to seafood paella, carne asada tacos, and more.
Photo: Courtesy of El Corazón YEG
Hayloft Steak + Fish/Woodshed Burgers
Hayloft Steak + Fish/Woodshed Burgers opened in March. The venue is home to 3,600 square feet of event space broken up into two spaces: the Woodshed Lounge and Hayloft. The lounge area can seat up to 36 or host 50 reception style, while Hayloft can seat up to 80 and host 120 reception style. Full and partial buyouts are also available, and planners are given the opportunity to curate unique menus with the on-site culinary team, which is helmed by owner and executive chef Paul Shufelt. Menu highlights include surf and turf items like oysters and beef tartare, as well as short rib, Lois Lake salmon, the woodshed burger, and baked ratatouille chicken.
Photo: Curtis Comeau Photography
