The Citadel Theatre is throwing its doors open for Alberta Culture Days on September 26 and 27, and there's a full weekend of free activities for the whole family to explore.
Younger kids will love the Theatre School Fun Zone on Saturday morning (10:30am–12:00pm, Tucker Amphitheatre), where instructors from the Foote Theatre School lead drop-in story time, drama games, and a dance party. Just note kids 12 and under need an adult with them, and the amphitheatre stage isn't wheelchair accessible.
Both days also offer free guided Backstage Tours (11:00–11:45am and 2:00–2:45pm), taking visitors through the Maclab Theatre, the newly renovated Greenroom, the Wardrobe Department, and backstage hallways. These are for ages 12 and up, involve several flights of stairs, and require free registration in advance — arrive 15 minutes early.
Out in the Lee Pavilion garden, the Strathearn Art Walk Outdoor Gallery runs all weekend, showcasing local artists' work. On Sunday afternoon (3:00–3:30pm), Edmonton choir The Larks performs right in that same garden space.
There are artist talks each day in the Shoctor Lobby (12:00–12:45pm): Saturday features Alex Poch-Goldin discussing playing Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express, and Sunday brings Vertigo Theatre's Jack Grinhaus talking mystery theatre.