Navigating The Event
Everything You Need to Know Before You Arrive
YorùbáGbòde 2025 is almost here — and we can’t wait to welcome you to a day filled with culture, connection, and celebration at Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton! Whether you’re attending solo, with friends, or bringing the whole family, here’s everything you need to know to smoothly navigate the festival and make the most of your experience.
📍 Getting to the Festival
Location:
📍 Churchill Square
Downtown Edmonton, Alberta
Parking:
Street parking is available, but we recommend using nearby parkades or public transit, as the area will be busy. Look for the City Hall Parkade or Library Parkade for easy access.
Public Transit:
The Churchill LRT Station is right next to the square, making public transit the most convenient option.
Bike & Walk Friendly:
Live nearby? Beat the traffic and take a scenic walk or bike ride to the venue. There will be bike racks available on-site.
🕘 Festival Hours
Saturday, September 13, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
We recommend arriving early to catch opening performances, get a good spot for key events, and explore the festival at a relaxed pace.
📌 Festival Zones
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find around the festival grounds:
🎶 Performance Zone
Where the drums beat and dancers shine! Enjoy live music, traditional dances, fashion parades, and more throughout the day.
🍛 Food Court
Grab a plate of Jollof rice, try puff-puff, or sip on zobo — the food court will feature a wide selection of Yoruba cuisine, snacks, and refreshing drinks.
🖼️ Culture & History Pavilion
Visit the History Wall, see traditional artifacts, and experience cultural storytelling and keynote speeches.
🎨 Artisan & Trade Market
Shop handcrafted jewelry, clothing, books, musical instruments, and more. Support local vendors and cultural entrepreneurs!
👨👩👧 Family & Kids Zone
A safe space with kid-friendly activities, crafts, and mini workshops to keep little ones entertained while they learn about culture.
🧭 Helpful Tips
- Bring Cash or Card: Some vendors may accept only cash, so it’s good to have both.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear light clothing and comfy shoes — and don’t forget sunscreen!
- Cultural Wear Welcome: Want to rock your agbada, buba, or gele? Please do! This is a space to express pride in your heritage.
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink a lot of liquid to stay hydrated. Beverages are available at our beverage stand.
- Respect the Space: This is a celebration of culture, learning, and healing. Be kind, be curious, and enjoy the experience with an open heart.
🤝 Accessibility & Support
- Wheelchair accessible: Churchill Square is fully accessible, with ramps and open paths.
- Volunteers on-site: Look out for festival volunteers in branded shirts — they’ll be happy to help with directions or questions.
- First Aid Station: A designated safety and wellness area will be set up for any medical needs.
✨ We Can’t Wait to See You!
Come early, stay late, and immerse yourself in the rhythms, colors, and flavors of YorùbáGbòde. This is more than a festival — it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and community.
Got questions? Reach out through our contact page or speak to one of our volunteers at the event.