With its two biggest cities close together, Alberta is the perfect destination for almost every touring musician. For the people who live in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and the Edmonton region this means that some of the world’s biggest musical acts are only a quick drive away. Here are five of the biggest concerts and live events coming to the Edmonton Area this October:

Up + Downtown Music + Arts Festival

Edmonton’s big music fest, the Up + Downtown Music + Arts Festival takes over the city during the Thanksgiving weekend. From October 10-12 the downtown area is transformed as multiple venues host a variety of independent musicians and artists. This year’s festival is headlined by The Constantines, Red Fang and Less Than Jake with new acts added every day.

Sarah McLachlan

October 29 is a big day in Edmonton as Canada’s own Sarah McLachlan arrives for a special performance during her Shine On Tour. The 21 time Juno Award nominee and founder of the Lilith Fair festival brings her hit songs Building a Mystery, Sweet Surrender, I Will Remember You and Adia to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.  News from TicketMaster:  a second show has been added for October 20.

The Pixies

Take a trip back to the 80s with one of the decade’s most influential bands, even if it took two decades for them to realize it. The Pixies disbanded in 1993 and didn’t reunite until 2004 to a very positive reaction from fans. On October 6 they will be at the Shaw Conference Centre to perform their unique sound to a mix of fans, both original ones and new ones, with Royal Blood as their opener.

Demi Lovato

If you have teen or tween daughters then there is a good chance you already have tickets to this event. If not, prepare for a lot of pleading and last minute ticket buying. The star of the Disney Channel show Sonny With a Chance will be making her visit to the Rexall Place on October 4 with a group of young artists to perform under her. Get your tickets soon because this one is destined to sell out.

Pure: A Night in White

The Edmonton area isn’t only home to conventional music, as the Pure: A Night in White dance festival makes its 5th consecutive visit to the city. While most music lovers will spend the Thanksgiving weekend at the Up + Down Music Festival, fans of EDM will dress in their best white outfit for this themed electronic dance fest, October 12 at the Shaw Conference Centre.

Cities and towns like Spruce Grove and Stony Plain, and many others in the Edmonton area, have the benefit of being a quick drive away from the big city. This is one of the reasons the communities around Edmonton continue to grow. I have a lot of experience with these neighbourhoods and always make myself available to talk about new real estate opportunities. Please call or text me at 780-910-9669, email me at barry@barryt.ca, or contact me here.