Rockin’ Thunder Weekend in Edmonton: Your 3-Day Festival + Adventure Itinerary

Home » Blog » Rockin’ Thunder Weekend in Edmonton: Your 3-Day Festival + Adventure Itinerary

July 11–12, 2025 | Exhibition Lands Racetrack, Edmonton

Some weekends are meant to be loud. Electric. A little messy and a lot unforgettable.

Rockin’ Thunder Festival 2025 is one of those weekends — where iconic rock anthems echo through the city and every hour feels like a highlight reel. Whether you’re traveling in for the music or booking a local stay to skip the Uber lines and soak up the atmosphere, this is your moment to turn a concert into a full-blown escape.

Let me show you how to do it right.

And here’s the bonus that sweetens it all: When you book with Edmonton’s Best Hotels, you can unlock up to $250 in Rockin’ Thunder Festival Bucks to spend on food, drinks, and merch at the festival site. It’s the kind of perk that turns your hotel stay into part of the experience. Terms and conditions apply.

The Soundtrack of Summer

Two nights. Ten bands. One wide-open racetrack turned into a full-volume celebration. This isn’t just a music festival. It’s a city-wide buzz.

Friday, July 11 kicks things off with Def Leppard, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Bret Michaels, Toque and Queensrÿche.
Saturday, July 12 keeps the energy sky-high with Weezer, Stone Temple Pilots, Default, The Trews, and SRB.

From gritty vocals to massive guitar riffs, these are the songs you’ve shouted from the car, screamed in your headphones, and now get to experience under open skies.

Music starts at 2:30 p.m. both days, so plan to be checked in, fed, and on your way to the grounds well before that. Check out the times of the full lineup at the Rockin’ Thunder website.

Where to Stay When You Want to Be Close to the Action

You don’t want to be across town when the last encore fades. These three hotels from Edmonton’s Best Hotels offer comfort, location, and easy access to the festival grounds at Exhibition Lands Racetrack.

Chateau Lacombe Hotel
A local landmark with panoramic views of the river valley. Great for sunrise coffee and pre-show calm before the amps turn on.

Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown

Overlooking the North Saskatchewan River, this hotel balances modern design with an unbeatable downtown location. Ideal for festivalgoers who want a scenic reset between sets.

The Westin Edmonton

Steps from the ICE District and close to transit, The Westin combines upscale comfort with easy access to the festival grounds — plus their beds are famous for a reason.

Book your stay now at edmontonsbesthotels.com/hoteldeals to claim your Festival Bucks.

What Are Festival Bucks?

Think of them as your backstage pass to everything delicious and local at Rockin’ Thunder. When you book through Edmonton’s Best Hotels, you’ll receive vouchers to spend at the festival site — food trucks, drink tents, merch tables. It’s all fair game.

1-night stay: $75 in Festival Bucks
2-night stay: $175 in Festival Bucks
3-night stay: $250 in Festival Bucks

Once you check into your hotel, your Festival Bucks voucher will be waiting for you at the front desk. Bring it to the Will Call Booth on-site at the festival to redeem. Spend it freely on July 11 and 12 — no strings, no fine print at the food truck line.

Booking deadline: July 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Friday: Check In Early, Catch the First Set

Morning to Early Afternoon
Arrive in Edmonton early and check into your hotel before noon if possible. You’ll want enough time to settle in and grab a quick bite before heading to the venue. We suggest something fast and local — maybe a breakfast sandwich and coffee fromDistrict Café or a quality to-go cup from Credo Coffee, which has several convenient downtown locations.

Getting to the Festival
Head toward the Edmonton EXPO Centre, located at 7515 – 118 Ave NW. If you’re staying downtown, the easiest way to get there is via the LRT. The Coliseum Station is connected to the EXPO Centre by a pedestrian walkway. You’ll arrive at the festival grounds in minutes, without the parking hassle.

Prefer to drive? Onsite parking is available:

Over 3,800 stalls on-site
Enter via 116 Avenue and 73 Street (use 73 Street to avoid backups)
Parking is $16.50, debit or credit only
Use Honk Mobile (Zone ‘EXPO’) for mobile payment or pre-booking
Pay upon arrival using plate number

Festival Starts at 2:30 p.m.
Expect high-energy performances right out of the gate. Def Leppard, Bret Michaels, and Queensrÿche will make sure the first night delivers.

After the Show
Still buzzing? Grab a late-night snack or drink at Baijiu or The Common, or simply head back to your hotel for a peaceful river valley view and a good night’s rest.

Saturday: A Quick Recharge Before Round Two

Start Early
If you’re looking to start your day with a little movement, take a short morning walk through the Legislature Grounds.

Fuel Up Before You Go
Pick up a quick, energizing breakfast at Toast Culture or Rosewood Foods. With the first set kicking off again at 2:30 p.m., you won’t have time for a long brunch.

Back to the Festival
Expect even larger crowds as Weezer and Stone Temple Pilots headline the final day. Grab your spot early, swing by the food trucks, and use your Festival Bucks to stock up on merch before it sells out.

Nightcap Options
Celebrate a perfect summer night with a cocktail at Alchemy Bar, take a walk along the Promenade, or return to your hotel for a quiet moment to let it all sink in.

Sunday: Take It Slow, Then Head Home

There’s no rush today. Whether you’re catching a flight or driving home, Edmonton gives you time to stretch the weekend out a little longer.

Brunch
Treat yourself to brunch at Bread & Butter Café or Pip, both known for locally inspired comfort dishes and relaxed morning vibes.

One Last Walk
Stop by Constable Ezio Faraone Park for a peaceful view of the High Level Bridge or take a short detour to the Muttart Conservatory for a final photo under the glass pyramids.

If you’re up for it, make a mid-morning drive out to Elk Island National Park and spot bison or picnic by the lake before heading out.

Rockin’ Thunder: Make It More Than a Weekend

This isn’t just a trip. It’s a story waiting to be told — the kind where you lose your voice to a song you forgot you loved, meet someone in line for tacos, or take a photo at sunset that becomes your screen saver for months.

When you stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels, you don’t just stay close to the action. You get rewarded for being part of it.

Book your hotel now at edmontonsbesthotels.com/hoteldeals
Stay between July 10 and 13, 2025, to claim your Festival Bucks.

Festival Bucks Terms and Conditions

Valid for hotel stays from July 10 to 13, 2025
Must book through edmontonsbesthotels.com
Offer closes July 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Festival Bucks are provided upon hotel check-in and must be redeemed in person at the Rockin’ Thunder Will Call Booth
Festival Bucks are valid July 11 and 12, 2025, on-site only
No refunds or exchanges on unused Bucks
Festival Bucks cannot be transferred or combined with other rewards
Multiple bookings for the same guest on the same night are not eligible
Guests must be 18 or older to redeem

Know someone who loves Rockin’ Thunder? Share this post with them!

Rockin Thunder Festival Bucks, 2025
Terms and Conditions

The Offer

The Rockin Thunder Festival Bucks offer is valid for hotel stays from Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13, 2025. Hotel bookings must be made through Edmonton’s Best Hotels booking platform at www.edmontonsbesthotels.com

The Festival Bucks offer will close on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. NO ROCKIN THUNDER FESTIVAL BUCKS OFFERS WILL BE PROVIDED AFTER THE JULY 7, 2025, CLOSE DATE.

If you book a hotel stay for July 10 to the 13^th, 2025, and choose a non-Festival Bucks reward, the value of the Festival Bucks is not transferable to the other rewards.

If you do not use all your Festival Bucks, no refund will be provided. In the event of a cancellation due to an act of God, no refund will be provided, and no exchange will be offered for other rewards through Edmonton’s Best Hotels program.

The Festival Bucks offer is:

Book a one-night hotel stay and receive $75 in Festival Bucks.

Book a two-night hotel stay and receive $175 in Festival Bucks.

Book a three-night hotel stay and receive $250 in Festival Bucks.

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY FESTIVAL BUCKS: PROCESS:

STEP ONE: You must check into your hotel first.

STEP TWO: You will receive your Festival Bucks Voucher at the front desk of your hotel upon check-in.

STEP THREE: Redeem your Festival Bucks voucher at Rockin Thunder’s Will Call Booth, which is located at the festival site. You will need to provide your letter to them. They will cross-reference your letter with the registration list that we provide to them. NO FESTIVAL BUCKS WILL BE SENT ONLINE, BY POSTAL SERVICE OR BY COURIER.

Festival Bucks can be used for concessions and merchandise on-site only (no online sales) at the Rockin Thunder Festival on Friday, July 11, and Saturday, July 12, 2025. Festival bucks are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Terms and Conditions of the Offer

Guests must be at least 18 years of age at the time of redemption.

Reservations must be made through Edmonton’s Best Hotels’ booking site (www.edmontonsbesthotels.com). Reservations made directly with hotelsare not eligible for Rockin Thunder Festival Bucks.

Multiple reservations are not eligible for Festival Bucks.

Multiple reservations for the same person for the same night(s) from July 10-13, 2025, are considered double bookings, and only one of those bookings will be eligible for Festival Bucks. (For example, if a guest books two nights during the July 10-13, 2025, period and then makes another two-night booking during that same period at the same hotel or another hotel, EBH considers this a double booking and will honour only one of those bookings.)

Cancelling and date changes to reservations.

If a guest wants to cancel, they must contact Edmonton’s Best Hotels directly. Do not cancel the hotel directly. To cancel, please contact info@edmh.ca. We will cancel your booking and send you a cancellation number for your records.

If a guest wants to change the dates of their reservation, they must cancel their reservation with Edmonton’s Best Hotels first, then re-book. Edmonton’s Best Hotels does not make changes to reservations.

Cancellation rules vary by each member hotel. Consult the hotel you are interested in staying at to inquire about their cancellation policies.

Terms and Conditions

The “1,2, 3 Pick Your Rewards”, Terms and Conditions and Blackout Dates

Rewards Program campaign dates

Reward package available to book from January 5, 2022 for stays to December 31, 2025 for rewards except for possible blackout dates. At present there are no blackout dates scheduled.

Rewards are subject to while supplies last. Substitutions of equivalent kind, value may be made as necessary. Rewards are non-transferable, no cash value, no cash back.

Rewards are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, have no cash value, no cash back.
Rewards cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
Reward deal is net non-commissionable.

Blackout dates

At present there are no blackout dates scheduled.

In the event blackout dates are scheduled, any guest who makes a booking for a hotel stay during the blackout period prior to the blackout period being named will receive the rewards they are booked for.

Rewards Program offerings

Book one night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of three $50 rewards excluding blackout dates:

$50 Gas Card or
$50 Prepaid Mastercard, or
$50 Ultimate Dining Card

Book two night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of five reward packages excluding blackout dates:

$150 prepaid MasterCard, or
$75 Gas card and $75 MasterCard, or
$75 Gas card and $75 Ultimate Dining Card, or

Book three night’s stay with Edmonton’s Best Hotels and receive your choice of one of four reward packages excluding blackout dates:

Three Night Reward 1: $225 Prepaid Mastercard
Three Night Reward 3: $75 Ultimate Dining Card + $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card

One choice of reward per stay.

Guest must be 18 years of age or older at time of redemption.

Virtual Prepaid Mastercard offer three convenient ways to shop. You can use it for online purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted, add it to your mobile wallet for contactless in-store payments, or request a physical card after activation for traditional in-store purchases.

Rewards distribution

Rewards will be emailed directly to guests within 48 hours of Edmonton’s Best Hotels confirming their check-in. Rewards are not provided by the hotel’s front desk. All rewards are sent electronically.

Reservations

Guest must reserve a minimum of 24 hours prior to arrival.

Rewards are NOT available for reservations made less than 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Reservations made directly with hotels and not through Edmonton’s Best Hotels are not eligible for rewards. No exceptions. Rewards are only provided to guests who book through Edmonton’s Best Hotels online booking platform. Booking reservation confirmations will have Edmonton’s Best Hotels branding on them. Rewards not provided for hotel reservations during specified blackout dates.

Reservations cannot be extended by hotels for additional rewards.

Guests may add a night to an existing one-night deal reservation and receive additional rewards if the request is made a minimum of 24 hours in advance of arrival.

Booking terms and conditions

Rewards provided for more than one night, must be for consecutive nights under one registration under one name at one property. In addition, no more than up to three consecutive nights will be honoured. If a guest checks in for three days and then checks out and re-checks in for the next day, this is considered a consecutive night booking even if the second booking is made at different hotel.

There must be a minimum of three days between bookings.

Multiple reservations for the same person for the same night(s) is considered a double booking and only one of those bookings will be eligible for rewards. For example, if a guest books two nights on x and y date and then makes another two-night booking for the same dates at the same hotel or another hotel, EBH considers this a double booking and will honour rewards for only one of those bookings.

Is there a limit on the number of bookings I make on different dates? Edmonton Best Hotels welcomes repeat business. Some of our guests visit Edmonton every month. Please note as stated earlier there must be a minimum of three days between bookings. Please also note stated blackout dates.

Cancelling and date changes to reservations

If a guest wants to cancel or change the dates of their booking.

What if I want to cancel my booking? Edmonton Best Hotels must cancel your booking (not the hotel). If you want to cancel, contact info@edmh.ca and let us know. We will cancel your booking and send you a cancellation number for your records. Please do not cancel directly with the hotel.

What if I want to change the dates of my booking? You must contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca and let us know you want to make a date change. Your original booking must be cancelled first. You will receive a cancellation number for your records. Then, you must rebook for your new dates. The hotel nor Edmonton’s Best Hotels cannot make date changes to the original booking. Please note this does not guarantee you will receive the same hotel rate when you rebook for different dates.

Any questions, please contact Edmonton Best Hotels at info@edmh.ca