In 1963, the Kiwanis Club of Edmonton accepted responsibility for a local music festival, which had been operating since 1906, providing learning opportunities and onstage experience in song, instrumental performance, and speech arts. Today, the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival provides 10 days of performances by local amateurs and seasoned artists from across Canada. Canada's most reputable national and international artists judge the presentations.
Some participants receive scholarships to assist in their music and speech studies.
The festival provides local residents with an affordable program of entertainment. It increases public awareness of the arts, engages amateur arts organizations in collaborative initiatives, and educates the community on Kiwanis and the service it provides. The Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival Association is largely composed of Kiwanians, but there are non-Kiwanian volunteer members as well. Community partners include schools, music and speech associations, and art clubs. Meticulous judge selection ensures that participants will receive the best possible experience and an educated critique.