The Ukrainian community in Edmonton is one of the largest and most active in Canada, and the question of whether Ukrainians meet in this city has a clear answer – yes, and these meetings take place regularly, in various formats and with varying frequency. From weekly religious services to monthly professional networking meetings, from seasonal festivals to ongoing cultural events, Edmonton's Ukrainian community offers numerous opportunities for personal encounters, communication, and strengthening ties between community members. This article will detail all types of meetings that are regularly held for Ukrainians in Edmonton, their frequency, formats, and ways to participate.
Regular community and organizational meetings
The structure of the Ukrainian community in Edmonton ensures the systematic organization of various meetings through a network of organizations and societies. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Edmonton Branch coordinates the activities of eighteen member organizations, each of which holds its own regular meetings and events. This umbrella organization serves as a central point for the Ukrainian community and regularly organizes its own programs in which community members can participate.
Women's organizations are particularly active in holding regular meetings. The Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada - Edmonton Branch, also known as the Olga Basarab Society, holds monthly meetings for its members. At these meetings, important issues, the results of the organization's activities, and directions for development for the next period are discussed. The last monthly meeting of the year is usually devoted to summarizing the year, including the organization's achievements, challenges, and development plans for the coming year.
The League of Ukrainian Canadian Women - Edmonton Branch also holds regular monthly meetings to discuss important community issues and organize activities. Members of this organization are actively involved in the Ukrainian community, organizing exhibitions, concerts, conferences, seminars, and meetings with interesting people. These organizations not only hold formal meetings, but also create an informal atmosphere for communication and exchange of experience between Ukrainian women.
Professional networking meetings
For professionals and entrepreneurs, the Ukrainian Professional and Business Association of Edmonton organizes monthly professional networking mixers. These meetings provide members of the organization with an opportunity to meet in person, exchange experiences, discuss business opportunities, and establish professional connections. The regularity of these meetings—once a month—allows members to maintain constant contact with the Ukrainian business community and build long-term professional relationships.
The organization actively supports the development of the Ukrainian business community in Edmonton and provides opportunities for professional development to its members. Information about upcoming networking mixers and other events is posted on the organization's Facebook page, allowing community members to stay up to date on planned meetings. These professional meetings are especially valuable for new Ukrainian immigrants who are looking for employment or business development opportunities in Edmonton.
Support meetings for new Ukrainian immigrants
With the start of full-scale war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian community in Edmonton has significantly stepped up its activities to support new immigrants. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council has established the Ukrainian Newcomer Support Centre (Ukrainian Hub), located at 11041 105 Avenue NW, Suite 102, Edmonton. This centre regularly hosts a variety of meetings and events for new Ukrainian arrivals.
In particular, the Ukrainian Hub offers English language courses for different levels of proficiency, which also serve as a place for regular meetings of newcomers. Eight-week English language courses for CLB 3-4 are held every Saturday from 12:30 to 15:30 at the Ukrainian Hub. In addition to basic training, these courses provide an excellent opportunity for new Ukrainian arrivals to get to know each other, share their experiences of adaptation, and receive support from people who are going through a similar experience.
The UCC - Alberta Provincial Council also organizes a Conversation Club for Ukrainian newcomers at CLB 3-5 level. This program is designed specifically for those who want to improve their English in a friendly, supportive environment. Regular conversation club meetings allow participants not only to practice English, but also to socialize with other members of the Ukrainian community.
Charity and social gatherings
The Ukrainian community in Edmonton regularly organizes charity and social events that bring community members together. One example of such gatherings is the charity literary and music evening, which took place on October 19 and brought together over 70 people. This event was organized through the joint efforts of the Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada, the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada, the Ukrainian National Youth Federation, and other organizations. Such cultural events provide Ukrainians with an opportunity not only to support charitable initiatives, but also to meet like-minded people in a warm, family atmosphere.
Christmas receptions hosted by sister organizations are also a traditional form of gathering for the Ukrainian community. On November 30, 2024, a warm and family-like Christmas reception was held, attended by members and guests of the organizations, as well as actors from Ukrainian theaters. The atmosphere of the event was homely and cozy. The official part began with greetings from representatives of the organizations, followed by a small cultural program. Such meetings are especially important for preserving a sense of community and Ukrainian traditions.
Youth and children's meetings
The Ukrainian community in Edmonton organizes numerous regular meetings for children and youth through youth organizations and educational programs. The Ukrainian National Youth Federation of Canada - Edmonton Branch organizes monthly social events for Ukrainian youth. During the winter months, there are monthly ice skating events, in the summer there are bonfires and family picnics, and between seasons there are art workshops and game nights.
Plast - Ukrainian Youth Organization of Alberta holds regular weekly group meetings for boys and girls aged seven to twenty-five. These meetings include various lectures, sports events and competitions, as well as preparation for hikes and camps. The regularity of these meetings—every week—allows children and teenagers to maintain constant contact with the Ukrainian community and develop friendships with their peers.
The Ukrainian Youth Association (SUA or CYM) also holds regular meetings for its members at its own Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex. The organization conducts educational programs, cultural events, and sports competitions that provide young people with the opportunity to meet regularly and participate in community life.
Educational meetings and classes
Native schools and Ukrainian studies schools hold regular Saturday classes, which serve not only an educational purpose but also as a meeting place for Ukrainian families. The Native School at St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Church parish holds Ukrainian language and religion classes for parishioners' children. Ukrainian immersion classes are held every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Ukrainian as a second language classes are held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Ivan Franko School of Ukrainian Studies holds classes on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. for students in grades 7-10. Registration takes place on the second Saturday in September, and classes continue throughout the school year. The Christmas concert of the Native School of St. George Parish has become a traditional event that brings together students, their parents, and community members.
For adults who want to learn or improve their Ukrainian language skills, Ukrainian language courses are held at St. Andrew's Cultural Center. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the period from September to March. These weekly meetings provide an opportunity for adults not only to improve their language skills, but also to meet other members of the Ukrainian community who share an interest in preserving the Ukrainian language.
Church meetings and services
Attending Ukrainian churches remains one of the most common ways for members of the Ukrainian community to meet regularly. St. Josaphat Cathedral of the Ukrainian Catholic Church holds two Divine Liturgies every Sunday: at 9:30 a.m. in English and at 11:00 a.m. in Ukrainian. These Sunday services draw a large number of parishioners and provide an opportunity for fellowship after the service.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist broadcasts the Divine Liturgy online at 8:50 a.m. Mountain Time on its Facebook page, but also invites parishioners to attend in person. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Anthony invites parishioners and their families to join Sunday and other services, as well as participate in many parish social events. The church holds the Divine Liturgy on most holidays at 10:00 a.m.
In addition to Sunday services, churches organize various social events that provide additional opportunities for parishioners to meet. St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church actively organizes social events in the parish hall. St. John's Cultural Center is also a venue for various meetings and events for the Ukrainian community.
Dance rehearsals and cultural practices
Ukrainian dance schools and ensembles hold regular weekly rehearsals, which serve as a meeting place for children, youth, and their families. The Volya Ukrainian Dance School holds rehearsals for different groups on different days of the week. Group 1 meets on Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Group 2 on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Group 3 on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Group 4 on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Group 5 meets on Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Verkhovyna, a Ukrainian dance school, holds rehearsals once a week at the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex, located at 9615 153 Ave NW. St. Basil's Dance School has a schedule for the 2025-2026 season, which begins in the first week of September and continues until the annual concert on Saturday, May 2. These regular rehearsals not only help children and youth learn Ukrainian dances, but also create an ongoing community where families can meet and socialize each week.
Cheremosh Dance School has been providing children and youth with the highest level of Ukrainian dance instruction since 1976. The school offers programs at various levels, from beginners to the professional Cheremosh ensemble, and all of these programs involve regular weekly rehearsals. Parents of dancers often meet while waiting for their children, creating an informal support community.
Political and civic actions
The Ukrainian community in Edmonton regularly organizes political actions and rallies in support of Ukraine. The Ukrainian National Youth Federation organizes rallies in support of Ukraine every other Sunday. These regular meetings will continue in Edmonton as long as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine. Participation in these rallies allows members of the Ukrainian community not only to show solidarity with Ukraine, but also to meet like-minded people and discuss important issues.
A large rally in support of Ukraine is planned for February 24, 2025. The event will take place in two stages: the first part will be held at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church (7007 109 St NW), where doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:00 p.m., and the second part at St. Basil's Cultural Centre (10819 71 Ave NW). Such large gatherings bring together hundreds of members of the Ukrainian community to pray together, discuss the situation in Ukraine, and coordinate support efforts.
Major festivals and celebrations
In addition to regular weekly and monthly meetings, the Ukrainian community in Edmonton organizes major annual festivals that bring together thousands of Ukrainians and anyone interested in Ukrainian culture. UFest - Edmonton Ukrainian Festival is a free two-day event that takes place every year at the end of May in Borden Park. UFest 2025 is scheduled for May 30-31. The festival brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate Ukrainian culture, food, music, art, and dance.
Ukrainian Day is another important cultural event that takes place annually in Edmonton. Ukrainian Day 2025 is scheduled for August 24 at the Alberta Legislative Buildings in Edmonton. This is a free event that celebrates Ukrainian culture, music, and heritage, and the program runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event includes live music and dancing, exhibitions, Ukrainian food, and a variety of activities for the whole family.
Vyshyvanka Day is also celebrated by the Ukrainian community in Edmonton. The UCC publishes a list of Vyshyvanka Day events each year, and community members can find information about local events on their website. These large annual celebrations provide an opportunity for the Ukrainian community to gather, where people who may not have seen each other throughout the year can meet again and renew ties.
Concerts and cultural evenings
Edmonton.UA - the Ukrainian community in Edmonton - actively organizes various concerts, parties, and cultural initiatives for the Ukrainian community. The organization regularly holds events, which you can find out about on their social media pages or by contacting them by phone at 825-977-3813 or by email at [email protected].
A large Ukrainian party with a concert by Sasha Taba (former member of the band Kalush) is planned for December 19, 2025. The organization is also planning a New Year's Eve party on December 31 and an evening of live music on January 17. These regular cultural events provide Ukrainians in Edmonton with an opportunity to meet in an informal setting, listen to Ukrainian music, dance, and simply enjoy spending time together.
The traditional Malanka is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Ukrainian Hall. This is one of the most important traditional gatherings of the Ukrainian community, bringing together hundreds of people each year to celebrate the New Year according to Ukrainian traditions. Malanka combines dancing, music, traditional food, and informal socializing, creating the atmosphere of a true Ukrainian holiday.
Specialized support groups and clubs
For Ukrainian women in Edmonton, there is the Ukrainian Women's Business Club, which holds weekly meetings. These meetings provide women with an opportunity to receive community support, learn about Canadian opportunities, and establish professional connections. The atmosphere of the meetings includes coffee, treats, and friendly conversation in a supportive environment. The regularity of these meetings—every week—allows participants to build strong friendships and professional connections.
For Ukrainians who are looking for housing or can offer accommodation, there is a group called Edmonton Hosts Ukrainians. Although it is primarily an online group, it also organizes meetings to coordinate assistance for newly arrived Ukrainians. The group has two main goals: to provide information about Edmonton to newly arrived Ukrainians and those considering moving here, and to connect hosts and guests.
Volunteer meetings and charitable activities
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council regularly organizes volunteer meetings at the UNFW free furniture warehouse, which is dedicated to providing basic furniture needs to Ukrainian newcomers. The warehouse is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 15330-114 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta. These regular volunteer shifts provide an opportunity for Ukrainians to meet, work together to help newcomers, and discuss the current needs of the community.
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Edmonton also regularly organizes volunteer opportunities, including helping at events, distributing food and clothing, and supporting new Ukrainian arrivals. These volunteer meetings not only provide important assistance to those in need, but also create a sense of community among volunteers who work together for a common goal.
The organization regularly holds fundraising events where community members gather to support various initiatives. If you are interested in helping with UCSS fundraising events, you can call their office at 780-471-4477. Participating in these events allows you to meet active members of the Ukrainian community and get involved in important charitable work.
Informal meetings at Ukrainian establishments
In addition to organized events, Ukrainians in Edmonton regularly meet at Ukrainian restaurants, cafes, and shops. Visits to Ukrainian grocery stores such as Orbit Ukrainian Store, MirKo Ukrainian Store, or Yo Baba Ukrainian Foods often turn into informal gatherings where you can exchange community news, learn about upcoming events, and simply chat in your native language.
Ukrainian restaurants and cafes, such as DON'YA Ukraine's Kitchen, Multicook Edmonton, or Truly Ukrainian Cafe Shinok, also serve as meeting places for the Ukrainian community. DON'YA Ukraine's Kitchen, founded in 2023 during the war in Ukraine, not only offers authentic Ukrainian food but also organizes cooking classes. These courses provide an additional opportunity for Ukrainians to meet, cook traditional dishes together, and share culinary traditions.
Conferences and Specialized Meetings
The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton organizes annual diocesan conventions that bring together representatives from parishes across Alberta. The 41st annual diocesan convention was held on October 18-19, 2024, and brought together representatives of the Knights of Columbus, the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League, the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, and youth groups from Edmonton parishes. The convention included two days of prayer, fellowship, and discussion about the future of the diocese.
The event began on Friday evening with a prayer service and shared dinner, and Bishop David Motiuk delivered an inspiring keynote address on the theme of “walking together.” This message of unity and collective growth set the tone for the weekend's discussions and activities, reflecting the diocese's commitment to moving forward as a community united by faith. Saturday evening brought the entire convention together again for a banquet, where Dr. Michelle Gladunevich spoke about her work with the Canadian Surgical Aid Program in Ukraine.
How to find information about upcoming meetings
There are several useful resources for staying up to date on all upcoming Ukrainian community meetings in Edmonton. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council has an Instagram page under the name @UCC_APC, where it regularly posts up-to-date information about events, programs, and opportunities to get involved. The organization can also be contacted by phone at 780-414-1624 or by email at [email protected].
Edmonton.UA actively uses social media to share info about upcoming meetings and events. Their Facebook page is called “Edmonton.UA: Ukrainian Community in Edmonton,” and they post regular updates on Instagram under the name @edmonton.ua. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Edmonton also has a Facebook page called “Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Edmonton Branch,” where they post information about community events and news.
Many Ukrainian organizations, churches, and businesses have their own websites and social media pages where you can find out about their regular meetings and special events. The Eventbrite platform also has a list of Ukrainian events in Edmonton, including conferences, seminars, exhibitions, conventions, festivals, performances, and gala evenings.
Conclusion: a wealth of opportunities for meetings
Edmonton's Ukrainian community offers an extremely rich selection of opportunities for regular meetings — from weekly church services and dance rehearsals to monthly organizational meetings and professional networking mixers, from annual large festivals to spontaneous informal gatherings in Ukrainian cafes and shops. This variety of formats and meeting frequencies ensures that every member of the Ukrainian community can find the type of interaction that best suits their interests, schedule, and needs.
The regularity of these meetings—whether weekly, monthly, or annually—creates a predictable structure for community life that helps maintain a sense of community and connection to Ukrainian culture. For newly arrived Ukrainians, these gatherings provide critical support in the process of adapting to life in Canada, and for Ukrainians who have lived in Edmonton for a long time, they serve as a way to preserve Ukrainian identity and pass it on to future generations.
The key to full participation in the Ukrainian community is being active and open. Don't hesitate to contact organizations, ask about upcoming meetings, offer to participate in events, and share your ideas. Edmonton's Ukrainian community is known for its openness and willingness to welcome new members at all levels of participation, from simply attending Sunday services to actively volunteering and organizing events. Start with the type of meeting that interests you most, and you will gradually find your place in this vibrant and active community.