It’s the weekend so let your hair down
Oh, and I don't want to brag or anything, but you should probably put this little baby in your calendar right now. I'll see you there in 2 weeks.
Let your hair down? What?! Who event talks like that?
I’ll try and up my hipster-era lingo throughout the rest of this post.
You can haz events.
Actually there are a few cool things going down this weekend in the Y-E-G.
First things first, let’s dig into the ShareEdmonton goody bag and see what we pull out.
Ooh…an Oilers game. Do people still go to those? For fun?
ShareEdmonton’s got a lot of Edmonton Public Library events, and I keep seeing this one, about gaming for teens. It’s cool that the library isn’t just about books anymore, and kids have a place to go do something fun instead of joining a gang.
You don’t hve much time left to RSVP for the Open City Workshop, but it’s a neat idea bringing developers, city staff and other people together to talk about what kinds of government information should be open and available, and what could be done with it (like build an iPhone app, or write an in-depth news story).
MacEwan University is hosting an open house, Saturday. Just don’t ask them about the pool.
If you want to drive out to Elk Island National Park there’s a Star Party. Take in the night sky without all of the city’s light pollution.
Then, you’ve got Pre/Post, The Consonance and The Madhatters playing Saturday night at the Pawnshop.
A band you might have heard of is playing the Shaw Conference Centre Sunday.
Or perhaps you want to check out the Newfoundland Screech Comedy from the Rock Tour, at the Kingsway Ramada? Yeah, I thought you might.
Let’s do it
Actually, there’s a lot of “it” we could do.
This is Hale Hale. They are good.
It will all depend on what we define as the it thing to do.
Wow, I’m getting confused.
Onto weekend fun!
The Wheat Pool is returning to the Pawnshop, as Sonic’s band of the month. That will make tonight special.
Also, a win by Team Canada would make tonight special. Where are you watching the game? I’ve got to get home and find something red to wear.
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Yes, of course, I’ve been checking ShareEdmonton for event ideas. Why wouldn’t I?
They’ve reminded me that Winefest Edmonton is this weekend.
And WinterLight continues (what a great weekend of weather we’ll have for getting outside) with The Big Winter. Sounds fun. And big.
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Now, back to my rambling selections.
Nobody leaves this place without singing the blues.
Over at the Haven Social Club (A place which I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing.) Hale Hale is going to melt some faces with rock.
I will never get tired of mentioning the babysitter blues.
Go Canada!
Some stuff going on in some places
I really thought my photo was going to make the poster.
And a good day to you, fair Edmonton.
All excited for the weekend, are we? Well, other than sleeping in, perhaps you’d like to try one of these out…
Again, I’m peering into the goody bag of ShareEdmonton this week. They’ve got one of the biggies of winter; The Silver Skate Festival goes this weekend in Hawrelak Park. And it’s not even freezing cold.
Speaking of skating, the revamped Bill Hunter arena opens this weekend and the city is offering some free (free!) skating.
Carey Hart is signing autographs at the West49 in WEM. That’s pretty cool.
Also cool is the Royal Winnipeg Ballet doing “Moulin Rouge,” at the Jube.
Seeing that The Hat has a brunch on Saturdays. Anyone been? Is it just breakfast burgers?
The Fray could show you how to save a life (*groan*) at the Winspear Centre on Sunday.
I’m out.
Happy LunarNewYearValentine’sFamily Day
Before we go any further (do you love me, will you love me forever…) I just wanted to use this events-related moment to show you a couple of pictures of an event I saw at West Edmonton Mall last weekend. The Edmonton Table Hockey League was battling it out.
Let the tournament begin!
More difficult to score on than the Oilers.
Wow, this is looking to be one busy long weekend.
Sure, you’ve got all that stuff happening over in Vancouver, which will likely occupy some of your TV time but, hey, the weather isn’t the worst its been, it’s a long weekend and there’s lots happening in good old Edmonton.
In other good news, I’m getting some of these fun ideas from ShareEdmonton. You’ll especially want to hit up that website for all kinds of neighbourhood Family Day events happening all over Edmonton.
Let’s start with the most obvious, it’s Family Day on Monday. Not only does that mean an extra day to sleep in, it means more going on.
City Hall (and Churchill Square) and the Alberta Legislature will be open for events. City Hall’s event is part of the ongoing WinterLight festival. WinterLight is also doing something Saturday in Boyle Street Park.
As Sally wrote about earlier today, there’s a kid-friendly play at the Stanley Milner Library. You can catch it tonight, and there are two showings Saturday.
Maybe you want Family Day to be about looking into your family’s past. You can do that over at the Provincial Archives.
As for the Lunar New Year, you can check out the Year of the Tiger’s entrance at the Valley Zoo, Sunday, or in Chinatown. Firecrackers go off at 95 Street and 105 Avenue, Sunday afternoon. I’m sure there are smaller events around too, so check your local listings.
The Uptown Folk Club’s having a WinterFest of their own. I bet there’ll be music.
Oh, if you’re looking for Valentine’s Day dinner, Mack and Sharon have some ideas. They’ve even peered into the menus and prices. Yes, things do get more expensive for this night out.
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, the Valley Zoo is also offering same-sex speed dating. I don’t know how else you could blow away Edmonton stereotypes than with the civic government hosting this. Bang.
There’s also two nights of “Animal Attractions” for any couple looking to take in the zoo at night.
Whatever you do, if you’re thinking about taking the LRT, remember that there are some service disruptions this weekend.
See you Tuesday, but I’ll bet we’ll all be tired from this exciting weekend!
Some stuff to do
Taking a look around Edmonton this weekend, here are a few items that caught my eye…
There are monster trucks at Rexall Place this weekend!!!!!!!
Nearby, and slightly quieter, is the Edmonton Renovation Show, at Northlands’ Expo Centre.
It’s almost Chinese New Year’s, so kick things off with a bang over at the big celebration at West Edmonton Mall. Plus, you get an excuse to go to that giant emporium of shopping goodness.
German Mardi Gras is this weekend. I hadn’t heard of this but before but it sounds like a good time.
The Art Gallery of Alberta’s got a party Saturday. Tickets at the door only. This place is popular.
Susan Aglukark is playing the Myer Horowitz tonight. Neat.
Let’s end January with a bang
Still safer than a Toyota. It's also my way of mentioning the Edmonton Motorshow is this weekend.
Let’s see…what can we do this weekend to make this first month of 2010 worth it?
O.M.G. It’s already the end of January.
This really makes the weekend feel needed.
As you probably already know, I’m going to be a little fancier than normal and partake in some higher art. I’ll try not to embarrass you.
If you’ve got your ticket you can go to the grand opening of the Art Gallery of Alberta. I wish I’d heard about this more, so I could have known it was this weekend.
Maybe you want a little music this weekend. Our old friends The Omega Theory are playing the Starlite Room, with nice little Winnipeg band Inward Eye.
If you’re feeling jazzy, check out Karl Schwonik at the Yardbird. He’s a (just about) local drummer who’s been bouncing all around the world.
And the Respectfully Elvis Fan Club is putting on a 75th birthday party of sorts at the Kingsway Legion tonight at 8pm.
It’s a post-Conan world
I know that Conan O’Brien is a smart cookie and he’ll land on his feet. I also know he’ll be missed on The Tonight Show, around these parts. It’s back to Letterman/Kimmel/Lopez for the first round of late night TV.
I think my love of Carson Daly has also been noted.
For these reasons I may bounce over to Original Joe’s-Varisty Row (109 Street, north of Whyte Avenue) for the last Coco-Tonight Show. They’ll be showing it at the restaurant/bar and they’ve got specials on Red Ale and Coco Martinis (clever). Maybe I’ll see you there.
On a more serious note, there will be a march and rally in Old Strathcona tomorrow (when isn’t there?) as Canadians against Proroguing Parliament hit the streets. Let’s see if the Facebook protest transitions to the real world.
I bet this show won't be a "big wreck." (It's Monday at Union Hall.)
Edmonton’s Winter Light festival continues this weekend, with the Baba Yaga Trail Adventure.
Ice on Whyte also continues.
There are zombie-literary discussions happening Saturday afternoon (2-4pm, in the Edmonton Room) at the Stanley Milner Library. It’s about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
There are also ways to enjoy the party-scene of the weekend and help Haiti. Check this Metro-Edmonton story for details.
Dave Attell is at The Comic Strip this weekend.
You can take your tummy out to the second round of Fork Fest.
Maybe you’d rather try not to get trampled by brides looking for deals and other items for THEIR SPECIAL DAY. There’s an event for that.
Or you can attempt to keep your head from exploding due to an abundance of cuteness at the Edmonton Pet Expo. Aww…
The Edmonton Rush have their home opener Saturday, against the Buffalo Bandits. Hey, they’ve got more of a chance of winning than the Oilers. (Thanks for the reminder, Derjs.)
Whatever it is you do to make it to Monday, have fun.
Edmonton Events – January 15-17
It’s the weekend and that means fun.
Unless you have to work. Then it’s just another two weekdays.
But for me (and probably you) it’s actually a weekend.
I’ll probably take a wander by Ice on Whyte and peek at the ice sculptures.
This one was a freebie. They keep the good stuff behind a $2 pay wall.
Eventually I will pay admission to get a better look at all of the fine ice art.
If motorcycles are more your thing (or the idea of motorcycles anyway) then you’re going to want to head over to Northlands.
“Thunderstick” is playing over at the Roxy and I hear it’s good.
If eating is more your winter activity then you are going to excited to learn that Fork Fest starts Sunday. Original Fare restaurants will be offering menus of $25 or $45 full of their awesome food.
Lyle Lovett is plaing the Jube this weekend.
Colin James is playing the Winspear Centre with Suzie McNeil. I need to pay more attention, this is one I should have budgeted for.
How could I go without mentioning the Guns N’ Roses concert Sunday? I couldn’t.
Edmonton’s coldest events
Whatever fun you get up to this weekend, Edmonton, remember to stay bundled up if you head outside. It’s going to be a cold one.
If you do nothing else, bundle up. Or buy some warm clothes. You'll catch your death out there.
Maybe the best idea is to put on your warmest sweater, curl up with a book you’ve been meaning to read, (or a book you’ve been meaning to download) put on the Bing Crosby and relax in your warm home. Bah. We’re a winter city, let’s go do stuff!
The Edmonton Journal is hosting a book fair and has plenty of authors abounding this Saturday.
A few months ago we mentioned the Gas Pump was holding a fundraiser for the Edmonton Food Bank. Well, they’re doing it again, Saturday, 3-8 is the Rock Fest East Coast Party for the food bank. There’s even a maritime buffet.
Sloan is playing the Starlite Room with Magneta Lane. Oh yes they are.
The McDades are doing a Christmas show at The Arden, Friday and Saturday.
You could always Make It! This is handmade goods that will make your head spin. 115 urban artisans and designers take over the Alberta Aviation Museum, December 11-13. They also have the best tag line: Make It is like a mullet; craft show in the front, party in the back. It’s $5.
More Christmas with the Edmonton Columbian Choirs, at McDougall United Church, Sunday.
You can laugh at global warming for the next week-and-a-half.
Stay toasty!
Get some weekend
Hello there, Edmonton.
Yes, it’s the weekend. You’ve earned a little rest and relaxation.
You know, there’s going to be some mighty fine football on television if you just want to watch that.
Oh, you’d like something a little more? How about this then…
The Royal Bison Craft Fair takes over your life Saturday and Sunday. And David Berry and Josh Holinaty will be selling chapter 1 of their serialized graphic novel too.
Don’t forget to get your pre-craft fair party on.
Oh, and if that’s not enough to keep you from handing over your Christmas present money to giant corporations (who are welcome to advertise here, a lot) there’s a fair trade fair as well.
If you’ve got some non-perishable foods just sitting around your house, how about dragging that stuff down to a Save-On Foods location Saturday and helping the ETS “Stuff-a-Bus,” for the Edmonton Food Bank. Money is good too.
You can always check out the Festival of Trees. That’s a good time.
The Hidden Cameras and Gentleman Reg are playing the Avenue Theatre, Friday.
There’s a “Save Alberta Hospital” concert Saturday, at the Edmonton Events Centre.
It’s Band of the Month time at the Pawn Shop. Thanks, Sonic!
And The Artery has a couple of cool shows. There’s blues tonight with Bombchan’s CD release and Kinnie Starr Saturday.
Bombchan is also playing the 2nd anniversary party of The Empress Ale House next Tuesday.
Plus, New City has You say party! We say die!, with Christian Hansen & The Autistics and Little Girls.
And ZZ Top is playing the Jube Saturday night to top off a weekend of great music.
Busy, busy, busy
Let’s all peel our eyes from the clock for a just a few minutes. 5pm will be here soon enough.
This is going to be one busy weekend, Edmonton.
There is, of course, the opening of the all new Kingsway Mall. Sunday at that mall and others heralds the arrival of Santa.
Speaking of holiday cheer, the City of Edmonton will light up its giant Christmas tree at Churchill square Saturday.
There are a couple of new venues opening so you can get your drink-on. There’s a new club, called Plush, opening in the old piano bar on south Calgary Trail. Hmm, that’s on the way to South Edmonton Common where another new bar is opening.
If you’re looking for music, this is a good weekend for it. The Arkells are playing here Saturday night, while Dinosaur Jr. does the Starlite thing tonight, and, also Saturday, there’s a one-day music festival happening.
Wyrd Fest is coming to you from the weird mind of Aaron Levin, a former CJSR music director. Wyrd Fest will see 18 bands (a lot of them local) play on two stages at the Cosmopolitan Music Society, 8624 Gateway Boulevard. Levin says the idea is inspired by other indie music festival, like Calgary’s Sled Island or Pop Montreal.
You’ll want to hit up Blackbird Myoozik on Whyte Avenue for tickets.
If that’s not your speed, maybe watching ladies on wheels smack each other around is your thing. The E-Ville Roller Derby girls will be taking on Vancouver’s Terminal City Roller Girls at the Kingsway Hangar, 11410 Kingsway Avenue. It’s also E-Ville’s 3rd birthday!
The Canadian Finals Rodeo are on. That means Rexall smells like poop.
Let’s contrast that with Exposure: Edmonton’s Queer Arts and Culture Festival.
And, while it’s not happening in Edmonton, the Prairie Football Conference champs are looking for a national title. Yes, the Edmonton Wildcats are looking to make us all even prouder, Saturday.
The ‘cats finished the season with a record of 6-2, beat the Calgary Colts and Saskatoon Hilltops for the Prairie title, then beat the Ottawa Sooners to move onto the Canadian Junior Football League championship.
The Wildcats put on offensive clinics throughout the season, and will probably find themselves in a shootout against the Vancouver Island Raiders.
The Raiders outscored their opponents 5-1 this year so they’ve got the weapons to go up against the ‘cats.
Edmonton is not only looking for a 4th national title, they’re looking for a little revenge. The Raiders beat the Wildcats for the Canadian championship back in 2006.
Whew. That’ll do.
What a busy weekend you have
There will be martinis.
Ah, the weekend. Our brief taste of freedom each week. Let’s enjoy it, Edmonton.
How about you get your thoughts provoked over at the Global Visions Film Festival? I believe it’s Canada’s longest-running documentary film festival.
The first Saturday of the month means time for the Handmade Mafia to provide you with awesome goods.
The Yardbird Jazz Festival kicks off tonight. Sweet.
Over at the TransAlta Arts Barns, the Night of Artists takes over for the weekend.
The Barns close out the weekend with a Yogathon for Charity.
Perhaps you’re feeling a bit peckish. Well, you can head over to the Shaw Conference Centre for the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival.
The Likwid Lounge is hosting a veritable smorgasbord of aweseome Saturday, with a fundraiser show for a new independent record label. The lineup includes The Joe, A.O.K., Zebra Pulse and Audio/Rocketry.
As mentioned in the headlines this morning, Farmfair International IS ON.
The Alberta Ballet kicks off its Edmonton season with Romeo and Juliet.
The Edmonton Classical Guitar Society has “Between Two Continents on Eight Guitars,” or G8.
Maybe you’d like to see what Grant MacEwan University has to offer. There’s an app for that.
You can always see what Edmonton’s ChangeCampers are doing to change things around here.
If you’re a fabulous lady 50 or older there’s the “Fabulous at 50 Experience and Martini Party” (as noted in the sign above).
Perhaps you want to get rocked gently, by Andy Kim at the Century Casino?
With Remembrance Day coming up the Cosmopolitan Music Society presents “Lest We Forget: A Musical Tribute” at the Winspear Centre.
Finally, Said the Whale plays Brixx tonight.
And while it’s not exactly a weekend event, in the new week you’ll be able to listen to/download the new podcast from The Unknown Studio, with guests me and Sally. I shower the Unknown Studio boys with love until they blindside us with their 60 Minutes-style questioning.
Candy-fuelled events
Always trick or treat in groups.
It turns out there’s a lot more to do this weekend than asking strangers for candy. But I also endorse you dressing like a weirdo and asking random people for candy. I think you should go right up to their door and demand it.
Or do one of these things instead.
Outside of trick or treating there is a lot of Hallowe’en themed stuff going on in Edmonton.
There are also loads of concerts, with Metric, Puddle of Mudd, Marianas Trench, Dan Mangan, and Paper Lions all playing in the next few days.
On the topic of music, Homefest is this Sunday at the TransAlta Arts Barns. That’s a concert fundraiser for homelessness initiatives.
If you like covers, and who doesn’t, then you’ve got some options Saturday. The Pawn Shop has “Tribute Central” with bands and artists playing lots of favouites. The Starlite Room has a similar event, but with Hallowe’en dress-up.
New City has plenty, and I mean plenty, of Hallowe’en antics. Tonight there’s a big rock show with The Get Down, Let’s Dance, The Mitts, No Problem and Geister…while in other parts of New City you’ll find Capital City Burlesque at the I Love 80s danceparty. Tomorrow night there’s The Creepshow. That’s a lot of rock and a lot of ‘ween.
Over at the Varscona Theatre they’ve got a pair of Hallowe’en themed comedy events with Rapid Fire Theatre Friday and Oh Susanna! on All Hallows Eve.
Edmonton weekend fun
When the big hand gets to 5 we all get 2 days off.
That clock is slowly ticking toward the weekend. We are so close now.
But wait, do you even know what you’re going to do this weekend?
We’ve mentioned talking about doing things differently at ChangeCamp, enjoying some non-pretentious and award-winning jazz, heading North of Nowhere, and spooking and grossing yourself out at DEDfest.
But there’s more.
First, there’s more on the dead side, with a zombie walk and then a zombie prom at New City.
And on the Hallowe’en side there’s the Scarecrow Festival at Northlands.
There’s a really interesting event happening Saturday night, called a Timeraiser. Basically, you bid on auction items but you’re also bidding with your own volunteer hours. Neat.
Over on Stony Plain Road they’re doing Store Front Cinema.
Also Saturday, Delhi 2 Dublin bring their electronica world beats to the Starlite Room.
You could also look for “A New Perspective” at this photography show.
The Edmonton Model Railroad Association is throwing its doors open to the public this weekend.
The Pilgrims Hospice is holding their annual “Voices for Hospice” benefit concert too.
Hey, Chad VanGaalen is playing the Myer Horowitz Sunday. You needed to know this.
Sunday also sees the Pop Culture Fair over at the Mayfield Inn Trade Centre.
And on Monday, author Hal Niedzviecki is over at the University of Alberta talking about our peep culture.
SO MUCH TO DO!
Edmonton Events (mostly) not involving turkeys
Perhaps we will come out of this long weeked in one season, and not two.
The temptation here is to only list events that are totally Thanksgiving and turkey-related, or boycott the flightless bird. I’ll do what I can to find a middle ground.
First, we’ve already been over The Fashion Event, all the big football games, a grand opening, and a unique way to enjoy turkey dinner while gambling, but there’s more.
You could head to The Starlite Room tonight for The Adrian Belew Power Trio.
Tomorrow night at The Starlite it’s Shout Out Out Out Out.
Maybe you’re feeling in a revolutionary mood. The Artery has a Che Party for the Ernesto Che Guevera Festival. Plus, this weekend is the 2nd birthday of The Artery, and they’re having a party for that Sunday night.
The Gas Pump (only your favourite bar, and ours) is hosting an Oktoberfest, Saturday. It runs 3-8pm and helps out the Edmonton Food Bank. Did I mention this was at THE GAS PUMP!
Saturday night sees the secretaries releasing a CD. That means lots of music at The Pawn Shop from those rockin’ executive assistants and also The Get Down, DJ Lady ZZ Top and Paul Couts and Cowls.
The Edmonton Kennel Club is filling Northlands Hall A with all the cute dogs you can handle.
There’s an Oilers game Saturday night, with the Montreal Canadiens in town.
And don’t forget that Jay-Z plays Rexall Place Tuesday night.
Edmonton’s First October Weekend
Weekends are a time for good friends, good times and good cupcakes.
You smell that? That’s the weekend. And dead leaves. But mostly weekend.
Yes, fall arrived to remind us that we are but playthings in Mother Nature’s world. Enjoy the crisp mornings though, since they shall soon turn to frigid beginnings of days that are much too short.
And we can all rejoice, since this weekend is full of awesome.
Apologies for the random order of events. But, hey, it’s Friday and spending an extra minute trudging through possible fun options is way better than work.
Way better.
Let’s start with an event that will likely not be something you can do on a whim (stretching is not always enough, practice helps) the CIBC Run for the Cure, Sunday. Sounds like it will be a chilly start to the race. Cheering squads: bring some mitts.
The Handmade Mafia is back at it, Saturday. Let’s go buy mitts together.
For the outdoorsy among you, Mountain Equipment Co-op is doing a gear swap, Sunday. Bring your old stuff (or stuff from the activity that broke your leg and you hate now) and get some new stuff.
Pure Speculation 2009, is all weekend at the Shaw Conference Centre and Happy Harbour on 124th Street. Science Fiction, comics, fun.
The latest Homeless Connect is Sunday. This is where services and help are provided to the homeless. Things like haircuts too. Seems like a practical idea when I mention haircuts, doesn’t it?
The Edmonton Wildcats take on the Edmonton Huskies in the Prairie Football Conference regular season ender, at Clarke Park. Saturday. 7pm.
Speaking of sports, the University of Alberta Golden Bears and Pandas have another busy weekend.
Oh, and a little thing called the NHL is underway. And fantasy hockey.
The Anarchist Bookfair runs Saturday and Sunday. Which seems very orderly.
Friday night is Pecha Kucha 5. The “chit chat” goes Old School.
Some friends of the website are playing at Wunderbar on Whyte. Come check out Van Funk & the Lebarons, and say Hi.
Also Saturday night, in the party column, CJSR is having its Fundrive wrap party at The Artery. Do it. The catering is going to be excellent.
Kenny Rogers is playing at the River Cree Casino, Sunday. Kenny F’n Rogers.
Saturday, momstown.ca is doing mom and tots stuff at Bonnie Doon.
West Edmonton Mall has roller derby and a dive-in movie. Let’s just hope the kid at the top of the water slide doesn’t hold things up while engrossed in the film. But roller derby down a water slide, that’s something to see. (It’s actually going to be in Phase 4.)
Oh, and something I’ll likely be dragged to, Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3D. For two weeks only!
Weekend Party Time
Bye, summer.
Just because the sun is setting on the week, Edmonton, doesn’t mean the fun is over. Heck, the weekend is the fun part.
I’ve said it before but this weekend looks super-busy and jammed with goodness.
As usual, there’s no preference or order to this stuff. It’s just stuff that’s going on. You can always let me know if there’s something cool happening and I can include it.
Campus chaos is probably going to rock some student faces off tonight. There’s a high probability, anyway.
Edmonton Chante is all about francophone music and artists. It’s mostly in Whyte Avenue venues, but pops downtown too. Check it out already.
The Edmonton International Film Festival begins this fair evening with opening night movies and a gala.
Metro Cinema is also showing local filmmakers this weekend.
Art by Chris Reid
Manitoba artist Chris Reid is rocking Latitude 53 with angry toast (right). And other wonders.
Sunday is the City of Edmonton’s free admission day. Free. ‘Nuff said.
Do you like potatoes? There’s this little thing called The Great Potato Giveaway. I hope you can lift 50 pounds of potatoes.
You what is pretty fun, and will probably be the big deal of late ‘09 and 2010? Roller derby. Get on that bandwagon tonight with the E-Ville girls.
The revitalization of 118th Avenue continues with a weekend of family arts fun, between 92 and 94 Streets.
Time for the weekend
So let’s find you something to do, shall we.
Now, this is by no means a definitive list of stuff going on in Edmonton over the next few days. Heck, there are plenty of events, big and small, that I’m going to miss. This is just the stuff that seems cool, seems to be talked about, or happens to catch my eye as I’m writing.
Mostly, I’m trying to find stuff I’d like to do.
I noticed the Elephant & Castle on Whyte Avenue (near 103 Street) is offering 15% off to anyone showing up in pirate garb tomorrow night. That would be because it’s Talk Like a Pirate Day. This works out well if you’ve already got your pirate costume for Hallowe’en.
Why not congratulate Edmonton Symphony Orchestra conductor Bill Eddins on his contract extension by checking out some film scores?
Speaking of the arts, it’s Alberta Arts Days all weekend. That means plenty of artistic ventures, shows, open houses, discounts and more.
Northern Light Theatre kicks off its season with Victoria Martin: Math Team Queen. (I was on a math team once…)
Buffy Sainte-Marie is playing in Sherwood Park tonight.
Over at the Jube, there’s a Leonard Cohen tribute; The Tower of Song.
Mojave is swinging through town and playing Eddie Shorts Saturday night.
We’ve also received word that the City Centre Cinema is offering a movie, popcorn and pop for $10 Saturday. (This could be a good chance to check out Matt Damon’s moustache.)
The Visualeyez performance art festival is winding down.
And if you like mixed-martial arts, The Fight Club presents TFC 8: Salvation at the Shaw Conference Centre tonight.
Plus, it looks like it will just be nice weather, so that’ll be fun too.
Hot stuff (to do)
This nearly ended up being the hot dog report.
I don’t think it’s out of line to say this shiznit is bananas. Are you kidding me it’s going to be sunny and 26 degrees? Yowza!
With that kind of heat the Mill Creek Pool will be open about the latest its ever been open.
We’ve already talked about the Community League membership kick-off happening Saturday.
Speaking of free hot dogs…the Bonnie Doon Community League is dishing them out to celebrate their new playground…and the St. Albert Steel have them before the AJHL season kicks off tonight. Which reminds me, the AJHL season kicks off tonight.
Hot dogs aside, if you like improv (and you do) you may want to check out Die-Nasty’s 50-hour marathon at the Varscona Theatre. There are prime-time, non-prime-time and full weekend passes available.
The Eskimos host the Stampeders in a rematch of the Labour Day Classic (drubbing).
Your elderly aunt’s favourite artist is playing the Shaw Conference Centre.
Meanwhile, Keane plays Somewhere Only We Know.
The Odds play River Cree’s Live lounge. Huh.
The Alberta Provincial Racewalk Championship is tomorrow in Hawrelak Park. Seriously.
That should give you a starting point. Have a good weekend!
GO LONG!
My attempt at mixing our pending long weekend and football catch phrases aside, we do have a three-day weekend ahead of us. That means lots of stuff to do in the city we call Edmonton.
We wrote about it this morning, but it’s worth mentioning again; the Sobey’s Symphony Under the Sky happens Friday, Saturday, Sunday AND Monday. Every day has different concerts. That’s a lot of symphony! (Follow all the action on Twitter if you’re not going to be in Hawrelak Park.)
Did you miss the big Blues Festival in Hawrelak? Well, blues fans, you are in luck. The Beaumont Blues Festival is on this weekend. I had no idea Edmonton was such a hotbed of blues before coming here.
Our Weird Canada friends are presenting The Wicked Awesomes!’s LP release party at Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes. They sell it best: “Music and bowling.”
He will be 18 ’til he dies, questioning if he’s ever really loved a woman. Bryan Adams plays Telus Field TONIGHT.
The Shaw Conference Centre is hosting the Metropolis Electronic Music Festival. Not usually my scene, but I recognize MSTRKRFT as a big deal.
British rock-blues group Band of Skulls plays Brixx Saturday night. Could be a good time indeed.
Speaking of music, radio station Sonic 102.9 and The Union present SONiC Boom; a modern rock festival up at Northlands with such guests as Franz Ferdinand, Metric, Billy Talent and Edmonton’s own The Wet Secrets. Get your rock on.
The Citadel Theatre begins its season this weekend. Its first show is The Drowsey Chaperone.
The Labour Day long weekend also means summer is coming to a close. Have you tried to get lost in the Corn Maze yet? For the long weekend, you can save $1 off the admission price with a donation for the Edmonton Food Bank.
I DO like to party
If only CJSR could tell me what to do...
I think it’s a universal truth that, no matter where you live, if you’re living in the city (or town, or village) you grew up in, there’s never anything to do.
Even in major metropolitan areas (such as, say, Edmonton) you’ll find people who tell you they’ve got nothing to do, there’s nothing to do, this place is boring.
Thank goodness CJSR has updated their event listings with some mad calendar skills.
Like any good calendar of fun, it lets you sort through events by date, genre and acts and venues.
Now, if you’re clicking on over you may say to yourself, “Hey, there’s some good stuff here, but I think there could be more.” You’d be right. That’s the neat thing about the new CJSR Event Calendar; you can add events. (It does take a quick registration of name, and e-mail.)
Now, not only can you find stuff to do, you can tell people about fun stuff to do, because you’re a busy person and always hitting the hip events.
It’s the weekend, so let’s party
You need balloons to have a proper party. (Photo: Alain Saffel)
Oh man, this is a good weekend.
There’s the Edmonton Folk Music Festival down in the river valley. Cariwest is downtown. We’ve already told you about some cool art openings and a rock-your-face-off metalfest.
But there’s more! And the weather even looks to be co-operating.
Fort Saskatchewan is playing host to a videogame festival that goes by the name of Fragapalooza. It’s BYOC.
Sunday is Ukrainian Day, which means there will be loads of fun over at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village and likely a few Uke-themed parties around the city. (I know Ceili’s is having one…)
And there’s Latin Fest! Did you know about this?
And the other thing you can do, especially if you’re a child of the 80s, is watch a John Hughes movie or two.
Whatever you do, be careful out there.
p.s. remember that the LRT is not running south of the river after 7pm
Find something to do, already
Long weekend? Yes, please!
Long weekend!
Woooooooooo!
A note: The Great Divide Waterfall won’t be running this long weekend. We’ll get through this together. It’s unknown when it will be running again.
Alright, the big one this weekend is the Servus Heritage Festival. 34 years running and full of culture and tasty food, it’s all at Hawrelak Park. Here’s some transportation info.
Music-wise you’ve got The City Streets playing a “moving” show tonight at the Pawn Shop, and Blink 182 is tonight. The Moody Blues play Sunday, at the Winspear.
I’m going to try and rein in my excitement, but I do need to tell you about a show at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre. It’s because Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks stars…Peter Scolari! Let me repeat. Peter. Scolari. You’re welcome.
Latitude 53 has “Draw,” a marathon of, well, drawing.
The Edmonton Capitals are home this weekend, and for $5 a throw you can help them fight breast cancer and try to set a World Record for pitches thrown.
We told you a little while ago about The Laugh Shop opening a new location on Whyte Avenue. It happens Saturday night.
Don’t forget about farmers’ markets, improv, live music in pretty much every bar, new movies in theatre…and so on.
What to Do: July 24 – 26
Maybe just head out to one of Alberta's great beaches this weekend.
Alright, it’s the weekend!
The scorching hot, middle of summer, good times weekend.
Yes, it’s the final weekend of Capital Ex (and Taste of Edmonton and Walking with Dinosaurs if you’re looking for a super-busy weekend of stuff to do). And there are all those race cars and assorted Indy parties.
But what if that’s not for you?
Try these on for size:
The Hurt Locker opens this weekend and looks really, really good.
The Famines play The Hydeaway with The Wicked Awesomes and The Mitts.
Speaking of music, Social Distortion is playing at Edmonton Event Centre.
River Cree Casino’s Live (cover band bar) has The Almost Hip.
Brian Mason’s pancake breakfast; because free food knows no political ideology (And the NDP has a syrup quota to fulfill).
You can get your dance on at Flamenco for Life, while helping a good cause.
On Sunday, Eskimos great Warren Moon is signing copies of his book “Never Give Up on Your Dream” at the North Town Indigo.
If you’re hungry for local food and new restaurants, check out Fork Fest.
Oh, and remember to Slip, Slop, Slap if you’re heading out into the sun.
