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- A Couple Rodeos, an MTB Race, A Car Show, EFRS Open House, Grand Dueling Pianos & much more!
A Couple Rodeos, an MTB Race, A Car Show, EFRS Open House, Grand Dueling Pianos & much more!
Week of Thurs, May 30 through Wed, June 5, 2024. Thanks for reading!
Jonah Chabaniuk
May 30, 2024
What’s Up Edmonton! (And surrounding areas)…
Thanks for tuning in. Here’s your local ad-free action report for: Thursday, May 30 through Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
I cover: Events happening this weekend & bands playing locally all week long.
If you’re enjoying this informative ad-free publication, please share it with your friends.
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When & where able, I’ll include a link to tickets & more info. Please note: links are non-monetized. You can also click the venue links (under live bands) for directions if needed.
Additionally, events are now chronologically ordered by start time. Check the bold lettering at the end of each event for start times.
Finally, the newsletter may be clipped again. Hit google’s link to view all the live bands playing this week.; Cheers!
Some Things To Do This Weekend:
Friday, May 31:
Black Gold Rodeo | To all the cowpokes & those who aspire to be… start your pickups & get your butts down to Leduc’s Premier Rodeo | Running Thursday through Sunday, get in on all the rodeo action plus extra activities such as a car show, midway, trade show, fair, cabaret, dance & more | Kicks off at Noon on Thursday, May 30 |
International Children’ Festival in St. Albert | Runs May 30th - June 2 | Includes a large selection of things to do with your kids | Numerous free & paid event options | 9:30am start times |
Farmers Days Rodeo & Exhibition | Satisfy your cotton candy & ring toss addition this weekend in Stony Plain! | Alongside the rodeo itself, expect a pancake breakfast, parade, midway & much more | This is a full weekend event | 10am Friday is when the earliest exhibit opens |
Solve a Murder Mystery in Leduc | Grab yer pipe & don yer deerstalker, there’s been a terrible murder in your neck of the woods & you’re getting to the bottom of it! | Situated in Leduc, grab friends or go solo as you solve this mystifying case | With both walking & driving options & only $15 for the roughly 2.5 hour event, this makes for a great date night or time out with friends | NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY | 10am start time |
Edmonton Drag Festival | Celebrating YEG’s Drag Community | This is a three day event that includes performances, a brunch and more | 12pm start time (Friday’s first event, smash that link for more details) | This event appears to be held in conjunction with YEG Pride Festival, more details on that can be found here |
Ermineskin Powwow Celebration 2024 | This event is happening Friday through Sunday & I believe is a FREE EVENT for viewers | Head out to Maskwicis Bear Park (Located within Ermineskin Cree Nation) for a weekend of culture & tradition | Attendees will be privy to several styles of formal dance, a drum competition & much celebration | Dancer registration is $5 | Start time is listed to be Noon |
Dash to Summer | Ever heard of chuckwagon racing? | Take a short drive out to Vegreville this weekend & check it out this weekend | There is also a horse show, bean bag tournament, Pancake breakfast & much more | Full weekend event, $5/person & 5 & under are free | 3pm, gates open on Friday |
Family Storytime | Hosted by Edmonton Public Library’s EPL2GO team, this is a chance for the young ins to take in songs, stories & rhymes | FREE EVENT | No registration required | Runs 3pm - 3:30pm |
Cheer on the Oilers @ Scotiabank Fan Park | FREE EVENT | Cheer on the boys in orange white & blue as they battle the Dallas Stars in this away game | There is no charge to enter the fan park | GO OILERS GO |
NVMA DJ Showcase w/ Downtown Spark | Dance under an evening sky & party with amidst a host of inflatable art | NVMA DJ’s will be out spinning their best | Roaming contortionist, acrobats & family-friendly body painter | Two food trucks will be on site | Runs 5pm - 9pm @ Alex Decoteau Park |
DGPA Fundraiser @ WEM Waterpark | Tickets are $35/person | Tear up the slides and float in the wavepool with 749 other participants | No association to the NPO required | Event runs 5:30pm - 8:30pm |
Disco In The Parking Lot Festival | Includes 5 hour outdoor event w/ two indoor afterparties to follow | 3 headliners, appears to be 16 acts total | $59 - $127/person | 5pm start time |
Love Pro Wrestling @ South Side Rec Room | A bunch of mullet sportin’ maple syrup drinkin’ polar bear ridin’ Canadian Wrestlers take to the ring | Grab a buddy & get out to see who brought their eh game, and whose just tryin’ to keep outta the rhubarb | 7pm start time |
Chopin Concert @ Polish Hall | Esteemed & acclaimed pianist Krzysztof Jablonski will be treating guests to an evening of Chopin’s finest | Having won the prestigious Chopin Competition in 1985, one could say that Jablonski really knows his stuff | If you love classical music, this will be one to remember | $6.66/person | Runs 7pm - 9pm |
Photo walk @ Louise McKinney Park | FREE EVENT | Grab your camera & head down to LMP to connect with some like minded folks | Put on by London Drugs, this event is aimed at any & everyone, from seasoned vets to total noobs (like me) | Learn, brush up or just connect | Runs 7pm to 9pm |
Brazilian Zouk Vibes | FREE EVENT | Even if it’s your first time hearing about Zouk, that’s ok | Come on out & learn about a style of dance that evolved from Lambada | 45 min lesson followed by 45 min social, come with or without a partner | Runs 7:30pm to 9pm |
Saturday, June 1:
Big Birding Breakfast @ Beaverhill Big Observatory | Enjoy a crepe (and more) in the woods while listening to the songs of migrating songbirds as they make their way around the observatory | Expect to see a number of Alta-native species | Additionally, an opportunity to see bird netting & banding up close | $10-$30/person, 5 & under are free | There will be guided nature walks and some crafts for the kiddos | Runs 5am - 12 noon |
NHRA Bracket Drag Series @ Rad Torque Raceway | Bring the kids out for some high-octane action @ the drags | Electronics, Non-electronics, Top Eliminator, Cash is King 1/8 mile, Street Sportsman & Junior Dragster | $10-$17/person, 5 & under are free | Bring ear plugs for those who need them | Racer gates opens @ 7am, Fan gates @ 10am, racing starts @ 11am |
YEG Trail Blazers - Kid’s Mountain Biking Race | This event is for kids aged 5 (and under) to 16 y/o | Experience the thrill of a MTB race right here in our own backyard | Waiver must be signed before entering race | Participants can donate to Edmonton MTB Park during registration (if desired) | Certain requirements to partake, hit the link for more info | Check in opens @ 8:30am, race starts at 10am |
Three Sisters Planting Experience (Beans, Corn & Squash) | FREE EVENT | An Indigenous Knowledge Keepers in Residence event (through EPL), guests will learn a traditional way of working the land | Wear your old clothes & prepare to get your hands dirty | Arrive no later than 9am |
Ardrossan 2nd Annual Show ‘n Shine | Check out some polished classics & do a good thing | This event is a school fundraiser for Ardrossan’s School Band Programs & Shop Classes | Help students get access to both instruments & tools needed to further their learning pathways | Also includes live music, a raffle & concession | $10-$15/car (registration), it appears spectators enter for free | day-of registration @ 9am, event starts at 10am |
Legacy Park Family Festival (Fort Sask) | FREE EVENT | The sheep have returned & it’s your duty to cheer them on! | Bring the family out to this kid focused festival where they can enjoy face painting, live music & entertainment, a sidewalk chalk art contest, Inflatables, the sheep parade & more | For us old dogs, there’ll also be food trucks, a caricature artist, a golf simulator & depending on how you look at it… free babysitting (LOL) | Runs 11am - 4pm @ Legacy Park in Ft. Sask |
Play Rangers - Orienteering, Shelter Building & Outdoor Games | FREE EVENT (I’m pretty sure) | Geared towards your 6-12 year old, this COE led drop-in program will teach them the basics of way finding, compass & map reading & survival in the wilderness | Hosted in the new North East River Valley Park, this looks like it will be a blast | Runs 11:30 am - 5:30 pm, meet @ amphitheatre |
Leagues on the Line | A number of Edmonton Community Leagues on the new Valley LRT Line are hosting this event | between noon & three, station hop on the LRT to experience fun & games set up by each league | Then, head on over to Strathearn Community hall for a free concert | Regular LRT rates apply | Much more info at the link | Runs Noon - 3pm, free concert 2:30pm - 5pm |
EFRS Fire Hall Open House | FREE EVENT | At this event, kids can sit in firetrucks, check out the tools & apparatus, meet firefighters, see the halls & learn about fire safety | Station 3 - University station only directions to this station here | Runs Noon - 4pm at that one station only |
Annual Family Fun Day @ Birch Bay Ranch | What do zip lines, rock climbing, pony & hay rides, bouncy castles & delicious BBQ all have in common? If you think you can do all that & more at this event, well you’d be right! | $40/car, no pre-registration required | Enjoy live country music as well | Runs 1pm - 6pm |
Block Party feat. Busty & The Bass w/ guests | FREE EVENT | Get down to Rice Howard way to catch that rip roaring trombone & smooth sound of Busty & The Bass | 5 guest acts head up the main, starting at 1pm | Be there or be square |
Spring Carnival @ Glenridding Park | FREE EVENT | Put on by Southwest Community Church, this kid-centric event encompasses cotton candy, glitter tattoos, an inflatable obstacle course, popcorn, carnival games & more | Runs from 2pm - 4pm |
Adaptive & Inclusive Lacrosse | This event is for those of any & all abilities | SP Titans & Lacrossing Barriers have teamed up to provide several evenings of adaptive Lacrosse | This is a great opportunity to get some exercise, make friends & feel great while doing so | Runs 3pm - 4:30pm |
Exploring Wâhkôhtowin: Journey & Fundraiser | FREE EVENT | Come celebrate the creation of a board game that honors the keepers of the traditional lands on which we live | Make meaningful connections & be one of the first to experience the board game | More info on the game & story behind it can be found here | Runs from 3pm - 7pm |
Afro Talent Celebration | Celebrating Black Artists, both local & national | Expect to see a couple comedians, a reggae band, a poet, dancers & a DJ to close out the night | Event includes dinner, though I don’t know if that’s over & above ticket prices or not | $20-$22.63/person | Doors/Dinner @ 4-7pm, Showtime @ 7:30pm - 10:30pm, DJ & Dance @ 11:00pm - 1:30 am |
Warrior Project Campout Fundraiser | Raising funds for a couple of folks battling cancer, this event takes place on the Yakimetz Farm, East of Edmonton | Enjoy two live bands, a BBQ, games & a silent auction | There is camping space available | $22.63-$54.58/person | Event starts around 4 pm, hit link for directions & other info |
Stonehouse Publishers Launch Party | FREE EVENT | Enjoy refreshments & celebrate the launch of four books by local authors | Attendees will enjoy readings from each by the authors themselves | Doors @ 6:30pm, Begins @ 7pm |
Jester of the Year @ Drifters Pub | This is an ongoing, multi-event competition | Gather to hear from several of 48 comedians competing for cash prizes | Should be a gut-busting good time | $5-$10/person | Runs 7:30pm - 9pm |
Grand Dueling Piano Show @ Twin Otter Pub | Three world class pianists take to the stage in this all-by-request show | Enjoy theatrics, dancing, crowd interaction, comedy & of course, top notch keyboard tickling | $27.96/person & this show is 18+ | Food & Drink Specials | Show starts @ 8pm, reserve tickets early to sit with friends |
Sunday, June 2:
Clymont Car Show | FREE EVENT | No Registration Fees | Bring your classic car or truck out and/or bring the family & enjoy bouncy castles, petting zoo, a scavenger hunt, concession, the car show & more | This is a licensed event | Runs 10am - 3pm |
Community Walk w/ Dr. Dwayne Donald | FREE EVENT | A decedent of the Amiskwaciwiyiniwak, this UofA Education Professor teaches about Indigenous wisdom & traditions, and how they cna be upheld in our modern day society | Bring your walking shoes & H20 | This event runs 10am - Noon, starting & finishing @ the Huskie House |
YEG Hoopdance Workshop | Must bring your own hoop | Enjoy a class led by one of the best in Hoopdance instruction & performance | $20-$22.63/person/class w/ volume deal if purchasing more classes | Starts @ 11am, see link for more details |
Kids Day @ Alex Decoteau Park | FREE EVENT | Wrapping up the final day of YEG’s Downtown Spark Festival, this one’s for the kids | Enjoy live beats by Seeka Sings & DJ Funkasaurus while partaking in face painting, a magician, juggler & more | Runs 11:30am - 4pm |
Historical River Valley Bike Ride | FREE EVENT | Hit the trails with the COE Bike Education Team for a 7.3km cultural adventure | Starting @ Henrietta Muir Edwards Park, participants will enjoy a glimpse into Edmonton’s past as they hear a story of nature, history & Indigenous presence in the region | Bring your bike & h2o! | Runs 12:30pm - 3pm |
Edmonton Stingers vs Saskatchewan Rattlers | Basketball fans in the house? | Get on over to the Expo to watch our very own Stingers take on the Rattlers in this CEBL event | Parking is reported to be free while grub & bevies are priced rather reasonably | Tickets are $24.50-$29.50/person | Ball Toss @ 4pm |
Laugh Till You Die | Die Pie Vegan Pizzeria is at it again with another showstopper! | Come enjoy a host of local hilarities as they jest the crowd into rib-splitting fits of laughter | $11.98/person | Doors @ 5:30pm, Show @ 6:30pm |
Concert by St. Albert Chamber Music Society | Three musicians, a pianist, cellist & violinist will take the stage, set to deliver a performance that will delight all who hear it | $17.31/person | 7:30pm start time in St. Albert |
Live Bands:
Venue: 9910
Tickles Pride Kick Off feat. Sucreesha Minora, Callmekeeks, Chelsea Horrendous & GabbibyMinora | Tickets | Doors @ 7pm | $10-$15/person | Unsure of genre, this may not be music either… unsure | Sat, June 1, 2024 |
Venue: The Aviary
Ways in Waves w/ Victrix & Carl Glacier | Tickets | 7:30pm | $15-$20/person | Indie/Alternative | Thur, May 30
Mellow The Lion & Chic Chamelon w/ Jenesia | Tickets | 8pm | $15-$20/person | Alt Rock/Indie Rock | Fri, May 31
Jenny Woo w/ Edward Gazel, Pagans of North Cumberland, Chairman & Vector 23 | Tickets | 7:30pm | $15-$20/person | Punk | Sat, June 1
Spencer Jo w/ Vissa & Ghostly Hounds | Tickets | 6:30pm | $15-$20/person | Indie/Alt? | Sun, June 2
Venue: Midway
Venue: Union Hall
Venue: Winspear Center
From Broadway to Hollywood | Tickets | 7:30 pm | $68.50-$117.50/person | Orchestral | Fri, May 31
From Broadway to Hollywood | Tickets | 7:30 pm | $65.50-$112.50/person | Orchestral | Sat, June 1
Mahlers Resurrection Symphony w/ Richard Eaton Singers | Tickets | 7pm | 21.50/person | Orchestral/Classical | Sun, June 2
Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic | Tickets | 8pm | $53.50-$82.50/person | Rock/Classic Rock | Tue, June 4
Venue: The Yardbird Suite
Brendan McGrath | Tickets | Doors @ 7pm | $15/person | Jazz | Fri, May 31
Up And Over Trio w/ guest Jim Head | Tickets | Door @ 7pm | $23/person | Jazz | Sat, June 1
Dana Anderson | Tickets | Doors @ 7pm | $15/person | Jazz | Sun, June 2
Tuesday Jam w/ Samuel Heintzman | Tickets | Doors @ 7pm | $5-$10/person | Jazz | Tue, June 4
Venue: The Starlite Room
Venue: The Commercial
Richard Blais | FREE SHOW | 8pm | Blues | Wed, May 29
Jeff Bartlett & Friends | FREE SHOW | 8pm | Blues | Thu, May 30
The Steadies w/ Saint & The Full 100 Band | Tickets | 9:30pm | $10-$15/person | Groove/pop-rock/Raggae/? | Fri, May 31
Stonegate w/ The Definitive | Tickets | 9:30pm | $6-$9/person | Rock/Funk | Sat, June 1
Venue: Temple Ballroom
Calyx w/ guests | Tickets | 9pm | $0-$26.30/person | D&B/EDM | Sat, June 1
Venue: Fiddlers Roost
Venue: SOHO
Section 8 w. The Threads | Tickets At The Door | 9pm | $10/person | Rock/Indie Rock | Fri, May 31
Venue: Rendezvous Pub
Venue: The Blue Chair (Restaurant, live music over your lunch).
Ivan Boudreau | No Tickets | 10am | Indie | Sat, June 1
Audrey Ochoa | No Tickets | 7pm | Jazz | Sat, June 1
Jeremy Doody | No Tickets | 10 am | Indie | Sun, June 2
Venue: Festival Place
Tammy Weis | Tickets | 7:30pm | $25-$28/person | Folk/Jazz/Soul | Wed, June 5
Venue: The Carrot
Wiesinger | Tickets | 7pm | $0-$10/person (age dependent) | Indie Rock/Pop | Fri, May 31
Venue: River Cree
Venue: Rogers Place
Venue: Edmonton Convention Center
Venue: Edmonton Expo Center
Have a great weekend everyone!