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Ukrainian Cultural Festival, Rainmaker Rodeo, YEG Cat Fest, Beaumont Days & Much More!
Week of Thurs, May 23 through Wed, May 29, 2024. Thanks for reading!
Jonah Chabaniuk
May 23, 2024
What’s Up Edmonton! (And surrounding areas)…
Thanks for tuning in. Here’s your local ad-free action report for: Thursday, May 23 through Wednesday, May 29, 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 however, please note: links are non-monetized. You can also click the venue (under live bands) for directions if needed. Cheers!
P.S. This email may be clipped near the bottom. Gmail sent a notice informing that these newsletters are “too long”. I consider that a compliment for this absolutely value packed publication. If clipped, click on Google’s link to view the full email. Thanks & have a great weekend!
Some Things To Do This Weekend:
Friday, May 24:
Spark on the Square @ Downtown Edmonton | Free downtown event | Art installation Friday afternoon | 90’s Dance Party in the evening w/ info here | Additional activities on Saturday & Sunday, info for that is here | Expect food trucks & fun times! |
Scrabble, Cribbage & More @ St. Albert Public Library | Additionally, bring down a different game of your choosing if desired | Geared towards adults & seniors, this event can be found from 2PM - 4PM in the Forsyth Hall |
Beaumont Days (All Weekend Long) | Features a carnival midway with games & more, live music, a city street party, a pancake breakfast, a soapbox derby, breakdancing competition, parade, show ‘n shine & a whole lot more | This is going to be a fantastic event | Schedule is on the link |
Sprint Car Dirt Track Racing @ Rad Torque Raceway | If you’ve never been to a sprint car race, they’re a blast to watch | Sprint’s are basically go karts with smooth-ish tires ripping around a dirt oval | Expect plenty high octane action | $12-$22/person | Don’t forget ear plugs for the kiddos |
Angor, The Lost Empire of Cambodia @ Royal Alberta Museum | For history buffs, museum junkies & your little archaeologist to be, this one is neat | Check out a bunch of artifacts recovered from the time of Angor | Regular RAM rates apply |
Rainmaker Rodeo in St. Albert | Running May 24 - 26, onlookers can enjoy multiple concerts, a pancake breakfast, a parade, pig racing, canine agility & the rodeo itself | Tickets start at $7.62 (for age 12 & under), more ticket info can be found here |
UFest @ Borden Park | Celebrating Ukrainian Culture | Enjoy traditional-styled entertainment, traditional cuisine, workshops, a vendor market & more | There is a kids zone, feature crafts, a petting zoo, train rides & the chance to sit in a CoE Firetruck! | This one’s at Borden Park & runs May 24 (5pm to 11pm) & 25 (11am to 11pm) |
22nd Annual Sprouts New Play Festival for Kids | Geared towards those aged 12 & under, this is billeted as a gentle introduction to theatre | See 3 plays in an hour, all very child friendly | Shows are $8/person, ages 2 & under are free |
Saturday, May 25:
Mochi Market @ Millwoods Town Center | Celebrating KAWAII Culture, aka the “Culture of Cuteness” out of Japan | Experience 40+ Local Vendors, a maid cafe & a FREE decor station to where you’ll let loose your imagination | Runs from Noon to 4 PM |
Splash Day @ City Hall/Churchill Square | Beat the heat with a dip in the pond @ Churchill Square | Grab some delicious grub from several food trucks & stop to enjoy performance from Aloha Dance YEG, Firefly circus & Ngorimba Marimba Band. Live DJs as well | FREE Event, Runs 11am - 2pm |
Opera feat. music by O Mio Puccini Caro w/ Buffet to Follow | Get your butt down to Ayco Cafe @ 7:30 PM for one heck of an opera | Tickets are $55/person & must be reserved online | “Unique” Buffet to follow | Celebrating 100th anniversary of Puccini’s Death |
Tasty Truck Food Festival @ OEG Fan Park | Enjoy Cuisine from 15+ Food Trucks whilst taking in family fun & festivities | Enjoy live music & a fully licensed events ground | This event is FREE, and runs May 25 (11am to 10pm) & May 26 (11am to 8pm) |
JAS Classic Cattle Show | Mooooove on in for Josephburg Ag Societies Premier Spring Event | Kick the morning off right with the FREE pancake breakfast (7-10am) & paid concession (10am to 5pm) serving up poutine & patties courtesy of those who just didn’t make the cut | More info at the above link, and here |
18+ Artist WorkShop at Gallery@501 | Must pre-register, hit that link & scroll down to May 25 for their number & email | For budding artists (or those who just want to try it out, this FREE event puts a paintbrush in your hand, allowing a chance to unleash your creativity! | This event is for adults only |
Adaptive & Inclusive Lacrosse | Presented by Titans Lacrosse & Lcrossing Barriers, this event is for all abilities and everyone is welcome | There appears to be 7 dates at 1.5 hours each for $45, but I may be mistaken | Here is the contact/registration info if planning to attend |
STARFEST presents Kate Black & David Berry | The authors of “Big Mall” & “On Nostalgia” (respectively) are conducting an up close & personal session on the impacts of Edmontons infamous Mall | Pre-registration is required | This one’s at St. Albert Public Library, 7-8:30pm, Forsyth Hall |
The Hazeldean Artisan Market | Held both in & outdoors, featuring live music & local vendors, come experience the magic of Hazeldean’s Artisan Market | This event runs May 25 & 26, 10:30 am to 4 pm (both days) & is held at the Hazeldean Community League |
Edmonton International Cat Fest | Get with the purr-gram & get down to the MacEwan Robbins Health Learning Center for a host of Cat-tivities plus meet & greets with Feline Celebs! | Runs 10am - 5pm, tickets are $15-$20/person, 12 & under are free | I admit, I swiped one of those puns from their home page = ) |
Kids Club @ Michels Stores | FREE Event, go make a friendship bracelet anytime between 10am & noon | Simply show up, no pre-registration required | It doesn’t specify, thus I’m thinking all local locations are participating but it may be good to call ahead |
Cartoon Workshops for students aged 7+ | Hosted by local cartoonist James Grasdal, this in-person event takes place every Saturday in two sessions, from 10am - Noon & then 1 - 3 pm at the Old Strathcona Farmers Market | Great for the aspiring doodler in your home | Cost is $25.29/person per session |
Block50 Annual Pet Fair in Leduc | In collaboration with several local rescues, this event presents an opportunity to meet & potentially take home a rescued animal | In addition, there is a 40-strong vendor market (animal themed), a photo booth, music, events, games, food trucks & more | It also appear they fundraise for local shelters at this event |
Petting Zoo @ Callingwood Farmers Market | Bouncy castle, face painting, food truck & of course, the petting zoo itself | Bring the little ones to pet the pony’s and a bunch of other little critters | This will be at the market from 1-4 pm |
Bugsy Malone @ Metro Cinema | With a cast comprised of child actors playing in adult roles, this early 1910’s gangster comedy is sure to elicit a chuckle or two | Tickets range from $11-$14/person, though children 12 & under are free |
Terwillegar Community League Movie Night - Dune 2 | Grab your lawn chair & favourite comfy blanket, then head on out to South Terwillegar Spray Park to catch a flick on a giant outdoor screen | Commencing at sunset (approximately 9:45 pm) | The event is cancelled if it’s raining, and as not mentioned otherwise, I believe this is a FREE event |
7 Vs 7 Co-Ed Pickup Soccer @ Commonwealth Fieldhouse | FREE EVENT, Pre-registration required | Get your butt down to the field house for an hour of pickup soccer | This event runs from 9-10 pm, and though not explicitly stated, I feel this one is geared towards adults | Hit that link for registration info |
May Trail Walk w/ River Valley Alliance | FREE EVENT | Lace up your runners and meet the RVA team @ West Rivers Edge Pavilion | Make new friends and reconnect with nature as you stroll around the lake & venture into the interpretive forest | This one starts @ 10:30 AM |
Drop in Latin Dance Lessons | Salsa & Bachata | Doors open @ 8pm, beginners start at 8:30pm, intermediate @ 9pm, DJ kicks off at 9:30 pm | $15/person, purchase tickets online or at the door | There is a station to refill water bottles (free) |
Undeniabull Comedy Show @ SoHo | Likely NOT family friendly | Door @ 2pm, showtime @ 3pm | Featuring Eric Johnston | Tickets are $25/person |
Sunday, May 26, 2024
HULA Society Bash | Bring your ukelele (or borrow one at the event) & join in with bunch of fellow uke enthusiasts for some sing-along songs | They like to cover both popular & traditional songs | They don’t cover anything religious, rock/rap, punk or heavy metal | Alas you metalhead ukelele types will have to take your craft elsewhere | More info can be found here |
Besties Market | Calling lovers of all things cute & feminine, here is another event for you this weekend | Free admission | Expect to find vintage goods, handmade ceramics, curated high-quality & trendy dresses & much more | Hit that link for more info |
Twoonie Swim @ Leduc Rec Center | Bring the kiddos, everyone aged 3 & over gets in the doors for only 2 bucks/head | Event runs 7-9 pm | Info for this event is in the 2024 Spring City guide @ page 40 |
Shamama’s Twerkshop | This is THE place to be this weekend | Barr none | Connect to your inner healing powers, find your inner ease & elevate your wellness with Dynamic Quantum Twerking | Miley approved |
Paint Days @ Laurier Community League | This is for a series of events however you can drop in also | Drop in’s are $20/person & appear to include necessary supplies | Event runs from 2 pm to around 5 pm |
Afrofusion Drop In Dance Class | Event takes place @ Windsor Hall | Arrive at 5:30pm ready for a fun, full body workout | $5/person |
Drop In Indigenous Hand Drumming Circle @ The Carrot Coffee House | FREE EVENT | Learn about the tradition of Indigenous Hand Drumming | Arrive around 2:45pm, event takes place from 3-4pm |
Live Bands:
Venue: 9910
Venue: The Aviary
Sade Awele w/ Winters Majesty & King of Foxes | Tickets | 7:30 PM | $20-$25/person | Afro-Pop/Afro-Soul/R&B | Thursday, May 23, 2024
Amos The Kid w/ The Denim Daddies & Lucas Chaisson | Tickets | 7:30 PM | $17.31-$20/person | Alt Rock | Friday, May 24, 2024
Alex Dawkins w/ Vomb | Tickets | 8 PM | $15-$20/person | Unsure on genre, she is local though = ) | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Shy Friend, The Carpoolers, TEN02 & 21st Ave | Tickets | 6:30 PM | $15-$20/person | Alternative | Sunday, May 26, 2024
Dismania, Lewd Antics, DeathLettuce & The Provocateurs | Tickets | 7:30 PM | $15-$20/person | Alternative | Monday, May 27, 2024
Venue: Midway
Venue: Union Hall
Venue: Winspear Center
Venue: The Yardbird Suite
Duende w/ Guests | Tickets | 7 PM | $26/person | Flamenco/Jazz | | Friday, May 24, 2024
The Berner Brothers Play The Brecker Brothers | Tickets | 7 PM | $29/person | Jazz | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Littlebirds Big Bands | Tickets | 2 PM | $19/person | Jazz | Up & Coming Artist Filled Jr & Sr Youth Big Bands! | Sunday, May 26, 2024
Littlebirds Big Bands | Tickets | 7 PM | $19/person | Jazz | Up & Coming Artist Filled Jr & Sr Youth Big Bands! | Sunday, May 26, 2024
Tuesday Jam Feat. Rubin de Toledo | Tickets | 7 PM | $5-$10/person | Jazz | Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Venue: The Starlite Room
Metal Battle w/ NECHT, Arrow in the Quiver, Age of Ashes, Infrastrvctvre, Beguiler & Dead Velvet | Tickets | 7 PM | $20/person | Metal | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Lostronaut, Seaglass, Meeberz, Miss Kitty, SKZM, Mike Panic | Tickets | 9 PM | $9.99-$14.99/person | Various Bass Genres | 18+ | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Monks On Call w/ Midnight Diner, Ruby Plume & Morning Coyote | Tickets | 7 PM | $15/person | Indie/Alt | Sunday, May 26, 2024
Venue: The Commercial
Alt Rock Sessions feat. Local Talent | Tickets | 8 PM | $5/person | Rock | Thursday, May 23, 2024
The Leo Martinez Band | Tickets | 9:30 PM | $5-$7.04/person | Blues/Jazz | Friday, May 24, 2024
The Iconic Jam feat. Gary Martin | Free Event | 3 PM | Blues | More Info Here | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Timothy Noel & The RearViews | Tickets | 9:30 PM | $10-$20/person Motown/Jazz | Saturday, May 25, 2024
House of Love feat Leo Martinez & Guest | Free | 3 PM | Blues/Jazz | More Info Here | Sunday, May 26, 2024
Groovy Roots & Blues feat. Local Talent | Free | 8 PM | Blues | More Info Here | Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Venue: Temple Ballroom
Samplifire w/ Jenkz, Cerbereus, WR4CK3R & Sheremet | Tickets | 9 PM | Free-$26.30/person | Dubstep | 18+ | Friday, May 24, 2024
Venue: On The Rocks
Gary Martin & The Hotshots | Tickets | 5:30 PM | $5/person | Soul/Blues/Rock? | Patio Show | Friday, May 17, 2024
Venue: Blowers & Grafton (B&G) (Free shows, with your dinner)
Note: I’m waiting to hear back from them on what time their artists start performing. Presently, showtimes unknown.
Dainah Donovan | Country | Friday, May 24, 2024
Jeff Hendrinck | Unsure, but I’d Guess Country | Friday, May 24, 2024
Jayden Holman | Country | Friday, May 24, 2024
Venue: Fiddlers Roost
Open Stage | Tickets | 5 PM | $10/person | Swing/Dance | Bring Your Dancing Shoes | Monday, May 27, 2024
Venue: SOHO
Bad Buddy feat. Moxjet & Bad Ham | Tickets | 8 PM | $17.31-$20/person | Guessing Punk? | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Venue: Rendezvous Pub
Venue: The Blue Chair (Restaurant, live music over your lunch).
Joe Ireland Band | No Tickets | 7 PM | Indie/Alt-Rock | Friday, May 24, 2024
Charlie Austin | No Tickets | 10 AM | I believe… Jazz (Piano) | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Sahara Jane & Ken Shorley | No Tickets | 7 PM | Fusion | Saturday, May 25, 2024 | (I stumbled on this duo one time, they’re fantastic live)
Jim Findlay | No Tickets | 10 AM | I believe Acoustic or maybe Folk | Sunday, May 26, 2024
Venue: Cask & Barrel
Venue: Festival Place
Skydiggers | Tickets | 7:30 PM | $46.20-$50.40/person | Soft Rock | Friday, May 24, 2024
Venue: The Carrot
Lori Reid | Tickets | 7 PM | $12.58/person | Folk/Country | Friday, May 24, 2024
Venue: River Cree
Charlie Crockett | Tickets | 9 PM | $99-$835.38 | Country/Blues/Soul/Cajun/R&B & More | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Venue: Sherlock Holmes
Venue: Bluegrass North
Happy Trails Prospector | Tickets | 5:30 PM | $18-$20/person | Bluegrass | Pizza Included | Jam To Follow, Bring Instruments | Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Venue: Cook County Saloon
Venue: High Note Bar & Grill
Donita Large & The Small Band | Tickets | 8 PM | $10/person | Rock/Blues/Folk | Saturday, May 25, 2024
Venue: Rogers Place
Venue: Edmonton Convention Center
Venue: Edmonton Expo Center
Thanks for reading & have a great week!