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Which legendary bush pilot, who famously outran the Red Baron, has a West Edmonton neighborhood named after him?

Happy Thursday! 🥂

Today is budget day!

Lets see what's on the discussion table!

The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝

Alberta unveiled its 2026 budget, projecting a $6.4 billion deficit amid sharply lower resource revenues and rapid population growth.

Finance Minister Nate Horner cited a 30% drop in natural resource revenue, largely from falling oil prices and trade disruptions, as key drivers of the shortfall.

Despite tight finances, the government is boosting education funding by 7% to $10.8 billion, aiming to hire 1,600 new teachers and 800 support staff.

Health care spending will hit a record $28 billion to address system pressures from 2.5% population growth.

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack is pushing for provincial support, seeking $75 million to upgrade the city’s aging infrastructure.

Total 2025 spending rises to $79 billion, while revenue slips to $73 billion.

With debt climbing to $82.9 billion, provincial leaders warn of tough choices ahead to safeguard vital services.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Winter River Valley Trail Exploration: Explore North America’s largest urban parkland. The North Saskatchewan River Valley offers over 150 km of trails perfect for winter hiking, fat-biking, or a scenic walk.

Date: Daily Location: North Saskatchewan River Valley Cost: Free Click for details

Skating at Victoria Park IceWay: Glide through the trees on a unique 400-metre ice trail that is beautifully lit at night. It is one of the most iconic winter outdoor experiences in the city.

Date: Daily (weather permitting) Location: Victoria Park Cost: Free Click for details

Elk Island Stargazing: Head just east of the city to a designated Dark Sky Preserve. It’s the perfect spot for winter wildlife watching by day and breathtaking stargazing by night.

Date: Daily Location: Elk Island National Park Cost: Free admission with Discovery Pass (Standard entry fees apply otherwise) Click for details

Tobogganing at Gallagher Park: Grab a sled and hit one of Edmonton’s premier hills. Gallagher Park offers a thrilling slope with a fantastic view of the downtown skyline.

Date: Daily Location: 9505 96 Ave NW Cost: Free Click for details

Coldest Night of the Year Walk: A family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

Date: February 28, 2026 Location: Various (Central, Northwest, and Southeast routes) Cost: Free to register (Fundraising encouraged) Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Big Wreck Live at Rogers Place: Canadian rock icons Big Wreck take the stage for a high-energy performance at Edmonton's premier downtown arena.

Date: February 27, 2026 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid (Ticket prices vary) Click for details

ESO Classics: Benjamin Grosvenor Plays Britten: Enjoy a sophisticated evening with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra featuring world-renowned pianist Benjamin Grosvenor.

Date: February 27 – 28, 2026 Location: Winspear Centre Cost: Paid (Ticket prices vary) Click for details

The Lolas - Stardust: A spy-themed dance comedy where cabaret meets cartoon chaos. Rival teams of showgirl spies battle through heists and heartbreak.

Date: February 28, 2026 Location: Festival Place Cost: Paid Click for details

Black History Month 40th Gospel Concert: A powerful annual gospel music celebration highlighting the rich cultural traditions and contributions of Black artists.

Date: February 28, 2026 Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Cost: Paid Click for details

SkirtsAfire Festival: A multidisciplinary arts festival featuring theatre, music, and dance by women and non-binary artists.

Date: February 26 – March 8, 2026 Location: Various (Old Strathcona) Cost: Free and Paid options Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

MFA Open Studio: The University of Alberta’s Department of Art & Design invites the public to explore graduate student studios featuring painting, sculpture, and printmaking.

Date: February 27, 2026 (4 PM – 8 PM) Location: FAB Gallery, U of A North Campus Cost: Free Click for details

Black History Month Exhibit: Khiry Tafari: Experience a powerful visual art exhibit honoring Black History Month, featuring works that explore nature, connection, and cultural pride.

Date: Throughout February Location: The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse Cost: Free Click for details

Drop-in Sketching: Bones: Use the museum's collections as inspiration for your own art. This month features skeletons from various creatures to celebrate a new exhibit.

Date: February 28, 2026 Location: Royal Alberta Museum Cost: Included with Museum Admission Click for details

Taste of Africa: A rich display of African dance, storytelling, and poetry, culminating in a tasting of various African and Caribbean foods.

Date: February 28, 2026 Location: The Arden Theatre (St. Albert) Cost: Paid (Seating first come, first serve) Click for details

Edmonton Rock N' Gem Show: Browse a massive selection of crystals, minerals, jewelry, and fossils from around the world.

Date: February 26 – March 1, 2026 Location: West Edmonton Mall (Ice Palace) Cost: Free to attend Click for details

Family Futures Winter Family Fun Day: Celebrate winter with snow painting, snowshoeing, snow fort building, and hot chocolate for the whole family.

Date: February 28, 2026 (1 PM – 4 PM) Location: Various (Family Futures Resource Network) Cost: Free Click for details

Dino Day at Farmer & Daughter: Bring the kids to meet a "baby dinosaur," dig in sensory tables, and enjoy dinosaur-themed activities. Date: February 28, 2026 (10 AM start) Location: Farmer & Daughter Toy Shop Cost: Free Click for details

Jurassic World by Brickman: A massive LEGO exhibition at the TELUS World of Science featuring life-sized dinosaurs made from millions of bricks.

Date: Daily Location: TELUS World of Science – Edmonton Cost: Paid Click for details

Play Rangers Outdoor Fun: Planned outdoor recreational activities led by city staff, focusing on children ages 6-12 and their families.

Date: February 28, 2026 (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM) Location: Whitemud Park Cost: Free (Drop-in) Click for details

Mini Dino Adventure Camp: A themed event at the pyramids where kids can explore the world of dinosaurs amidst the botanical displays. Date: February 26 – 28, 2026 Location: Muttart Conservatory Cost: Paid Click for details

Edmonton Bad Bunny Night: The biggest reggaeton party in the city with full "Benito energy," perreo, and trap vibes all night long.

Date: February 27, 2026 (9 PM) Location: Union Hall Cost: Paid Click for details

Sapphic Dinner & Dance Party: An inclusive evening featuring a seated dinner followed by a high-energy dance party for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Date: February 28, 2026 Location: Evolution Wonderlounge Cost: Paid Click for details

UofA Dance Team Canadian Tuxedo Fundraiser: Grab your denim and head out for a night of music and dancing to support the University of Alberta Dance Team.

Date: February 28, 2026 (7 PM) Location: The Pint On Whyte Cost: Paid ($11.52) Click for details

South Indian Party - Edition 2: A vibrant nightlife event featuring the best of South Indian music, cinema hits, and energetic dancing.

Date: February 27, 2026 (9 PM) Location: LVL Three Bar & Lounge Cost: Paid Click for details

Friday Nite Live at The Carrot: Catch live performances from local musicians in an intimate, cozy coffeehouse setting.

Date: February 27, 2026 (7 PM) Location: The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse Cost: $5 at the door Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Lethbridge Hurricanes: Catch exciting WHL junior hockey action as the Oil Kings battle the Hurricanes on home ice. Date: February 28, 2026 (6 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid Click for details

Love Pro Wrestling 45: A Fistful of Tights: An evening of high-flying, hard-hitting independent professional wrestling action.

Date: February 27, 2026 (7 PM) Location: The Rec Room South Edmonton Cost: Paid Click for details

UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup: Watch world-class athletes compete on massive ice structures. It is a thrilling, high-stakes spectator event held outdoors.

Date: February 27 – 28, 2026 Location: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park Cost: Free to watch Click for details

Public Skating at City Hall: A classic Edmonton experience. Lace up your skates and enjoy the ice under the pyramid at Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Date: Daily Location: City Hall Plaza Cost: Free Click for details

U SPORTS Wrestling Championships: While the main event is in Ontario, local fans can follow the #2 ranked Alberta Golden Bears as they compete for the national title this weekend.

Date: February 27 – 28, 2026 Location: Various Viewing (Online/Campus bars) Cost: Free to follow Click for details

Short Walk: Emily Murphy Park Loop: Join the "Xplore Wilderness" group for a casual morning hike through the beautiful river valley trails. Date: February 28, 2026 (10 AM) Location: Emily Murphy Park Cost: Free Click for details

St. Albert Trekkers Walking Club: Meet up with fellow walking enthusiasts for a structured morning walk around the St. Albert and Edmonton area.

Date: February 28, 2026 (7:45 AM) Location: Various (Check site for start) Cost: Free Click for details

Conditioning Hike and Stairs: For those looking for a more intense workout, this meetup focuses on the river valley stairs and steep trail inclines.

Date: February 28, 2026 (9:30 AM) Location: Royal Glenora Overflow Cost: Free Click for details

Kindred Knits and Crochet Club: A "bring your own yarn" social circle for fiber artists of all skill levels to share patterns and chat over coffee. Date: Weekly (Check schedule for Friday dates) Location: The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse Cost: Free Click for details

Edmonton Board Readiness Series: A networking and learning session for those interested in joining non-profit or community boards. Date: Late February (Check schedule) Location: Edmonton Unlimited Cost: Free Click for details

Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here

Edmonton's War on Speed: Are the 40 km/h Speed Limit Reductions Actually Making Streets Safer?

Wilfrid "Wop" May (Mayfield)

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