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Thursday's Buzz: "Alberta's Bold Move: Province-Shaped Highway Signs Spark Debate!"
Thursday's Buzz: "Alberta's Bold Move: Province-Shaped Highway Signs Spark Debate!"
Thursday's Buzz: "Alberta's Bold Move: Province-Shaped Highway Signs Spark Debate!"
"Exciting news: Alberta unveils province-shaped highway signs! Say goodbye to traditional markers. 🛣️"
Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Apr 16, 2026
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Trivia Question❓Approximately how many hours of daylight does Edmonton get on the longest day of the year? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Thursday! 🥂
We're about to see new highway signs coming to the province...
Lets get to it..
The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝 |
Our featured story | ||
In the news this week |
Alberta is set to transform its highway entrances with bold, province-shaped welcome signs, replacing the familiar square markers.
The initiative, overseen by Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, will see nearly two dozen new signs installed, each designed to create a distinctive first impression for visitors.
While final wording is undecided, the updated signage will bid a warm greeting, possibly moving away from the classic “Wild Rose Country” phrase in favour of “Strong and Free.”
The project also considers solar-powered lighting and durable materials, aiming for both visibility and longevity.
Residents in Edmonton and across Alberta are sharing a mix of excitement and nostalgia as the changes spark broader conversations about provincial identity.
With installation set for summer and completion by fall, the new signs signal Alberta’s commitment to a modern aesthetic while respecting its heritage, offering a fresh welcome that celebrates the province’s unique character. Read More... |
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What's happening? | ||
Things to do this weekend |
1. Outdoor and Nature |
Family Nature Walk Whitemud Park: Join Nature Alberta for the first Nature Kids event of the year. This guided walk is perfect for exploring local flora and fauna in one of the city's most beautiful river valley parks. Date: April 18, 2026 (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM) Location: Whitemud Park Cost: Free (Registration required) Play Rangers Orienteering: A drop-in outdoor program where kids and families can learn geocaching and orienteering skills. It's a great way to navigate the park while staying active. Date: April 18, 2026 (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM) Location: Whitemud Park & NE River Valley Park Cost: Free Hike with Edmonton Language Meetup: Combine fitness with social connection in this group hike designed for language learners and outdoor enthusiasts. Date: April 19, 2026 (2:00 PM) Location: Various River Valley Trails (Check Meetup for start point) Cost: Free
Paddling Film Festival World Tour: An inspiring collection of the year's best films focused on whitewater, sea kayaking, and canoeing, held to celebrate the upcoming paddling season. Date: April 19, 2026 Location: Various venues (Check site for details) Cost: Paid
Muttart Conservatory Feature Pyramid: Explore the spring floral display within the iconic glass pyramids. The feature pyramid changes seasonally and offers a lush escape from the city. Date: Ongoing (Open April 16–19) Location: 9626 96A St NW Cost: Paid (Admission applies) |
2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 |
The Big Little Concert: Three family-friendly musicians (Beppie, Seeks Sings, and Beth Portman) share the stage for a lively, high-energy musical afternoon. Date: April 18, 2026 (2:30 PM) Location: Whitemud Crossing Library Cost: Paid (Tickets required) Canadian Steam: Music & Comedy: A patriotic and hilarious show featuring live music and comedy sketches inspired by Canadian culture and the "mildly sexy lumberjack" aesthetic. Date: April 16, 2026 Location: The Grindstone Theatre Cost: Paid Bovi: Loud in Canada Comedy Tour: Renowned international comedian Bovi brings his latest stand-up tour to Edmonton for a night of sharp wit and cultural observations. Date: April 17, 2026 (7:00 PM) Location: Edmonton Oilfield Technical Society Cost: Paid Dreamspeakers International Film Festival: Showcasing Indigenous filmmakers from around the globe, this festival features unique screenings that explore cultural heritage and modern storytelling. Date: April 16 – 19, 2026 Location: Metro Cinema (Garneau Theatre) Cost: Paid (Individual tickets or passes)
The Bleeding Hearts & Panic Pixie: A high-energy live music night featuring local blues and rock performers in one of the city's most legendary live music venues. Date: April 17, 2026 (9:30 PM) Location: Blues On Whyte Cost: Paid (Cover charge) |
3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭 |
Zinefest at Stanley A. Milner Library: Celebrate independent publishing and DIY art. Meet local zine creators, swap art, and participate in maker workshops. Date: April 18, 2026 Location: Stanley A. Milner Library (Downtown) Cost: Free
Sustainable Fashion Week Exhibit: An exhibit at City Hall featuring innovative, upcycled clothing designed by local students to promote environmental awareness and creative reuse. Date: April 14 – 29, 2026 Location: Edmonton City Hall Cost: Free
Michaels Kids Club Craft: A weekly drop-in crafting session where kids can make "Clay Pencil and Paintbrush Pals." All supplies are provided for this creative afternoon. Date: April 19, 2026 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) Location: Participating Michaels Stores Cost: Free 5 Artists 1 Love: A celebration of Black history and culture through art, music, and performance, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Date: Until April 19, 2026 Location: Art Gallery of Alberta Cost: Paid (Gallery admission)
Red Tie Gala: United Way celebrates 85 years of community impact with an elegant evening honoring local leaders and remarkable community members. Date: April 16, 2026 Location: Various locations (Check United Way site) Cost: Paid (Gala tickets) |
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Riverview Crossing Spring Carnival: Enjoy midway rides, classic carnival games, and fair food as the spring carnival season officially kicks off in Edmonton. Date: April 17 – 19, 2026 Location: Riverview Crossing Parking Lot (3210 – 118 Avenue) Cost: Free admission (Rides/Food extra) Reel Family Cinema: The Lorax: Metro Cinema offers free admission for children 12 and under to see this classic environmental tale on the big screen. Date: April 18, 2026 (12:00 PM) Location: Metro Cinema (Garneau Theatre) Cost: Free for kids 12 & under
LEGO Treasure Hunt at Indigo: A store-wide treasure hunt where kids find clues to win prizes, followed by an interactive storytime session. Date: April 19, 2026 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) Location: Participating Indigo/Chapters Stores Cost: $5 (Includes $5 gift card) Telus World of Science Sensory-Friendly Day: A special programming block with adjusted lighting and sound to provide a comfortable experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Date: April 18, 2026 Location: 11211 142 St NW Cost: Paid Spruce Grove Spring Fundraiser Carnival: A second carnival option featuring rides and games, with proceeds supporting the historic Spruce Grove grain elevator. Date: April 16 – 19, 2026 Location: Spruce Grove Grain Elevator Site Cost: Free admission (Rides extra) |
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4.20 Pizza Rave at Seitan’s: Late-night vegan pizza and electronic beats. This dance-focused event features a lineup of local DJs and a vibrant atmosphere. Date: April 18 – 19, 2026 (Starts 8:00 PM) Location: Seitan’s (11219 Jasper Ave) Cost: Paid Weekly Karaoke Fun Night: An all-ages inclusive karaoke night designed for connection, laughter, and high-energy singing. Date: April 19, 2026 (6:00 PM) Location: Event Loft Cost: $5.00
PM Lounge Karaoke: Elevate your Friday and Saturday nights with professional karaoke setups and a lively crowd in the heart of the city. Date: April 17 – 18, 2026 (10:00 PM) Location: PM Lounge (10041 170 Street NW) Cost: Free admission Tarot & Tea Circle: A unique "Sip, Shuffle, Surrender" event for those looking for a mystical nightlife alternative focused on wellness and tarot reading. Date: April 18, 2026 (4:00 PM – Evening) Location: iava wellness Cost: Paid The Grindstone Late Night Comedy: Catch "Mildly Sexy Lumberjacks" or other improv groups for a night of drinks and local comedy. Date: April 16 – 18, 2026 (Nights) Location: The Grindstone Theatre Cost: Paid |
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Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks: The final regular-season home matchup between these Pacific Division rivals. The energy at Rogers Place will be electric as the playoffs approach. Date: April 16, 2026 (7:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid
Oilers Playoff Watch Party: Join thousands of fans at the Ice District Plaza to watch the Oilers on the giant screens. The atmosphere is as close to being in the arena as you can get. Date: April 16, 2026 (Game time) Location: ICE District Plaza Cost: Free Leisure Centre Open House: A city-wide initiative inviting Edmontonians to try out recreation center facilities, including pools and gyms, for free. Date: Ongoing (Check site for specific April 18 sessions) Location: Various City of Edmonton Recreation Centres Cost: Free Hike for Pilgrims Hospice (Early Bird Walk): While the main hike is later in the month, group training walks and community gatherings often take place in the river valley this weekend. Date: April 18 – 19, 2026 Location: Various locations Cost: Free/Donation
Community Tai Chi Class: A large-scale, guided Tai Chi session held outdoors to promote community health and mindfulness. Date: April 18, 2026 (10:30 AM) Location: City Hall Plaza Cost: Free |
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Edmonton Active & Leisure Group Social: Meet new friends for an evening of socializing, drinks, and snacks at one of Edmonton's popular entertainment hubs. Date: April 18, 2026 (6:00 PM) Location: The Rec Room Cost: Free to attend (Buy your own food/drinks)
Languages and Beer: A casual meetup for people interested in practicing different languages over a local craft pint. Date: April 17, 2026 (7:00 PM) Location: Various Central Pubs (See Meetup for details) Cost: Free to attend
Tony’s Table Beer & Banh Mi Meetup: A food-focused social for those in their 20s and 30s looking to explore local culinary gems and meet like-minded people. Date: April 18, 2026 (7:00 PM) Location: (Check Meetup for specific restaurant location) Cost: Free to attend
Sunday Night Board Games: Join a group of gamers for a relaxed evening of strategy and tabletop games. Beginners are always welcome. Date: April 19, 2026 (6:30 PM) Location: Game2Game Cost: Free to attend
International Chinese Language Day: A cultural meetup featuring language exchange, calligraphy demonstrations, and community conversation. Date: April 19, 2026 (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Location: City Hall Cost: Free |
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It's getting cold... | ||
This Week's Weather |
Weather Forecast: April 16 to 19th, 2026
The forecast for the period shows a significant warming trend. We will start the period with chilly, winter-like temperatures and cloud cover, but by Sunday, the city will see a beautiful spring jump into double digits.
📅 Thursday, April 16, 2026 ☁️ Cloudy High: -2°C | Low: -11°C
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026 🌤️ Partly Sunny High: 4°C | Low: -8°C
📅 Saturday, April 18, 2026 🌥️ Mostly Cloudy High: 8°C | Low: -3°C
📅 Sunday, April 19, 2026 ☁️ Cloudy High: 16°C | Low: -1°C
Source: The Weather Network |
In coming... | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
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