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Trivia Question❓Edmonton is the largest city in North America that is completely free of which common household pest? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Thursday! 🥂
Today, we uncover Edmonton's new $50M AI Gamble.
Lets go!
The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝 |
Our featured story |
In the news this week |
The launch of a meta data centre in Edmonton is energizing Alberta’s tech and business sectors. Sturgeon County, historically focused on industry, is drawing attention as this vast project takes shape, led by a globally recognized tech company. Excitement is building among local leaders eager to diversify the economy, while some residents see new digital opportunities.
The centre’s scale is a turning point for the region, promising hundreds of construction jobs and future high-tech careers. It’s also drawing skepticism about its massive energy needs, set to be met by a dedicated natural gas plant—raising both environmental and cost concerns. Debate continues over land use and potential impacts on rural communities. Still, many believe Sturgeon County is shifting toward a future powered by data, tech jobs, and digital ambition. All sides agree the stakes are high as the region adapts to this bold new role. Read More... |
Today's issue is powered by the good people at our favorite travel company |
Take that trip at a discount in 2026! |
What's happening? |
Things to do this week |
1. Outdoor and Nature |
Edmonton River Float: Float down the North Saskatchewan River through downtown with equipment, shuttle service, and safety gear provided. Date: Ongoing through summer 2026 Themed Trail Rides at Whitemud Equine Learning Centre: Ride a horse on themed Friday trails at this equine centre in the heart of the river valley. Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 Elk Island National Park Free Shuttle: Parkbus runs a free shuttle from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park all summer, no car needed to see bison and hiking trails. Date: Weekends through summer 2026 Community Forestry Forest Bathing Sessions: Guided sessions in city parks focused on slow, mindful walks through Edmonton's urban forest. Date: Ongoing throughout the season Little Sprouts Nature Play: Child-led outdoor exploration for ages 2–6 through nine wonder spots in Strathcona County. Date: Tuesdays and Saturdays |
2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 |
Zach Top and Lukas Nelson: Country and Americana double bill bringing "Cold Beer & Country Music" energy to Rogers Place. Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 Great Outdoors Comedy Festival: Three days of stand-up under the open sky at Kinsmen Park, with Matt Rife, Aziz Ansari, Pete Davidson, and John Mulaney across the weekend. Date: Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19, 2026 Neon Skies Festival: Two-day pop festival at ICE District Fan Park with Conan Gray, Kesha, Natasha Bedingfield, and Myles Smith. Date: Friday, July 17 – Saturday, July 18, 2026 Clue: Live on Stage: A whodunit stage adaptation of the cult 1985 film and Hasbro board game, part of Broadway in Edmonton. Date: Through Sunday, July 19, 2026 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: The Citadel's staging of the Tony-winning musical comedy about six kids competing for spelling bee glory. Date: Running through August 2, 2026 |
3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭 |
Magpie Collection Dance Festival: Two-week dance festival featuring short pieces, a tri-city collaboration, intensives, and a bike tour. Date: Running through July 26, 2026
AGA Sketching Club: Sketch en plein air in the river valley, then bring your work back to the gallery to finish in paint, clay, or print. Date: Ongoing weekly sessions
Savoury Chinatown Walking Tour: A guided tour through Chinatown's iconic businesses with tastings and local history along the way. Date: Ongoing summer tours
Sweet Street Walking Tour: A dessert-focused walking tour through some of Chinatown's hidden gems. Date: Ongoing summer tours
In Whose Eyes Exhibition: A series of photographic portraits by Edward Curtis on display at the AGA. Date: Ongoing exhibition |
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First Responders Appreciation BBQ: Meet local first responders and check out their vehicles, plus a BBQ, market pop-up, face painting, and bounce houses. Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Community Outdoor Movie Night: Back to the Future on the big screen under the stars. Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 7:00–9:00 PM
Pigmonton Days: A farm-themed family day with bouncy castles, mini golf, carnival games, farm animals, and photo ops. Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Leduc West Antique Society Annual Exposition: Pancake breakfast, antique vehicle displays, a vintage tractor pull, and kids' activities. Date: Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19, 2026
World Triathlon Cup Edmonton Family Festival: A free family-friendly festival alongside the elite triathlon races, with community programming all weekend. Date: Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
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TISOKI at Temple Ballroom: Envy Productions presents a DJ set, free entry before 10:30 PM. Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 9:00 PM
Kesha & Slayyyter vs. The World Queer Dance Party: A late-night dance party tied to the Neon Skies Festival weekend. Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026, 11:00 PM
Y3 WO KROM Fashion Pop-Up x Boiler Party: Local fashion, live DJs, shopping, and music in one late-night event. Date: Saturday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19, 2026
Live Cover Bands Weekend: On The Rocks hosts one of the city's best live music stages every weekend, with cover bands Friday and Saturday. Date: Friday, July 17 – Saturday, July 18, 2026
The Search for Alberta's Next Drag Superstar: A drag competition showcase heading into its 2026 finals. Date: Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:30 PM |
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World Triathlon Cup Edmonton: Elite international athletes, including Olympian Tyler Mislawchuk, compete in the Sprint Triathlon and Mixed Relay at the newly revitalized Hawrelak Park. Date: Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19, 2026
Edmonton Elks vs. BC Lions: CFL home game at Commonwealth Stadium. Date: Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:00 PM
Alberta Summer Games: Young athletes ages 11–16 compete across individual and team sports at facilities throughout Strathcona County. Date: Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19, 2026
Street Legal Night at RAD Torque Raceway: NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile drag racing where amateur drivers line up in their own street cars. Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026 |
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Edmonton AI Tech & Finance Networking Event: A networking mixer for people working across AI, tech, and finance. Date: Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:00 PM
Edmonton Straight Speed Dating, Ages 42–56: A speed dating event for singles in the 42–56 age range. Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Search for Alberta's Next Drag Superstar: Also doubles as a great community meet-up night for the local drag and LGBTQ2S+ scene. Date: Friday, July 17, 2026, 7:30 PM
The Sunday Book Club YEG: A casual book club meet-up open to new members. Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
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Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here to read it
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It's getting cold... |
This Week's Weather |
🌤️ Edmonton Weather Forecast: July 16 – July 19, 2026Expect a warm, mostly sunny start to the weekend with temperatures climbing into the high 20s, then a cool-down and higher rain chances by Sunday. Friday looks like the warmest day, while Saturday night into Sunday brings a better chance of showers.
📅 Thursday, July 16, 2026
📅 Friday, July 17, 2026
📅 Saturday, July 18, 2026
📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026
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In coming... |
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Rats (Alberta is the only rat-free province in the world). |
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