Rather read this newsletter from our website? Click here

In what year did Edmonton officially become the capital of the newly-created province of Alberta?

Happy Monday!

Hopefully you've had a great weekend.

Reminder that the property tax increase is here! 

Tip: Check out today's 'Food and Drink' section, and 'Happy hour' too. Wow!

Now, on to today's Buzz! 

Homeowners are confronting a 6.9% municipal property tax hike this month, averaging an extra $245 annually per household.

This adjustment is designed to close budget gaps and keep essential public services running.

However, the tax impact differs by neighborhood, with Ward 4 seeing a sharp 15.7% rise on homes around $233,000, while Ward 2’s increase is a lower 7.3% for homes valued at $327,000.

Such differences stem from property assessments and how tax burdens are spread citywide.

Notably, even the smallest increases surpass the 2024 inflation rate of 2.9%, deepening financial pressures on many.

Meanwhile, projects like the New Vision Lansing Development—which includes the 28-story Tower on Grand—promise to reshape downtown with new homes, shops, and offices by 2026.

The upcoming Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar will further enliven the city’s nightlife.

Ultimately, balancing revitalization with affordability remains key to a thriving, inclusive community.

1. Outdoor and Nature🌲

Boardwalk Ice on Whyte: Watch world-class ice carvers transform blocks of ice into art. This outdoor festival features a licensed ice bar, children's slides, and dazzling sculptures illuminated at night. Date: January 26 – 31, 2026 Location: Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park Cost: $5–$10 (approximate); Free for toddlers Click for details

Skating at Victoria Park Freezeway: Glide through a forested ice path in the heart of the river valley. The trail is beautifully lit at night, offering a serene winter nature experience within the city. Date: Daily (Weather permitting) Location: Victoria Park Cost: Free Click for details

Snowshoeing the River Valley Trails: Explore North America’s largest urban parkland. While rentals are available at various hubs, bringing your own gear allows you to explore the vast trail system at no cost. Date: Ongoing Location: Various entry points (e.g., William Hawrelak Park) Cost: Free Click for details

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival: Experience a blend of Ukrainian, Franco-Albertan, and Indigenous winter traditions. The outdoor site features ice sculptures, light installations, and "deep freezer" races. Date: January 26 – 31, 2026 (Main events late week) Location: 118 Avenue (Alberta Avenue) Cost: Free (Donations encouraged) Click for details

Elk Island Stargazing: Head just east of the city to this Dark Sky Preserve. During late January, clear nights offer a high probability of viewing the Northern Lights away from city light pollution. Date: Nightly Location: Elk Island National Park Cost: National Park Entry Fee (~$9) Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 🎭

Live Music at The Aviary: A cozy venue featuring local indie bands and touring acts. Check their midweek schedule for emerging Edmonton talent. Date: Various dates (Jan 26 – 31) Location: 10411 118 Ave NW Cost: $15–$25 Click for details

Rapid Fire Theatre: The Kismet Show: Enjoy high-energy improvisational comedy. Their weekday shows are often more affordable and feature experimental formats. Date: Various dates (Jan 26 – 31) Location: 10437 83 Ave NW Cost: $15–$20 Click for details

Winspear Centre: Live at Lunch: Occasional free or low-cost midday performances featuring organists or chamber musicians in a world-class acoustic hall. Date: Check schedule for late January Location: 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Free/By Donation Click for details

The Grindstone Comedy Night: An intimate venue in Old Strathcona featuring stand-up, sketch comedy, and musical theater. Date: Daily Location: 10019 81 Ave NW Cost: $10–$25 Click for details

Metro Cinema: Cult Classics: Screenings of independent and classic films in the historic Garneau Theatre. Date: Nightly Location: 8712 109 St NW Cost: $10–$15 Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎨 

Art Gallery of Alberta: Free Thursday Nights: Access three floors of contemporary and historical art exhibitions without an admission fee during their weekly evening window. Date: January 29, 2026 (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM) Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Free Click for details

Indigenous Artist Market Collective: Browse authentic handmade crafts, jewelry, and art from local Indigenous creators. Date: Various (Check weekend pop-ups) Location: Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market Cost: Free admission Click for details

Harcourt House Artist Run Centre: View cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions by local artists in one of Canada’s oldest artist-run centers. Date: Monday – Saturday Location: 10215 112 St NW Cost: Free Click for details

Royal Alberta Museum: Explore the cultural and natural history of Alberta. The museum features extensive galleries on human history and the ice age. Date: Daily Location: 9810 103a Ave NW Cost: $21 (Free for Indigenous Peoples) Click for details

The Paint Spot: Art Demos: Occasional free weekend demonstrations or low-cost workshops for enthusiasts to learn new techniques in painting or printmaking. Date: Check schedule Location: 10032 81 Ave NW Cost: Free – $30 Click for details

Telus World of Science: The Exploration Station: Interactive science exhibits perfect for kids, including a giant floor piano and sensory-rich play areas. Date: Daily Location: 11211 142 St NW Cost: $20–$30 Click for details

Muttart Conservatory: Take the kids from the snowy winter into tropical, temperate, and arid climates inside the famous glass pyramids. Date: Daily Location: 9626 96A St NW Cost: $7–$15 Click for details

Edmonton Public Library: Family Storytime: Drop-in sessions featuring books, songs, and rhymes designed to build early literacy skills in a fun environment. Date: Various (Check Jan 26-31 schedule) Location: Various Branches (e.g., Stanley A. Milner) Cost: Free Click for details

West Edmonton Mall: Marine Life: View the sea lions and the aquarium. While some shows are paid, the public viewing areas around the lake are free. Date: Daily Location: 8882 170 St NW Cost: Free to view; Paid for shows Click for details

Castle Downs Spray Park (Indoor equivalent): The Clareview or Terwillegar Community Recreation Centres offer indoor aquatic play structures that are great for burning energy in winter. Date: Daily Location: Various City Rec Centres Cost: $5–$10 Click for details

Blues on Whyte: A legendary Edmonton institution featuring live blues music every night. It’s one of the best spots for a gritty, authentic nightlife experience. Date: Nightly Location: 10329 82 Ave NW Cost: Free admission (most weekdays) Click for details

Common: Thursday DJ Sets: A lounge-style atmosphere with great food that transitions into a dance floor later in the evening with local DJs. Date: January 29 Location: 9910 109 St NW Cost: Free (Before 10 PM) Click for details

Beercade: Retro Gaming Night: Dozens of vintage arcade games and pinball machines combined with a full bar and dance floor. Date: Nightly Location: 10544 82 Ave NW Cost: Free entry; pay per play Click for details

9910: Underground Electronic: A subterranean venue known for hosting cutting-edge electronic music and niche dance parties. Date: Weekends (Jan 30-31) Location: 9910B 109 St NW Cost: $10–$20 Click for details

Black Dog Freehouse: A staple of Whyte Avenue with three levels, including a heated rooftop patio (the "Underdog") for winter drinks. Date: Daily Location: 10425 82 Ave NW Cost: Free entry Click for details

Edmonton Oilers Home Game: Catch the NHL action at Rogers Place. Even if you don’t have tickets, the atmosphere in the surrounding ICE District is electric. Date: Check NHL Schedule (Late Jan typically features home stands) Location: Rogers Place Cost: $100+ (Tickets); Free (Plaza atmosphere) Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL): High-level junior hockey that is much more affordable for families than the NHL. Date: Check schedule for late Jan Location: Rogers Place Cost: $20–$35 Click for details

University of Alberta Golden Bears Basketball: Watch top-tier Canadian university athletics at the Saville Community Sports Centre. Date: Weekends (Jan 30-31) Location: 11610 65 Ave NW Cost: $15 Click for details

Public Skating at Rogers Place (Downtown Community Arena): Occasionally, the practice ice at the Oilers' home arena is open for free public skating. Date: Check schedule Location: 10175 104 Ave NW Cost: Free Click for details

Local Curling Club Drop-ins: Try your hand at one of Canada’s favorite winter sports at clubs like the Shamrock or Granite. Date: Various Location: Various Clubs Cost: $10–$20 Click for details

Edmonton Board Game League: Join enthusiasts for a night of tabletop gaming. They are very welcoming to newcomers. Date: Check Facebook/Meetup for Jan dates Location: Table Top Cafe Cost: $5–$10 Click for details

Language Exchange Meetup: Practice a new language and meet people from around the world in an informal setting. Date: Usually Midweek Location: Various Cafes Cost: Free (Buy a coffee) Click for details

Edmonton Newcomers Club: A group specifically for those new to the city to meet for coffee and social outings. Date: Ongoing Location: Various Cost: Free Click for details

November Project Edmonton: A free, grassroots fitness group that meets outdoors for workouts, regardless of the winter weather. Date: Monday/Wednesday mornings Location: Often the Royal Alberta Museum stairs Cost: Free Click for details

Creative Mornings Edmonton: A monthly breakfast lecture series for the creative community. Date: Check Jan 30/31 schedule Location: Rotating venues Cost: Free (Waitlist often required) Click for details

8. Food, Drink and Happy Hours🍿🍾

Our Food, Drink, and Happy Hour updates are now in our sister publication - Edmunchie.com - The Delicious newsletter. Go here now.

City Reinstates Photo Radar at High-Collision Intersections to Enhance Transit Safety

Edmonton Groups you should know!

1905

Want to support Edmonton Scoop? 

We are small, independent and totally Edmontonian!

Click HERE to keep us going...

Or

Give us a 'Like' on our page.... HERE

Thank you!