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"Controversial Green Shack Program & Exciting Free Summer Kids Activities in Edmonton!"

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"Controversial Green Shack Program & Exciting Free Summer Kids Activities in Edmonton!"

"Controversial Green Shack Program & Exciting Free Summer Kids Activities in Edmonton!"
Exciting summer ahead: Green Shack Program & Free Kids Activities in Edmonton! 🔆🌿

Edmonton Buzz Team :)

Jul 2, 2026

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Trivia Question❓

What iconic 1980s comedy show was filmed in Edmonton at the ITV (now Global Edmonton) studios?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Happy Monday! 🥂

 

Edmonton's Green Shack Program is here.

 

Lets go!

 

The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝

Our featured story

In the news this week

 

 

Edmonton’s cherished Green Shack program is returning this summer, bringing free, creative activities to children aged six to twelve across local parks.

 

From June 29 to August 21, 2026, parks transform into lively spaces for games, sports, music, crafts, and drama.

 

Children can drop in during morning or afternoon sessions, or stay all day at select sites - no registration needed.

 

While kids are free to come and go as they wish, parents should decide if their child is ready for independent participation.

 

Children under six may join the fun when accompanied by an adult.

 

Some locations might adjust programming due to severe weather or poor air quality, so families should check ahead before heading out.

 

With additional options like Rhema Kids Summer Day Camp and community league events in Baturyn and Blue Quill, Edmonton families have abundant, free ways to keep summer active and engaging.


Read More...

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What's happening?

Things to do this week

1. Outdoor and Nature

World Cup Watch Parties at Fan Park: Edmonton's Summer of Soccer continues with free, all-ages FIFA World Cup watch parties inside The Tent at ICE District.

Date: Through July 19, 2026 (daily match screenings)
Location: Fan Park, ICE District, 10104 104 Ave NW
Cost: Free
Click for details

Free Admission at Elk Island National Park: Just 35 minutes east of the city, this bison country park is offering free admission this summer, with a free Parkbus shuttle from Edmonton on select days.

Date: Through September 7, 2026
Location: Elk Island National Park, near Fort Saskatchewan
Cost: Free
Click for details

Summer Block Party on Rice Howard Way: Live music, patios, and local vendors take over downtown's Rice Howard Way every Saturday through the summer.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 (weekly)
Location: Rice Howard Way, Downtown Edmonton
Cost: Free
Click for details

Callingwood Farmers' Market: Edmonton's largest outdoor market has been running over 40 years, with 200-plus vendors selling local produce and handmade goods.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: The Marketplace at Callingwood, 6655 178 Street
Cost: Free
Click for details

Edmonton River Float: Float down the North Saskatchewan River through downtown, with equipment, shuttle, and safety gear all provided.

Date: Through September 6, 2026 (Friday to Sunday)
Location: North Saskatchewan River, launch at 9100 Walterdale Hill
Cost: $25 to $40
Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival: StreetFest returns for its 41st year, filling Churchill Square with jugglers, acrobats, and comedians for ten days of free outdoor performances.

Date: July 3 to 12, 2026
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Downtown Edmonton
Cost: Free
Click for details

A$AP Rocky: Don't Be Dumb World Tour: The Grammy-nominated rapper brings his world tour to Rogers Place for one night.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Avenue
Cost: $114.25 & up
Click for details

Blackhawk: The multi-platinum Nashville country band led by Henry Paul and Dave Robbins plays Midway Music Hall.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Location: Midway Music Hall, 6107 104 Street NW
Cost: $53.75 & up
Click for details

Ziggy Marley: Brightside Tour 2026: The nine-time Grammy winner performs at River Cree Resort & Casino.

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Location: River Cree Resort & Casino, 300 East Lapotac Blvd, Enoch
Cost: $118.35 & up
Click for details

Redferrin: Warner Records Nashville singer-songwriter known for mixing country roots with hip-hop, playing Midway Music Hall.

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Location: Midway Music Hall, 6107 104 Street NW
Cost: $46.50 & up
Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Chopin in the Park: The Polish Canadian Women's Society presents a free outdoor concert of Chopin and his contemporaries, led by Artistic Director Mikolaj Warszynski.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park, 8331 104 Street NW
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

RAM Architecture and Design Tour: Part of the Doors Open Festival, this tour explores the design and hidden details of the Royal Alberta Museum building.

Date: July 5 to 12, 2026
Location: Royal Alberta Museum, 9810 103A Ave
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

Freewill Shakespeare Festival: The festival returns to the Heritage Amphitheatre in William Hawrelak Park with two productions this season, including Much Ado About Nothing.

Date: Through July 12, 2026
Location: William Hawrelak Park, 9330 Groat Rd
Cost: Free to $50
Click for details

 

Something Rotten!: The Edmonton Pops Orchestra presents this comedic Broadway musical, the first show in the newly reopened Hawrelak Park amphitheatre.

Date: July 1 to 12, 2026
Location: Heritage Amphitheatre, William Hawrelak Park
Cost: $5 to $50
Click for details

 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: The Tony Award-winning musical comedy opens at the Citadel Theatre for a summer run.

Date: July 4 to August 2, 2026
Location: Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Avenue NW
Cost: $40 to $159
Click for details

4. Family Activities & Kid-Friendly 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 

Family Fun Fair Millwoods: Rides, carnival games, food, and face-painting run for five days at Mill Woods Town Centre.

Date: July 1 to 5, 2026
Location: Mill Woods Town Centre Mall, 66 Street NW
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

St. Philip Mediterranean Festival: A family-friendly celebration with live entertainment, a bouncy castle, lawn games, and Mediterranean food.

Date: July 1 to 5, 2026
Location: St. Philip Antiochian Orthodox Church, 15804 98 Ave NW
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

Vegreville Ukrainian Pysanka Festival: Authentic Ukrainian food, fresh-baked bread, dancing, and culture about an hour east of the city.

Date: July 3 to 6, 2026
Location: Vegreville Exhibition Grounds, 4737 45 Avenue, Vegreville
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

 

Puppystock: A scaled-down, dog-focused twist on the classic Muttstock festival, with a full day of activities for pups and their people.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Castle Downs Recreation Centre, Edmonton
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

Europa Super Circus: A new European circus spectacle making its Western Canada debut with acrobatics and family shows at Londonderry Mall.

Date: July 2 to 5, 2026
Location: Londonderry Mall, 137th Avenue & 66th Street
Cost: $17.50 to $60 + fees
Click for details

5. Night Life🌜 

Pay What You Will at Rapid Fire Theatre: Improv comedy where every show is built on the spot, priced so anyone can come out.

Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
Location: Rapid Fire Theatre, Edmonton
Cost: Pay what you can
Click for details

 

Runner, Travis Matthews and You Me & Zach: Three bands share the bill for a night of live music at The Dive Bar on Jasper Ave.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: The Dive Bar, 9692 Jasper Ave
Cost: $22.73
Click for details

 

Testify, Criminal Piss, VRiliAN: A stacked punk night on Whyte Ave, including an EP release. This show is 18+.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Blakbar, 10762 Whyte Avenue NW
Cost: $20
Click for details

 

Kino Confidential and Drag Show: A mystery film screening (you don't know what's playing until it starts) paired with a drag show.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Edmonton (see listing)
Cost: $14
Click for details

 

Tragic Mattress, d7EH, Hen Coo: A Sunday all-ages live music night with food and drinks on Whyte Ave.

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Location: Blakbar, 10762 Whyte Avenue NW
Cost: $10
Click for details

6. Sports⚾

JB's Power Centre Street Legal Friday Night Drags: Test your driving skills or just watch the racing at RAD Torque Raceway.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Location: RAD Torque Raceway, 50342 Range Rd, Edmonton International Airport
Cost: $11 to $40
Click for details

 

Horse Riding Summer Theme Rides: Friday theme rides at the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre in the heart of the city.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 (weekly through July 24)
Location: Whitemud Learning Centre, 12504 Fox Drive NW
Cost: $100
Click for details

 

World Rugby Nations Cup 2026: International rugby comes to Edmonton as Rugby Canada Men's 15s host match days at Clarke Stadium. The Fan Fest is free.

Date: July 4 to 11, 2026
Location: Clarke Stadium, 11000 Stadium Road NW
Cost: $42.50 & up (Fan Fest free)
Click for details

 

Edmonton Stingers vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears: CEBL pro basketball with concert-level energy at the EXPO Centre.

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: $24 & up
Click for details

 

Mainstreet Cruisers Anniversary Charity Car Show: Classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, and motorcycles on display, free for spectators.

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Location: Sherwood Park Mall, 20220 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park
Cost: Free
Click for details

7. Meetups👬

Made in Edmonton: 45 Years with the Green Onion Cake Man: A community gathering on Alberta Avenue with food, music, and vendors marking 45 years of a local favourite.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Location: 9141 118 Ave NW, Edmonton
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

Edmonton Open Mic Festival: A city-wide celebration of live original music, with performers taking the stage at Sherbrooke Community League and other venues.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Sherbrooke Community League, 122 Avenue NW
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

Horsepower for Hope: A gathering of car enthusiasts raising money for charity in the EXPO Centre parking lots.

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre South Lots, 7515 118 Ave NW
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

Historic Festival and Doors Open Edmonton: The Historical Society opens the doors to venues across the city for tours and history-focused events.

Date: July 5 to 12, 2026
Location: Various venues, Edmonton
Cost: Free / donation / some ticketed
Click for details

7. Food, Drink and Happy Hours🍿🍾 🍻🍔

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

 

It's getting cold...

This Week's Weather

🌤️ Edmonton Weather Forecast: July 2 – 5, 2026

After a record-breaking rainy June, the long weekend stays on the unsettled side. Expect mild temperatures in the low 20s with a fair chance of showers, especially Friday and Saturday. Nothing extreme, but keep a light rain layer handy if you're headed to an outdoor event or the fireworks spillover.

 

📅 Thursday, July 2, 2026
🌤️ Partly Cloudy
🌡️ High: 20°C | Low: 13°C

 

📅 Friday, July 3, 2026
🌧️ Showers Likely
🌡️ High: 21°C | Low: 13°C

 

📅 Saturday, July 4, 2026
🌦️ Chance of Showers
🌡️ High: 22°C | Low: 14°C

 

📅 Sunday, July 5, 2026
⛅ Mostly Cloudy
🌡️ High: 22°C | Low: 13°C

 

Weather data sourced from Environment Canada and current forecast models

 

In coming...

Related stories from Edmonton Scoop
 
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

SCTV (Second City Television)

 

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