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Monday's Buzz: "2026 Edmonton Film Buzz: Controversial 'Smudge the Blades' and 'Land of Nod' Await!"
Monday's Buzz: "2026 Edmonton Film Buzz: Controversial 'Smudge the Blades' and 'Land of Nod' Await!"
Monday's Buzz: "2026 Edmonton Film Buzz: Controversial 'Smudge the Blades' and 'Land of Nod' Await!"
Exciting news alert: 'Smudge the Blades' and 'The Land of Nod' ready to dazzle in 2026! 🌟 #EdmontonFilmBuzz
Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Jan 12, 2026
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Trivia Question❓True or False: West Edmonton Mall is officially licensed as a zoo. Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Monday!
Hopefully you've had a great weekend.
Today, we take a look at the Edmonton Film Buzz.
Tip: Check out today's 'Food and Drink' section, and 'Happy hour' too. Wow!
Now, on to today's Buzz!
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In the news today...! | ||
Featured story |
Edmonton’s film industry is gaining momentum as two highly anticipated local productions, ‘Smudge the Blades’ and ‘The Land of Nod’, prepare for major releases in 2026.
‘Smudge the Blades’, created by Cody Lightning, follows the Treaty 6 Blades hockey team as they face their final season, with filming set across Edmonton and nearby Indigenous communities.
The production partners with Indigenous sportswear brand Smudge the Blades, led by Harlan Kingfisher, emphasizing authentic local storytelling and community ties.
Meanwhile, horror fans look forward to ‘The Land of Nod’ from acclaimed director Kyle Edward Ball, whose collaboration with studio A24 promises a chilling narrative filmed in Edmonton and Yellowknife.
Provincial investments and beloved festivals like the Edmonton International Film Festival continue to elevate the city’s cinematic profile, ensuring 2026 will be a landmark year for local film. Read More... |
Supporting businesses! | ||
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What's happening? | ||
Things to do this week |
1. Outdoor and Nature🌲 |
Chiseled: Edmonton International Ice Carving Exhibition: Watch the ICE District transform into a frozen gallery as skilled carvers from across Canada use chainsaws and chisels to turn 15 massive blocks of ice into intricate masterpieces. You can witness the artists in action or view the completed works under the glow of downtown lights.
Victoria Park IceWay: Experience one of Edmonton's most magical winter traditions by skating through a forest of artfully lit trees. This 400-meter ice trail offers a unique way to enjoy the river valley at night, with the path illuminated by vibrant LED displays.
Cheap Tuesday Night Tubing: Get your adrenaline fix without the weekend crowds. The Edmonton Ski Club opens its hills on Tuesday evenings for a discounted tubing experience, offering a thrilling way to enjoy the snowy slopes of the river valley.
Elk Island Stargazing & Snowshoeing: Just a short drive from the city, Elk Island National Park offers some of the best stargazing in the province. Bring your snowshoes or skis to trek through the serene, snow-covered trails under a blanket of stars.
Tobogganing at Gallagher Park: Grab your sled and head to one of Edmonton's most iconic hills. Gallagher Park offers a steep descent and a stunning view of the city skyline, making it a favorite spot for locals to embrace the winter air.
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2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 🎭 |
Grindstone Open Mic Comedy Night: A weekly staple for the local comedy scene, this open mic night features a mix of first-timers taking a risk and seasoned pros working on new material. It’s a great way to enjoy a night of laughs in a high-energy, supportive environment.
Live Music at Halo Bar: Enjoy an intimate evening of live music featuring Mandy, an artist known for her heartfelt lyrics and ability to connect with an audience. This event is perfect for a relaxed weeknight outing with no cover charge and included parking.
A Fresh Lens - NFB Short Film Screening: The Arden Theatre hosts a special screening of short films from the National Film Board of Canada. This "Fresh Lens" collection includes the poignant film Boat People and other creative works curated to spark discussion and reflection.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Experience the glitz, grandeur, and glory of this 10-time Tony Award-winning musical. Enter a world of splendor and romance as the spectacular Broadway production hits the Edmonton stage for a limited run.
The Road Hammers with Doc Walker: Kick off your weekend with a high-energy country music performance as The Road Hammers and Doc Walker bring their "Till The Wheels Fall Off" tour to the River Cree stage.
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3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎨 |
Where the Grain Itself Can Speak - Opening Reception: This exhibition features a mix of historical and contemporary artwork that explores the deep relationships between plants, humans, and agricultural methods. The opening reception is a chance to meet local and international artists and discuss the complex histories of industrial farming.
Tellaround - Shared Storytelling Circle: Join Storytelling Alberta for an inclusive evening where anyone with a story to tell—or an ear to listen—is welcome. This community circle is perfect for those who appreciate the oral tradition of sharing experiences and folklore.
Tours for Tots at the AGA: Introduce the youngest art lovers to the gallery! This week, children can explore the layered oil pastel paintings of Lonigan Gilbert and experiment with the sgraffito technique to create their own masterpieces.
Stanley A. Milner Library Exploration: Spend a quiet afternoon exploring the flagship downtown library. Beyond its massive book collection, you can enjoy quiet study spaces, interactive children's zones, and rotating community art displays in a stunning architectural setting.
Artist Alchemy - Chill and Connection Night: A relaxed meetup for local creatives to connect, share their current projects, and find inspiration in a community setting. This "chill" night focuses on networking and building the local arts scene.
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Busy Bodies FREE Drop-in Playdate: A high-energy session designed for kids to develop physical literacy through games, music, dancing, and parachute play. It’s a great way for families to connect while kids burn off energy in a fun, structured environment.
FREE Drop-in Swimming at Kinsmen: Celebrate early dismissal with an afternoon of splashing and fun! Sponsored by Pasta Pantry, this recreational swim session includes the chance to pick up a food voucher (while supplies last) for the whole family.
Drop-in Play Cafe & Toy Library: An ideal hangout for parents and caregivers with little ones aged 0–6. While kids dive into a treasure trove of fun toys, adults can enjoy coffee and conversation in a welcoming, low-stress environment.
Pajama Storytime: Kids can wear their favorite pajamas and curl up for a cozy, themed storytime at the library. It’s a perfect evening activity to help wind down while fostering a love for reading.
Introduction to Archaeology - All Ages Talk: A family-friendly introduction to the world of archaeology. This engaging talk allows kids and adults to "dig into the past" and learn about the science behind uncovering history.
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After Dark at Delavoye: Go behind the scenes at a local chocolate maker for an intimate 45-minute journey into the bean-to-bar process. This evening experience includes a welcome drink and a close-up look at how cacao is crafted into luxury treats.
Pop-up Nordic Spa Night: Step into the "quiet magic" of a Nordic-inspired outdoor spa tucked into the trees. This intimate experience features wood-fired heat and cold plunges, allowing you to cycle through the elements at your own pace under the winter stars.
2000s Throwback Music Bingo: Relive the decade of flip phones and ringtones! This themed bingo night features everything from glossy pop to emo classics. It’s a playful, nostalgic night out for those who want to hear the tracks that defined a generation.
Singles Mixer: New Year, New You: A social event specifically designed for singles looking to make new connections in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. Hosted by Meet, Mix, & Mingle, it’s a great way to kick off the new year’s social calendar.
Languages and Beer: Meet people from all over the world and practice a new language (or share your own) over a pint. This casual meetup is perfect for travelers, language learners, and anyone looking for an international vibe in Edmonton.
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NLL UnBOXed Series (Lacrosse): Professional box lacrosse returns to Edmonton for a special showcase game. Watch the Georgia Swarm take on the Calgary Roughnecks in a high-intensity match featuring Indigenous athletes like Lyle Thompson, celebrating the roots of "The Creator’s Game."
Edmonton Oilers vs. NY Islanders: Experience the electric atmosphere of "Oil Country" as the Oilers face off against the Islanders. It's a classic NHL matchup in the heart of the ICE District.
Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Medicine Hat Tigers: Cheer on the stars of tomorrow as the Oil Kings take to the ice for a Western Hockey League battle. These games offer high-quality hockey with a family-friendly atmosphere.
For Girls by Girls Drop-in Sports: A free program designed to help girls ages 8–17 build confidence through recreation. Participants can try out various sports and games under the guidance of supportive instructors.
FREE Indoor Soccer Drop-In: Keep the kids active during the cold months with these free indoor soccer sessions. While the games happen downstairs, parents can relax in a family lounge equipped with board games and TV.
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Edmonton Ecommerce Meetup: Connect with the local ecommerce community to share tips and tricks on online selling. This session, hosted by the Poppy Barley team, focuses on conversion rates, US shipping, and content optimization for AI search.
Wednesday Board Game Night: Whether you are a hardcore strategist or just looking for some casual fun, this weekly board game night is open to all skill levels. Meet new people while playing through a curated collection of tabletop games.
Edmonton Italian Speakers Meetup: "Buon Anno!" Practice your Italian and enjoy some cultural conversation in a relaxed setting. This group welcomes everyone from fluent speakers to those just starting their language journey.
Artist Alchemy - Music Jam Night: Bring your instrument (or just your voice) and join other local musicians for a night of collaborative jamming. It’s a great way to network with other performers and create something new on the fly.
Homeschool Hangout (Grades 2-6): A social and educational meetup for homeschool families. This week’s session focuses on fossils and shells, including a collage-making activity and creating your own fossil imprints.
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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. |
Going outdoors? | ||
This Week's Weather |
Edmonton is set to experience an unusually mild stretch for mid-January. While the week starts with daytime highs well above freezing, a gradual cooling trend will settle in by Thursday, bringing more seasonal winter temperatures and clearing skies.
📅 Monday, January 12, 2026 ⛅ Partly Sunny High: 9°C | Low: 3°C Summary: An exceptionally warm day for January. Expect a mix of sun and cloud with a mild breeze from the west.
📅 Tuesday, January 13, 2026 ☁️ Cloudy High: 8°C | Low:3°C Summary: Overcast skies will persist throughout the day. Temperatures remain above the freezing mark, keeping the snow slushy.
📅 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 ☁️ Mainly Cloudy High: 9°C | Low: 0°C Summary: Another gray but mild day. Minimal chance of precipitation, with temperatures holding steady near the freezing point overnight.
📅 Thursday, January 15, 2026 ☀️ Mostly Sunny High: 4°C | Low: -8°C Summary: The sun breaks through, but a cold front from the northwest will begin to drop temperatures. It will feel noticeably cooler by the evening.
📅 Friday, January 16, 2026 🌤️ Partly Sunny High: 3°C | Low: 3°C Summary: A beautiful, crisp winter day to end the week. Clearer skies will prevail, with temperatures returning toward seasonal norms.
Source: weather.gc.ca |
Also.. | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Buzz |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: True (because it houses various marine life and animals in Sea Life Caverns). |
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