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What was the "Rat Hole," a famous Edmonton landmark that was closed and filled in during the early 2000s?

Happy Monday!

Hopefully you've had a great weekend.

Today, we take a look at concerns over E-Bikes due to a recent apartment fire. 

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

Now, on to today's Buzz! 

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) is warning residents about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries after a major fire broke out in a central high-rise on January 14, 2026.

The blaze, sparked by an e-bike battery on a sixth-floor balcony near 100 Avenue and 115 Street, led to two hospitalizations, one of them serious after a resident jumped to escape.

About 80 people were evacuated, with 20 unable to return to their homes because of severe damage.

Assistant Deputy Chief Justin Lallemand highlighted the rapid danger these fires pose, noting EFRS had already responded to eight similar incidents last year.

In response, EFRS launched the "Charged for Life" campaign, aimed at educating Edmontonians on correct charging, safe storage, and proper disposal of lithium-ion batteries.

Following these safety steps is crucial as battery-powered devices become increasingly common in local homes.

1. Outdoor and Nature🌲

Free Public Skating at City Hall Plaza: Lace up your skates and enjoy the iconic downtown rink. The area is beautifully lit in the evenings, and free skate rentals are typically available on-site during designated hours. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: City Hall Plaza Cost: Free Click for details

Victoria Park IceWay: Experience one of Edmonton's most unique winter attractions. This winding ice path through the trees is lit with colorful lights at night, offering a magical nature experience in the heart of the river valley. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: Victoria Park Cost: Free Click for details

Stargazing at Elk Island National Park: Located just east of the city, this Dark Sky Preserve offers a stunning view of the winter stars and a chance to see the Northern Lights away from city glow. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 (Best on clear nights) Location: Elk Island National Park Cost: Park Entry Fee applies ($11.00 per adult) Click for details

Tobogganing at Gallagher Park: Grab your sled and head to one of Edmonton's premier hills. Offering a steep slope and a fantastic view of the downtown skyline, it’s a classic winter afternoon activity. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: Gallagher Park Cost: Free Click for details

Winter Walking Trails in the River Valley: Explore North America’s largest urban parkland. With over 150 km of maintained trails, it is perfect for a crisp winter hike or snowshoeing adventure. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: Various entries (e.g., Hawrelak Park, Rundle Park) Cost: Free Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 🎭

Winterruption YEG: A multi-venue festival designed to "interrupt" the winter blues with music, comedy, and live performances. While some headliners are paid, there are often community-accessible pop-up elements. Date: January 21 – 25, 2026 Location: Various venues downtown and Old Strathcona Cost: Varies (Free to Paid) Click for details

Grindstone Comedy Open Mic Night: A weekly staple for the local comedy scene. Watch established comics test new material or brave newcomers take the stage for the first time in an intimate, high-energy setting. Date: January 21, 2026 Location: The Grindstone Theatre Cost: Free Click for details

Illuminature at the Muttart Conservatory: An 18+ evening featuring local DJs, custom light visuals, and movement performances inside the lush, tropical pyramids. A perfect warm escape with a nightlife twist. Date: January 23, 2026 Location: Muttart Conservatory Cost: $40.00 – $50.00 Click for details

Moulin Rouge! The Musical: A Tony Award-winning Broadway spectacular comes to Edmonton. Experience a world of splendor, romance, and glitz in this high-energy theatrical production. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Cost: Paid (Prices vary) Click for details

Live Music at Halo Bar Bistro: Enjoy a relaxed evening of live acoustic music by local artist Steven Stare. A great way to enjoy professional entertainment in a cozy lounge atmosphere. Date: January 21, 2026 Location: Halo Bar Bistro (Nisku/EIA) Cost: Free admission (Food/Drink extra) Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎨 

Chiseled: International Ice Carving Exhibition: Witness world-class ice carvers transform blocks of ice into intricate sculptures. While the competition happens mid-month, the finished sculptures remain on display for public viewing. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: ICE District Cost: Free Click for details

Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) Exhibition: Explore contemporary and historical works from Canadian and international artists. The building itself is an architectural marvel worth seeing even from the outside. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: $14.00 (Free for children and students; check for "Free Thursday" timings) Click for details

Audreys Genre Book Club: Join a community of readers to discuss specific genres and literary themes. It is a welcoming environment for anyone looking to engage in cultural and intellectual dialogue. Date: January 19, 2026 Location: Audreys Books Cost: Free Click for details

Indigenous Storytelling Series: A captivating series that honors the tradition of Indigenous storytelling. Listen to elders and storytellers share history and culture through spoken word. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 (Rotating dates) Location: Various Edmonton Public Library branches Cost: Free Click for details

Luna Llena Performance: A mesmerizing performance that dives into the heart of Mediterranean culture through dance and music, bringing warmth and rhythm to the Edmonton winter. Date: January 20, 2026 Location: Various (Check event listing) Cost: Paid Click for details

Ice Castles: A breathtaking winter attraction built with hundreds of thousands of icicles. Explore frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, and slide down ice slides in a Narnia-like setting. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: ICE District Cost: $20.00 – $30.00 Click for details

TELUS World of Science – Edmonton: With interactive galleries, the IMAX Theatre, and the Zeidler Dome, this is a top-tier destination for kids to learn and play. The "Health Zone" and "CuriousCITY" are fan favorites. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: 11211 142 St NW Cost: Paid (Varies by age) Click for details

Edmonton Valley Zoo: Winter is a great time to see cold-weather animals like the Arctic wolves, Siberian tigers, and red pandas who are often more active in the snow. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: 13315 Buena Vista Road Cost: Paid ($10.00 – $15.00) Click for details

Stanley A. Milner Library Makerspace: A free indoor haven for kids. The library offers 3D printers, sewing machines, and a massive interactive digital wall that provides hours of free educational fun. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Free Click for details

Galaxyland at West Edmonton Mall: If the weather is too cold, head indoors to North America's largest indoor amusement park. It features a wide range of rides from toddler-friendly carousels to world-class rollercoasters. Date: January 19 – 23, 2026 Location: West Edmonton Mall Cost: Paid (Day passes vary) Click for details

Ice Grooves: A Friday night party on ice! A local DJ spins tracks while the public is invited to skate under the lights. It’s a high-energy, outdoor "nightclub" experience on skates. Date: January 23, 2026 Location: Churchill Square Cost: Free Click for details

Jade LeMac – It’s Always At Night Tour: Catch this rising artist live for a night of moody pop and high-energy performance at one of Edmonton’s most popular music halls. Date: January 21, 2026 Location: Midway Music Hall Cost: Paid Click for details

Straight Speed Dating (Ages 25-34): A fun and structured way to meet new people in the city. Held at a local coffeeshop/lounge, it provides a social alternative to the standard bar scene. Date: January 23, 2026 Location: Boxcar Coffeeshop Cost: Paid (Registration required) Click for details

After Dark at Delavoye: Factory Tour & Dessert: A unique late-night experience where you can tour a chocolate factory and indulge in a curated dessert experience. Perfect for a unique date night. Date: January 21, 2026 Location: Delavoye Chocolate Maker Cost: Paid Click for details

Double Lunch Brotherhood of Plates Pizza Party: A quirky and casual night featuring vinyl DJs, local community vibes, and a celebration of "pizza and plates" (records). Great for a low-pressure, high-fun night out. Date: January 23, 2026 Location: CKUA Performance Space Cost: Paid Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. New Jersey Devils: Experience the electric atmosphere of Rogers Place as McDavid and the Oilers take on the Devils in a prime NHL matchup. Date: January 20, 2026 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid (Tickets vary) Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: A high-stakes matchup featuring some of the biggest stars in hockey. A must-see for sports fans visiting the ICE District. Date: January 22, 2026 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid (Tickets vary) Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Regina Pats: High-level WHL junior hockey action. These games are family-friendly, high-energy, and much more affordable than NHL tickets. Date: January 21, 2026 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid ($20.00+) Click for details

The Shoresy Classic: A unique hockey event based on the hit TV show. Expect a mix of competitive hockey and the comedic flair the series is known for. Date: January 23, 2026 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid Click for details

Smoky Lake CFCW Critters Hockey Game: A fun, community-driven "charity" style hockey game located just outside Edmonton. It includes a pre-game show and supper. Date: January 22, 2026 Location: Nutrien Ag Centre (Smoky Lake) Cost: $10.00 (Game only) Click for details

Community Coffee: A weekly drop-in event for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members. It’s a great place to network or simply have a conversation in a welcoming environment. Date: January 21, 2026 (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Location: Edmonton Unlimited Cost: Free Click for details

Edmonton Tech Wednesday: The go-to weekly meetup for the city's tech community. Developers, founders, and students gather for drinks and casual networking. Date: January 21, 2026 Location: GRETA Bar YEG Cost: Free admission Click for details

Discover & Validate Workshop: A meetup/workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn how to test their business ideas through customer discovery. Date: January 21, 2026 Location: Edmonton Unlimited Cost: Free Click for details

Edmonton Data Society Meetup: A gathering for data scientists and AI enthusiasts. This session focuses on challenges in Large Language Model (LLM) applications. Date: January 22, 2026 Location: Singhmar Centre for Learning (NorQuest) Cost: Free Click for details

Networking @ Noon: A mid-day meetup focused on business priorities for the new year. Great for professionals looking to make connections during their lunch hour. Date: January 21, 2026 Location: NABI (St. Albert/North Edmonton) Cost: Free (Registration 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!

A narrow vehicle underpass on 109 Street that went under the CN rail tracks.

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