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"Edmonton's Kids Drop-In Program Ignites Controversy!"

"Edmonton's Kids Drop-In Program Ignites Controversy!"
"Unleash creativity and fun with our Kids Drop-In Program in Edmonton, Alberta! Sign up now for a summer of adventure 🌟"

Edmonton Buzz Team :)

Jun 29, 2026

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Trivia Questionā“

Alberta is home to Canada's first national park. What is it called?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Happy Thursday! šŸ„‚

 

Edmonton’s Green Shack Program returns

 

let's dig in...

 

The Edmonton Buzz Team šŸ

Our featured story

In the news this week

 

Edmonton’s Green Shack Program returns this summer, welcoming kids aged 6 to 12 for free drop-in fun from June 29 to August 21, 2026.

 

Younger children can join too, as long as a parent or guardian is present.

 

From games and sports to crafts and themed events, every weekday promises fresh excitement, rain or shine.

 

Scheduled activities and locations like Lago Lindo, Baturyn, Rapperswill, and Strathcona Playground make it easy for families across Edmonton to participate.

 

Weekly schedules are posted onsite, so families can plan ahead for days filled with creativity and laughter.

 

The city also offers summer day camps, outdoor adventures, and programs at the Muttart Conservatory for all ages.

 

Parents must remain responsible for their children, as staff do not offer formal supervision.

 

Enjoy a safe, active, and memorable summer across Edmonton’s vibrant parks and attractions!


Read More...
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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 weekend

1. Outdoor and Nature

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (StreetFest): Churchill Square fills with buskers, acrobats, jugglers, and circus acts from around the world for ten days of free outdoor shows.

Date: Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Downtown
Cost: Free
Click for details

Canada Day Fireworks Over the River Valley: The City's fireworks launch from the Kinsmen Park area over the North Saskatchewan River at 11 p.m. Good viewing spots include Queen Elizabeth Park, Victoria Park, and Constable Ezio Faraone Park.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Location: River Valley parks, Downtown
Cost: Free
Click for details

Canada Day at the Alberta Legislature Grounds: Alberta's largest Canada Day celebration includes live music, cultural performances, food trucks, building tours, and a fireworks finale.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Location: Alberta Legislature Grounds
Cost: Free
Click for details

Pop-up Double Feature Drive-In at the Edmonton Valley Zoo: Horizon Drive-In returns with two nights of double-feature films you watch from your car on the zoo grounds.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 (runs through the weekend)
Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

Edmonton River Float: Spend a warm afternoon drifting down the North Saskatchewan River through downtown. Equipment, safety gear, and shuttle service are provided.

Date: Available daily this week (weather permitting)
Location: North Saskatchewan River, Downtown
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

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2. Shows & Entertainment šŸ“ŗ

Sammy Obeid Live: The comedian, known for his math-inspired bits and sharp cultural observations, plays one night at the Orange Hub Theatre.

Date: Monday, June 29, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Orange Hub Theatre
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

Metric, Broken Social Scene & Stars (All The Feelings Tour): Three of Canada's well-known alternative acts share the stage at the Jubilee Auditorium.

Date: Monday, June 29, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

$5 Tuesdays at Metro Cinema: Metro Cinema drops admission to $5 every Tuesday through the summer, a cheap way to catch a film at the Garneau.

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Location: Metro Cinema, 8712 109 Street NW
Cost: $5
Click for details

Gowan: The Canadian rock musician behind hits like "A Criminal Mind" performs at River Cree Resort & Casino.

Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026
Location: River Cree Resort & Casino, Enoch
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

Pay-What-You-Can Improv at Rapid Fire Theatre: Catch The Rookie Show for whatever you can afford, a low-cost night of unscripted comedy.

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

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3. Arts, Crafts & Culture šŸŽ­

The Works Art & Design Festival: The free festival wraps up this week with outdoor art installations, artisan markets, and live music on the Works Street Stage. July 1 is the final day.

Date: Through Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Downtown
Cost: Free
Click for details

Freewill Shakespeare Festival: Now in its 35th-plus year at Hawrelak Park, this season features the musical comedy Something Rotten! and Much Ado About Nothing.

Date: Through Sunday, July 12, 2026
Location: Heritage Amphitheatre, William Hawrelak Park
Cost: From $40
Click for details

Death: Life's Greatest Mystery: An immersive touring exhibition from Chicago's Field Museum exploring how cultures around the world mark death, with over 100 artifacts and interactive displays.

Date: Open daily this week
Location: Royal Alberta Museum, 9810 103a Avenue NW
Cost: Paid with museum admission
Click for details

"Impact of Peace" Celebration & Ceremony: A short Canada Day ceremony at City Hall reflecting on community and peace.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Edmonton City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free
Click for details

Canadian Citizenship Ceremony: Welcome Canada's newest citizens at a Canada Day ceremony featuring community leaders and elected officials.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 10:00 to 11:15 a.m.
Location: Queen Elizabeth II Building, Legislature Grounds
Cost: Free
Click for details

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4. Family Activities & Kid-Friendly šŸ‘Øā€šŸ‘©ā€šŸ‘§ā€šŸ‘¦ 

Galaxy Fest at TELUS World of Science: The science centre marks its 42nd birthday with an outdoor rocket launch (weather permitting), hands-on experiments, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and bubble art.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Location: TELUS World of Science, 11211 142 Street NW
Cost: Paid with admission
Click for details

Hundred Acre Wood at the Edmonton Valley Zoo: Find Winnie-the-Pooh and friends throughout the grounds, plus bee-themed crafts, a scavenger hunt, and face painting.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road
Cost: Paid with admission
Click for details

Fort Edmonton Park: Canada's largest living history museum recreates Edmonton from the 1846 fort through the early 1900s, with a Canada Day program celebrating Canada's diverse communities.

Date: Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5 (Wed to Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Location: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 Street NW
Cost: From $27.90 adult admission
Click for details

Canada Day at the Alberta Railway Museum: A full day of railway history with historic rail cars to explore and a tour of the St. Albert Station.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 24215 34 Street NW, Edmonton
Cost: Paid with admission
Click for details

Stony Plain Canada Day: A free family celebration with carnival games, cultural performances, and a car show along Main Street.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Location: Stony Plain
Cost: Free
Click for details

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5. Night Life🌜 

An Evening Celebrating Pride with The Dolls: A Pride Month drag and music night at The Buckingham.

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Buckingham, Whyte Avenue
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

A$AP Rocky – Don't Be Dumb World Tour: The rapper brings his arena tour to Rogers Place on Friday night.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026, 8:30 p.m.
Location: Rogers Place, ICE District
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

Off Campus Night at Pawn Shop Live: A late-night party at the Whyte Avenue venue formerly known as Union Hall.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026, 10:00 p.m.
Location: Pawn Shop Live, Whyte Avenue
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

BlackHawk: The country group plays Midway Music Hall on Friday.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Location: Midway Music Hall
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

Nick Degree: A live set at the intimate 101° club downtown.

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Location: 101° club, Downtown
Cost: Paid (check site for pricing)
Click for details

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6. Sports⚾

Edmonton Riverhawks vs Bellingham Bells (Girls Who Ball / Toonie Tuesday): A summer collegiate baseball night celebrating women and girls in sport, with in-stands fun and Tuesday pricing.

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Location: RE/MAX Field, 10233 96 Avenue NW
Cost: From $10
Click for details

 

Edmonton Riverhawks "Oh Canada" Game vs Bellingham Bells: The team's biggest game of the year pairs baseball with one of the best seats in the city for the Canada Day fireworks.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Location: RE/MAX Field, 10233 96 Avenue NW
Cost: From $10
Click for details

 

Edmonton Stingers Home Game: The Canadian Elite Basketball League team hosts a Canada Day afternoon matchup at the Expo Centre.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Avenue NW
Cost: From $27
Click for details

 

Summer of Soccer World Cup Watch Parties: Free watch parties take over Fan Park at ICE District ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with big-screen match viewings, food trucks, and activities.

Date: Daily this week
Location: Fan Park, ICE District
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

Edmonton Riverhawks Homestand: Beyond the Tuesday and Canada Day games, the Riverhawks have several more home dates against the Bellingham Bells this week.

Date: Various evenings, June 29 – July 3, 2026
Location: RE/MAX Field, 10233 96 Avenue NW
Cost: From $10
Click for details

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7. MeetupsšŸ‘¬

37th Annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast: A free community pancake breakfast hosted by the Ismaili Council, a long-running tradition that draws thousands.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Location: Alberta Legislature Grounds
Cost: Free
Click for details

 

Callingwood Farmers' Market: Edmonton's west-end Wednesday market returns with local produce, vendors, live music, and DIY workshops, rain or shine.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Marketplace at Callingwood
Cost: Free entry
Click for details

 

Salisbury Greenhouse Farmers' Market (Sherwood Park): A year-round Thursday market at the greenhouse with local makers and growers.

Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Salisbury Greenhouse, Sherwood Park
Cost: Free entry
Click for details

 

Bountiful Farmers' Market: A large indoor market with food vendors, produce, and handmade goods, open Wednesday through Sunday.

Date: Wednesday, July 1 to Friday, July 3, 2026
Location: Bountiful Farmers' Market, South Edmonton
Cost: Free entry
Click for details

 

Canada Day Open House at Prince of Wales Armoury: A free open house with a BBQ lunch, a kids' obstacle course, and a display of military vehicles.

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Location: Prince of Wales Armoury
Cost: Free
Click for details

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7. Food, Drink and Happy HoursšŸæšŸ¾ šŸ»šŸ”

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

 

It's getting cold...

This Week's Weather

šŸŒ¤ļø Edmonton Weather Forecast: June 29 – July 3, 2026

The week starts on the warmer side after a very wet stretch (a rainfall warning was in effect over the weekend, so the ground is saturated). Monday and Tuesday bring highs in the mid-20s with a small chance of showers, then things cool slightly midweek. Good news for Canada Day: Wednesday looks like a mix of sun and cloud with a clear evening for the fireworks. Showers return to close out the week on Friday.

 

šŸ“… Monday, June 29, 2026
šŸŒ¦ļø Chance of Showers
šŸŒ”ļø High: 25°C | Low: 16°C

 

šŸ“… Tuesday, June 30, 2026
šŸŒ¦ļø Chance of Showers
šŸŒ”ļø High: 24°C | Low: 14°C

 

šŸ“… Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (Canada Day)
ā›… Mix of Sun and Cloud
šŸŒ”ļø High: 22°C | Low: 13°C

 

šŸ“… Thursday, July 2, 2026
ā˜€ļø Sunny
šŸŒ”ļø High: 22°C | Low: 12°C

 

šŸ“… Friday, July 3, 2026
šŸŒ§ļø Showers (60% chance)
šŸŒ”ļø High: 19°C | Low: 11°C

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In coming...

Related stories from Edmonton Scoop
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šŸ’” Answer to Trivia Question:

Banff National Park (established in 1885)

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