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Thursday's Buzz: "Battle of the Ice: Edmonton's ICE District Plaza hosts contentious ice carving competition!"
Thursday's Buzz: "Battle of the Ice: Edmonton's ICE District Plaza hosts contentious ice carving competition!"
Thursday's Buzz: "Battle of the Ice: Edmonton's ICE District Plaza hosts contentious ice carving competition!"
Get ready to witness incredible ice sculptures at Edmonton's ICE District Plaza!
Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Jan 1, 2026
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Trivia QuestionāWhat is the name of the trending local service providing safe transportation for Indigenous women in Edmonton? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
To our wonderful Edmonton Buzz community,
Happy New Year! š„
As we step into 2026, we wanted to take a moment to look back on a truly transformative year. 2025 was a year of growth, connection, and, most importantly - to new beginnings.
The biggest change, of course, was our own. We spent the end of 2025 transitioning from Edmonton Scoop to Edmonton Buzz. While our name is different, our mission remains exactly the same: to be the heartbeat of this city, bringing you the stories, events, and local secrets that make Edmonton the place we love to call home.
Thank you for sticking with us through the "Scoop" days and for embracing the "Buzz" with such enthusiasm. Whether you've been a subscriber since day one or you just joined us during our rebranding, your support is the reason we keep typing every morning.
Whatās in store for 2026? We are entering the new year with fresh energy. Expect more "hidden gem" features, better weekly guides (like the one in todayās issue!), and even more ways to engage with your local community.
May your 2026 be filled with crisp winter walks in the river valley, high-energy nights at the ICE District, and all the local joy our city has to offer.
Hereās to another year of discovering Edmonton together! Warmly,
The Edmonton Buzz Team š |
Our featured story | ||
In the news this week |
Edmontonās ICE District Plaza will come alive January 15 -17, 2026, with the return of the Chiseled Ice Carving Competition.
Artists from around the globe will craft spectacular ice sculptures in a thrilling, three-day showcase.
Five teams will have 34 hours to transform 15 hefty ice blocks, each weighing 135 kilograms, into breathtaking works of art.
The event is free and family-friendly, welcoming the public to witness creativity in action and experience winter magic downtown.
Sculptures will be displayed until January 27, weather permitting, offering locals plenty of time to explore these stunning creations.
Visitors can also vote for the Peopleās Choice Award, adding an interactive twist.
Winter-themed entertainment and activities will fill the plaza, making it the perfect seasonal outing.
Convenient transit and ample parking ensure easy access for all.
Stay tuned for artist announcements and programming details as the date nears. 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! |
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What's happening? | ||
Things to do this weekend |
1. Outdoor and Nature |
Winter City Weekends: Ice Grooves: Lace up your skates for a high-energy outdoor party at City Hall Plaza. Live DJs spin tracks to keep you moving on the ice under the downtown lights. Date: January 2 ā 3 Location: City Hall Plaza Cost: Free (Free skate rentals included)
Candy Cane Lane (Closing Night): Final chance to walk or drive down this legendary Edmonton street for a look at the community-led holiday light displays before they come down for the season. Date: January 2 Location: 148 Street (between 92 & 100 Ave) Cost: Free (Donations to Food Bank encouraged)
Snowshoeing in the River Valley: Explore over 160km of snowy trails. Popular spots like Whitemud Park and William Hawrelak Park are perfect for a fresh January hike. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: Various River Valley Parks Cost: Free (If you have your own gear)
Magic of Lights at RAD Torque Raceway: A 2.5-kilometer "drive-through" holiday light display featuring over a million LED lights and festive animations. Date: January 2 ā 3 (Final Days) Location: RAD Torque Raceway Cost: Paid (Per vehicle)
Ice Climbing at Louise McKinney Park: Watch or try ice climbing at the iconic ice wall in the river valley. It's one of the few places in a major city to experience this winter sport. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park Cost: Paid (For gear/lessons); Free to watch Click for details |
2. Shows & Entertainment šŗ |
The Secret Secrets Club: An improvised comedy show at Rapid Fire Theatre where anonymous confessions become the inspiration for the night's sketches. Date: January 3 Location: Rapid Fire Theatre Cost: Paid
Family Movie Sunday at CO*LAB: A community matinee featuring a family-friendly film. A great way to gather in a relaxed, warm setting. Date: January 4 Location: COLAB (Boyle Street) Cost: Free (Includes snacks)
Agostino Zoida at The Comic Strip: Catch Italian-American comedian Agostino Zoida (writer for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) for a weekend of stand-up. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: The Comic Strip (WEM) Cost: Paid
Laser Taylor Swift / Laser Floyd: Immersive music experiences in the Zeidler Dome, featuring laser choreography set to iconic albums. Date: January 2 ā 3 Location: TELUS World of Science Cost: Paid
Canadian Top Gunn: The 80's Take Flight: A high-flying musical tribute and dinner theatre experience that takes you back to the decade of neon and big hair. Date: January 2 Location: Jubilations Dinner Theatre Cost: Paid |
3. Arts, Crafts & Culture š |
Swing ān Skate at City Hall: Head inside City Hall for an afternoon of live big band, swing, and salsa music. Watch the dancers or join in on the floor. Date: January 4 Location: Edmonton City Hall (Lobby) Cost: Free Click for details
Art of Banksy: "Without Limits": Explore an extensive collection of Banksyās work in this immersive exhibition in the heart of downtown. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: Edmonton City Centre Cost: Paid
Muttart Conservatory: Prehistoric Paradise: Step back in time in the feature pyramid filled with banana plants, bromeliads, and dinosaur sculptures. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: Muttart Conservatory Cost: Paid
Curatorās Tour at the AGA: Take a guided tour of the latest exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Alberta to learn the stories behind the installations. Date: January 3 Location: Art Gallery of Alberta Cost: Paid (Free for students)
Indigenous Art Showcase: Visit the Art Gallery of Albertaās dedicated spaces for Indigenous artists, featuring rotating exhibits from across the province. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: Art Gallery of Alberta Cost: Paid; Free for youth under 18 Click for details |
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Zoominescence: Festival of Light: The Valley Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with light installations and "creature features" with the animals. Date: January 2 ā 4 (Final Weekend) Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo Cost: Paid
Ice Castles Edmonton: Wander through tunnels and slides made entirely of ice. A massive installation perfect for imaginative play. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: ICE District Plaza Cost: Paid
John Janzen Nature Centre Playzone: An indoor play area that teaches kids about the local ecosystem through interactive exhibits. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: John Janzen Nature Centre Cost: Paid
Indigo Kids Winter Play Days: Creative craft stations for children to build and design winter-themed projects. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: Various Indigo/Chapters Locations Cost: Free Click for details
EPL MakerSpace Workshops: Drop in at the Stanley A. Milner Library for family-friendly workshops using 3D printers, laser cutters, and more. Date: January 3 ā 4 Location: Stanley A. Milner Library Cost: Free Click for details |
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FelizaƱo 2026 Latin Bash: While technically NYE, the celebrations continue into the first weekend of Jan with Latin rhythms, dancing, and flavor. Date: January 2 Location: Various Venues (Check link) Cost: Paid
Free Salsa Class & Social: Learn the basics of Salsa and Bachata followed by a social dance session. No partner required. Date: January 2 Location: Check link for rotating venue Cost: Free Click for details
Yukon-based Diyet and the Love Soldiers: Experience a soulful blend of folk, roots, and alt-country at this intimate venue. Date: January 4 Location: New Moon Folk Club Cost: Paid
Late Night at The Grindstone: Check out local stand-up, burlesque, or live DJs at one of Edmonton's most eclectic nightlife hubs. Date: January 2 ā 3 Location: The Grindstone Theatre Cost: Paid
Central Social Hall Late Night: Enjoy high-energy music and a lively crowd in the heart of the city with late-night food and drink deals. Date: January 2 ā 3 Location: Central Social Hall (Downtown) Cost: Free admission Click for details |
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Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers: The first home game of 2026! Watch the Oilers battle it out at Rogers Place. Date: January 3 (1:30 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid
Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Seattle Thunderbirds: Cheer on Edmonton's WHL team in a high-stakes Sunday afternoon matchup. Date: January 4 (4:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid
Capital Region Archery Club Open House: Try out a bow, learn about membership, and get a feel for archery in this community-focused open house. Date: January 3 (10:00 AM ā 3:00 PM) Location: 5618 - 76 Avenue Cost: Free Click for details
Pandas Volleyball New Yearās Classic: High-level university volleyball as the U of A Pandas host teams from across Canada. Date: January 2 ā 3 Location: Saville Community Sports Centre Cost: Paid
Edmonton Badminton Drop-In: A casual way to stay active and meet fellow sports enthusiasts over the weekend. Date: January 2 ā 4 Location: John A. McDougall School Cost: Paid (Approx. $5) |
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First Sunday of the Month Mixer: A massive community meetup for those looking to expand their social circle and make new friends in the city. Date: January 4 (4:00 PM) Location: Fargos on 50th Cost: Free to attend Click for details
Languages and Beer: Practice a new language in a relaxed pub setting. All levels are welcome to join. Date: January 2 Location: Check link for rotating venue Cost: Free to attend Click for details
Potluck Dinner and Board Games: Join the 30s & 40s Social Group for a night of gaming and community dining. Date: January 3 Location: Private Venue (See link for RSVP) Cost: Free (Bring a dish)
Edmonton Speed Dating (Professionals): A structured event for single professionals looking to meet new people in a fun, low-pressure environment. Date: January 3 Location: Downtown Venue (See link) Cost: Paid
Bitcoin Dev Meetup: Learn about the technical side of cryptocurrency and the Lightning Network with local developers. Date: January 2 Location: Bitcoin Warehouse Cost: Free Click for details |
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Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here
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It's getting cold... | ||
This Week's Weather |
Weekend Forecast: Edmonton, Alberta
Itās a classic Alberta winter weekend! We start with mild, cloudy conditions on Friday before a light dusting of snow arrives on Saturday. By Sunday, the skies clear up to reveal some sunshine, but the mercury will drop, so it's a great weekend to pair your outdoor activities with a hot cocoa or a visit to one of the city's indoor "warm-up" events.
š Friday, January 2, 2026 āļø Cloudy High: -14Ā°C | Low: -15Ā°C Summary: A steady, overcast day to kick off the weekend. While it will feel chilly, the winds remain relatively calm with only a slight chance of flurries.
š Saturday, January 3, 2026 āļø Scattered Flurries High: -15Ā°C | Low: -16Ā°C Summary: Temperatures begin to dip as a light system moves through the city. Expect about 1cm of fresh snow accumulation, perfect for those heading to the ice carving events!
š Sunday, January 4, 2026 š¤ļø Mix of Sun and Clouds High: -15Ā°C | Low: -17Ā°C Summary: The coldest day of the weekend will bring some beautiful sunny breaks, but you'll want to layer up. The air will be crisp and dry as a minor cold snap settles in.
Source: weather.gc.ca
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In coming... | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
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š” Answer to Trivia Question:
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