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Trivia QuestionβEdmonton holds a quirky world record tied to one of its most beloved summer festivals β when the city hosted the largest folk music festival drum circle in 2006, it was actually part of what long-running annual event that has taken place in Gallagher Park since 1980 and is widely considered one of the top folk music festivals in all of North America? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Monday! π₯
Edmonton new setup - 15 new districts...!
Excited?
The Edmonton Buzz Team π |
Our featured story |
In the news this week |
Edmonton city council has officially launched one of the most ambitious urban growth strategies in the city's history — a sweeping framework built around 15 district plans designed to carry Edmonton toward a population of two million.
Adopted in October 2024 following a three-day public hearing with over 70 speakers, the plans direct density toward nodes, corridors, and transit-connected streets — shifting the city away from its historically outward, low-density growth.
In May 2025, council passed a Priority Growth Area Rezoning bylaw affecting more than 1,200 properties across mature neighbourhoods including Wîhkwêntôwin, the 124 Street corridor, and the University-Garneau area.
The city's goal is to direct 50 percent of all new development inside Anthony Henday Drive, backed by an Infill Infrastructure Fund to support aging water, drainage, and road systems.
Supporters call it essential for housing affordability. Critics warn the pace of change is outrunning community engagement. Either way, Edmonton's transformation has already begun. Read More... |
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What's happening? |
Things to do this weekend |
1. Outdoor and Nature |
ACC YEG Social: Pub Night: A casual social meetup for Alpine Club of Canada Edmonton members and anyone interested in climbing and mountain culture. Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Free Drop-in Parks Programs: City-run drop-in programming at select Edmonton parks, open to all ages with no registration required. Date: Monday, July 27, 2026 ACC Climbing Nights: Indoor climbing session organized by the Alpine Club of Canada's Edmonton Section. Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 River Valley Guided Flora & Fauna WalksJoin local conservation advocates for an informal, self-guided or community-led nature stroll through North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland.
Borden Park Sculpture & Tree TourWalk through one of Edmonton's oldest parks to admire a collection of public contemporary sculptures set among historic mature trees and walking paths.
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2. Shows & Entertainment πΊ |
Collective Soul: The American rock band plays a live show at River Cree's indoor venue. Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 8:00 p.m. Freewill Shakespeare FestivalEnjoy professional outdoor theatre performances set under the open sky, featuring classic plays adapted with modern twists.
Churchill Square Lunchtime Live PerformancesBring your lunch downtown and enjoy live acoustic music, dance routines, and street performers in the heart of the city.
Ice District Plaza Summer Screenings & Live BeatsGather in the plaza for evening entertainment, live DJ sets, and outdoor movie screenings on the giant outdoor LED screens.
Edmonton Comedy Factory Open Mic NightCatch up-and-coming local comedians and seasoned pros testing out new material at neighborhood venue open mics.
Strathcona Street Performers ShowcaseStroll down Whyte Avenue during the evening hours to catch jugglers, musicians, and visual artists performing along the sidewalks.
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3. Arts, Crafts & Culture π |
Art Gallery of Alberta Free Access HoursExplore multiple floors of contemporary and historical art exhibitions, including prominent works by Canadian and international artists.
Indigenous Art Park (Δ hisit kΕΔ±Μ¨) Self-Guided WalkLocated in Queen Elizabeth Park, this site features permanent installations created by Indigenous artists celebrating the heritage of the river valley.
124 Street Grand MarketBrowse handcrafted goods, local artwork, homemade preserves, and artisan crafts from local Alberta vendors.
104 Street Downtown Mural Walking TourTake a self-guided walk through the downtown core and Warehouse District to view dozen-foot-tall murals painted by local and international muralists.
Royal Alberta Museum Plaza & Outdoor ExhibitsWalk around the RAM plaza to view outdoor historical displays, architectural features, and public installations celebrating Alberta's natural and human history.
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City Hall Wading Pool & FountainA favorite summer spot for kids to splash around, cooled by surrounding fountains right in front of City Hall.
Borden Park Natural Swimming PoolCanada's first public chemical-free outdoor pool, featuring natural filtration systems, sandy areas, and surrounding park facilities.
Alberta Legislature Grounds & Reflection PondsFamilies can splash in the public wading pools, enjoy a outdoor picnic on the manicured lawns, and explore the historic grounds.
Stanley A. Milner Library Makerspace & Children's WingExplore the giant interactive digital wall, hands-on gaming centers, maker spaces, and extensive children’s library programs.
Kinsmen Park Spray Park & PlaygroundOffers expansive views of the High Level Bridge, featuring a large multi-zone water park, climbing structures, and picnic areas.
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Blues on Whyte Live Jam SessionsAn iconic venue in Old Strathcona hosting nightly live blues, rock, and soul acts in an energetic, casual setting.
Black Dog Freehouse Rooftop SessionsRelax on the famous upper-level patio overlooking Whyte Avenue with daily music rotations and casual evening vibes.
Ice District Summer Patio NightGather downtown under the night lights for open-air bar service, yard games, and social gathering areas.
The Starlite Room Local ShowcaseCatch underground bands, indie rock acts, and local DJs at one of Edmonton's premier historic live music halls.
On the Rocks Live Acoustic NightsEnjoy late-night acoustic sets, classic pub fare, and social dance floors in the Oliver neighborhood.
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Edmonton Riverhawks Baseball GameExperience West Coast League collegiate baseball at the historic RE/MAX Field along the river valley, complete with promotional theme nights and field games.
Rundle Park Disc GolfBring your own discs and play an 18-hole outdoor course set within the rolling terrain of Rundle Park.
Victoria Park Public Outdoor Tennis & PickleballAccess well-maintained outdoor courts on a first-come, first-served basis next to Victoria Golf Course.
Ice District Community Fitness & YogaParticipate in open outdoor fitness sessions led by local instructors on the plaza lawn.
Edmonton River Valley Social Run ClubJoin local runners for an all-abilities evening group run through river valley trails, finishing at a neighborhood brewery or cafe.
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Edmonton Tech & Startup Coffee SocialNetwork with local software developers, entrepreneurs, designers, and innovators over coffee in an informal drop-in setting.
Old Strathcona Board Game NightMeet new people and play classic and modern strategy board games hosted at public communal tables.
River Valley Newcomers & Social WalkA casual group meetup designed for people new to Edmonton or anyone looking to make new friends while exploring the city's trail network.
104 Street Photography WalkConnect with fellow amateur and professional photographers to practice urban landscape, street, and portrait photography.
Edmonton Language Exchange ClubPractice conversational skills in various languages (English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and more) with native speakers in a friendly environment.
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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 |
π€οΈ Edmonton Weather Forecast: July 27 – 31, 2026
The week starts damp with morning showers clearing by evening, then trends warmer and mostly dry with a mix of sun and cloud through the rest of the week.
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Monday, July 27, 2026
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Tuesday, July 28, 2026
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
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Thursday, July 30, 2026
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Friday, July 31, 2026
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In coming... |
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
π‘ Answer to Trivia Question: The Edmonton Folk Music Festival |
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