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What is the name of the massive lake in northern Alberta

that is larger than some countries? 

Happy Monday!

This week's issue is loaded with over 90% free things to do. Yeah - Happy dance! 🥳

In today's issue -  'The Battle Over Edmonton’s Bike Lane Network Expansion'.

Lets go! 🥳

Edmonton’s ambitious $100 million plan to expand its bike lane network has ignited a city-wide debate over the future of our streets.

The project aims to add 82 kilometers of connected routes by 2026, creating safer pathways for cyclists of all abilities.

However, the expansion faces significant pushback.

In neighborhoods like Delton, community members are organizing against the loss of on-street parking and potential emergency vehicle delays.

The conflict has also escalated politically, with Alberta's Transportation Minister, Devin Dreeshen, publicly criticizing the removal of vehicle lanes.

Despite the pressure, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and City Council have remained committed, voting 9-4 to proceed with construction.

While advocates from the YEG Bike Coalition argue the investment is crucial for safety and climate goals, the project remains a defining and often divisive issue for Edmontonians.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Urban Bird Watching Walk: Whitemud Ravine
Join local naturalists for a guided walk through the Whitemud Ravine to identify winter migrating birds and local species preparing for the cold. Binoculars provided for loan.
Date: November 12, 2025
Location: Whitemud Ravine Nature Centre Entrance
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Stargazing Night with the Edmonton Astronomy Club
Observe the late autumn constellations and planets through high-powered telescopes provided by the local astronomy club. Warm beverages are recommended.
Date: November 10, 2025
Location: Rundle Park (Open field near the lake)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

River Valley Trail Clean-up Day
Volunteer to help clear leaves and debris from selected sections of the River Valley trails before the snow fully settles. Supplies and coffee provided.
Date: November 14, 2025
Location: Victoria Park Pavilion
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Forest Bathing and Mindfulness Walk
A slow, guided sensory experience focusing on connecting with nature in Hawrelak Park, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
Date: November 11, 2025
Location: Hawrelak Park (Main entrance)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Explore the Muttart Conservatory Exterior Gardens
While entry to the pyramids is paid, the surrounding grounds offer beautiful paths and late-blooming hardy flora to enjoy. Bring your camera.
Date: November 10 – 14, 2025
Location: Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96a St NW
Cost: Free admission (Gardens only)
Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

U of A Lunch Hour Concert Series: Classical Guitar
Enjoy a free 45-minute classical performance by University of Alberta Music students, perfect for a midday break.
Date: November 13, 2025
Location: Winspear Centre Foyer
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Edmonton Public Library Film Club Screening: "Hidden Figures"
A free screening of the critically acclaimed film followed by a short community discussion about the themes presented.
Date: November 10, 2025
Location: Edmonton Public Library, Downtown Branch Auditorium
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Local Stand-Up Comedy Showcase
Featuring emerging and established local comedians testing new material. Free entry, but tips are encouraged for performers.
Date: November 12, 2025
Location: The Comedy Loft, Whyte Avenue
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

University Student Open Mic Night
Students and community members are invited to perform poetry, music, or comedy in this weekly laid-back venue near campus.
Date: November 14, 2025
Location: RATT (Campus Bar & Grill)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Citadel Theatre Preview Night
Attend a specific weekday performance of a major production before its official opening night. While tickets are usually required, check for "Pay What You Can" options often offered on Tuesday or Wednesday previews.
Date: November 11, 2025
Location: Citadel Theatre, 9828 101 A Ave NW
Cost: Low cost/Pay What You Can (Limited availability)

Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Art Gallery of Alberta Free Evening Access
The AGA offers free admission during specific evening hours on Thursdays, allowing the public to explore current major exhibitions and local collections.
Date: November 13, 2025 (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Location: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Indigenous Storytelling Series: Winter Legends
Hear traditional Indigenous stories and creation legends shared by a local Elder, focusing on themes related to the changing seasons and winter preparation.
Date: November 11, 2025
Location: The Orange Hub Cultural Centre
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Historical Walking Tour: Old Strathcona Architecture
A guided, free walking tour exploring the unique historical architecture and conservation efforts along Whyte Avenue and surrounding blocks.
Date: November 12, 2025
Location: Meet at Old Strathcona Gazebo
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

EPL Adult Drop-in Craft & Colouring Session
Materials are provided for adults looking to de-stress through creative expression. A relaxed session ideal for meeting other hobbyists.
Date: November 14, 2025
Location: Edmonton Public Library, Calder Branch
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Ukrainian Museum Public Lecture: Immigration History
A free public talk discussing the waves of Ukrainian immigration to Alberta and their lasting cultural impact on Edmonton.
Date: November 10, 2025
Location: Ukrainian Museum of Canada (Alberta Branch)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Toddler Time at the Library: Songs and Rhymes
A fun and interactive free session for children aged 1-3 and their caregivers, focusing on early literacy skills through songs, rhymes, and movement.
Date: November 13, 2025
Location: Edmonton Public Library, Meadowlark Branch
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Indoor Community Drop-in Skate
A supervised, free drop-in skating session held at a local indoor arena. Helmets are strongly recommended for all participants.
Date: November 11, 2025 (afternoon)
Location: Clareview Community Recreation Centre Arena
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Lego Club Meeting: Build a Landmark
Children aged 6-12 are invited to participate in a themed building challenge using provided Lego bricks. Parental supervision required.
Date: November 10, 2025
Location: Terwillegar Community League Hall
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Telus World of Science Free Science Demo
While exhibit entry is paid, a specific zone often offers short, spectacular free science demonstrations outside the ticketed area, focusing on chemistry or physics.
Date: November 14, 2025
Location: Telus World of Science Edmonton Foyer
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Muttart Children's Discovery Zone Workshop
A dedicated free craft and gardening workshop where children can plant seeds, learn about local plant life, and take home a small project.
Date: November 12, 2025
Location: Muttart Conservatory (Specific Workshop Room)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Late Night Karaoke Contest
Test your vocal skills in a fun, competitive environment. Sign-up is free, and there are small prizes for the top singers.
Date: November 13, 2025 (9:00 PM start)
Location: The Common, 9910 109 St NW
Cost: Free entry
Click for details

Retro 80s & 90s DJ Dance Night
A themed evening featuring classic hits from the 80s and 90s. No cover charge before 10 PM.
Date: November 14, 2025
Location: Union Hall, 6240 99 St NW
Cost: Free entry before 10 PM
Click for details

Pub Trivia Night Championship
Gather your smartest friends for a free weekly trivia contest covering general knowledge, pop culture, and local history. Prizes awarded to the winning team.
Date: November 11, 2025 (7:30 PM start)
Location: Sherlock Holmes Pub (Rice Howard Way)
Cost: Free to play
Click for details

Open Jazz Jam Session
Bring your instrument or just enjoy the smooth sounds of local musicians improvising and performing jazz standards in a relaxed lounge setting.
Date: November 10, 2025
Location: Blue Chair Cafe, 9624 76 Ave NW
Cost: Free entry (Tip jar for musicians)
Click for details

Board Games and Beer Meetup
A casual evening dedicated to playing modern board games and card games. Free to attend and play, with table space reserved for the group.
Date: November 12, 2025
Location: Hexagon Board Game Café, 10750 82 Ave NW
Cost: $3 cover charge for unlimited play
Click for details

U of A Golden Bears Hockey Practice Viewing
Watch the U of A men's hockey team run drills and practice ahead of their weekend games. Free public viewing from the upper stands.
Date: November 13, 2025 (Morning)
Location: Clare Drake Arena (University of Alberta Campus)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Edmonton Running Room Group Run
Join a free weekly group run (3K, 5K, and 10K options available) suitable for all fitness levels. No sign-up required.
Date: November 12, 2025
Location: Running Room (Old Strathcona Store)
Cost: Free to participate
Click for details

Community Drop-in Basketball
A supervised, recreational drop-in session for all adults looking to play casual pick-up games.
Date: November 14, 2025 (Evening)
Location: Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre Fieldhouse
Cost: Free (Requires Community Pass or Day Pass)
Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings WHL Game
Watch Edmonton's junior hockey team take on a Western Hockey League rival. Tickets are significantly more affordable than NHL games.
Date: November 10, 2025
Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW
Cost: Paid admission (Tickets start at $15)
Click for details

Drop-in Soccer Skills Clinic
A free short clinic focused on refining basic soccer skills and drills, organized by a local sports league for youth and adults.
Date: November 11, 2025
Location: Foote Field Dome
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Edmonton Young Professionals Networking Mixer
A casual, no-host networking event for young professionals across all industries. Ideal for making contacts and career building.
Date: November 12, 2025
Location: Startup Edmonton Co-working Space
Cost: Free (BYOB/Coffee available)
Click for details

Tech & Coding Meetup: Introduction to Python
A free educational session and networking opportunity for those interested in coding, data science, and web development. Includes practical examples.
Date: November 10, 2025
Location: MacEwan University (Specific Lecture Hall)
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Spanish Language Exchange Practice Group
Meet native speakers and other learners to practice conversational Spanish in a low-pressure, friendly environment. All levels welcome.
Date: November 13, 2025
Location: Credo Coffee, 10134 104 St NW
Cost: Free (Purchase of coffee/snack encouraged)
Click for details

Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club Discussion
Discuss the latest selection (a classic fantasy novel) with fellow enthusiasts. New members are always welcome.
Date: November 14, 2025
Location: Edmonton Public Library, Highlands Branch
Cost: Free admission
Click for details

Edmonton Photography Enthusiasts Critique Session
Bring your latest photos for constructive feedback from fellow amateur and professional photographers. Focus on composition and technique.
Date: November 11, 2025
Location: Community Art Centre (Southside)
Cost: Free admission
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.

Is Edmonton the Next Capital of Women's Hockey?

Edmonton Groups you should know!

Lake Athabasca (which extends into Saskatchewan as well)

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