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Edmonton’s river valley parkland is the largest urban park in North America. How many times larger than New York’s Central Park is it?

Happy Thursday! 🥂

We're watching gas prisices drop.. More of the same, please...

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The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝

Edmonton will debut the Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre on January 27, 2026, ushering in a dynamic new era for community recreation.

This innovative facility features a 250-metre UCI Category A indoor cycling track, paving the way for international cycling competitions, alongside a 333-metre walking and running track for year-round fitness.

The centre’s integration of the upgraded Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre provides a 50-metre pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and a modern cold plunge pool, establishing North America’s first indoor triathlon training site.

Other highlights include a vibrant fitness centre, bouldering wall, multi-use courts, spin studio, and child-friendly amenities.

With 60,000 square feet of exposed Mass Plywood Panels, the centre leads in sustainable design in Canada.

Backed by local organizations, this landmark destination will energize health, competition, and community spirit citywide.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Chiseled: International Ice Carving Competition: Watch 10 elite teams transform massive blocks of ice into monumental art pieces. You can observe the live carving process on Friday and Saturday, then vote for the People's Choice Award. Date: January 16 – 17, 2026 Location: ICE District Plaza Cost: Free admission Click for details

Ice Grooves at City Hall: A vibrant outdoor skating party featuring live DJ sets and colorful lighting on the City Hall Plaza rink. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the "winter city" vibe with a soundtrack. Date: January 16 – 17, 2026 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Location: City Hall Plaza Cost: Free Click for details

Swing 'n Skate: Enjoy live big band music inside City Hall, which is broadcasted to the outdoor plaza so you can skate to the rhythm of live jazz and swing. Date: January 18, 2026 (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM) Location: City Hall Plaza Cost: Free Click for details

Victoria Park IceWay: Skate through a magical three-loop trail illuminated by rainbow-colored lights nestled within the trees of the River Valley. Date: Ongoing (Weather permitting) Location: Victoria Park Cost: Free Click for details

Mill Creek Ravine Winter Walks: Explore one of the city's most beautiful natural ravines. The trails are well-maintained for winter hiking and offer a peaceful escape into nature without leaving the city. Date: Daily Location: Mill Creek Ravine Park Cost: Free Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

RiverCity Bluegrass Festival: A high-energy weekend featuring a lineup of international and regional bluegrass bands. Expect incredible pickin' and singin' in a cozy indoor setting. Date: January 16 – 18, 2026 Location: Edmonton Inn on Kingsway Cost: Paid (Prices vary) Click for details

Sam Sferrazza: Stand-Up Comedy: Online sensation and comedian Sam Sferrazza brings his unique brand of humor to the stage for a night of laughs. Date: January 16, 2026 Location: The Grindstone Theatre Cost: Paid Click for details

Deep Freeze Fireworks: As part of the Deep Freeze Festival, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the winter sky on Saturday night. Date: January 17, 2026 (9:00 PM) Location: 118 Avenue (Alberta Avenue District) Cost: Free Click for details

Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Experience the revolutionary musical that celebrates Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. A spectacular stage production direct from Broadway. Date: January 16 – 18, 2026 Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Cost: Paid Click for details

Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin IV: A note-for-note, cut-for-cut performance of one of the greatest rock albums of all time. Date: January 16, 2026 Location: Winspear Centre Cost: Paid Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival: A magical celebration blending Ukrainian, French Canadian, and Indigenous cultures. Features ice sculptures, artisan markets, and traditional "homestead" activities. Date: January 17 – 18, 2026 Location: 118 Avenue (90–95 Streets) Cost: Free admission (Donations welcome) Click for details

Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) - Free Admission: Explore contemporary and historical art exhibitions. Note: Check for specific "Free Admission" times/days, typically the last Thursday, but often free for those under 18 daily. Date: Ongoing Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Free for youth; paid for adults Click for details

Robert Burns Celebration: Experience a traditional Scottish celebration featuring poetry, music, and heritage stories in a historic setting. Date: January 18, 2026 Location: Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site Cost: Low cost Click for details

Nina Haggerty Centre Art Show: Part of the Deep Freeze festivities, this gallery showcases works from local artists with developmental disabilities. Date: January 17 – 18, 2026 Location: 9225 118 Avenue Cost: Free Click for details

Indigenous Storytelling at Pipon Village: Learn about the rich cultures of the Métis, Inuit, and First Nations through traditional storytelling and snowshoeing. Date: January 17 – 18, 2026 Location: Alberta Avenue District (Deep Freeze Festival) Cost: Free Click for details

Edmonton Pet Expo: A paradise for animal lovers! Features live demonstrations, agility courses, and a chance to meet various pet breeds. Date: January 17 – 18, 2026 Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre (Hall E) Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Play Rangers: A city-run program where kids can participate in supervised outdoor winter fun, including fire building and games. Date: January 17, 2026 Location: Northeast River Valley Park Cost: Free Click for details

Jurassic World by Brickman: An immersive LEGO adventure featuring over 50 large-scale dinosaurs, props, and scenes from the Jurassic World franchise. Date: January 16 – 18, 2026 Location: TELUS World of Science - Edmonton Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Muttart Conservatory - Family Pyramid: Explore the pyramids during the "Prehistoric Paradise" feature, where kids can see dinosaurs hidden among the exotic plants. Date: Daily Location: 9626 96A St NW Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Bannock Roasting at Deep Freeze: A family-favorite activity where you can roast traditional bannock over an open fire in the homestead village. Date: January 17 – 18, 2026 Location: 118 Avenue Cost: Free (Small fee for food) Click for details

Ice District Plaza After Dark: Enjoy the lit-up ice sculptures of the Chiseled competition with a beverage from nearby bars and a lively outdoor atmosphere. Date: January 16 – 17, 2026 Location: ICE District Plaza Cost: Free admission Click for details

Live Music at The Buckingham: Catch local alternative and indie bands in this popular Whyte Avenue spot known for its great vibe and vegan pub food. Date: Friday/Saturday nights Location: 10439 82 Ave NW Cost: Free or low cover Click for details

Common Ground Dance Party: A weekly favorite for those looking to dance to house, disco, and funk in an intimate downtown venue. Date: January 16, 2026 Location: 9910 (9910 109 St NW) Cost: Paid cover Click for details

Latte Art & Late Night Vibes: Many coffee shops like The Colombian offer a cozy late-night atmosphere for those who prefer caffeine and conversation over cocktails. Date: Ongoing Location: Various (e.g., Glenora or French Quarter) Cost: Free entry Click for details

Beercade: A mix of retro arcade games and a modern bar setting. Great for a competitive night out with friends. Date: Daily Location: 10544 82 Ave NW Cost: Free entry (Pay for tokens/drinks) Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. St. Louis Blues: Watch the Oilers battle it out on home ice at Rogers Place. Date: January 18, 2026 (6:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid (Starting at $49) Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Tri-City Americans: Exciting WHL junior hockey action that is great for families and fans alike. Date: January 17, 2026 (7:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid (Starting around $20) Click for details

Cold Snap Cheer and Dance Championships: Top-tier competition featuring athletes from across Canada showcasing energy, spirit, and stunts. Date: January 16 – 18, 2026 Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre Arena Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Public Skating at Rogers Place: While the Oilers are away (Saturday), keep an eye on the schedule for public skates or community events at the Downtown Community Arena. Date: Check schedule Location: Downtown Community Arena Cost: Free Click for details

AHL Hockey: Calgary Wranglers vs. Bakersfield Condors: Note: This event is in Calgary (3 hours away), but a popular regional travel option for hockey fans this weekend. Date: January 16 & 18, 2026 Location: Scotiabank Saddledome Cost: Paid Click for details

Edmonton Board Game Group: Join a friendly group for an afternoon or evening of tabletop games at a local library or hobby shop. Date: Check Meetup for specific Jan 17/18 times Location: Table Top Cafe or similar Cost: Low cost (Small table fee) Click for details

Winter Photography Walk: Local photographers often meet during the Chiseled ice carving event to capture the sculptures under night lights. Date: January 17, 2026 Location: ICE District Plaza Cost: Free Click for details

Language Exchange Meetup: Practice a new language and meet people from diverse backgrounds in a casual cafe setting. Date: Check weekend listings Location: Various Downtown Cafes Cost: Free (Buy a drink) Click for details

Saturday Morning Run Club: Join local runners for a social jog through the River Valley trails, followed by coffee. Date: January 17, 2026 Location: River Valley Cost: Free Click for details

Deep Freeze Cultural Mixer: A great spot to meet locals while standing around the communal fire pits during the festival. Date: January 17 – 18, 2026 Location: 118 Avenue Cost: Free Click for details

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

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