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Trivia Question❓What was the name of the Indigenous settlement and trading hub that existed at the confluence of the North Saskatchewan and Sturgeon rivers near present-day Edmonton long before European fur traders arrived? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Monday! 🥂
The AI data center conversation is concerning for Edmontonians.
Let's follow the story!
The Edmonton Buzz Team 📣 |
Our featured story |
In the news this week |
The debate over AI data centers in Edmonton has erupted into a passionate local flashpoint.
Emotions ran high at recent town halls near Edmonton, where residents from Redwater, Lacombe, and beyond voiced urgent concerns about the looming Meta AI campus.
Tempers flared over issues like water and energy usage, with farmers fearful about drought and power reliability, while others questioned who truly benefits from rapid tech expansion.
Locals described a sense of frustration and uncertainty, citing fears of rising housing prices and strain on services, as officials promoted job creation and global tech opportunities.
Environmental groups and small business owners are demanding clear oversight and transparency amid racing property speculation and development pressure.
While leaders promise safeguards and economic growth, many residents remain wary, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement to balance innovation with stewardship as Edmonton’s future hangs in the balance. Read More... |
What's happening? |
Things to do this weekend |
1. Outdoor and Nature |
Great Canadian Hike 2026: A nationwide challenge to hike, bike, paddle or roll on the Trans Canada Trail throughout September. Date: Starts Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (runs through September 30) Free Admission Day: Elk Island National Park: Free entry to the national park east of the city, known for bison and dark night skies. Date: Running through September 7, 2026 Parkbus – Free Bus Transportation to Elk Island National Park: A free shuttle from Edmonton to the park for anyone without a vehicle. Date: Running through September 26, 2026 Blooms on 7 U-Pick: Cut your own flowers from a field of more than 250 varieties. Date: Running through September 13, 2026 Edmonton River Float: Float down the North Saskatchewan River through downtown with equipment, shuttle and safety gear provided. Date: Running through September 6, 2026 |
2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 |
"Weird Al" Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour: The parody legend's full-production comedy rock show. Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Mike Vecchione: Stand-up from the Italian-American comedian known for rapid-fire delivery. Date: Thursday, September 3 – Saturday, September 5, 2026 Peaches – No Lube So Rude Tour: The Canadian electroclash artist brings her provocative live show to town. Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Lorrie Morgan: The country singer known for her torchy vocal performances. Date: Friday, September 4, 2026 Back to the '80s: The Magic Mix Tape: A dinner theatre revue of '80s music. Date: Running through November 1, 2026 |
3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭 |
Alberta Culture Days: Hundreds of free, hands-on activities across the province celebrating arts and heritage. Date: Starts Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (runs through September 30) Edmonton Mural Festival: Local and international artists painting murals across the city. Date: Running through September 15, 2026 Chinatown After Dark: A night market turning Chinatown's alleys into patio and play space with entertainment and activities. Date: Running through October 10, 2026 '90s Retro Craft Night at the RAM: A nostalgic evening of retro crafts at the Royal Alberta Museum. Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 Symphony Under the Sky: The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra's outdoor festival returns to Hawrelak Park's Heritage Amphitheatre. Date: Starts Thursday, September 3, 2026 (runs through September 6) |
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Kejia Festival: A free, three-day outdoor street food celebration with more than 50 vendors and live performances. Date: Starts Friday, September 4, 2026 (runs through September 6) Horizon Drive-In Movies: An outdoor movie night at the zoo. Date: Starts Thursday, September 3, 2026 (runs through September 6) Green & Gold Pop-Up Market: A local shopping market at the University of Alberta. Date: Friday, September 4, 2026 EHS Humane Heroes: A new hands-on youth leadership program at the Edmonton Humane Society for kids interested in animal welfare. Date: Starts Wednesday, September 2, 2026 |
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Tammy Weis: A homecoming jazz performance from the Sherwood Park-raised singer. Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Brenn! – Amateur At Best World Tour: Folk-pop singer-songwriter Brenn! (Brennan Keller) brings her tour to town. Date: Friday, September 4, 2026 INFEST: A metal and hardcore bill featuring Power Trip and Sacrifice. Date: Friday, September 4, 2026 |
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2026 Golden Bears Football Home Opener: The University of Alberta football team opens its home season. Date: Friday, September 4, 2026 City of Edmonton Drop-In Pickleball: Ongoing drop-in pickleball at city recreation facilities, all skill levels welcome. Date: Various times this week, check schedule Westmount Volleyball Drop-In: Weekday drop-in volleyball, Mondays for beginners, Tuesday–Friday intermediate and advanced. Date: Monday – Friday this week |
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Edmonton Career Fair and Training Expo Canada: A free career fair connecting job seekers with hiring managers. Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026 Tech Wednesdays: Edmonton's weekly tech networking meetup. Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 |
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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 |
🌤️ Edmonton Weather Forecast: August 31 – September 4, 2026Warm and mostly sunny through midweek, with a chance of showers building in from Wednesday and cooler, cloudier air moving in by Friday.
📅 Monday, August 31, 2026
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
📅 Wednesday, September 2, 2026
📅 Thursday, September 3, 2026
📅 Friday, September 4, 2026
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In coming... |
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Pehonan (a Cree meeting or gathering place used by the Cree and other Indigenous peoples for centuries) |
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