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How many festivals does "Canada’s Festival City" host on average each year?

Happy Thursday! 🥂

Looks like we'll be having high speed rail coming across alberta.. yup, including Edmonton!

Lets go!

The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝

Alberta stands on the verge of a major transportation shift, as the province prepares to introduce its Passenger Rail Master Plan that could link Edmonton and Calgary with high-speed rail.

With roughly 80% of Albertans living within this corridor, the project promises to enhance economic growth and daily connectivity.

The plan features a regional rail line with a key transit hub in Red Deer, plus new commuter lines that connect city centres to international airports, and integrate with existing LRT networks.

Initiatives like the Prairie Link partnership and TransPod’s innovative FluxJet system highlight significant private-sector interest.

Challenges remain, including financial, environmental, and population density concerns.

Yet, strong public backing, nearly 80% favouring investment, suggests Albertans are eager for sustainable, future-focused rail.

All eyes are on the upcoming plan, expected to shape how Alberta moves for generations.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Winter Hiking Trails: Explore Edmonton's beautiful river valley before the snow melts. Curiocity recommends specific trails like the Whitemud Ravine or Mill Creek Ravine for a refreshing winter walk. Date: March 16 – 20, 2026 Location: Various River Valley Trails Cost: Free Click for details

Elk Island National Park: Located just 35 minutes east of the city, this park offers over 80 km of trails perfect for spotting bison and elk. It is also a premier destination for stargazing. Date: March 16 – 20, 2026 Location: Improvement District No. 13, AB Cost: Free admission Click for details

Night Sky Viewing at U of A Observatory: Peer through high-powered telescopes to see planets, stars, and nebulae. This drop-in event is perfect for amateur astronomers and nature lovers. Date: Thursday, March 19 Location: University of Alberta Observatory Cost: Free Click for details

Muttart Conservatory "Prehistoric Paradise": Step into a lush, tropical landscape of banana plants and vibrant bromeliads with a dinosaur theme, providing a warm escape from the spring chill. Date: March 16 – 20, 2026 Location: 9626 96a St. NW Cost: $14.95 Click for details

Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen’s Show: A must for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring vendors, gear for fishing and hunting, and the latest in camping and destination travel. Date: March 19 – 22, 2026 Location: Edmonton Expo Centre Cost: Paid (Prices vary) Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Open Mic Comedy Night: The Grindstone hosts one of the city's only stand-up open mics, welcoming both first-timers and seasoned pros for 5-minute sets. Date: Wednesday, March 18 Location: Grindstone Theatre (10019 81st Ave NW) Cost: Free Click for details

Thursday Night Improv: An evening of top-tier comedy featuring the city's best improvisers performing hilarious unscripted scenes based on audience suggestions. Date: Thursday, March 19 Location: Grindstone Theatre Cost: $15.34+ Click for details

Beethoven and Beer: Join the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for a casual evening featuring Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. A free food or beverage item is included with the ticket. Date: Friday, March 20 Location: Winspear Centre Cost: $40+ Click for details

The Wizard of Oz The Musical: Experience the magical Land of Oz in this enchanting retelling of the timeless classic at one of Edmonton's most iconic theaters. Date: March 18 – 20, 2026 (Evening shows) Location: Citadel Theatre Cost: Paid (Prices vary) Click for details

The Upside Down: A Supernatural Synth Rave: A high-energy themed dance party featuring electronic music inspired by supernatural and retro aesthetics. Date: Friday, March 20 (10 PM) Location: 10524 Jasper Ave Cost: From $12.02 Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Films at the Library: Ingrid Goes West: Enjoy a free screening of the dark comedy Ingrid Goes West as part of the library's weekly film series. Date: Wednesday, March 18 Location: Stanley A. Milner Library Cost: Free Click for details

Drop-in Sketching: Bones: Unleash your inner artist by sketching unique specimens from the museum’s collection in a relaxed, creative environment. Date: Thursday, March 19 Location: Royal Alberta Museum Cost: Free with admission Click for details

Haven Poetry Series: A recurring community poetry event featuring local voices and open mic opportunities for writers. Date: Monday, March 16 (7 PM) Location: Upper Crust Cafe Cost: Free admission Click for details

Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA): Explore rotating exhibitions and workshops in the heart of the Arts District. Admission is often free for students and children. Date: Wednesday – Friday, March 18 – 20 Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. Cost: $13.33 (Regular adult) Click for details

FAVA Fest - Film & Video Arts Celebration: An annual celebration of media artwork. On Friday, catch a plethora of film screenings. Date: Friday, March 20 Location: 7000 143rd St. NW Cost: Admission by donation Click for details

Friday Night Trivia: A family-friendly trivia night where groups can compete for prizes in a fun, educational atmosphere. Date: Friday, March 20 Location: Telus World of Science (Purple Pear Restaurant) Cost: Free Click for details

Read with The RCMP: An interactive program where local RCMP officers read stories to children, often followed by themed crafts. Date: Friday, March 20 Location: Strathcona County Library Cost: Free Click for details

Kids Coding Workshop: Make Your Own Emoji: A hands-on workshop designed to introduce children to the basics of coding through a fun, creative project. Date: Thursday, March 19 Location: West Edmonton Mall (Apple Store/Tech Space) Cost: Free Click for details

Toonie Swim: Enjoy a family swim session at a significantly reduced price during these designated community hours. Date: Friday, March 20 (7 PM – 9 PM) Location: Eastglen Leisure Centre Cost: $2.00 Click for details

TELUS World of Science - Jurassic World Exhibit: Explore the world of dinosaurs with interactive displays and the new Jurassic World by Brickman LEGO exhibit. Date: March 16 – 20, 2026 Location: 11211 142nd St. NW Cost: Paid (Prices vary) Click for details

The Oddibles Live at Blues On Whyte: Catch a live performance by local favorites The Oddibles in one of the city's most historic live music venues. Date: Friday, March 20 Location: The Commercial - Blues On Whyte Cost: From $6.00 Click for details

Trivia Night at Canadian Brewhouse: Gather your friends for an evening of pub trivia featuring various categories and drink specials. Date: Monday, March 16 (7 PM) Location: Canadian Brewhouse (Various locations) Cost: Free to play Click for details

Crystal Blue & The Persuations: An evening of soul and blues music in an intimate showcase room setting. Date: Friday, March 20 (8:30 PM) Location: Chromozone Showcase Room Cost: From $17.31 Click for details

JigJam at the New Moon Folk Club: Experience the high-energy "Celtgrass" sounds of JigJam live in concert. Date: Friday, March 20 Location: New Moon Folk Club Cost: Paid (Tickets required) Click for details

Love Pro Wrestling x Clandestine Wrestling: A high-energy night of indie wrestling featuring local athletes and unscripted storylines. Date: Friday, March 20 Location: Various locations Cost: Paid (Tickets required) Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks: Cheer on the Oilers as they take on the Sharks in a regular-season NHL matchup. Date: Tuesday, March 17 (7 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid (Tickets vary) Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Calgary Hitmen: Catch the next generation of hockey stars in this classic "Battle of Alberta" junior hockey clash. Date: Wednesday, March 18 (7 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: From $24.25 Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers: The Oilers face off against the defending Eastern Conference powers in a high-stakes evening game. Date: Thursday, March 19 (7 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid (Tickets vary) Click for details

Drop-in Swim with Inflatables: A fun, active session for all ages featuring large inflatable obstacles in the pool. Date: Monday, March 16 Location: Coronation Sports and Recreation Centre Cost: Standard admission Click for details

St. Patrick’s Day Trail Run: Celebrate spring and St. Paddy's day with a community trail run through the city's parks. Date: Tuesday, March 17 (Morning) Location: Various city trails Cost: Registration fee applies Click for details

Business Model 101: A networking and learning session for entrepreneurs looking to validate and scale their business ideas. Date: Monday, March 16 Location: Edmonton Unlimited Cost: Free (Registration required) Click for details

Industry Insights: Community Networking Event: Connect with professionals and students to discuss career growth and local industry trends. Date: Tuesday, March 17 (11:30 AM) Location: MacEwan University Cost: Free Click for details

Venture Pilots: Built World Tech Showcase: A meetup for tech enthusiasts and investors focusing on innovation in construction and urban development. Date: Wednesday, March 18 Location: Edmonton Unlimited Cost: Free Click for details

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Connect: A celebration and networking event for women-led businesses in the Edmonton region. Date: Thursday, March 19 (4 PM) Location: LAST Modern Event Venue Cost: Free Click for details

Entrepreneur Forum for Newcomers: A supportive meetup specifically for new Albertans looking to start or grow their businesses. Date: Thursday, March 19 Location: Edmonton Convention Centre 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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