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Monday's Buzz: "Urgent: H3N2 Flu Cases Surge - Get Vaccinated Now!"
Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Jan 5, 2026
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Trivia Question❓Located east of Edmonton, Sherwood Park is technically not a "city." What is its official municipal status? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy 1st Monday of 2026!
Hopefully you've had a great weekend and looking forward to an exciting 2026!
Today, we take a look at the flu situation in the city. Take care out thaere.
Tip: Check out today's 'Food and Drink' section, and 'Happy hour' too. Wow!
Now, onto today's Buzz!
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In the news today...! | ||
Featured story |
Health officials are sounding the alarm as a spike in H3N2 flu cases is overwhelming city emergency rooms.
Residents are urged to get vaccinated at local pharmacies to help ease mounting pressure on hospitals.
Dr. Michael Apostolakos, chief medical officer at UR Medicine, reports that flu hospitalizations now outpace those from COVID-19, with dozens seriously ill and several requiring intensive care.
People are being asked to avoid unnecessary ER visits and seek help from primary care providers if their symptoms are mild.
Pharmacies have expanded walk-in hours to meet the urgent need for flu shots, and local health officials emphasize that vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and hospitalization.
Wearing masks in healthcare settings and practicing good hygiene are also recommended as flu season intensifies. Read More... |
Supporting local! | ||
Business spotlight |
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What's happening? | ||
Things to do this week |
1. Outdoor and Nature🌲 |
Skating at the Victoria Park Ice Way: Experience one of Edmonton's most beautiful winter traditions. Glide through the trees on a speed-skating oval or follow the illuminated "Ice Way" paths as they wind through the park under the winter stars.
Ice Climbing at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park: Watch or participate in ice climbing at the iconic wall in the river valley. While equipment rentals and lessons have a fee, visiting the park to watch climbers tackle the ice against the city skyline is completely free.
Snowshoeing in the River Valley: Explore the expansive trail system of North America’s largest urban parkland. Bring your own snowshoes for a free self-guided tour through Mill Creek Ravine or Hawrelak Park to spot local wildlife like deer and chickadees.
Tobogganing at Gallagher Hill: Grab a sled and head to one of Edmonton's premier hills. Gallagher Hill offers a fantastic slope with a stunning view of the downtown skyline, perfect for an afternoon of high-energy outdoor fun.
Stroll through the Legislature Grounds: The Legislature grounds are beautifully lit during the winter months. Enjoy a peaceful evening walk through the "People's House" gardens, featuring thousands of sparkling holiday lights that remain up throughout the early winter.
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2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 🎭 |
Tiff Hall's Very Lit Music Show: A unique variety show hosted at Rapid Fire Theatre that blends together improv comedy, live music, and burlesque for a high-energy, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.
Diyet and The Love Soldiers at New Moon Folk Club: Experience the soulful sounds of Yukon-based trio Diyet and The Love Soldiers. Their music is an alternative folk fusion with roots in Diyet’s Indigenous heritage, perfect for a cozy winter evening.
Laser Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon: Sit back in the world-class Zeidler Dome planetarium and witness a mind-bending light and sound landscape set to Pink Floyd’s 1973 masterpiece.
Twilight In Concert: Attention vampires and werewolves! Experience the original Twilight film on a giant cinema screen while a live band performs the movie’s iconic soundtrack in a candlelit atmosphere.
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - In Concert: Witness the first chapter of the epic trilogy as the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra performs the complete Academy Award-winning score live to the film.
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3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎨 |
Flight Paths Art Exhibit by Sterling Komant: A solo exhibition featuring the intricate and evocative works of Sterling Komant. Explore themes of movement and perspective through these visual art pieces.
Materialists Screening & Discussion: Watch a screening of Celine Song’s latest romantic comedy, Materialists, followed by a community-led discussion at the downtown library's theater.
Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) - Free Admission Times: Explore three floors of contemporary and historical art. While regular admission is paid, the AGA often hosts free access for students or specific evening time slots (check their site for the "Free Thursday" updates for 2026).
Teen Manga Club: A gathering for fans of Japanese graphic novels. Chat about your favorite series, discover new titles, and connect with other manga enthusiasts in a relaxed setting.
Nabe Gduzahan: The Work of Eugene Alexis: An exhibition showcasing the powerful artistic contributions of Eugene Alexis, reflecting Indigenous culture and storytelling through visual media.
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Prehistoric Paradise at Muttart Conservatory: Step out of the cold and into a tropical pyramid filled with banana plants, bromeliads, and life-sized dinosaur sculptures. It’s an educational and warm escape for children and parents alike.
Busy Bodies Drop-in Playgroup: A high-energy active group for kids to develop physical literacy through games, music, and parachute play. Part of the session takes place outdoors to connect children with nature.
Drop-in Play Cafe & Toy Library: A perfect hangout for families with little ones (0-6). Parents can enjoy coffee and conversation while children explore a treasure trove of toys and make new friends.
Dinosaur Discussion with Gavin Bradley: Join paleontologist Gavin Bradley for a fascinating talk about the dinosaurs that once roamed Alberta. Great for kids who are budding scientists or dino-obsessed.
John Janzen Nature Centre Playzone: An indoor/outdoor hybrid experience where kids can learn about local ecology through interactive exhibits and then head outside to the pond to look for winter tracks.
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HKSA Asian Glow Winter 2026: A massive winter-themed party celebrating Asian culture with music, dancing, and high-energy vibes. It’s one of the most popular nightlife events in early January.
Edmonton Tech Wednesday: A popular networking event at a retro arcade bar. It's where the tech community meets for drinks, games, and casual conversation.
Swing 'n Skate at Churchill Square: While the skating happens all day, the evening transforms with DJ sets and live music, turning the ice rink and the City Hall plaza into a vibrant outdoor dance party.
Adults-Only Night at Muttart Conservatory: A sophisticated way to spend an evening. Explore the lush pyramids without the crowds, enjoy a cocktail, and experience the "Prehistoric Paradise" theme in a calm, mature atmosphere.
Trivia and Wing Night: A local favorite for a mid-week night out. Compete in trivia for prizes while enjoying food and drink specials in a lively pub atmosphere.
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Edmonton Oilers vs. Nashville Predators: Catch the excitement of NHL action as the Oilers take on the Predators at Rogers Place. A high-stakes game featuring some of the world's best hockey talent.
Golden Bears & Pandas Basketball vs. Saskatchewan Huskies: Support local university athletics. The U of A teams bring high-level competitive spirit and a great atmosphere for a fraction of the cost of pro sports.
Pandas Hockey vs. Red Deer Queens: Witness top-tier women's university hockey as the U of A Pandas battle their rivals in a fast-paced, physical match.
Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Seattle Thunderbirds: Cheer on the future stars of the NHL in the Western Hockey League. These games are family-friendly and offer the pro-arena experience at Rogers Place.
Drop-in Pickleball: Join the fastest-growing sport in North America. These sessions are open to all skill levels and are a great way to stay active indoors during the cold week.
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Community Coffee at Edmonton Unlimited: A casual morning gathering for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members to share ideas and connect over free coffee.
IndigiRise: Pitch Night and Networking: A networking event focused on supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs. Listen to pitches, offer feedback, and meet others in the local startup ecosystem.
Startup TNT Happy Hour: The weekly gathering for Edmonton’s tech and startup community. Founders, investors, and curious locals meet to chat in a low-pressure pub environment.
Friendly Fridays: New Year, New Opportunities: A networking event at the Research Park designed to foster collaboration and help professionals find new local opportunities in the new year.
Edmonton Language Meetup (ELM): A social gathering for people who want to practice a new language or share their native tongue with others while enjoying a drink or a walk.
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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. |
Going outdoors? | ||
This Week's Weather |
Edmonton Holiday Forecast Summary
It’s a classic winter "rollercoaster" week for Edmonton! We’re starting off with a deep freeze on Monday, but don't lose hope. Tuesday and Wednesday will bring a lovely mid-week reprieve with temperatures climbing near the freezing mark and some welcome sunshine. By the time the weekend approaches, the clouds return and things settle back into a standard, chilly Alberta winter rhythm.
📅 Monday, January 5, 2026 ☁️ Mostly Cloudy High: -14°C | Low: -17°C Summary: A frigid start to the week with very cold overnight temperatures. Expect mostly grey skies and a light breeze from the southwest.
📅 Tuesday, January 6, 2026 ⛅ Partly Sunny High: -0°C | Low: -9°C Summary: A significant warmup compared to Monday. We'll see some peeks of sunshine throughout the day with much more manageable temperatures for outdoor activities.
📅 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 ⛅ Partly Sunny High: -2°C | Low: -12°C Summary: The trend of mixed sun and cloud continues. While slightly cooler than Tuesday, it remains relatively mild for an Edmonton January with dry conditions.
📅 Thursday, January 8, 2026 ☁️ Mostly Cloudy High: -5°C | Low: -11°C Summary: Clouds thicken up again as temperatures begin to dip back down. It will feel noticeably nippier than the middle of the week, so keep the heavy coat handy.
📅 Friday, January 9, 2026 ☁️ Cloudy High: -6°C | Low: -7°C Summary: A grey end to the work week with overcast skies. There is a slight increase in the chance of flurries overnight as humidity levels rise.
Source: weather.gc.ca |
Also.. | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Buzz |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: A Hamlet (it is the largest hamlet in the world). |
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