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Hey Edmonton!

Its another Thursday!

In this issue - 'A new chapter for Children's Health'

Also,  a great selection of 'Things to do this weekend'. :)

Lets get to it!

A long-awaited decision has been made for Edmonton families.

The new, stand-alone Stollery Children's Hospital will be built on undeveloped land at the University of Alberta's South Campus, near 122 Street and 51 Avenue.

This landmark project will create a world-class pediatric facility, finally ending the significant space constraints of the current 'hospital within a hospital'.

The new building is being designed specifically for children and their families, promising more beds, private rooms, and integrated mental health services.

The Stollery serves a massive region, with many patients coming from across Western Canada and the territories.

Functional planning is scheduled to conclude in 2026, with a construction timeline to follow.

The Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation is supporting the vision with an ambitious fundraising campaign.

Once the move is complete, the vacated space will be repurposed to expand adult acute care services, benefiting the entire city.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Winter Whyte Light Up:

Old Strathcona’s annual holiday kick-off event where the community gathers to illuminate McIntyre Park and the surrounding street. Features festive lights, live performances, cultural experiences, and ice carving demonstrations. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Location: Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park, 8331 104 St NW

Cost: Free admission Click for details

ETS Stuff a Bus for Edmonton's Food Bank:

A great way to engage with the community and support a good cause. Drop off non-perishable food or monetary donations at various Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) locations to help fill a bus for those in need. Date: Ends Saturday, November 30, 2025

Location: Various ETS locations

Cost: Free to attend (donation encouraged) Click for details

Explore the River Valley Trails:

Take advantage of North America's largest stretch of urban parkland. Enjoy a free walk, jog, or bike ride along the extensive network of maintained trails in the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: North Saskatchewan River Valley (various access points, e.g., Victoria Park)

Cost: Free Click for details

Zoominescence, Festival of Light:

The Edmonton Valley Zoo transforms into a magical nighttime exhibition featuring artistic light installations and custom local art pieces. It's a unique outdoor spectacle celebrating the season. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo

Cost: Paid admission Click for details

Walk the Alberta Legislature Grounds:

Stroll around the beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture of the Legislature Building and the surrounding landscaped areas for a picturesque, history-filled outdoor experience. The grounds are often beautifully lit in late November. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Alberta Legislature Building Grounds, 10800 97 Ave NW

Cost: Free Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

The Tea Party / Headstones / Finger Eleven Concert:

Three iconic Canadian rock bands unite for a landmark joint tour, bringing their collective energy and massive hits to the stage. Date: Friday, November 28, 2025

Location: Rogers Place

Cost: Paid Click for details

Papa Roach: Concert:

American rock band Papa Roach takes the stage for a high-energy performance of their rock anthems. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Location: Rogers Place

Cost: Paid Click for details

A Christmas Carol:

The Citadel Theatre presents David van Belle's theatrical interpretation of Charles Dickens' timeless tale of redemption and holiday spirit, a seasonal favourite. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Citadel Theatre

Cost: Paid Click for details

80s Silent Disco at Art Gallery of Alberta:

The Art Gallery of Alberta transforms into a dazzling 80s dance party where you tune into one of three top DJs on LED headphones, dancing under the stunning illuminated surroundings. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 (7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.)

Location: Art Gallery of Alberta

Cost: Paid Click for details

Theatresports at Rapidfire Theatre:

Catch a high-energy evening of improvised comedy and theatre games by one of Edmonton's long-running improv groups. Always an unpredictable and fun night out. Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 (9:30 PM)

Location: Rapidfire Theatre

Cost: Paid Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Free Winter Celebration:

A free community event at a unique historical site and museum, featuring storytelling, crafts, music, and seasonal food, highlighting local history and heritage. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 (2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Location: Historic McKay Avenue School Archives & Museum

Cost: Free Click for details

Edmonton Christmas Market:

A large holiday market featuring local vendors, food, entertainment, and a festive atmosphere, perfect for browsing local crafts and goods in a historic setting. Date: Friday, November 29 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Fort Edmonton Park

Cost: Paid admission Click for details

OddBird Art & Craft Fair:

Edmonton’s quirky indie art market, featuring over 100 talented local artists and craftspeople. Find unique items like ceramics, indie literature, intricate beadwork, and art prints. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre

Cost: Paid admission (check link for details) Click for details

Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) Free Entry (Last Thursday):

While the weekend is paid, the AGA often offers free admission during a specific window on the last Thursday of the month, making it a great free cultural option nearby. Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Closest free entry day)

Location: Art Gallery of Alberta

Cost: Free Click for details

University of Alberta Museums:

Explore a diverse collection of university museums, many of which offer free admission to their exhibits on subjects ranging from science and natural history to art and cultural collections. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: University of Alberta (various locations)

Cost: Free Click for details

Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a Teddy Bear Ornament:

A hands-on, do-it-yourself workshop where children can build and decorate a festive wooden craft project. Free kits are available while supplies last. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Location: Various Home Depot Locations

Cost: Free Click for details

City of Edmonton Play Rangers:

Free drop-in outdoor recreational programming for children and families, who want to enjoy fun activities like shelter building, disc golf, and classic outdoor games in the River Valley Parks. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Location: Various North East River Valley Park locations

Cost: Free Click for details

Winter Whyte Light Up:

A perfect family-friendly event to kick off the holidays. Enjoy complimentary activities, street entertainment, ice carving, and the lighting of the festive display. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Location: Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park, 8331 104 St NW

Cost: Free Click for details

A Kidsmas Carole:

A delightful, family-friendly twist on the holiday classic A Christmas Carol. This child-friendly adaptation involves interactive elements and age-appropriate humour. Date: Saturday, November 29 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton Park

Cost: Paid (approx. $15.45) Click for details

Cineplex Family Favourites:

A screening of a family-friendly film at a discounted price on Saturday mornings. The title changes weekly, offering a low-cost cinema experience. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Location: Various Cineplex Theatres

Cost: Paid (Low Cost, approx. $3.99) Click for details

Edmonton In My Feelings R&B Party:

A popular R&B music party, described as a "Cuddle Szn Edition," providing a late-night atmosphere for dancing and socializing. Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 (10:00 PM)

Location: Central Social Hall, 10909 Jasper Ave

Cost: Free (check details for ticket requirements) Click for details

Brick & Bar (18+):

An adults-only evening event at the science centre. Enjoy the feature exhibition (likely LEGO-themed) with no kids allowed, explore the exhibits, and grab a licensed drink. Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Location: TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Cost: Paid Click for details

80s Silent Disco at Art Gallery of Alberta:

A unique social event where the Art Gallery is transformed into a late-night dance party. Attendees wear wireless headphones and switch between three live DJs. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 (7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.)

Location: Art Gallery of Alberta

Cost: Paid Click for details

Candy Cane Cabaret: Holiday Burlesque Show (18+):

A cheeky holiday variety performance featuring burlesque, musical numbers, and comedy with a festive twist. Includes admission to the Christmas Market. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 (6:00 PM)

Location: Capitol Theatre, Fort Edmonton Park

Cost: Paid ($32.68) Click for details

Theatresports at Rapidfire Theatre:

Catch a late-night, high-energy improvised comedy show. This is one of Edmonton's longest-running and most popular improv shows. Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 (9:30 PM)

Location: Rapidfire Theatre

Cost: Paid Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Saskatoon Blades (WHL):

Catch live Western Hockey League (WHL) action as the Edmonton Oil Kings face off against the Saskatoon Blades on home ice. Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025 (4:00 p.m.)

Location: Rogers Place

Cost: Paid (tickets start at $22) Click for details

Free Public Skating at ICE District Rink:

Enjoy a free skate at the outdoor ICE District Rink in the heart of downtown. Note: No staff are monitoring, so skate at your own risk. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025 (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)

Location: ICE District Skating Rink

Cost: Free Click for details

Free Public Skating (City Arenas):

Many City of Edmonton arenas offer free public skate times, providing a great opportunity for free, active fun for all ages. Check the schedule for confirmed times. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Various City of Edmonton Arenas

Cost: Free Click for details

Outdoor Disc Golf:

Play a round of disc golf at a public course. It is free to use the course if you bring your own discs, offering a fun outdoor sport. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Various City Parks (e.g., Rundle Park, Victoria Park)

Cost: Free Click for details

University of Alberta Golden Bears & Pandas:

Check the U of A Athletics schedule for potential varsity games (e.g., basketball, volleyball, or hockey) happening on campus this weekend. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: University of Alberta (various venues)

Cost: Paid (usually low cost) Click for details

Irrational Cabaret Pint of Science: Distilling the Unfiltered Truth:

A social event at a local brewery featuring an expert panel from the U of A and industry discussing science topics (e.g., vaccine misinformation) in a casual, pub setting. Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 (7:30 PM – 9:00 PM)

Location: Irrational Brewing Company, 10643 124 Street

Cost: Paid ($25.83) Click for details

Edmonton In My Feelings R&B Party:

A free-flowing social event centered around R&B music, providing an easy opportunity to meet others who enjoy the same music and nightlife scene. Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 (10:00 PM)

Location: Central Social Hall, 10909 Jasper Ave

Cost: Free (check details for ticket requirements) Click for details

UCP Annual General Meeting (AGM):

A large political gathering and official meeting for members of the United Conservative Party, bringing together delegates from across the province. Date: Friday, November 28 – Sunday, November 30, 2025

Location: Edmonton Expo Centre

Cost: Paid (for registered delegates/members) Click for details

Community Tai-Chi and Dance Classes:

Drop-in group classes focused on wellness and movement held at City Hall, offering a chance to meet others in a low-pressure social setting. Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 (check morning/afternoon schedule)

Location: City Hall

Cost: Free Click for details

Old Strathcona Farmers Market:

A popular indoor gathering spot every Saturday, providing a communal atmosphere for meeting up with friends and chatting with local vendors. Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

Location: Old Strathcona Farmers Market

Cost: Free to enter 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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