Rather read from our website? Click here

In 1967, the town of St. Paul (northeast of Edmonton) built the world’s first what?

Happy Thursday! 🥂

A facelift is coming to the Butter dome!

Lets get to it.

The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝

The University of Alberta’s beloved Butterdome is embarking on a $27 million renovation to address ageing infrastructure and safety concerns.

Known for its distinctive yellow façade and role as a community hub since 1983, the pavilion will receive upgrades to its roof, exterior panels, and lighting.

New solar panels and energy-efficient features will boost sustainability and help curb the facility’s carbon footprint.

Design updates include enhanced accessibility, windows for more natural light, and colourful elements that showcase university spirit by blending yellow and green.

A dramatic lighting feature, inspired by the North Saskatchewan River, will illuminate the campus at night and celebrate the site’s connection to the city’s landscape.

Renovations are set for completion by fall 2027, with efforts underway to minimize disruptions, ensuring the Butterdome remains a treasured venue for sports, events, and community gatherings.

1. Outdoor and Nature

City Hall Plaza Skating: Enjoy free outdoor skating in the heart of downtown. Fire pits are often lit nearby to help skaters warm up between laps. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Free (Rentals available for a fee) Click for details

Chiseled: International Ice Carving Display: Walk through the ICE District to view massive, intricate ice sculptures created by world-class artists. The sculptures are lit up beautifully at night. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: ICE District Plaza Cost: Free Click for details

Snowshoeing at Rundle Park: Explore the river valley on dedicated snowshoe trails. It’s a peaceful way to see the city’s winter landscape while getting some exercise. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: Rundle Park Cost: Free Click for details

Alberta Legislature Grounds Walk: The "Legislature Lights" remain on through late January, offering a stunning evening walk through thousands of LED-lit trees. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: 10800 97 Ave NW Cost: Free Click for details

Elk Island Stargazing: Just a short drive east of the city, this Dark Sky Preserve offers unparalleled views of the winter stars and potential Northern Lights. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: Elk Island National Park Cost: Park admission fee applies Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Winterruption YEG: Music & Comedy: A massive multi-venue festival featuring over 30 artists. While many shows are ticketed, there are often community "pop-up" stages. Date: Jan 21–25 Location: Various Downtown Venues Cost: $17+ (Some free elements) Click for details

The Shoresy Classic: Based on the hit TV show, this live hockey-themed comedy and sports event brings the "Sudbury Blueberry Bulldogs" energy to Edmonton. Date: Jan 23 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid ($48+) Click for details

Death of a Salesman: A powerful staging of Arthur Miller's classic play. A must-see for fans of high-quality, local professional theatre. Date: Jan 24–25 Location: Citadel Theatre Cost: Paid Click for details

Illuminature at Muttart Conservatory: An immersive evening featuring local DJs, custom light visuals, and movement performances inside the glass pyramids. Date: Jan 23 Location: Muttart Conservatory Cost: Paid Click for details

Kino Confidential Film Screening: A curated night for film buffs featuring rare or underground screenings followed by a community discussion. Date: Jan 25 Location: Metro Cinema Cost: Paid Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Art Gallery of Alberta - Free Admission for Youth: Explore world-class exhibitions including "Tied Together," an art adventure focusing on family and community collaboration. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Free for minors and students Click for details

CAVA Wool Painting Workshop: Learn the unique artistic technique of "painting" with textured wool to create a soft, colorful fabric masterpiece. Date: Jan 23 Location: Galerie CAVA Cost: Paid Click for details

Indigenous Art: Nabe Gduzahan Exhibit: A powerful showcase of the work of Eugene Alexis, exploring Indigenous history and storytelling through visual art. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: Art Gallery of Alberta Cost: Paid (Free for youth) Click for details

Flight Paths Solo Art Exhibit: Artist Sterling Komant explores the dynamics and intricate details of aviation through this unique solo exhibition. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: Wild Skies Art Gallery Cost: Free admission Click for details

Swing 'n Skate: A community cultural staple. Enjoy live big band music inside City Hall and join the free swing dance lessons. Date: Jan 25 Location: City Hall North Lobby Cost: Free Click for details

Annual Family Literacy Day Carnival: A celebration of reading with games, storytime, and interactive literacy activities for all ages. Date: Jan 25 Location: 10910 104 Ave NW Cost: Free Click for details

International LEGO Day at the Science Centre: Interactive building stations, LEGO-themed science demos, and creative challenges for the whole family. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: TELUS World of Science Cost: Paid Click for details

Family Movie Night at VantagePoint: A cozy, community-run movie night featuring family-friendly classics with snacks provided. Date: Jan 23 Location: VantagePoint Community Center Cost: Free/Low Cost Click for details

CFDE Game & Leadership Workshop: A fun afternoon of challenges designed to build problem-solving and teamwork skills for children in a safe environment. Date: Jan 24 Location: 11515 71 St NW Cost: Free (Registration required) Click for details

Ice Castles at the ICE District: Step into a winter wonderland of frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, and slide towers lit with LEDs. Date: Jan 23–25 Location: ICE District Cost: Paid Click for details

Thumpasaurus w/ Purple City Disco: High-energy funk and heavy grooves. Part of the Winterruption YEG festival—expect a packed dance floor. Date: Jan 23 Location: The Starlite Room Cost: Paid Click for details

Shad & Open Mike Eagle: A must-see for hip-hop fans. Two acclaimed lyricists take the stage for an intimate, high-vibe performance. Date: Jan 24 Location: The Starlite Room Cost: Paid Click for details

YEG Takeover: Top 3 DJs: A massive dance party featuring the city's top-rated electronic and house DJs. Date: Jan 23 Location: The Whyte Owl Cost: Paid Click for details

KUTHU Dance Workshop: An evening workshop focusing on the high-energy South Indian folk dance style, followed by a social dance session. Date: Jan 24 Location: Dr. Anne Anderson High School Cost: Paid Click for details

Sour Widows Live: Indie rock enthusiasts can catch this rising band for a late-night set as part of the winter festival circuit. Date: Jan 24 Location: The Starlite Room Cost: Paid Click for details

Free Skate with the Oil Kings: The highlight sports event of the week. Meet the players, get autographs, and skate alongside your local WHL heroes. Date: Jan 23 (5:00 PM) Location: Chappelle Gardens Cost: Free Click for details

MacEwan Griffins vs. Manitoba Bisons: Support local collegiate hockey as the MacEwan Men’s team takes on Manitoba in a high-stakes University match. Date: Jan 23 Location: Downtown Community Arena Cost: $0–$15 Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Saskatoon Blades: High-speed WHL action at the world-class Rogers Place arena. Great for families and die-hard hockey fans. Date: Jan 25 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid Click for details

Snow Valley Masters Slalom Race: Watch local ski legends and masters-level athletes compete in a high-speed slalom race right in the city. Date: Jan 25 Location: Snow Valley Ski Club Cost: Free for spectators Click for details

Realtors and Friends Poker Tourney: A competitive sports-entertainment event raising funds for the REALTORS® Community Foundation. Date: Jan 23 Location: Pure Casino Edmonton Cost: Paid (Registration required) Click for details

Straight Speed Dating (Ages 25–34): A curated evening for young professionals to meet in person. Hosted by Flare Events to ensure a comfortable vibe. Date: Jan 23 Location: Boxcar Coffeeshop Cost: Paid Click for details

Tech Leads Masterclass Meetup: A professional networking and learning session for software engineers and tech leads to discuss architectural trends for 2026. Date: Jan 23 Location: Startup Edmonton / Online Cost: Paid/Professional Click for details

Same, Same but Different: Reflecting & Reclaiming: A community meetup and discussion circle focused on shared cultural history and reclaiming narratives. Date: Jan 24 Location: NorQuest College (Singhmar Centre) Cost: Free/Low Cost Click for details

Keys, Keys, and More Keys! Workshop: A meetup for musicians and enthusiasts to explore keyboard techniques and synthesizers in a collaborative setting. Date: Jan 25 Location: The King's University Cost: Paid Click for details

Edmonton Public Library "English Circle": A weekly meetup for newcomers to practice English in a relaxed, friendly environment. Date: Jan 24 Location: Various EPL Branches Cost: Free Click for details

🍴 Food and Drink

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

Edmonton's War on Speed: Are the 40 km/h Speed Limit Reductions Actually Making Streets Safer?

UFO Landing Pad

Finally, this newsletter stays free thanks to local support. If ever you want to support our work with a small donation, click this LINK to do so. If you are a business who wishes to sponsor, just hit 'Reply' and let us know.

Thank you!