Good Morning, Edmonton! ☀️

Is spring officially here?! It certainly seems so. I know you’re not convinced just yet (justified), but I’m optimistic that the sunshine is here to stay.

Hope you had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a must-win Oilers game tonight, a beautiful warm weekend, and (of course) reading this edition of River City Lights!

Have a fantastic Thursday. Thanks so much for being here.

Enjoy!

—Eric

Today’s Edition:

  • ☀️ River valley season (and patio hopping) is officially on

  • 🏒 Oilers face a must-win Game 6 tonight

  • 🆓 Powwows, festivals & farmers’ markets this weekend

  • 🌉 Edmonton once had a 64m waterfall pouring off the High Level

  • 🍬 Be-a-Bella is a feel-good east side shop inspired by a beloved pup

This Week In YEG

  • Faster highway speeds are getting a test run 🚗 Alberta has launched a pilot project raising the limit to 120 km/h on a roughly 22-km stretch of Highway 2 (QEII) just south of Edmonton near Leduc, the fastest in the province. Officials say modern vehicles and road design can support it, while monitoring safety, traffic flow, and driver behaviour; the move has strong public backing but some experts warn it could increase risk. If results are positive, it could open the door for higher speed limits on other major highways across Alberta.

Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen announcing the speed limit pilot project on Wednesday. | Photo: CBC

  • Mandatory life jackets on the North Saskatchewan 🦺 The City of Edmonton is reminding river users that wearing a lifejacket is now mandatory on the river. This season, enforcement is ramping up, with fines around $250 for anyone not wearing one. The rule applies to basically anything that floats (even tubes and paddleboards), and comes after a surge in river use and a rise in rescues last year.

You can get them at Canadian tire for about $30! | Photo: Global News

  • Peacocks recovered safe after heist! RCMP were briefly on the hunt after a pickup truck stolen west of Edmonton turned into a very unusual case — it had two crated peacocks inside when it was taken — but thanks to tips from the public, the birds (Pete and Hilda) were found safe near Highway 16 and returned to their owners. The truck itself is still missing, however, and police are continuing to investigate how exactly the birds ended up along the roadside. 🦚

Pete and Hilda have been returned to their rightful owners! | Photo: Global News

I want everyone to channel their inner Zach Hyman energy during the game tonight! | Photo: Edmonton Journal

  • AI literacy is becoming the new must-have skill 🤖 More than 300 Edmonton students gathered at a recent AI conference to learn how to actually use tools like ChatGPT responsibly, as opposed to just relying on them. Educators emphasized that the goal isn’t replacing thinking, but enhancing it, as AI becomes unavoidable in future careers.

The second Student Artificial Intelligence Conference at the Fantasyland Hotel that took place yesterday. | Photo: Edmonton Journal

Free Things To Do

  • 🆓 Jabulani Arts Festival at The Roxy (April 30 - May 3) The Jabulani Arts Festival runs today through Sunday at The Roxy Theatre, celebrating African, Caribbean, and Black culture through music, dance, theatre, and art. 🎨 Expect live performances, workshops, and a vibrant, all-ages atmosphere focused on community and connection!

  • 🆓 Enoch Cree Nation Traditional Powwow (May 2-3) Enoch Cree Nation is hosting the maskêkosihk Traditional Powwow this weekend at River Cree Resort and Casino. 🪶 A powerful weekend of culture, community, and celebration. Drum groups, dancers, intertribal dances, and vibrant performances, with Grand Entry at 12pm (plus 6pm Saturday). Free to attend and open to all.

Feel the drums, see the colours, and experience the energy of the powwow come to life this weekend! | Photo: Enoch Cree Nation

  • 🆓 Callingwood Farmers’ Market season kickoff (Sunday, May 3rd) The Callingwood Farmers' Market opens its 2026 Sunday season on May 3rd (10AM–3PM) with 120+ local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. 🛍️ Early birds score perks too…free bags, Market Bucks, and hourly giveaways! This is one of the best ways to kick off spring in the city!

It’s looking like a beautiful weekend to get out and support local vendors! | Photo: Callingwood Farmers’ Market

  • 🆓 Perfect week to hit the River Valley 🌤️ With warm temps and sunshine finally sticking around this week, it’s the ideal time to get out and explore our gorgeous River Valley. Whether it’s a walk, bike ride, or just finding a quiet spot by the water, this is peak “why we live here” season! Don’t waste it indoors!

Footbridge at Terwillegar Park, one of my favourite places to run the trails. | Photo: City of Edmonton

Paid Events You’ll Love

  • 🎟️ Miles, Monk & more at the Yardbird (Friday, May 1st) A night of jazz classics lands at Yardbird Suite with Miles, Monk n’ More 🎷 a celebration of the legendary sounds of Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. Expect an intimate, live set at 7pm in one of the city’s most iconic venues, known for showcasing top local and international jazz talent in a cozy, up-close setting. Tickets for you!

Led by frequent collaborators Ryan Simmons and Tony Flanagan tomorrow night at the Yardbird! | Photo: Yardbird Suite

  • 🎟️ Dinner & a show: Let It Be Beatles (Until June 14th) Jubilations Dinner Theatre is bringing Let It Be Beatles to the stage through June 14 — a high-energy musical comedy packed with all the hits from the Fab Four. Expect live performances, laughs, and a full multi-course dinner served throughout the show for a full night out experience. Tickets!

Experience live entertainment while enjoying a tasty dinner menu! | Photo: Global News

  • 🎟️ Brahms’ German Requiem (Saturday, May 2nd) The Cosmopolitan Music Society joins Chorus Inspira and the Concordia Symphony Orchestra for a live performance of Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem. This sweeping choral masterpiece is known for its emotional depth and focus on comfort and reflection. Expect a full orchestra, mass choir, and soloists in what’s set to be a moving, large-scale concert experience.

Performed live in all its depth and emotion, come out for a wonderful evening of composition. | Photo: Cosmopolitan Music Society

  • 🎟️ Cyrano de Bergerac at the Citadel (May 2-24) A bold new take on Cyrano de Bergerac runs May 2–24 at Citadel Theatre. A story that blends sharp wit, sword fights, and romance into a fresh retelling of the classic story. Expect humour, heartbreak, and a powerful look at identity and vulnerability in this large-scale mainstage production. Tickets!

I love The Citadel…and this is one I’ll definitely be checking out! | Photo: The Citadel Theatre

  • 🎟️ Karan Aujla hits Rogers Place (Tuesday, May 5th) Punjabi superstar Karan Aujla brings his P-Pop Culture Tour to Rogers Place on May 5 at 8PM. 🎤 Expect a high-energy show packed with hits and a mix of Punjabi beats and hip-hop—one of the biggest global acts coming through the city this spring. Tickets!

Massive international act coming through Rogers next week. | Photo: Ticketmaster

  • 🎟️ Penguins: A Love Story in IMAX 3D (Now Playing) Featuring now at the TELUS World of Science, this heartwarming IMAX 3D film follows penguin families from South Africa to Australia. It’s a mix of adorable moments and real-life survival stories, with a focus on love, resilience, and the wild places they call home. Get your showtime tickets here!

Take in the love lives of everyone’s favourite seabird! I’m not sure what will be popping out at you in 3D…I’m not responsible for anything obscene… | Photo: TELUS World of Science

Next Week Notables

  • 🎭 Student Spotlight: Tick, Tick…BOOM! at Eastglen High School
    Eastglen High School’s musical theatre students are bringing Tick, Tick…BOOM! to the stage May 7–9. This high-energy show follows an aspiring composer racing against time to chase his dreams. Tickets range from about $6–$27, making it an easy, local night out while supporting young artists!

    Even better 👉 every dollar raised goes directly back into Eastglen’s performing and visual arts programs, helping students continue to create and perform.

    Get your tickets and support these young creatives!

Support up and coming artists in Edmonton next week! | Photo: Eastglen High School

Worth Your Time

When 50,000 Litres a Minute Fell Off the High Level

It sounds made up, but for 25 years, Edmonton had a massive man-made waterfall flowing off the High Level Bridge. Known as the Great Divide Waterfall, it debuted in 1980 to celebrate Alberta’s 75th birthday—shooting 50,000 litres of water per minute off the bridge and into the North Saskatchewan River below.

The Great Divide waterfall operating on July 1, 2004. | Photo: Edmonton Journal

At 64 metres tall, it was actually higher than Niagara Falls, creating rainbows on sunny days and drenching anyone lucky (or unlucky) enough to pass underneath.

It became a summer ritual. Running on long weekends, lighting up the skyline during Canada Day fireworks, and turning the river valley into something that felt even more surreal. But behind the spectacle was a catch: it cost thousands of dollars per hour to run, and eventually raised environmental concerns about pumping treated water back into the river.

By 2009, the taps were shut off for good. Today, the pipes are still up there on the bridge…quietly sitting above the city as a reminder of one of Edmonton’s unusual and most memorable landmarks.

Photo: Edmonton Economic Development Corporation

Local Finds

Be-a-Bella Candy & Gifts 📍 6510 112 ave

Tucked away in the city’s east side, Be-a-Bella is one of those places that just feels different the moment you walk in. Opened in 2014 by Kathy and Nigel Prosser, the boutique was inspired by Bella, their late basset hound known for chasing leaves, smelling flowers, and living fully in the little moments. 🌸

The playful storefront of Be-a-Bella. Visit them this weekend! | Photo: Be-a-Bella

That spirit carries through everything here, from the warm atmosphere to the thoughtfully curated mix of gifts, candy, home goods, and everyday finds.

It’s the kind of spot you wander into “just to look” and leave with something you didn’t know you needed! More than anything, it’s a reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things—exactly the way Bella did.

Follow them here 👇 and visit this weekend!

📸 @hellobeabella
🕒 Tue to Fri 11am - 6pm | Sat 10am - 5pm | Sun 12pm to 4pm | Mon Closed

Bella. | Photo: Be-a-Bella

Before You Go…

Thanks for reading this week, Edmonton. Back next Thursday with everything you need to stay in the loop in our beautiful city!

Enjoy the sunshine, and go Oilers!

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