Good Morning, Edmonton! 🌞

Has anyone else noticed the leaves starting to change colours? It’s a bit concerning…summer is set to leave us all too soon.

Country music makes it’s way downtown this week with the kickoff of Boots and Hearts! Alberta Day at the legislature grounds on Sunday is sure to be great family fair, and there’s free climbing at all Rock Jungle gyms tomorrow!

Hope it has been a fantastic week for you. Enjoy this week’s River City Lights.

—Eric

ERA Invests $15.7M in Edmonton Tech Projects 💡 Emissions Reduction Alberta is investing $15.7 million into five Edmonton technology projects focused on hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable construction materials. If successful, the projects are expected to reduce emissions, create more than 500 person-years of employment, and contribute $81 million to Alberta’s GDP.

Hope Mission Shelter Approved 🏘️ Edmonton city council has approved Hope Mission’s new 120-bed, 24/7 homeless shelter in southeast Edmonton near Argyll Road. Supporters say the project will help meet growing demand and reduce pressure on downtown services, while some nearby businesses and residents remain concerned about safety and crime.

Killarney Students Temporarily Relocating 🏫 Some Killarney School students will start the school year at Hardisty School after a July storm damaged the roof and flooded parts of the north Edmonton junior high. Grade 8 students, including Opportunity and English as an Additional Language classes, will be bused between the two schools at no cost until repairs are complete.

Kingsway Mall Under New Ownership 🛍️ Kingsway Mall has been acquired by Montreal-based Westcliff Management Ltd., marking the company’s first expansion into Western Canada. Westcliff says it chose the 880,000-square-foot shopping centre because of its visibility, traffic, and long-term potential in Edmonton, with no major short-term changes planned.

Edmonton Teen Heads to Royal Winnipeg Ballet School 🩰 Edmonton dancer Brooke Wicks is taking a big step toward her dream after earning a spot in the professional division at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. The 13-year-old will move to Winnipeg to start Grade 9 while training at one of Canada’s top ballet academies. Congratulations Brooke!

🆓 Lunar Eclipse Viewing (August 27) 🌕 The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada hosts free telescope viewing at the RASC Observatory outside TELUS World of Science for this week’s partial lunar eclipse. Viewing starts at 8:30 PM, with the eclipse reaching its maximum around 10:12 PM, when roughly 93% of the Moon will be covered from Edmonton’s perspective.

🆓 Free Night at the Art Gallery of Alberta (August 27) 🖼️ The Art Gallery of Alberta’s monthly last-Thursday promotion gives everyone free gallery admission from 4–7 PM. Current exhibitions include Wallflower, Sports! The Art of Competing, Nothing Is Lost, Only Held, and more.

🆓 Free Climb Day (August 28) 🧗 Rock Jungle is opening all three Edmonton climbing gyms — Factory Climbing, Boulders, and Niche — for free, including equipment rentals. No membership is required, drop-ins are welcome, and beginners are encouraged to try it out; participants must be at least five and sign a waiver!

🆓 Hong Kong Carnival (August 29) 🇭🇰 Hawrelak Park hosts a free, family-friendly celebration with Hong Kong street-food vendors, Canto-pop music, a magic show, cultural exhibits, nostalgic games, kids crafts, and more. It runs from 3:30–6:30 PM at Shelter 3.

🆓 Alberta Day (August 30) 🌲 The Alberta Legislature Grounds host one of the biggest free events of the week, with two stages of live music and cultural performances, a kids zone, Indigenous programming, a marketplace, petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides, Legislature tours, and more. Country artist Jake Mathews headlines the celebration, followed by a 9 PM drone show.

🎟️ Korolova (August 28) 🎧 Ukrainian DJ and producer Korolova brings a late-night melodic house and techno set to Midway Music Hall. She has released music through labels including Tomorrowland Music and Armada, and has supported artists like David Guetta and Armin van Buuren. Tickets available here.

🎟️ Boots and Hearts West (August 28–29) 🤠 Boots and Hearts makes its first-ever Edmonton stop at Fan Park in ICE District with two days of country music. Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Midland, Max McNown, Tyler Joe Miller, Travis Denning, and more are part of the lineup, with gates opening at 3 PM both days. Get your tickets here.

🎟️ Monster Jam (August 29–30) 🛻 Eight 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks take over Rogers Place for racing, two-wheel skills, and freestyle competitions. The Edmonton weekend also includes the Canadian track debut of the new Bailey Circuit truck, alongside Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Earth Shaker, and more. Grab your tickets here.

🎟️ Mural & Food Tour: 124 Street (August 30) 🎨 Linda Hoang leads a 2.5-hour walk through 124 Street, combining neighbourhood murals and artist stories with food from at least three local businesses. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday evening and a great pick for anyone who likes art, food, and local stories in one outing. Get your tickets here.

🎟️ Mean Girls at the Capitol (September 1) 🎬 Fort Edmonton Park closes out summer with a screening of Mean Girls inside the historic Capitol Theatre. Seating is first come, first served, with concessions available before the movie and during intermission. Tickets available here.

The Story Behind Alberta Day 🌲

With Alberta Day taking over the Legislature Grounds this week, it’s worth looking back at why September 1 matters in the first place.

Alberta officially became a province on September 1, 1905, when it joined Confederation alongside Saskatchewan. More than a century later, Alberta Day has become a chance to mark that history with music, food, cultural programming, family activities, and public celebrations across the province.

In Edmonton, the Legislature Grounds make the whole thing feel especially fitting. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable civic spaces: a place for ceremonies, gatherings, festivals, photos, and summer wandering.

This year, Alberta Day brings that all together with live performances, a marketplace, kids activities, Legislature tours, and a 9 PM drone show lighting up the sky. 💛

Funwax Candle-Making Workshop 🕯️ 10402 118 Ave NW

Funwax is a hands-on candle-making workshop on 118 Avenue where you can turn a regular night out into something a little more creative! Each class walks you through the process of making your own candles and scent melts, with wax, scents, dyes, moulds, jars, wicks, and supplies included.

It’s a fun option for date nights, friend nights, birthdays, solo creative time, or anyone who wants to do something that isn’t just dinner, drinks, or another movie. The classes are beginner-friendly, guided step-by-step, and you get to leave with something you actually made.

Book a workshop, pick your scents, and follow along for upcoming class times and creative night-out ideas. 👇

📸 @funwaxcanada
📍 10402 118 Ave NW
🕒 Workshop times vary; check their schedule before visiting