Light snow today before a warming trend (finally) kicks in 🌤️ Edmonton will experience some light flurries and wet snow today, cool and near-zero temperatures…but spring seems to be right around the corner. More sun and steadily rising temps are expected through next week. By tomorrow and into the weekend, daytime highs could reach around 7–8°C, bringing a much more seasonal feel and a welcome relief from the lingering winter weather.

Whyte Ave’s scramble crosswalks are being removed 🚶‍♂️ More Whyte Ave news this week…the city plans to replace three diagonal crossings with traditional ones to help buses move faster along the corridor. The change is part of a broader transit push, with officials saying scrambles slow traffic due to longer signal cycles and contribute to delays on routes that already struggle with on-time performance.

🌎 There was a 4.5-magnitude earthquake just north of Edmonton Wednesday evening, with the epicentre located near Morinville. While slight shaking was reported in parts of the region (Gibbons, Legal and Bon Accord), there have been no reports of damage or injuries. Earthquakes of this size are relatively rare around Edmonton…I had no idea, personally, that they even occurred around here!

Edmontonians joined in on a historic moment yesterday as NASA’s Artemis II mission launched toward the Moon. There were several watch parties and celebrations around town marking Canada’s role in the mission. We have a Canadian astronaut onboard, Jeremy Hansen—the first non-American set to travel beyond low Earth orbit. The launch sparked excitement and pride across the country, including right here in Edmonton, as many tuned in to witness humanity’s courageous voyage into deep space. 🌝

Downtown Boston Pizza closes as dining patterns shift 🍕 One of the longest-running BP locations (106th/Jasper) has closed its doors for good, reflecting ongoing changes in how people move through the city’s core. More foot traffic is now concentrating around the Ice District and event-driven areas, with some nearby businesses seeing signs of recovery tied to games, shows, and a gradual return of office workers.

🆓 Smooth Sips: A Night of Live Jazz (Thursday, April 2nd): Head to Frank’s Pub on 99th street tonight for 7pm to enjoy a soulful evening of live jazz. It’s a great way to unwind on a Thursday night; free show, no cover charge!

🆓 Edmonton Poetry Festival (April 1–30) This month-long celebration kicks off with various free readings and “poetry on the fly” sessions across the city. Many events during the first week of April are held at local cafes and libraries by donation. Events schedule linked above and you can follow their instagram here!

🆓 25 year Celebration at The Bower (Saturday, April 4th - 8pm) For Those Who Know Saturdays are a staple in Edmonton’s house music scene built on decades of late nights, loyal crowds, and one dance floor that never stops moving. Expect a packed anniversary party with DJ Junior Brown leading the way; familiar faces, deep cuts, and classic energy you’ll want to be a part of!

🆓 Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market (April 4 & 5) Open every weekend—one of Edmonton’s most iconic spots just off Whyte Ave is packed with 100+ local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to handmade crafts. It runs year-round (Sat 8–3, Sun 11–3), making it an easy go-to for a slow weekend morning. 🥕

🎟️ The Price Is Right Live On-Stage (April 3, 8pm) “Come on down!” as the iconic game show hits the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for a live, interactive night of Plinko, prizes, and audience contestants. 🎤 It could be you up on that stage! Get your tickets here.

🎟️ Downtown Defrost (April 3–4): This annual outdoor dance party takes over Sir Winston Churchill Square. Check out their Instagram. Expect DJs, vibrant art installations, and a family-friendly atmosphere during the day. General + after hour tickets available here.

🎟️ Chris Hadfield: Reaching for the Stars (Saturday, April 4th) is coming to the Winspear Centre! The former astronaut and commander of the International Space Station brings stories, music, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in space. 👨‍🚀 It’s part talk, part performance, and a rare chance to hear from one of Canada’s most iconic explorers live on stage. Shows at 2pm and 7:30pm 👉 Click here for tickets.

🎟️ The PWHL Takeover Tour at Rogers Place (Tuesday, April 7th) Edmonton hosts a special showcase game this Tuesday at 7:30pm as the league brings its top talent to the city. Expect a fast, physical, and highly skilled matchup featuring some of the best women’s hockey players in the world, as the PWHL continues to grow its presence and give fans a closer look at the future of the game. Tickets for you here!

🎟️ Pours & Pages Book Club at Relish Bar (Wednesday, April 8th) 📚 This cozy, social night blends books, drinks, and good conversation as the group dives into Moon of the Turning Leaves (available at Magpie Books). Whether you’ve finished the book or just want to listen in, it’s a low-pressure way to meet new people, share thoughts, and enjoy a relaxed evening out. $15 tickets available here.

🎟️ NorthwestFilmFest (April 8-12) Starting on Wednesday at Metro Cinema, this long-running festival showcases a mix of local and international indie films, with a strong focus on documentaries and storytelling. Expect curated screenings, special events, and a chance to experience something a little different on the big screen! All-access passes + individual tickets! 👀

Photos with the Easter Bunny:

Spring Break at the Library | EPL branches across the city are hosting craft sessions, puppet shows, and educational programming now through Saturday!

Way of the Cross Procession: A reflective outdoor community walk through central Edmonton. Start time is 10am at 10821 96 Street; open to all.

Pro Coro Canada Good Friday Concert: A night of chamber music at All Saints Anglican Cathedral. 7:30pm - 9:30pm. Tickets available here.

Sugar Shack Experience (Chartier, Beaumont): Traditional French-Canadian Easter treats; bookings starting at 12:30 PM.

Breakfast with the Easter Rabbit: Morning sessions at Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm just north of the city in Bon Accord (tickets left for April 4 + 6).

Magrath Campus Easter Egg Hunt: A free community hunt on Ada Boulevard with prizes and games (12:00pm – 3:30pm).

Massive Easter Eggstravaganza: Hosted by West Meadows Baptist Church, featuring family games, face painting, 15,000 eggs and more! 11am - 2pm.

Easter at the Muttart: The conservatory hosts a scavenger hunt, petting zoo, and crafts among the pyramids (12pm – 4pm; booking recommended).

Millhurst Community League Hunt: Egg hunt games and treat bags for kids aged 3–13. Registration is $2 and you can sign up here.

Farmer & Daughter Toy Shop Hunt: Meet the Easter Bunny and characters like Anna of Arendelle while hunting for eggs in-store! More info.

Giant Easter Egg Hunt (Sherwood Park): Over 100,000 chocolate eggs, bouncy castles, local food trucks, all free at Emerald Hills Sports Pavilion.

Lendrum Community League Hunt: A neighbourhood hunt for local families from 10am – 11am. Bring your own basket!

Dip Dye Easter Egg Workshop: A hands-on creative session at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse on 118th Ave. $10/person, $32/family.

Griesbach Easter Egg Hunt: A community favourite held at Maple Leaf Pond (10:30am – 12:30pm).

Sherbrooke Community League: Easter crafts and egg hunt at the community hall from 11am to 2pm.

Calder Community Hunt: Free community egg hunt and face painter at Keyano Park from 12pm – 2pm.

Queen Mary’s Market Scavenger Hunt: Search for hidden bunnies throughout the market to win prizes! From 12pm to 4pm!

John Walter Museum Easter Egg Hunt: An old-fashioned egg hunt in the River Valley with live music, heritage games, and crafts (10:30am – 4:00pm).

Jurassic World by Brickman®: At the TELUS World of Science—massive blockbuster exhibition features life-sized dinosaurs, scenes, and props built from over 6 million LEGO® bricks. Last day of the exhibit!

The day Edmonton City Hall turned into a boxing ring 🥊
Edmonton politics has had its moments of drama, but few can top this one: in 1914, a bitter feud between Mayor William McNamara and Alderman Joe Clarke erupted during a city council meeting and ended in an actual fistfight.

Forgotten Edmonton details the clash and how it started in the council chambers before spilling into the street. Desks were shoved, punches were thrown, blood was drawn, and stunned bystanders gathered outside to watch.

Was it just testosterone-fueled nonsense? No. It’s about much more than two politicians losing their tempers. Beneath the chaos was a deeper battle over policing, labour, morality, and who got to shape a fast-growing Edmonton at a moment when the city was changing quickly.

It’s messy, strange, and a reminder that our local history is often more entertaining than it gets credit for.

For more stories like this 👉 follow the incredible work done by Dane Ryksen of Forgotten Edmonton.

Stopgap Coffee 📍 9749 111 St NW
After celebrating their four year anniversary just a couple weeks ago, Stopgap continues to quietly be one of Edmonton’s best-kept spots for slow, life-savouring sips of brew.

This cozy, community-first café tucked inside a historic Oliver home is known for its intentional service and welcoming, living-room feel. It’s the kind of place built for conversation, connection, and, of course, really good coffee!

Owners Caleb and Stephanie would love to see you.
Visit them this weekend or next week. ❤️