Good Morning, Edmonton! 🦌

Halloween is over so…Christmas is here? 🤔 Starting to feel that way! Holiday shopping is underway! Plus Farmfair, gaming, art, wine, theatre, wrestling, and even a drive-in classic…it’s all happening this week in river city!

We’ve also got a new Top 40 Under 40, a major High Level Bridge repair plan, and new direct flights to warm-weather destinations! I wish I could give one away to each and every one of you.

Speaking of you…I always love learning about my readers. Would you mind answering this anonymous poll? It helps me figure out how to better serve you going forward! 🙏

Stay warm, enjoy, and have a wonderful end to the week!

Enjoy this edition of River City Lights.

—Eric

Edify Reveals Edmonton’s 2026 Top 40 Under 40 🌟 Edify has announced its 2026 Top 40 Under 40, recognizing young Edmontonians making an impact across medicine, engineering, business, philanthropy, volunteerism, and community-building! Congratulations to all those selected!

Edmonton’s Draft Budget Proposes Four Years of Tax Increases 💰 City administration’s proposed 2027–2030 budget calls for annual property-tax increases in the 4–5% range while funding infrastructure renewal, maintenance, and major projects. For 2027, the median household’s property tax bill would rise by about 5.6%.

High Level Bridge Rehabilitation Moved Up to 2027 🌉 The City has accelerated rehabilitation of the High Level Bridge after summer storms caused erosion and landslides nearby. Vehicle access is expected to close during construction, while pedestrian access will be maintained when possible.

Jameson Pit Site Listed for $4 Million 🏗️ The long-vacant Jameson Pit site in Wîhkwêntôwin has been listed for $4 million. The excavated property already has approvals in place for a 22-storey development, giving the site another chance at redevelopment!

Porter Adds Four Warm-Weather Routes from Edmonton ✈️ Porter Airlines launched nonstop service from Edmonton to Puerto Vallarta on November 3 and will add flights to Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Cabos later this month! Some much needed destinations for when we’re all feeling sickly and anemic in a month or two.

🆓 Farmfair International (November 5–8) 🤠 The Edmonton EXPO Centre fills up with livestock shows, agricultural displays, family activities, shopping, food, and entertainment throughout the weekend. General admission is free!

🆓 Country Christmas Marketplace (November 6–8) 🎄 Halloween is over which means it’s time for CHRISTMAS! The Edmonton EXPO Centre hosts hundreds of exhibitors selling handcrafted goods, home décor, artisan products, food, and holiday gifts. Start your holiday shopping early!

🆓 Extra Life Edmonton Game Day (November 7) 🎮 West Edmonton Mall’s Ice Palace hosts a free family gaming event with a giant Nerf arena, Alberta Ghostbusters, the Stollery Kids Store, and so much more! Free to attend!

🆓 Downtown Belonging Series Celebration (November 7) 🎶 O-day’min Park hosts a free afternoon of live music, dance, storytelling, art stations, fitness activities, and community programming! Get out and enjoy the last of the fall weather!

🆓 Early Music Alberta Festival (November 6–8) 🎻 First Presbyterian Church hosts concerts, workshops, masterclasses, dance, and reading sessions throughout the weekend, with several events offered for free! Something for everyone!

Presented by our Official Arts Partner: NUOVA Vocal Arts

🎟️ Under $100 Art Show (November 5–8) 🎨 More than 100 artists showcase original work, with every piece priced at $100 or less. Discover something new, add to your collection, and make your home more beautiful! Check it out!

🎟️ Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival (November 6–7) 🍷 The Edmonton Convention Centre brings together more than 20 restaurants, hundreds of wines, Canadian-made beverages, spirits, seminars, and tastings. Tickets start around $30. Get your tickets!

🎟️ The Great Gatsby at Citadel Theatre (Through November 22) 🎭 Erin Shields’ stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic continues at the Citadel Theatre with a fresh take on the iconic story. Shows through November 22nd. See it before it closes!

🎟️ The Joy of Grappling at the Art Gallery of Alberta (November 7) 🤼 Love Pro Wrestling and the AGA combine wrestling, portraiture, performance, and sport in a one-off event. Tickets are around $40–$55. Grab your seats!

🎟️ Horizon Drive-In: Back to the Future (November 5) 🚗🎬 Watch Back to the Future from your car at Horizon Drive-In, with one ticket covering the whole vehicle! This is an amazing date idea for all you lovers! Make it a movie night!

Wild Prairie Soap Company 🧼 10345 69 Ave NW

Wild Prairie Soap Company has been making natural bath and body products in Edmonton for 25 years, with every bar of soap still handcrafted locally using the traditional cold-process method. Their signature soaps are made with 50% olive oil, cut and finished by hand, then cured for two weeks before they ever hit the shelf.

The storefront doubles as a flagship shop and refillery, with colourful soaps, lotions, shampoo and conditioner bars, bath products, lip balms, and seasonal collections made right here in the city.

If you like knowing exactly where your everyday products come from, this is a pretty great Edmonton-made business to have on your radar. 👇

📸 @wildprairiesoap
📍 10345 69 Ave NW
🕒 Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM; Sat 10 AM–3 PM; Sun closed