Good Morning, Edmonton! 🌤️

The sun is peaking through, if just for a couple hours. I hope you’ve had a tremendous week, so far.

It’s my little brother’s 30th birthday today, so a very happy birthday to him. 🕊️

The World Cup starts today with Canada’s first game taking place tomorrow at 1:00PM. There’s free watch parties downtown and several other events at bars and restaurants all around the city…will you be getting out to watch some games?!

Much more to see and do.

Enjoy this week’s edition of River City Lights!

—Eric

Edmonton Releases New Economic Strategy 💼 The City has launched its new 2026–2030 economic development plan, aimed at attracting investment, growing the commercial tax base, and improving Edmonton’s reputation as a place to do business. Some local groups say the strategy needs more support for small businesses, clean main streets, patios, and independent industries like game development.

Bissell Centre Opens Den of Willows Supportive Recovery House 🏠 The Bissell Centre has officially opened Den of Willows in Edmonton’s Delton neighbourhood, offering 24/7 support, recovery-focused housing, life skills development, employment readiness, cultural connection, and long-term housing help for people living with FASD.

Edmonton Mountain Bike Park Takes Shape 🚲 Edmonton’s first-of-its-kind mountain bike park is now roughly halfway complete in Queen Elizabeth Park, with local riders and volunteers helping build the $1.2M community-led project ahead of its July 25 grand opening!

Corb Lund’s Water Not Coal Petition Reaches Signature Goal 💧 Alberta country artist Corb Lund says his Water Not Coal campaign has collected enough signatures to push the province toward action on coal mining in the Rockies, with the petition now headed to Elections Alberta for verification. It calls for a ban on new coal mining in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains to help protect the region’s water and headwaters.

Edmonton Charity Makes Record Global Health Gift 🌍 The Dianne and Irving Kipnes Foundation has made a $5-million gift to Partners in Health Canada, becoming the largest individual donor in the organization’s history and supporting oncology, maternal health, and child health programs in Rwanda.

🆓 World Cup Watch Parties at ICE District (Starting today!) ⚽ Edmonton’s “Summer of Soccer” kicks off with free, all-ages watch parties at the Fan Park, featuring tournament action on giant screens and a lively community atmosphere all summer long!

🆓 Tasty Truck Food Festival (June 12–13) 🍔 The Fan Park turns into an Edmonton food lover’s dream stop with free admission, 20+ food vendors, live music, and licensed grounds in the heart of ICE District! Takes place during the above watch parties!

🆓 Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Club Open House (Saturday, June 13th) 🚣 The local dragon boat club is opening its doors for a free open house where you can tour the facility, meet paddlers, and learn more about river recreation in YEG! Ever wanted to give it a try? This is your chance!

🆓 TENNISfest (Saturday, June 13th) 🎾 A free, large-scale “try tennis” event takes over the Edmonton EXPO Centre, giving locals of all ages a chance to pick up a racquet and get introduced to the sport! I can personally vouch for the tennis community here in Edmonton, it’s incredible! Tickets (free) here!

🆓 Alberta All British Field Meet (Saturday, June 13th) 🚗 Classic British cars roll into Victoria Park Pavilion for a free vehicle show featuring vintage, unique, and beautifully kept rides from across the British auto world!

🎟️ Speed Dating Tonight! at The Citadel (June 11–13) 🎭 A playful opera/theatre crossover from NUOVA Vocal Arts brings dating chaos, quick connections, audience interaction and big voices to the stage; tickets listed at $25. Get yours here!

🎟️ Edmonton Riverhawks vs. Yakima Valley Pippins (June 12–14) ⚾ Affordable summer baseball is back at RE/MAX Field, with a weekend series against Yakima Valley and tickets shown at $10–$35 plus fees and taxes, and a fireworks-themed night adding a little extra sparkle to the homestand! Tickets here.

🎟️ Bailey Zimmerman Live at Rogers Place (Saturday, June 13th) 🎤 Country star Bailey Zimmerman brings his gritty vocals and arena-ready energy to Rogers Place, joined by special guests Hudson Westbrook and Blake Whiten. Get your tickets!

🎟️ Mêskanâs: Celebrating Indigenous Culture (Sunday, June 14th) 🪶 Spend the day celebrating Indigenous culture with music, dance, food, crafting, wild plant walks, and market access at the U of A Botanic Garden. Book your admission here.

🎟️ Summer Solstice Music Festival Opening Night (Wednesday, June 17th) 🎻 The Summer Solstice Music Festival returns with a world-class chamber music lineup, showcasing exceptional Canadian and international instrumentalists at classical venues around the city. Buy your passes here.

The Little Green Shacks of Edmonton Summer

Long before splash parks, apps, and endless summer camps, Edmonton kids had the Green Shack.

The city’s supervised playground roots go back to the 1920s, when outdoor play programs were created to help families connect in their neighbourhoods. By 1950, Edmonton had 25 supervised playgrounds, and the Green Shack program eventually became one of the city’s most recognizable summer traditions.

This year, Green Shacks open Monday, June 29, bringing free drop-in games, crafts, challenges, and activities back to parks across Edmonton. The program runs Monday to Friday until August 21, mostly for kids ages 6 to 12, though younger children can join with a parent or guardian.

For many Edmontonians, it’s a rite of passage: tetherball, crafts, water games, new friends, and that familiar little shack in the park that somehow made summer feel official.

Ariana Kitchen 📍 13720 50 St NW

A new Afghani and Turkish cuisine spot is opening in Edmonton on June 15! They’re bringing a boho-chic vibe, unique dishes, and traditional Afghani and Turkish drinks to the city’s food scene.

Expect a warm, colourful space with flavours you don’t find anywhere else in Edmonton. Give them a try this Monday onwards and show some love to a new local restaurant!

Follow their instagram for grand opening hours + announcement! 👇
📸 @arianakitchen.yeg