Good Morning, Edmonton! 🌥️

Will it rain? Will it snow? Will the sun shine? Who cares! The weekend is almost here, and I hope you’re having a fantastic week, regardless.

The inertia is building across the city with major events like Folk Fest announcing their lineups and gearing up for ticket sales. There is a ton of free things to do with farmers markets and outdoor pools all open for business…

Hope you’re getting outside and moving your body as much as possible!

Reply to this email and let me know what you’re getting up to. 👀

Have an incredible weekend.

—Eric

Three Arctic wolf pups were born at Edmonton Valley Zoo to parents Tundra and Aspen, and the zoo says all three are healthy after making their first trip out of the den. 🐺 For now, staff are taking a hands-off approach so the pups can be raised naturally by their wolf family. The plan is for them to live out their lives at our zoo!

Canada beat Uzbekistan 2–0 at Commonwealth Stadium on Monday, with 46,164 fans in attendance (despite the downpour). ⚽ Jonathan Osorio and Jayden Nelson scored in what became a positive World Cup send-off for Edmonton soccer fans and the country as a whole!

Edmonton has launched its new Turn Up Downtown campaign, bringing more than 1,000 events and activities to the core from now until December. 🎭 It’ll include live music, fitness classes, art workshops, mini golf, and other programming meant to bring more people downtown and support local businesses. You can learn more here.

Edmonton Folk Fest has released its 2026 lineup with headliners including Nathaniel Rateliff, Cat Power, Arrested Development, Thee Sacred Souls, and Of Monsters and Men. 🎶 The beloved Gallagher Park festival remains on solid financial footing thanks to loyal fans and strong ticket demand, with this year’s festival running Aug. 6–9. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, June 6th!

Bikeology has launched in Edmonton with a mission to get more women and girls riding. 🚲The new non-profit combines group rides, community events, learn-to-ride support, and advocacy for cycling infrastructure designed with more people in mind. From newcomers and families to parents using cargo bikes for school drop-offs, errands, and everyday trips!

🆓 BeerFest Days (June 4–9) 🍻 A six-day outdoor festival taking over Churchill Square with local breweries, food vendors, entertainment, and all-ages programming from 11 am–11 pm. Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase! Here’s the schedule.

🆓 Africanival 2026 (June 5–7) 🌍 Eastwood Park comes alive with Afro-Caribbean music, fashion, food, cultural performances, kids’ activities, markets, and free entry all weekend long! It’s a vibrant, family-friendly way to experience the cultures, flavours, and sounds of Edmonton’s African and Caribbean communities.

🆓 Van bLoc Party (June 6–7) 🧧 Van Loc hosts a free, family-friendly Chinatown block party with live music, DJs, lion dance, martial arts, dance, tai chi, karaoke, vendors, and food! A lively way to support local businesses and take in the energy of one of Edmonton’s most historic neighbourhoods!

🆓 Heart of the City: Jam in the Park (Saturday, June 6) 🎶 Giovanni Caboto Park hosts a free, all-ages community sing-along and arts event with a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of McCauley! Live music, local creativity, and an easygoing evening in the park...what’s not to love?!

🆓 2026 Newcomer Education and Training Fair (Wednesday, June 10) 📚 A free resource fair connecting locals and newcomers with training opportunities, career mentorship, education programs, and neighbourhood supports! Reserve your spot here.

🎟️ The Common Streetcar Cask Party Series: Sea Change Brewing (Tonight!) 🍻 Ride the High Level Bridge streetcar with local beer, snacks, river valley views, and a beautiful Edmonton sunset setup! Multiple times and tickets available, including tonight! Get yours here.

🎟️ Carolyn Dawn Johnson: Live & Acoustic (Friday, June 5) 🎶 Multi-award-winning Canadian country singer-songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson plays an intimate live set at Pure Casino Yellowhead at 7:30 pm tomorrow night! Couple tickets left! Buy here.

🎟️ Royal Canadian Circus at West Edmonton Mall (June 5–14) 🎪 The circus rolls into West Edmonton Mall with amazing acrobatics, BIG visuals, classic family-friendly spectacles, and plenty of high-energy performances! Running tomorrow to the 14th. Tickets here!

🎟️ MOVICALS at the Jubilee (Saturday, June 6) 🎬 This movie-musical stage show hits the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium at 7:30 pm, bringing big-screen favourites to life on stage! Tickets are listed around $35–$68, and you can buy them here.

🎟️ The Guess Who at Rogers Place (Wednesday, June 10) 🎤 Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman bring The Guess Who’s Takin’ It Back Tour to Rogers Place with Don Felder as support. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the show starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets!

🐴 The Midnight Ride That Sent Edmonton Into Panic Mode (Pages 4-7)

In April 1885, with telegraph lines cut and rumours spreading that Fort Saskatchewan had been attacked, Edmonton’s settlers feared trouble was headed their way.

A meeting was held in Luke Kelly’s saloon, and a young rider named James Mowatt was sent south through the night to Calgary to ask for armed help. He rode hard for 36 hours, delivered the dispatch, then turned around and rode back to Edmonton with word that help was coming.

The wild part? The report that triggered the panic was later found to be false! Mowatt’s ride, though, was eventually honoured with the naming of James Mowatt Trail in southwest Edmonton.

Hoang Long 888 📍 9892 Jasper Ave

Hoang Long 888 is a local, family-owned Edmonton restaurant serving Vietnamese and Thai comfort food just off Jasper Ave!

They have everything from pho and vermicelli bowls to banh mi, bao, ramen, and green onion cakes. It’s warm, casual, and full of neighbourhood character; this is the kind of family business that makes a relaxed lunch or dinner feel a little more warm and personal.

Check them out this weekend! 👇

📸 @hoanglong.yeg
🕒 Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; closed Sunday.