Westmount Mall is officially headed for a major rebuild! Edmonton’s first shopping mall (opened in 1955) is now slated for a partial demolition with a host of other new renovations and additions.

Work that is expected to be completed over the next 18-24 months includes the following:

Valley Line West construction has locked in a longer-term downtown pinch point; 102 Avenue (103–107 Street) is permanently down to one eastbound lane, with bike lanes shifted to 103 Avenue until the end of 2027. Phase 1 work starts this Monday, March 16th. The city released a video two weeks ago that showcases some of the work that has been done over the past year. I’ve got it for you here.

🚌 If you still have old ETS paper tickets or family/day passes, the clock is running out — they won’t be accepted as fare in 2026. There is an exchange program for single-use ARC passes that runs until March 31st, after which all paper tickets will be considered null and void. You can learn more about exchanging your tickets here.

William Hawrelak Park reopens to the public tomorrow, Friday, March 13 (for casual use while finishing work continues). Expect some fenced areas and ongoing landscaping as the park transitions back into regular use after its rehabilitation.

NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) is hosting the national collegiate men’s volleyball championships this week (started on Wednesday and ending Saturday), bringing eight of the country’s top college teams to Edmonton. This is the first time an Edmonton post-secondary school has hosted a national volleyball championship. You can check the results of the competition here.

🎟️ Igloofest Edmonton (March 12 - 14) is making its city debut TONIGHT! Dubbed The World’s Coolest Music Festival (🥶), Igloofest is one of North America’s most recognizable winter electronic music events, and it’s making its first-ever Alberta appearance right here in Edmonton.

Talent from around the world is set to headline the stage at Ice District’s Fan Park, with a show-stopping closure by world-renowned (Canada’s own 🇨🇦) deadmau5! You can get your tickets here!

🎟️ Gabriel Iglesias: The 1976 Tour (Tonight!) If you’re looking for last-minute laughs, there are still tickets available to see global comedic icon, Gabriel Iglesias at Rogers Place tonight! A great solo outing or date idea—buy your tickets by clicking here.

🎟️ Les Misérables – Broadway Across Canada (March 13 - 15) The legendary musical returns to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, telling the powerful story of redemption and revolution in 19th-century France. Expect iconic songs like I Dreamed a Dream and Do You Hear the People Sing? in this acclaimed touring production. Grab your tickets!

🆓 The Night of Artists Indoor ArtWalk (March 13 - 15) returns to Bonnie Doon Centre (8330 82 Avenue NW) this weekend, transforming the mall into a large walk-through gallery featuring dozens of Canadian artists and hundreds of original works. The three-day event gives visitors the chance to browse paintings, photography, sculpture, and mixed-media pieces while meeting many of the artists behind the work.

The artwalk is FREE with an optional gala happening on Saturday night ($25 tickets, which you can purchase here).

🆓 Arts District Day (March 14) A free day of arts programming across Churchill Square venues including the Art Gallery of Alberta, Winspear Centre, and Citadel Theatre! Visitors can move between locations for performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities celebrating Edmonton’s arts scene. Here is the day’s event calendar for you.

🆓 Downtown Dining Week (March 12 - 23) Food lovers across the city are invited to explore Edmonton’s restaurant scene with special multi-course menus and fixed-price meals at participating downtown spots! It’s a great opportunity to try new restaurants or revisit local favourites, with lunch and dinner menus offered at accessible price points throughout the week. Check out the 80+ participating downtown restaurants here!

🆓 Little DON’YA Grand Re-Opening Celebration (March 18) One of the restaurants participating in dining week, Little DON’YA, is reopening in a new space at 10405 Jasper Ave with free samples (blended coffee, freeze-dried borshch, fresh paskas) throughout the day. Plus, a 3 p.m. program unveiling new additions. A perogy mascot is also scheduled to appear…👀

Meet the Historic Alberta Couple Who Fought for Press Freedom
Fascinating read about an Alberta couple in 1905 who ran a small independent paper and repeatedly ended up in court for what they printed. Libel laws, political power, and competing business interests led them to face adversity of all kinds on the local media landscape. It has left its remnants in the way that independent journalism is being greyed out, even today. Their story still matters, and I hope you take the time to read it.

OTTO Food & Drink 📍 11405 95 Street

A small, low-lit night-out room that’s made its name on house-made sausages, proper mustards, and straightforward sides done well. It’s the kind of place that feels special without trying too hard. Take a peek at their instagram here.

Daisy Chain Book Co. - (2 locations 👇)

An independent bookstore that started out as a booktruck (the first in Alberta 📚), then grew into a proper neighbourhood shop! Good for new + pre-loved finds and strong staff picks, with stores in both Edmonton and Beaumont:

A great place to make part of your weekend plans. They’re also always posting something fun on their social media, which you can follow here.

VA! Caffè 📍 12024 Jasper Ave
An Italian-leaning café for espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos you’ll love. Plus pizza al taglio and focaccia panini that make it an easy lunch stop downtown—located in the heart of Oliver. Part of Daniel Costa’s dining-concept-trio (VA!, Mimi, Olia) below Citizen on Jasper.