Happy Thursday, Edmonton! ☔
I don’t know about you, but I personally love the rain. So waking up this morning to see it coming down (as opposed to snow) was a welcomed surprise. That being said…I work inside cafés on my laptop, so it’s all romantic and cinematic over here. If you’re working outside or in a glum office setting, you might feel differently (there is a job fair next week 👀 more on that today).
Regardless, I hope this week’s newsletter brings a bit of light to your day! 🌤️
As always, reply to this email with any comments, questions, input, or things going on in your world. I love hearing from River City Lights readers.
Enjoy!
—Eric
In Today’s Edition:
Edmonton lands the 2028 World Cup of Hockey finals 🏒
Lantern festivals, art buses, job fairs, and outdoor shows signal spring events are BACK 🐝
A downtown loft building that used to be a 1929 John Deere warehouse 🧱
$5 Sundae Sundays across the city + a new plant shop in Londonderry Mall 🌱
A parrot show in Edmonton? 🦜 It’s happening this Saturday!
This Week In YEG
CKUA has officially named Adam Mitchell its permanent CEO. The historic Alberta broadcaster announced this week that Adam Mitchell will stay on as CEO after serving in the role on an acting basis since summer 2025. It’s a meaningful leadership update for one of the province’s most beloved cultural institutions as it moves toward its 100th anniversary.

CKUA CEO Adam Mitchell. | Photo: CKUA
The Lewis Farms Recreation Centre (one of the city’s biggest upcoming rec facilities) is under construction and expected to become a major hub for west Edmonton communities when it opens in the future. When that future is, however, is hard to discern. Money has become the biggest story with this project, and the city is now seeking more funding due to inflation and rising construction costs.

The Lewis Farms Recreation Centre under construction. | Photo: CTV News
Rogers Place will host the biggest games of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. It was officially announced Monday that Edmonton, Calgary, and Prague will host the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Rogers Place is set to host both semifinals and the championship final, giving Edmonton a major international hockey moment in just a couple of years time.

Edmonton will be home to the semi-finals and final championship games. | Photo: TSN
Alberta wins first national women’s volleyball championship since 2007! The University of Alberta Pandas cruised through Sherbrooke Vert & Or in straight sets this past Sunday, March 15th to claim Canadian gold. 🥇 A huge congratulations to our ladies! Amazing job.

Our University of Alberta women’s volleyball team; national champions. | Photo: U SPORTS
Québec City leaders are looking to Edmonton’s Valley Line as a model for their own transit. A delegation from Québec City, including Mayor Bruno Marchand, was in Edmonton this week touring the Valley Line and studying how the city has approached transit integration. It’s a nice bit of validation for Edmonton to be seen as a reference point for another major Canadian rail project.

Québec City Mayor Bruno Marchand touring Edmonton's Valley Line LRT. | Photo: CTV News
Events You’ll Love
🆓 ArtBus 2026 (Saturday, March 21st) A very cool free downtown event, ArtBus is a hop-on, hop-off loop connecting nine art galleries and artist-run centres around the city core. 🚌 Running from 12–5 p.m., the all-ages event lets you jump on at any designated Art Stop to explore exhibitions and hands-on activities throughout the afternoon.

An incredible way to explore the Edmonton arts scene! | Photo: Edmonton Arts Council
🆓 MARCH: Equinox Illumination (Saturday, March 21st) Hop off the ArtBus and head here! Formerly known as GLOW, this downtown spring lantern festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. 🏮 It’s a beautiful, family-friendly way to welcome spring, with free mini-lantern making from 5–7:30 p.m. followed by the parade and performances starting at 7:30 p.m. at CO*LAB (9641 102A Ave NW).

Experience the whimsical joy of this fantastic downtown festival! | Photo: EDBA
🆓 Edmonton Seedy Sunday (Sunday, March 22nd) This is a great pick for all you gardeners, plant lovers, or anyone thinking ahead to spring projects. This free community seed exchange runs from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Alberta Avenue Community League (9210 118 Ave NW) and is all about sharing seeds, protecting local biodiversity, and getting ready for the growing season. 🌱
🆓 Getting Your Manuscript to Market (Monday, March 23rd) A great one for aspiring writers! This free online session from the Edmonton Public Library runs at 7 p.m. and features experts breaking down the pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. 📚 I you’ve ever thought about turning an idea into a finished book, this might be for you. Register here.
🆓 Spring 2026 Job Fair (Tuesday, March 24th) One of the larger career events in the city, happening 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Polish Hall (10960 104th St.) next week. Free to attend, with a wide range of employers and industries. Worth checking out if you’re looking to network, explore options, or make a career move!

Great opportunity to connect with local employers next week. | Photo: Prospect
🎟️ Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen’s Show (March 19–22) starts today! This annual show at the EXPO Centre brings together boats, fishing, camping, and outdoor gear all in one place. Even if you’re just browsing, it’s a great way to get inspired for lake days, road trips, and everything that comes with warmer weather. Get your tickets right here!

A great way to spend this weekend for all you outdoorsy types! | Photo: Global News
🎟️ 🎸 Goo Goo Dolls are coming to town next week with Dashboard Confessional. John Rzeznik and the crew are set to take the stage on Wednesday, March 25th and blow the roof off of Rogers Place! Will you be there? Grab your tickets!
🎟️ The Edmonton Parrot Show is happening 10AM - 4PM on Saturday, March 21st! Happening at the Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre. This event is family-friendly and great for everyone of all ages. The day will include a multi-species showcase (birds from around the world 🦜), education from owners, a unique vendors market, and a scavenger hunt!
Buy tickets at the door:
Adults $10
Youth $7
Family of 4 $25
Age 5 & under FREE
Are you an Edmonton founder, creator, or entrepreneur?
The Hustle Room is a community-driven platform designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs. Through curated live events, real founder conversations, and a growing media presence, it creates a space where builders can connect, learn, and build real momentum.
All ticket proceeds go into The Hustle Fund, which will fund an early-stage startup in 2027. How do they pick who to give the money to? It’s voted on by all the ticket holders from past Hustle Room events!
👇 This Saturday, March 21st is the next edition of The Hustle Room. 👇
Come experience a live talk from California Closets owner Cameron Johnson, followed by an open floor mix-and-mingle with the next wave of Edmonton business men and women.
📍 DOSC Cafe - 10190 104 Street NW
🕒 Saturday, March 21st | 2:00PM - 5:00PM
📸 @hustleroomhq
Worth Your Time
The loft building that used to be a John Deere warehouse 🏭 One of Edmonton’s cooler hidden bits of downtown history: Seventh Street Lofts was originally a 1929 John Deere warehouse before being converted into housing. It’s a nice reminder that parts of downtown weren’t built as condos or offices at all, they were part of the city’s old warehouse district, back when rail freight helped shape the trajectory of Edmonton’s growth.
Special mention and credit to Alissa (Instagram: historicalplaques) for this photo below:

Seventh Street Lofts, 10309 107 St NW. | Photo: Alissa, @historicalplaques
Local Finds
🍨 Made by Marcus 📍 Mill Creek, Whyte Ave, Brewery District
If you haven’t been, Made by Marcus is the popular small-batch ice cream shop known for creative rotating flavours and great sundaes. Every Sunday, all Edmonton locations offer $5 Sundae Sundays, making it an easy excuse to treat yourself without spending too much. Follow their Instagram for mouth-watering shoots that will have you dreaming of warmer weather.📍 Mill Creek: 9853- 89 Ave NW
📍Whyte Ave: 10426 82nd Ave NW
📍Brewery District: 10429 121 St NW

Made by Marcus, Whyte Ave location. | Photo: Made by Marcus
🪴 Fresh Space by Grace 📍 Londonderry Mall, Unit #151
A newer plant shop located in Londonderry Mall owned by Grace De Guzman, an Interior Plant Consultant and Designer. She has an almost uncontainable passion for plants that stems from time spent visiting family in the Philippines. Follow her on Instagram and go explore her wonderful store!

Grace’s beautiful storefront. | Photo: Fresh Space By Grace
Before You Go…
Well, I hope it is a lovely rainy rest of the day for you—and a great end to the week, at that.
Working on some exciting updates for River City Lights to bring all of us readers closer together as a community, and I’ll be sharing more about that in the next few weeks.
Have an incredible weekend!





