Good Morning, Edmonton! 🎃

Is everyone excited for Halloween? 👀 A lot of themed events fill the roster this week as we head into spooky season.

Did you know? Many of the readers who’ve been around awhile know that I work in the fitness industry…

If you’ve been unhappy with your training, constantly getting hurt or struggling to make progress — I’d love to help. 😊 We’ll work together remotely through a shared log + coaching calls + phone/text…it’s so much fun!

Say hi and tell me your story: [email protected]

Have the most incredible weekend, and enjoy this week’s River City Lights! 💡

—Eric

CFB Wainwright Tragedy Hits Edmonton Military Community 🎖️ Four Canadian Armed Forces members were killed and 39 others injured after a fast-moving fire overtook a training area at CFB Wainwright on October 17. The soldiers killed were Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding, and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.

New Nonstop Edmonton–Frankfurt Flight Coming in 2027 ✈️ Discover Airlines will launch nonstop service between Edmonton and Frankfurt starting June 1, 2027, with flights three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The new route will make Discover the only airline offering direct service between Edmonton and Germany, while also connecting YEG travellers into the wider Lufthansa network across Europe.

Edmonton Homebuilding Hits Record Pace, but Affordability Still Lags 🏗️ Edmonton has started a record 31,555 new homes since 2024, including more than 17,000 purpose-built rentals, helped by zoning changes and construction incentives. CMHC says the city is on track to close its overall housing supply gap, but many lower-income renters are still struggling to find suitable homes they can actually afford.

Edmonton Breweries Bring Home 22 Medals at Alberta Beer Awards 🍺 Edmonton breweries had a strong showing at the 2026 Alberta Beer Awards, collecting 22 medals overall. Ale Architect led the local pack with five, while Blind Enthusiasm earned Best of Show silver for Spontaneous Manifesto 2025 and also swept the Mixed Fermentation category. Other Edmonton winners included Sea Change, Irrational, Polyrhythm, Odd Company, Campio, Alley Kat, and SYC.

Coronation Park Rec Centre Named One of the World’s Most Beautiful Arenas 🏟️ Edmonton’s new Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre has been named one of seven global honourees on the 2026 World’s Most Beautiful Arenas list by Prix Versailles. The facility, which opened in January, is also in the running for one of three additional world titles and is North America’s first indoor triathlon training facility.

🆓 Galactic Atmosphere (Until October 25) 🪐 Churchill Square transforms into a glowing space-themed experience with 11 enormous illuminated planets, futuristic projections, and immersive art installations. It’s one of the week’s best free evening activities downtown.

🆓 HOWL-O-WEEN at the Edmonton Humane Society (October 25) 🐾 The Edmonton Humane Society hosts a free, pet-friendly Halloween celebration with activities for animal lovers, families, and four-legged visitors at 13620 163 Street NW.

🆓 The Swamp Witches Samhain Market (October 24–25) 🔮 Balwin Community League hosts a free Halloween-season market celebrating Samhain, community, creativity, and local makers. Admission is free, with plenty of handmade goods and seasonal finds to browse.

🆓 Fall Naturecore Expo (October 24) 🪴 This plant-focused market brings more than 80 vendors to 903 153 Avenue NE with rare houseplants, terrariums, crafts, art, oddities, food trucks, and flash tattoos from 11 AM–5 PM.

🆓 Pyro-Drone Light Show & Fireworks Spectacular (October 25) 🎆 River Cree Resort & Casino celebrates its 20th anniversary with hundreds of synchronized drones, aerial formations, and fireworks choreographed to music. The one-night-only show begins at 9 PM.

Presented by our Official Arts Partner: NUOVA Vocal Arts

🎟️ Rachmaninoff Festival (October 22–24) 🎹 The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra celebrates Sergei Rachmaninoff with three evenings at the Winspear Centre, including performances of all four of his piano concertos. Get your tickets!

🎟️ Heart Live in Concert (October 23–24) 🎸 Legendary rock band Heart comes to River Cree Resort & Casino for two nights, bringing classics like Barracuda and Alone to the stage. See them live!

🎟️ Alberta Ballet’s Peer Gynt (October 23–24) 🩰 Alberta Ballet brings Henrik Ibsen’s classic story to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium with a production built around adventure, ambition, and self-discovery. Tickets start around $73. Grab your seats!

🎟️ Preacher Lawson Stand-Up Comedy (October 23–24) 😂 America’s Got Talent standout Preacher Lawson brings his high-energy storytelling and fast-paced stand-up to The Comic Strip at West Edmonton Mall. Get your tickets!

🎟️ Owen Riegling – In the Feeling Tour (October 24) 🤠 Rising Canadian country artist Owen Riegling brings his heartfelt songwriting and upbeat country sound to Midway Music Hall. Catch him live!

Tiny’s Cheese Shop 🧀 #103 – 12017 102 Ave NW

Tucked into the Exchange II building in Wîhkwêntôwin, Tiny’s is a small specialty shop built around seriously good cheese. It opened in September 2025 and was created by Ryan Arcand of Iconoclast Coffee and Blair Lebsack of RGE RD and The Butchery, filling a gap left by the closure of Paddy’s Cheese Shop.

The shop carries a rotating selection of Canadian and European artisan cheeses, along with charcuterie, preserves, bread, olives, tinned fish, and other things you’d want for a proper cheese board!

If you’re putting together a dinner-party spread or just want to discover a cheese you’ve never tried before, Tiny’s is waiting for you. 👇

📸 @tinyscheeseshop
📍 #103 – 12017 102 Ave NW
🕒 Tue–Sat 10 AM–6 PM; Sun 10 AM–5 PM; Mon closed