Hi Edmonton,
It's one of those June weeks where the weather can't quite decide what it's doing. A bit of sun, a bit of rain, and somehow still enough happening to fill your weekend fast.
We've got a new economic plan for the city, a transit change in Capilano and Gold Bar, and a packed events list. Game Con is the one I'd text a friend about first.
— The Edmonton Edit
⚡ Quick Hits
Edmonton has a new economic strategy. Now comes the harder part, actually using it.
Route 522 is being replaced in Capilano and Gold Bar starting June 21.
Game Con hits the EXPO Centre this weekend. Bring snacks and comfortable shoes.
🌤 Edmonton Weather
Today looks like a mixed bag, with peeks of sun and afternoon showers.
Expect a high around 20 C and a low near 10 C. Tomorrow is cooler and cloudier, with a couple of showers mainly early in the day.
Keep a light jacket nearby. This is not full patio confidence weather yet.
📰 What's Happening
City releases Edmonton Advantage economic strategy for 2026–2030
Edmonton has released a new economic development strategy called Edmonton Advantage. It's meant to guide how the city attracts investment, supports business growth, strengthens downtown, and competes for jobs through 2030.
The strategy covers the 2026 to 2030 period and was brought forward through City of Edmonton materials dated June 10. Global News Edmonton also covered local reaction, including calls for Edmonton to become more business-friendly.
The big idea is simple enough. Edmonton wants a clearer economic identity and a stronger pitch to employers, investors, entrepreneurs, and developers.
The timing matters because cities are competing hard right now. Jobs, investment, housing, downtown energy, and business confidence are all tied together more than people sometimes think.
City administration and council will use the strategy to guide future work, reports, partnerships, and budget decisions. That's where this gets real.
Partner With Us
The Edmonton Edit reaches locals who actually read the whole thing, the kind of people who show up, try the new spot, buy the tickets. If you run a business, a venue, an event, or a cause worth knowing about, we'd love to hear from you.
Reach us at [email protected]
🏛 City Update
ETS replacing Route 522 with On Demand Transit in Capilano and Gold Bar
Starting June 21, ETS will remove conventional Route 522 from Capilano and Gold Bar. It will be replaced with On Demand Transit service connecting riders to Capilano Transit Centre.
Twelve Route 522 bus stops in Capilano and Gold Bar will become On Demand Transit stops. That means riders in those neighbourhoods will need to use the On Demand system instead of the regular neighbourhood route.
For people who rely on transit every day, this is a real change. It affects routines, timing, and how easy it feels to get around without a car.
The service change starts June 21, 2026.
→ Full announcement on: https://www.edmonton.ca/ets/on-demand-transit
Capital Line South work keeps 111 Street reduced near Blackmud Creek
Capital Line South construction is still affecting south Edmonton. 111 Street near Blackmud Creek will stay reduced to one northbound lane and one southbound lane until fall 2026.
The work is part of the Capital Line South Extension project. 12 Avenue west of 111 Street is also fully closed for utility, drainage, road, and track work.
That 12 Avenue closure is expected to last about 10 weeks from late May. Drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, school traffic, and nearby residents in Twin Brooks and south Edmonton will keep feeling this one.
Major construction is expected to continue for several years, followed by testing and commissioning.
→ Full announcement on: https://www.edmonton.ca/projects_plans/transit/capital-line-south
Towards 40 project moves forward for 106 Street south area
The City has released background work and next steps for the Towards 40 project around 106 Street South, 29A Avenue, 105 Street, and 109 Street.
The project area includes 106 Street South from 51 Avenue to 29 Avenue. The City has completed its information-gathering phase and created two project areas.
A background report and draft design are now available for review. In plain English, this could shape future traffic calming, street design, walking, biking, and neighbourhood safety in parts of south Edmonton.
Residents will be invited to give feedback through an online survey.
→ Full announcement on: https://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/traffic_safety/towards-40-program
🏒 Oilers & Sports
NHL opens Mike Babcock investigation before potential Oilers hire
The Oilers' coaching search has taken a sharp turn.
The NHL has officially opened an investigation into Mike Babcock's 2023 resignation from Columbus while Edmonton considers him for its head coaching job. The NHLPA requested the investigation before the Oilers could move forward with a potential hire.
The issue goes back to concerns about player privacy during Babcock's brief time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. So yes, this is about more than just hockey systems and who runs the bench.
For Edmonton, it matters because the next coach will shape a huge offseason. The result of the investigation could affect whether or when the Oilers can hire Babcock.
📅 Things To Do (Next 3 Days)
🎉 Game Con Canada 2026
Date: 2026-06-19 to 2026-06-21
Time: Friday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, after-hours gaming 7:00 PM–12:00 AM; Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, after-hours gaming 6:00 PM–12:00 AM; Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Ave NW
Cost: Adult weekend $113.40; youth weekend $91.53; child weekend $31.50; adult single day $47.25; youth single day $37.80; child single day $12.60
Canada's big gaming expo brings video games, board games, tournaments, and after-hours gaming to the EXPO Centre. This is for the people who say they'll only stay two hours, then somehow leave at midnight.
→ Tickets / Info: https://edmontonexpocentre.com/events/game-con-2026/
🎉 Alberta Circus Arts Festival
Date: 2026-06-18 to 2026-06-21
Time: Multiple events and performances
Location: La Cité Francophone, 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury
Cost: Free activities available; festival pass listed at $110.24–$157.10; select ticketed shows available
Aerialists, acrobats, workshops, and contemporary circus performances are taking over La Cité Francophone. Good pick if you want something a little different from the usual weekend plan.
→ Tickets / Info: https://albertacircusarts.com/
🎉 Rainbow Visions Film Festival
Date: 2026-06-18 to 2026-06-21
Time: Festival begins June 18 at 5:00 PM
Location: Metro Cinema at the Garneau Theatre, 8712 109 St NW
Cost: All-access pass listed at $63.31; individual film ticket pricing varies
Rainbow Visions returns during Pride Month with features, shorts, panels, and retro favourites. Metro Cinema is a good room for this kind of thing, especially if you like a film crowd that actually cares.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.rainbowvisions.ca/
🎉 The Works Art & Design Festival
Date: 2026-06-20 to 2026-07-01
Time: Main site opens daily at 11:00 AM; programming generally runs 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square and downtown Edmonton venues, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free
The Works brings more than 200 artists, 41 exhibits, workshops, performances, and downtown activations. It's free, it's central, and it gives Churchill Square some actual life.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.theworks.ab.ca/
🎉 Così fan tutte
Date: 2026-06-18 to 2026-06-21
Time: Multiple performances
Location: The Capitol Theatre at Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143 St NW
Cost: $35–$45 listed by event guide; other ticket listings may vary
Mozart's comedy gets reimagined in a 1930s resort setting at Fort Edmonton Park. This is the theatre pick for someone who wants a night out that feels a bit dressed up.
→ Tickets / Info: https://nuovavocalarts.ca/show/cosi-fan-tutte/
🎉 NE-YO & AKON: Nights Like This Tour 2026Date: 2026-06-19
Time: Doors 7:00 PM; show 8:00 PM
Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW
Cost: Ticket pricing varies by seat and reseller availability
NE-YO and AKON are bringing a nostalgia-heavy R&B arena show to Rogers Place. If your 2000s playlist still gets regular use, this one is probably already on your radar.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.rogersplace.com/ne-yo-akon-june-19-2026/
🎉 Roller Disco at Rogers Place
Date: 2026-06-20
Time: All-ages session 3:00 PM–5:00 PM; 18+ session 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104 Ave NW
Cost: Adults $35; youth $25; guardian non-skating free; skate rental add-on available
Rogers Place turns into a retro roller rink under the scoreboard disco ball. Honestly, that's weird enough to be fun.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.rogersplace.com/roller-disco-june-20-2026/
🎉 Edmonton Scottish Society Highland Gathering
Date: 2026-06-20 to 2026-06-21
Time: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Edmonton Scottish Society, 3105 101 Street SW / 3126 Ewing Trail SW
Cost: 1-day pass $20; 2-day pass $30; ages 12 and under free; ages 65+ free
Expect Highland dance, pipes and drums, heavy events, clan tents, vendors, and food trucks. It's a full cultural day out, especially if you like events with actual tradition behind them.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.edmontonscottishsociety.org/hg2025
🎉 Lauderdale Block Party
Date: 2026-06-20
Time: 3:00 PM–10:00 PM
Location: Lauderdale Community League, 12937 107 Street NW
Cost: $5 per person; $20 per family of 5
Lauderdale Community League is hosting a neighbourhood block party with live music and family activities. Simple, local, and probably more fun than overthinking Saturday plans.
→ Tickets / Info: Here
🎉 Free Kids Skateboard Session at Capilano Skate Park
Date: 2026-06-20
Time: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Capilano Skate Park, 6106 Terrace Road NW
Cost: Free
This is a beginner-friendly skateboarding session for kids at Capilano Skate Park. Nice one for families who want to try it without buying a pile of gear first.
→ Tickets / Info: Instagram Post
🎉 Naija Market Day Edmonton
Date: 2026-06-20
Time: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Location: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, 9999 Grierson Hill NW
Cost: Free; no tickets required
Naija Market Day brings Nigerian food, vendors, music, and community programming to Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Free admission helps, especially for a casual riverfront stop.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naija-market-day-from-enugu-to-edmonton-tickets-1985413468129
🎉 RAM Film Screening: nanekawâsis
Source: Royal Alberta Museum
Date: 2026-06-21
Time: 2:00 PM–3:30 PM
Location: Royal Alberta Museum, Amiskwaciy Theatre, 9810 103a Ave NW
Cost: $25 with museum admission; $10 for film only
The Royal Alberta Museum is screening a film about Indigenous artist George Littlechild for National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a quieter, more thoughtful Sunday option downtown.
🎉 The Gay AF Market 2026
Date: 2026-06-21
Time: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: Bellevue Community League Hall, 7308 112 Ave NW
Cost: Free
This Pride Month market features more than 60 local 2SLGBTQ+ vendors and allies. It's free to enter, which leaves more room to actually buy something local.
→ Tickets / Info: https://prideedmonton.ca/event/the-gay-af-market-2026/
🎉 El Mero Mero Parking Lot Fiesta
Date: 2026-06-21
Time: 3:00 PM–7:00 PM
Location: El Mero Mero Taqueria, 12223 156 Street NW
Cost: Free admission; food and vendor purchases extra
El Mero Mero is throwing a family-friendly parking lot birthday bash with live music, dancing, games, vendors, and a bouncy castle. Free entry plus tacos nearby is a pretty easy sell.
→ Tickets / Info: Facebook event
🎉 Pay What You Will at Rapid Fire Theatre: The Rookie Show
Date: 2026-06-18
Time: 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Location: Rapid Fire Theatre, 10437 83 Ave NW
Cost: Pay what you will; online ticket listings show flexible pricing
Rapid Fire Theatre's newer ensemble takes the stage for a low-barrier improv night. Good option if you want a cheap laugh on Whyte Ave without committing to a big night out.
→ Tickets / Info: https://rapidfiretheatre.com/shows/the-rookie-show/
🎉 Dad Jokes at Rapid Fire Theatre
Date: 2026-06-21
Time: 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
Location: Rapid Fire Exchange, 10437 83 Ave NW
Cost: $13.41–$21.66
Rapid Fire is doing a Father's Day comedy show built around dad jokes. Painful puns are kind of the whole point here.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.showpass.com/dad-jokes/
🎉 42ND Street Broadway Musical by ELOPE Theatre
Date: 2026-06-18 to 2026-06-27
Time: Evening shows 7:30 PM; Sunday June 21 matinee 2:00 PM; no shows Monday/Tuesday
Location: Timms Centre for the Arts, University of Alberta campus, 87 Ave and 112 St
Cost: Adults $35; students/seniors $30; group pricing available
ELOPE Theatre is staging 42ND Street at the Timms Centre for the Arts. Tap numbers, backstage drama, and local musical theatre energy, all on the U of A campus.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.showpass.com/42nd-street/
🎉 Father's Day Brewmaster Brunch
Date: 2026-06-21
Time: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Location: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, 10065 100 Street NW
Cost: $99 per person, not including tax and gratuity; children 12 and under 50% off
The Hotel Macdonald is doing a Father's Day buffet brunch with craft Alberta beer. This is the fancier dad plan, especially if he appreciates brunch and a good view.
→ Tickets / Info: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/edmonton/fairmont-hotel-macdonald/special-events/fathers-day-brewmaster-brunch.html
A huge thanks to Stephanie Wong for sending the following events to me!
🎉 Comic Book Opera Presents: Cendrillon
Date: June 16 to 21
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Camrose
Cost: $30 to $50
Cinderella gets the comic book treatment in this lighter, more casual take on Massenet’s Cendrillon. Singers perform in costume while a newly created comic strip plays on screen with speech bubbles, with music bringing the story to life.
It’s a good pick for families, opera-curious adults, or anyone who wants to try opera without it feeling too formal.
Venue options:
June 16 and 17
Spirit of Hope United Church
7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton
Piano accompaniment only, with French subtitles
Cost: $30
Tickets:
June 16: https://www.eventbee.com/v/comic-book-opera-prsente-cendrillon/event?eid=288727573#/tickets
June 17: https://www.eventbee.com/v/comic-book-opera-prsente-cendrillon/event?eid=268523594#/tickets
June 18 and 19
Festival Place
100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park
Full orchestral performance, with English subtitles
Cost: $40 student/senior, $50 adult
June 20 and 21
Lougheed Performing Arts Centre
14501 50 St, Camrose
Full orchestral performance, with English subtitles
Cost: $40 student/senior, $50 adult
Tickets / Info: https://camroselive.ca/events/cendrillon/
🍽 New In Edmonton
New Amsterdam Cafe
New Amsterdam Cafe is NOW OPEN on Whyte Ave
The doors are open. Edmonton, welcome to Amsterdam Cafe.
What started in Vancouver over 25 years ago has officially arrived in Alberta.
Since 1998, Amsterdam Cafe has been a gathering place for cannabis culture, music, creativity, and community — a space where adults can relax, connect, and feel at home.
Whether you’re joining us for great food, good company, live events, or simply the atmosphere, we’re excited to welcome a new community into the Amsterdam family.
A Respectable Joint since 1998.
House of Fork Kitchen & Cocktails
House of Fork Kitchen & Cocktails is now open in Chappelle at 6439 Cartmell Place SW. It's a new southwest Edmonton spot, and that part of the city is always looking for more local dinner options.
💛 Community Spotlight
Bike Bus Edmonton expands to two more schools
Bike Bus Edmonton is growing again.
The group is expanding its school cycling model to two more schools. The idea is simple, students ride to school together in organized groups, which makes the trip safer and more social.
It's one of those small local ideas that makes a neighbourhood feel better. Not flashy, just useful.
For families, it gives kids another way to get to school without every morning becoming a car lineup. That's worth cheering for.
If something in here made your week a little better, send it to a friend. Forward this email or subscribe here: https://theedmontonedit.com/subscribe
The more locals we have, the better every edition gets.
That's it for today. Take care of yourself out there, and take care of someone else while you're at it.
See you Friday!
