5 things to do in Edmonton this weekend
While it appears the city’s social calendar is cooling a little with the weather, there’s still plenty of live music and enthusiastic sport-watching to keep your blood flowing this weekend. Also – cold weather means Christmas … it’s ba-ack.
'Classic' Live Music
What: Oh my word … I can’t remember a weekend that has previously had as many classic – yet incredibly diverse – headliners playing in Edmonton.
- You can go your own way Saturday night as a (relatively) recently-reunited Fleetwood Mac take the stage at Rexall Place on Saturday night.
- Also known as the singers of one of my favourite songs, Tommy James and The Shondells will perform at the River Cree Resort & Casino Saturday night.
- Putting the “al” in “classic” (classical – get it?), the touring Vienna Boys Choir will raise the roof at Festival Place in Sherwood Park on Sunday afternoon.
- And now for something completely different, GWAR is also in town, playing Union Hall on Monday night.
- Finally, Mötley Crüe – the 1980s heavy-metal bad boys who gained a name for their wild (and not always entirely legal) antics – will play Rexall Place on November 18.
Not-so-classic (yet) music
What: Just because these guys haven’t been around for decades yet doesn’t mean you should rule them out …
- Juno-award winning singer-songwriter Sam Roberts (and band) will perform at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Saturday night
- Edmonton’s own Scenic Route to Alaska is playing at the Pawn Shop on Saturday night
- Another local group, The Smalls, will be playing to a sold-out crowd at the Starlite Room Friday through Sunday - but maybe you have a friend with a spare ticket?
- Folk darlings Kim Churchill and Mo Kenny will take the stage at the Artery Saturday night
Sportsing
What: Three local teams will have the home advantage (fingers crossed) this weekend:
- First and foremost, the Eskimos will take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders Sunday afternoon at Commonwealth Stadium in the CFL western semi-final – the winner goes on to play the Stampeders while the loser goes home.
- On the ice, the Oil Kings play the Saskatoon Blades Friday night at Rexall Place – while the Oilers and the Arizona Coyotes face off on Sunday night.
May the force be with you … and only you
What: While you’re probably no stranger to Star Wars, you may not have seen it like this – many worlds, three films – one man. Charles Ross has been performing his masterpiece "One-Man Star Wars" (complete with sound effects) on stages across this world since its 2002 origins Off-Broadway, and now returns to Edmonton for a show Thursday night at the Arden Theatre.
When? November 13 at 7:30 p.m.
It’s happening
What: Are y’all ready for this? Christmas-themed events are officially kicking off across the city.
- On Saturday afternoon, the Christmas tree in Winston Churchill Square will be lit up amid a sea of family-friendly activities, food trucks and live entertainment. The day will kick off around 4 p.m., but the tree and fireworks won’t take place until around 6:30.
- The first Christmas Fair (that I know of) of the season will be happening Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Devon Alliance Church. Local vendors and artisans will be selling their wares, including jewelry, crafts and more as the concession serves up cider and food. There’s also be a raffle, baked-goods sale and even sleigh rides.
