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Which river runs through Edmonton, Alberta?

A) Bow River

B) North Saskatchewan River

C) Athabasca River

D) Red Deer River

Hey Edmonton!

Thursday's here!

In today's issue we address the state of the ongoing strike. Also a feature story on the late great Bruce Saville. 

Its a great weekend to take a deserved break, so choose something to do from our events list and enjoy it to the max!

Lets get to it!

The Alberta government is threatening to legislate teachers back into the classroom, a significant escalation in the historic strike that has shuttered schools for over a week.

Finance Minister Nate Horner stated the province will consider back-to-work legislation if no deal is reached by October 27.

The strike, led by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), is the first of its kind in provincial history, leaving 740,000 students from Edmonton to Calgary out of class.

While the government has balked at the union’s financial demands, the ATA insists the core issues are critically underfunded classrooms.

ATA president Jason Schilling argues that ballooning class sizes and a lack of support for students with complex needs have pushed the education system to a breaking point.

With negotiations at a standstill, the government's threat introduces a high-stakes deadline to the dispute that has profoundly disrupted families across Alberta.

Edmonton is mourning the loss of business leader and philanthropist Bruce Saville, who has passed away at the age of 80.

A self-made software mogul, Saville used the fortune from his company, Saville Systems, to become one of the city's most impactful community builders.

His legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Edmonton's sports scene.

Saville was a pivotal member of the Edmonton Investors Group, the local consortium that famously purchased the Edmonton Oilers in 1998, preventing the team from relocating to Houston.

His generosity extended far beyond the hockey rink.

His vision and significant donations were instrumental in creating the world-class Saville Community Sports Centre at the University of Alberta, a facility that serves thousands of local athletes.

Remembered for his immense heart and quiet dedication to causes like homelessness, Saville's contributions profoundly shaped the city he called home.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Guided Walk with Talking Rock Tours: Embark on a journey into Edmonton's past as you hike to historic and sacred sites within North America's largest urban green space. Walk in the footsteps of Indigenous Peoples who have visited this sacred gathering place for 10,000 years, participate in tobacco protocol and smudge ceremony, and discover the region's extensive fur trade history. 

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Location: John Walter Museum (start/end point) Cost: Check website for pricing Click for details

Edmonton River Valley Trails: Explore North America's largest urban parkland with over 160 kilometres of maintained trails offering stunning fall foliage views. Perfect for walking, running, or cycling through this massive green space that's 22 times larger than New York's Central Park. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Daily) Location: Various access points throughout the River Valley Cost: Free admission Click for details

Whitemud Creek Trail: One of Edmonton's most popular trails featuring beautiful fall colours, easy accessibility, and scenic views perfect for autumn hiking. This classic trail offers a peaceful escape into nature right in the city. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Daily) Location: Multiple access points along Whitemud Creek Cost: Free admission Click for details

Elk Island National Park: Just a short drive from Edmonton, this national park offers incredible trails, stargazing opportunities, and chances to see buffalo in their natural habitat. Perfect for a day trip during the sunny weekend. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Open year-round) Location: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan Cost: Parks Canada pass required Click for details

Bountiful Farmers' Market: While primarily a market, this venue offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with local food producers and enjoy fresh autumn produce in an indoor setting. Features local vegetables, meat, coffee, ethnic food hall, and live entertainment. 

Date: Friday-Sunday, October 17-19, 2025 | Fri (10am-4pm), Sat (9am-4pm), Sun (10am-4pm) Location: 3696 97 Street NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

RuPaul's Drag Race Werq the World 2025: The most exclusive awards show in herstory! Walk the red carpet hosted by Jimbo as Joan Rivers, with iconic performances by Derrick Barry as Britney Spears, Jaida Essence Hall as Beyoncé, Naomi Smalls as Mariah Carey, and more surprise guests. A night of glamour, fierce performances, and unforgettable drag excellence. 

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 | 8:00 PM (Doors at 7:00 PM) Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87th Ave NW Cost: Starting at $60 Click for details

The 11 O'clock Number (Improvised Musical): Grindstone's award-winning improvised musical comedy! The cast creates a brand-new musical on the spot based on audience suggestions, complete with twisting plots and show-stopping numbers. Laughs are guaranteed! 

Date: Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 9:00 PM Location: The Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro Cost: Check website for pricing Click for details

Darius Rucker with Tyler Braden: Country music star Darius Rucker brings his powerful voice and hit songs to Rogers Place. Former Hootie & the Blowfish frontman delivers an unforgettable night of country classics and new favorites. 

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 | 7:00 PM Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Ave NW Cost: Check Ticketmaster for pricing Click for details

Edmonton Short Film Festival: Spotlight on Alberta's best storytellers through short films. Features a gala with homegrown films up to 15 minutes, plus the Long Shorts program with works over 15 minutes. Expect trailers, music videos, web series, and films across all genres from fresh creations to beloved classics. 

Date: Saturday-Sunday, October 18-19, 2025 Location: Landmark Cinemas 9 Edmonton City Centre, 10200 102nd Ave NW Cost: Varies by screening Click for details

Dreams – The Ultimate Tribute to Fleetwood Mac: An authentic and mesmerizing tribute performance celebrating the iconic music of Fleetwood Mac. Experience all the hits in this high-energy concert tribute. 

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 Location: The Starlite Room, Edmonton Cost: Check website for pricing Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

LitFest Alberta - Edmonton Story Slam: Ten tellers. Five minutes. One winner. Let the game of truth begin! Sign-up at 7pm, slam at 7:30pm. Space is limited, so arrive early for this exciting storytelling competition. 

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (continues through weekend) | 7:30 PM Location: 9910, downstairs at The Common Cost: Free admission Click for details

The Polyglot & Daaira House Literary Evening: An evening of multilingual literature, art, and music hosted by The Polyglot (an award-winning local multilingual magazine) and Daaira House. Features diverse artistic expressions from Edmonton's vibrant multicultural community. 

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: The Green Room Cost: Free (pre-register as space is limited) Click for details

LitFest - Buzzed About Books Showcase: Discover this year's most talked-about books! Featuring Jennifer Bowering Delisle, Amber Dawn, Canisia Lubrin, and Alex Manley discussing their latest works. A must-attend for book lovers. 

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 Location: Check LitFest website for venue Cost: $5 (student/low income), $15 (regular) - Use promo code "LITFEST2025" Click for details

Art Gallery of Alberta - Fire's Burning Exhibition: Explore humanity's complex relationship with fire through works from the AGA's permanent collection. From creation to destruction, this exhibition examines how fire has shaped us and how we've changed fire. Features diverse artistic perspectives on this powerful element. 

Date: Open through January 4, 2026 | Wed-Sun Location: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW Cost: $13.33 adult admission Click for details

Edmonton Arts Council 300th Public Artwork Unveiling: Celebrate the unveiling of Edmonton's 300th public artwork with the new Balwin Playground, the city's first playground created in collaboration with an artist. A historic milestone for public art in Edmonton.

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 Location: Balwin Community Cost: Free admission Click for details

FREE Halloween Fun at Manning Monster Mash: This annual family event offers a free afternoon of treats, games, prizes, and spooky fun. Perfect for families looking for Halloween activities without the scares. 

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 Location: Manning Town Centre Cost: Free admission Click for details

FREE Saturday Swim with Inflatable Fun: Grab your swimsuits for a FREE recreational swim featuring a fun inflatable obstacle course set up in the pool! Great for burning off energy and family bonding. 

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 Location: Emerald Hills Leisure Centre Cost: Free admission Click for details

FREE LEGO Store Make & Take Event: Kids and adults can enjoy building and bringing home a special LEGO creation! This Sunday features a Diwali-themed activity where you can create a colourful rangoli design out of LEGO bricks. 

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025 Location: West Edmonton Mall LEGO Store Cost: Free admission Click for details

Boo at the Zoo: Celebrate Halloween with the animals at Edmonton Valley Zoo in this scare-free family event. Presented by North Central CO-OP, this event offers family-friendly Halloween activities among the zoo's residents. 

Date: Saturday-Sunday, October 18-19, 2025 Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo Cost: Regular zoo admission applies Click for details

Delwood Kingdom of Lost Souls Haunted House - FAMILY NIGHT: Friday, October 17 is FAMILY NIGHT with limited scare actors and a special offer: 1 paid parent = 1 paid child. This cant-miss scare experience is just $5 per person and perfect for families wanting a gentler haunted house introduction. 

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 (Family Night) Location: Delwood Community Rink Cost: $5 per person (1 paid parent = 1 paid child on Family Night) Click for details

Cook County Saloon - Darius Rucker Official After Party: After the Rogers Place concert, head to Cook County Saloon for the official after party! Country music vibes continue late into the night with drinks, dancing, and celebration. 

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 | After concert Location: Cook County Saloon Cost: Check venue for cover charge Click for details

On The Rocks - Live Music & Party Venue: Edmonton's premium live music and party venue offers great food and drink specials through the week. Features live bands, DJs, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for weekend nights out. Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Friday-Sunday) Location: On The Rocks, Edmonton Cost: Varies by event Click for details

Grindstone Comedy Theatre - Late Night Laughs: After The 11 O'clock Number musical improv show, stick around for more comedy and drinks. The Grindstone offers a full bistro menu and great atmosphere for a night out. Date: Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19, 2025 | Late evening Location: Grindstone Comedy Theatre & Bistro Cost: Show tickets required Click for details

Whyte Avenue Bar Crawl: Explore Edmonton's famous Whyte Avenue entertainment district with its dozens of bars, pubs, and clubs. From The Bower to Tavern On Whyte, the strip offers something for everyone. Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Nightly) Location: Whyte Avenue (82nd Avenue) Cost: Free to explore; drinks/cover charges vary Click for details

The Illusion Lounge: A one-of-a-kind nightlife bar in Edmonton offering exotic cocktails, drinks, entertainment, and nightlife. Perfect for those looking for an upscale lounge experience. Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Weekend) Location: The Illusion Lounge, Edmonton Cost: Check venue for details Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. UBC (WHL Hockey): Catch exciting junior hockey action as the Edmonton Oil Kings take on UBC. Fast-paced gameplay and emerging talent make for an entertaining evening. 

Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 | 7:00 PM Location: Rogers Place Cost: Check SeatGeek or Ticketmaster Click for details

River Valley Cycling & Running: Join hundreds of Edmontonians using the 160+ km of trails for cycling, running, and active outdoor recreation. The River Valley offers perfect conditions for fall sports activities. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Daily) Location: Edmonton River Valley trail system Cost: Free Click for details

Recreational Sports Leagues: Various recreational sports leagues operate throughout Edmonton on weekends, including soccer, ultimate frisbee, and more. Check local recreation centres for drop-in opportunities. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 Location: Various community centres Cost: Varies by activity Click for details

Commonwealth Stadium Area Activities: While the Edmonton Elks don't play this weekend, the Commonwealth Stadium area offers various sports facilities and activities for public use, including walking tracks and outdoor fitness areas. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Daily) Location: Commonwealth Stadium area, 11000 Stadium Road NW Cost: Free for outdoor facilities Click for details

Indoor Rock Climbing: Edmonton's indoor climbing gyms offer great weekend activities. Perfect for those looking to stay active while enjoying the beautiful weather from indoor facilities with professional instruction available. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Daily) Location: Various climbing gyms throughout Edmonton Cost: Day passes typically $15-$25 Click for details

Edmonton Story Slam - LitFest: Meet fellow storytelling enthusiasts at this competitive storytelling event. Network with writers, performers, and literature lovers in an intimate setting. Arrive early to sign up or just enjoy the performances! 

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (festival continues through weekend) | 7:00 PM sign-up Location: 9910, downstairs at The Common Cost: Free admission Click for details

Meetup Edmonton Groups - Weekend Activities: Various Meetup groups host activities throughout the weekend, from hiking groups to social gatherings. Check Meetup.com for current weekend events including tech meetups, social groups, and activity-based gatherings. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Various times) Location: Various locations throughout Edmonton Cost: Varies (many free options) Click for details

Bountiful Farmers' Market Social Gathering: Meet local food enthusiasts, vendors, and community members at Edmonton's year-round indoor farmers market. Great atmosphere for casual meetups over coffee and fresh local food. 

Date: Friday-Sunday, October 17-19, 2025 | Fri (10am-4pm), Sat (9am-4pm), Sun (10am-4pm) Location: 3696 97 Street NW Cost: Free to attend Click for details

River Valley Walking Groups: Join informal walking and hiking groups that meet regularly in the River Valley. Perfect for meeting active individuals while enjoying Edmonton's beautiful fall colours. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Weekend mornings typically) Location: Various River Valley trailheads Cost: Free Click for details

Coffee Shop Meetups - Whyte Avenue: Numerous coffee shops along Whyte Avenue host informal meetup groups throughout the weekend. From book clubs to language exchanges to creative writing groups, there's something for everyone. 

Date: October 17-19, 2025 (Various times) Location: Various cafés along Whyte Avenue Cost: Cost of beverages Click for details

Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here

A Guide to Unforgettable Adventures

Grandpa Joke Of The Day

Why did the Edmonton Oilers go to therapy?

Because they had major issues with their breakups!

B) North Saskatchewan River

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Thank you!