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Happy Monday Edmonton!!

Hopefully you had a good weekend!

Sadly, as of this writing, the teacher's strike has been elevated from 'Looming' to 'its here!'. And this is where we focus our attention today.

This is a week to plan other activities to do with your kids.. so we've loaded this edition with lots of those.

Lets go! 🥳

Edmonton schools are indefinitely closed as a province-wide teachers' strike begins, impacting over 700,000 students and their families.

The job action follows the overwhelming rejection of the government's latest contract offer by members of the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA).

While a pay raise was part of the deal, educators argue the central issues are deteriorating classroom conditions.

Teachers cite oversized classes and a critical lack of resources to support students with increasingly complex needs as the primary drivers for the walkout.

As families scramble for childcare, Premier Danielle Smith’s government is offering a Parent Payment Program of $30 per day for children 12 and under.

With the ATA and the province at an impasse and no clear end in sight, Edmonton families face a period of prolonged uncertainty.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Trees and Tea: Join Edmonton's Root for Trees program for a relaxing outdoor nature experience combining education about urban forestry with tea service. Perfect for connecting with nature and learning about Edmonton's tree canopy.

Date: October 10, 2025 Location: Rundle Park Cost: Free admission Click for details

Edmonton Corn Maze: Navigate through more than 5 km of twists and turns in this massive corn maze featuring 85 decision points. A perfect fall outdoor adventure that tests your navigation skills.

Date: Open until October 26, 2025 Location: 26171 Garden Valley Rd., Spruce Grove Cost: Varies by date Click for details

Elk Island National Park Bison Viewing: Experience one of Canada's most accessible places to see wild bison in their natural habitat. Fall is an excellent time for wildlife viewing with cooler temperatures and active animals.

Date: Open year-round Location: 54401 Range Road 203, Fort Saskatchewan Cost: Parks Canada pass required Click for details

River Valley Hiking and Biking: Explore North America's largest urban park system with over 160 kilometers of maintained pathways. Perfect for fall colors and comfortable October weather.

Date: Open year-round Location: Various access points throughout Edmonton Cost: Free admission Click for details

Prairie Gardens Pumpkin Patch: Visit this 35-acre working farm featuring a 15-acre U-Pick pumpkin patch, petting zoo, corn maze, and seasonal activities perfect for fall.

Date: Until end of October (weather permitting) Location: Prairie Gardens Farm Cost: Varies by activity Click for details

2. Food and Drink🍿🍾

Bountiful Farmers Market: Browse fresh local vegetables, meat, coffee, beer, wine, and an ethnic food hall. Features live entertainment and a children's play area every weekend.

Date: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Location: 3696 97th St. NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

Streetcar Cask Series: Experience unique Alberta brewery showcases aboard Edmonton's historic streetcars. Each Thursday features exclusive beer available only on the streetcar.

Date: Every Thursday evening Location: 10910 100th Ave. NW Cost: $63.10 Click for details

Where Science Meets Cocktails: Adult-only event featuring scientifically crafted cocktails and food pairings while exploring the entire TELUS World of Science.

Date: October 16, 2025, 6:30 PM Location: TELUS World of Science, 11211 142nd St. NW Cost: Starting at $159 Click for details

Local Restaurant Happy Hours: Explore Edmonton's diverse happy hour scene with specials at venues like El Furniture Warehouse, Blanco Cantina, and Joey locations.

Date: Various times throughout the week Location: Multiple venues across Edmonton Cost: Varies by venue Click for details

Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival: Celebration of local and world-class wines, brews, spirits, and cuisine from top chefs and restaurants (note: booking deadline October 6).

Date: Check website for dates Location: Various venues Cost: Varies by package Click for details

3. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Boys Night Out Concert: Alternative rock band Boys Night Out performing at Union Hall, perfect for fans of indie and alternative music. Date: October 10, 2025, 6:30 PM Location: Union Hall Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details

JAUZ Electronic Dance Concert: High-energy electronic dance music performance by internationally renowned DJ JAUZ.

Date: October 3, 2025, 9:00 PM Location: Union Hall Cost: 18+ event, ticket prices vary Click for details

RAPTAWANAN Concert: All-ages musical performance featuring diverse cultural music and entertainment.

Date: October 4, 2025, 6:00 PM Location: Union Hall Cost: All ages, ticket prices vary Click for details

Edmonton International Film Festival: Showcase of independent, international, and eye-opening films from around the globe with various screenings.

Date: September 25 - October 4, 2025 Location: Various theaters in Edmonton Cost: Varies by screening Click for details

Y2K Night - Throwback Dance Party: Nostalgic dance party featuring hits from the late 90s and early 2000s with MSN Messenger and iPod Shuffle era music.

Date: October 10, 2025 Location: GRETA Bar YEG Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details

4. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Art Gallery of Alberta: Canada's premier art destination featuring rotating exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events in the heart of downtown.

Date: Open Wednesday-Sunday with varying hours Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW Cost: $13.33 adult admission (free for Alberta students under 18) Click for details

Litfest Alberta: Celebration of nonfiction literature featuring live events, conversations, and readings with bestselling and emerging authors. Date: October 15-19, 2025 Location: Various venues in Edmonton Cost: Varies by event Click for details

Edmonton Short Film Festival: Platform showcasing independent Alberta filmmakers with diverse works including short films, music videos, and web series.

Date: October 18, 2025 Location: Landmark Cinemas 9 Edmonton City Centre Cost: Varies by screening Click for details

Royal Alberta Museum: Explore vast collections including archaeology, Indigenous studies, Earth and Life Sciences in one of Canada's premier museums.

Date: Open with varying hours Location: 9810 103A Ave. NW Cost: $10-$21 Click for details

Queer History Month Events: October-long celebration featuring events by local 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations highlighting queer history and culture.

Date: Throughout October Location: Various venues across Edmonton Cost: Varies by event (many free) Click for details

FREE Kids Workshop at Rona: Build and decorate a Halloween lantern in this hands-on workshop perfect for celebrating fall creativity. Date: October 4, 2025 Location: Local Rona stores Cost: Free admission Click for details

Free Kids Coding Workshop: Learn to draw with digital tools while exploring Apple TV+'s Stillwater show, creating earth-friendly artwork on iPad.

Date: Various dates in October Location: Apple Store locations Cost: Free admission Click for details

Kids Film-Making Workshop: Children ages 6-10 learn to direct, record, and edit friendship films using iPad and iMovie in collaborative sessions.

Date: Various dates in October Location: Apple Store locations Cost: Free admission Click for details

For Girls By Girls Drop-in Sports: FREE program helping girls ages 8-17 build confidence through various sports, games, and skill development.

Date: Multiple dates throughout October Location: Various community centers Cost: Free admission Click for details

Home Depot Kids Workshop: Build a haunted candy box in this Halloween-themed workshop designed for children and families.

Date: October dates (check schedule) Location: Home Depot locations Cost: Free admission Click for details

Y2K Night at GRETA Bar: Throwback dance party featuring late 90s and early 2000s hits in a nostalgic celebration of the millennium era. Date: October 10, 2025 Location: GRETA Bar YEG Cost: Cover charge varies Click for details

Union Hall Electronic Events: Premier live music venue featuring electronic dance music events including JAUZ and other international DJs. Date: Various dates throughout October Location: Union Hall Cost: 18+ events, prices vary Click for details

Alchemy Cocktail Bar: Fifth-floor cocktail destination in the ICE District featuring handcrafted libations and elevated bar snacks. Date: Open Wednesday-Sunday Location: ICE District, Downtown Edmonton Cost: Menu pricing varies Click for details

Evolution Wonderlounge: Popular nightclub destination featuring DJs, dancing, and nightlife entertainment in Edmonton's club scene. Date: Check schedule for October events Location: Downtown Edmonton area Cost: Cover charges vary by night Search for current events

High Note Bar & Grill: Sports bar featuring live music, karaoke, billiards, and social atmosphere with regular entertainment events. Date: Various events throughout October Location: High Note Bar & Grill location Cost: Varies by event Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames: Home opener featuring Edmonton's beloved NHL team taking on their provincial rivals in an exciting hockey matchup.

Date: October 8, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Ave. NW Cost: Starting at approximately $54 Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks: Another exciting home game featuring the Oilers against the Vancouver Canucks in NHL regular season action.

Date: October 11, 2025, 8:00 PM Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Ave. NW Cost: Varies by seating Click for details

Canadian Finals Rodeo: Professional rodeo competition featuring Canada's best athletes competing for $1.65 million in prize money. Date: October 1-4, 2025 Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Ave. NW Cost: Starting at $54.23 Click for details

Edmonton Elks Football: Canadian Football League action featuring Edmonton's professional football team at Commonwealth Stadium. Date: Various dates in October Location: Commonwealth Stadium, 11000 Stadium Rd. NW Cost: Starting at $19 Click for details

River Valley Recreational Activities: Free access to biking, running, and outdoor sports in North America's largest urban park system.

Date: Available year-round Location: Throughout Edmonton's River Valley Cost: Free access Click for details

Edmonton Startup Week - Mega Meetup Monday: Opening event of Edmonton Startup Week featuring networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, builders, and startup community members.

Date: October 6, 2025, 6:00-8:30 PM Location: Edmonton Unlimited Cost: Free admission Click for details

Messed Up Mondays Networking: Unique networking event focused on learning from mistakes and failures in a supportive entrepreneurial environment.

Date: October 6, 2025, 6:00 PM Location: Edmonton Unlimited Cost: Check event page Click for details

Edmonton Startup Week Events: Five-day celebration of startup community with various workshops, socials, and networking events throughout the week.

Date: October 6-10, 2025 Location: Various venues across Edmonton Cost: Many events free, some ticketed Click for details

AMII (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) Events: AI and machine learning focused meetups and networking events for tech professionals and enthusiasts.

Date: October 6-10, 2025 (during Startup Week) Location: Various venues in Edmonton Cost: Varies by event Click for details

General Meetup Groups: Various interest-based meetup groups including outdoor activities, professional networking, and social gatherings.

Date: Throughout October 6-10 Location: Various locations across Edmonton Cost: Varies by group and event Click for details

El Furniture Warehouse: Popular restaurant chain known for excellent happy hour deals and casual dining atmosphere.

Date: Check daily happy hour times Location: Multiple Edmonton locations Cost: Happy hour pricing varies Click for details

Joey Restaurants Happy Hour: Upscale casual dining with happy hour specials in the lounge, bar, and patio areas, plus 50% off wine bottles on Tuesdays.

Date: Daily happy hour times vary by location Location: Joey Bell Tower and other Edmonton locations Cost: Happy hour specials vary Click for details

Chop Steakhouse Happy Hour: Premium steakhouse offering happy hour from 3pm-6pm and 9pm-close in lounge/patio areas.

Date: Daily happy hour times Location: Edmonton Downtown and West locations Cost: Happy hour menu pricing Click for details

Melting Pot Happy Hour: Fondue restaurant with Monday-Friday happy hour specials from 4pm-6pm featuring discounted appetizers and drinks.

Date: Monday-Friday, 4pm-6pm Location: Edmonton Melting Pot location Cost: Happy hour specials pricing Click for details

Blanco Cantina Happy Hour: Mexican restaurant and bar featuring happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers during specified times. Date: Check for daily happy hour times Location: Edmonton Blanco Cantina location Cost: Happy hour pricing Search for details

Is Edmonton the Next Capital of Women's Hockey?

Edmonton Groups you should know!

Grandma Joke Of The Day

Why did the Edmonton Oilers go to the bank?

To get their quarterback!

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