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Hey Edmonton!

Its another Thursday!

Today, we provide some insight into the state of funding for affordable housing..

Also, dig into a broad selection of 'Things to do this weekend'. That's loaded !

:)

Lets get to it!

Image source: Wikipedia

The battle for affordable housing in Edmonton has reached a critical juncture in 2025, marked by a surge of new projects and significant government investment aimed at easing the city's growing pains.

For thousands of Edmontonians, the pressure is immense.

Recent data reveals a stark reality: one in eight households are in core housing need, a figure that jumps alarmingly for renters and Indigenous families.

With rental costs climbing and the waitlist for subsidized housing managed by Civida swelling to over 10,000, the need for decisive action has never been clearer.

This isn't just about building houses; it's about building futures.

In response, the City of Edmonton, alongside provincial and federal partners, has unleashed a multi-pronged strategy, pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into creating a diverse range of housing options across the city.

1. Outdoor and Nature

Halloween Family Hike at Elk Island National Park
Guided autumn hike through aspen forests with pumpkin-spice themes, wildlife spotting, and spooky storytelling. Costumes encouraged!
Date: October 31, 2025 (10 AM–12 PM)
Location: Elk Island National Park (35 km east of Edmonton)
Cost: Free (Park entry fee waived for event)
Click for details

Fall Colour Photography Walk in River Valley
Volunteer-led photography tour focusing on autumn foliage along trails. Bring your camera; tripods recommended.
Date: November 1, 2025 (2–4 PM)
Location: Meet at Hawrelak Park Pavilion
Cost: Free (Registration required via link)
Click for details

Pumpkin Composting Workshop at Clover Bar Ranch
Learn eco-friendly pumpkin disposal after Halloween. Includes free compost for gardens and hot cider.
Date: November 2, 2025 (1–3 PM)
Location: Clover Bar Ranch (Fort Saskatchewan)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Night Sky Viewing at Telus World of Science Observatory
Free telescope viewing of autumn constellations and planets (weather-dependent). Family-friendly.
Date: October 31, 2025 (7:30–9:30 PM)
Location: Telus World of Science Outdoor Observatory
Cost: Free (Observatory access only; planetarium shows extra cost)
Click for details

Remembrance Day Poppy Garden Installation
Community-led placement of 11,000+ poppies at Memorial Gardens (honoring veterans). Quiet reflective space open all week.
Date: October 31–November 2, 2025 (dawn to dusk)
Location: Memorial Gardens (107 Avenue & 101 Street)
Cost: Free
Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Whyte Avenue Halloween Block Party
Street performers, costume contests, live music stages, and trick-or-treating for kids. Largest free Halloween event in Alberta.
Date: October 31, 2025 (4–10 PM)
Location: Whyte Avenue (82–99 Ave)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Diwali Festival of Lights Preview
Early Diwali celebration with free cultural performances, rangoli art demos, and sweets tasting (main festival is Nov 10–12).
Date: November 1, 2025 (6–9 PM)
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square
Cost: Free
Click for details

Edmonton Folk Music Club Free Concert Series
Weekly folk/jazz/roots concerts at Victoria Library. Features local artists in an intimate setting.
Date: November 2, 2025 (2–3 PM)
Location: Victoria Library (10220 100 Ave)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Late-Night Comedy at The Comic's Lounge
Free open-mic comedy featuring emerging comedians (2-drink minimum applies, but entry is free).
Date: October 31, 2025 (10 PM–midnight)
Location: The Comic's Lounge (10025 107 Ave)
Cost: Free entry (Drinks not included)
Click for details

University of Alberta Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal Viewing
Observe professional orchestra rehearsals – great for music students and enthusiasts.
Date: November 1, 2025 (7–9 PM)
Location: Winspear Centre
Cost: Free (Registration required)
Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

Indigenous Art Market at City Centre
Authentic Indigenous crafts, beadwork demos, and storytelling. Supports local artists from Treaty 6 territory.
Date: October 31–November 2, 2025 (10 AM–5 PM daily)
Location: City Centre Mall (10010 102 Ave)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Halloween Craft Swap at Edmonton Public Library
Bring unused costumes/decor, swap for "new" items, then make DIY decorations with provided materials.
Date: October 31, 2025 (1–4 PM)
Location: Stanley A. Milner Library (7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Mural Walk Self-Guided Tour
Explore 20+ murals in downtown Edmonton with free digital map. Features new fall-themed installations.
Date: October 31–November 2, 2025 (self-paced)
Location: Downtown core
Cost: Free
Click for details

Ukrainian Cultural Village Fall Harvest
Free admission day featuring traditional harvest rituals, pysanky (egg decorating) demos, and folk dancing.
Date: November 1, 2025 (10 AM–4 PM)
Location: Ukrainian Cultural Village (10103 101 St)
Cost: Free (Donations accepted)
Click for details

Poetry Slams at The Hive Café
Open-mic poetry night with themed prompts ("Autumn Hauntings"). All ages welcome.
Date: November 2, 2025 (7–9 PM)
Location: The Hive Café (11534 103 Ave)
Cost: Free
Click for details

City of Edmonton Halloween Carnival
Non-scary trick-or-treating, face painting, pumpkin carving (bring your own), and costume parade.
Date: October 31, 2025 (4–8 PM)
Location: Clareview Community Recreation Centre
Cost: Free
Click for details

Science Garage Spooky Science Day
Free hands-on experiments: slime making, dry ice bubbles, and "witch's brew" chemistry demos.
Date: October 31, 2025 (10 AM–4 PM)
Location: TELUS World of Science (11211 142 St)
Cost: Free (Exhibit hall access extra)
Click for details

Library Pumpkin Palooza
Decorate mini pumpkins (supplies provided), listen to ghost stories, and enjoy cider.
Date: November 1, 2025 (1–3 PM)
Location: Multiple EPL branches (check link)
Cost: Free
Click for details

ZooBoo at Edmonton Valley Zoo
Free animal encounters, costume contests, and "spooky" animal facts (no scary elements).
Date: October 31, 2025 (10 AM–4 PM)
Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo (10220 107 Ave)
Cost: Free (Zoo admission applies, but event activities free)
Click for details

Community Centre Halloween Open House
Games, crafts, and bounce houses at neighborhood rec centres. No registration needed.
Date: October 31, 2025 (3–7 PM)
Location: Multiple rec centres (link shows all locations)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Whyte Avenue Halloween Pub Crawl
Free entry to participating bars with costume contest prizes. Includes drink specials and street performers.
Date: October 31, 2025 (8 PM–2 AM)
Location: Whyte Avenue bars
Cost: Free entry (Drinks not included)
Click for details

Late-Night Board Game Night at Snakes & Lattes
Free play of 500+ board games until 1 AM. Themed Halloween games available.
Date: October 31, 2025 (7 PM–1 AM)
Location: Snakes & Lattes (10314 102 Ave)
Cost: Free (Food/drink minimum not enforced but appreciated)
Click for details

Vinyl Listening Club at The Needle Vinyl Tavern
Free entry to curated vinyl sessions. October theme: "Spooky Sounds" (David Bowie, The Cure, etc.).
Date: November 1, 2025 (9 PM–1 AM)
Location: The Needle Vinyl Tavern (10148 102 Ave)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Open Mic Comedy at Jokers' Comedy Club
Free amateur comedy showcase (sign-up starts at 6 PM).
Date: November 2, 2025 (8–10 PM)
Location: Jokers' Comedy Club (10150 102 Ave)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Night Photography Walk in River Valley
Guided low-light photography session capturing city lights and autumn reflections. Tripods recommended.
Date: November 2, 2025 (7–9 PM)
Location: Meet at Dawson Park footbridge
Cost: Free
Click for details

University of Alberta Golden Bears Home Volleyball Game
Free admission to watch UAlberta's top-ranked volleyball team play MacEwan University.
Date: November 1, 2025 (2 PM)
Location: Saville Community Sports Centre
Cost: Free
Click for details

Edmonton Prospects Baseball Fall League Finals
Watch future MLB stars compete in championship games. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Date: November 2, 2025 (11 AM & 2 PM)
Location: RE/MAX Field
Cost: Free
Click for details

Public Skate at Rogers Place
Free community skate sessions during NHL break. Skate rentals $5.
Date: November 1, 2025 (12–2 PM)
Location: Rogers Place
Cost: Free (Skate rental extra)
Click for details

Cross Country Running Festival
Spectate Canada's largest high-school cross country championship.
Date: October 31, 2025 (9 AM–2 PM)
Location: Hawrelak Park
Cost: Free
Click for details

Indoor Soccer Exhibition Matches
Local league teams showcase skills in fast-paced indoor games.
Date: November 2, 2025 (6–8 PM)
Location: Saville Sports Centre
Cost: Free
Click for details

Edmonton Hiking Group Autumn Trails Meetup
Casual hike through river valley trails. All skill levels welcome.
Date: November 1, 2025 (10 AM)
Location: Meet at Terwillegar Towne Footbridge
Cost: Free
Click for details

Language Exchange Café
Practice 10+ languages over coffee. Themed "Halloween Vocabulary" night.
Date: October 31, 2025 (6:30–8:30 PM)
Location: Starbucks (10010 102 Ave)
Cost: Free (Buy your own drink)
Click for details

Tech Startup Networking Night
Pitch practice, mentorship, and connections for entrepreneurs.
Date: November 2, 2025 (5:30–7:30 PM)
Location: Startup Edmonton (10210 101 St)
Cost: Free
Click for details

Board Game Enthusiasts Meetup
Bring your favorite game or play from the library's collection.
Date: November 1, 2025 (7–10 PM)
Location: The Hive Café
Cost: Free
Click for details

Photography Walk & Critique Group
Morning shoot followed by constructive feedback session.
Date: November 2, 2025 (8 AM–12 PM)
Location: Meet at Gallagher Park
Cost: Free
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

Rats (they have a rat control program)

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