Category: festivals

Edmonton Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2009

I met up with my sister and a few of her friends last Thursday for the fall/winter incarnation of Edmonton Fashion Week.

Serendipity by Kelsey McIntyre

The final night of the weeklong celebration of fashion saw a mix of seasonally appropriate, cold weather wear, alongside optimistic, albeit out of place, spring lines. Although I appreciate that the organizers provide designers with seemingly free reign when it came to exhibiting their collections, I think some control should be exerted – otherwise, the show comes off as disjointed and inconsistent.

More than other Fashion Week shows I have attended in the past, the age range of the audience varied widely this time around – from families with young children, to groups of teenage girls, to clusters of retirees. I think it’s great that such diverse individuals decided to attend the event.

I have to also make mention that I loved the music played that night. And probably because of being trained after numerous seasons of The Hills, I almost expected (and wanted) a continuous listing of the the evening’s soundtrack.

As for the collections themselves, Kelsey McIntyre and Jason Matlo stood out the most for me, although for different reasons. I was happy to have had the opportunity to see McIntyre’s Serendipity collection again (she also exhibited in the spring), and as previous, I could definitely see myself wearing her designs – fitted pants, feminine but practical sweaters, and flirty skirts. And oh, the dresses…

Serendipity by Kelsey McIntyre

Matlo’s shows (he had two) got off to an odd start. Instead of letting the collections speak for themselves, he felt the need to project choice words up on the backdrop, such as “chic”, “classy” and “sexy”, prior to his first model hitting the catwalk. Form-fitting, Babe by Jason Matlo definitely displayed his appreciation of the female figure.

Babe by Jason Matlo

His second showcase wasn’t notable so much for the clothes, but for his choice of models, which included the runner up in this past season of Canada’s Next Top Model, Linsay Willier. As someone commented, her air of confidence was unmistakable. Although she wasn’t necessarily much taller than her fellow models, she definitely seemed to be.

Linsay Willier wearing Jason Matlo

The other three collections didn’t really appeal to me, although Lani Van Rooyen had some show stopping gowns (why the models had to walk like they were jilted brides was another issue entirely). Amanda’s favourite outfit of the night was by Laura Dreger, which featured a leopard print coat, leggings, and a Starbucks cup as an accessory (you can read more about her thoughts about fashion at her blog).

Lani Van Rooyen

Laura Dreger (not Amanda’s favourite outfit, but another leopard print one)

Edmonton Fashion Week Spring/Summer will be returning in April – check the website for updates in the spring.

Thanks to Amanda and Eric for taking all of the photos – you can take a look at the photo set here.

Symphony Under the Sky 2009

Mack and I attended our first Symphony Under the Sky concert in Hawrelak Park over the weekend, and it pushed me to realize one reason to love Edmonton.

It was a task itself to get to the venue – a lack of planning on my part meant we ended up driving, and encountered more vehicles parked around Hawrelak than I have ever seen before. After crawling through the one-way thoroughfare with no luck, we drove to the University and took a free shuttle bus from Stadium Car Park. While we usually take public transit to events of this nature, as it was our first time, I don’t think it was pressed upon attendees enough that parking would be limited (but yes, I accept our punishment for forsaking transit).

At any rate, we arrived having missed the first song, and had to listen to the second (a medley of well-known Hollywood tunes) standing. Our tardiness meant our purchase of reserved seats ($27 a ticket versus $18 for grass seating) was an unexpected boon, even though the available selection (in July, no less) was few and far between.

Our view of the stage

The concert, titled Hollywood Adventures and Romances, was an evening of familiar silver screen scores and songs. While I do enjoy the occasional purely classical number, I have to admit I tend to prefer popular music. The program included songs from Titanic, The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (my favourite was indeed the latter, and I spent Labour Day re-watching the movie on DVD). Mack enjoyed the encore of the theme from E.T., his favourite childhood film.

Robert Bernhardt was our conductor for the evening. His sense of humour helped make the light evening of music more enjoyable. Also worth mentioning was one of the cellists, who not only brought out a lifejacket before the Titanic number, but also a hat and whip before the theme from Raiders of the Lost Ark, and a set of alien ears before E.T. Tyler Hamilton, a top-10 finalist from Canadian Idol’s first season, made a guest appearance, and sang an amusing duet of “People Will Think We’re in Love” with soprano Kathleen Brett.

We spent some time at intermission wandering the area, and avoided the temptation of mini doughnuts and Fat Franks (they are everywhere!). We spotted some concert freeloaders just outside of the amphitheatre fence – I’m sure there will be a similar article written about the best place to treat yourself to Symphony Under the Sky as there was about the Folk Fest.

Packed Amphitheatre

At the break, we ran into one of our former high school vice principals also taking in the show. She indicated that she was a Symphony Under the Sky regular. This comment triggered the thought that all Edmontonians likely have a favourite festival, and a time of year in Edmonton that they look forward to most (for me – the Fringe, of course). And though Labour Day may trigger a change in season, the festivals don’t end here (the Edmonton International Film Festival is in a few weeks, with dEdmonton just around the corner, followed by LitFest, among others).

On the people power front, festivals rely on locals to donate their time. Nearly every event, whether a day in duration or fourteen, would not happen if not for Edmonton’s amazing culture of volunteering. But more than that, I’ve come to realize the variety of festivals – from anime to multicultural, social justice to theatre – provides citizens with the opportunity to lay claim to one in particular that speaks to them and it becomes their yearly in-city escape; a perennial convergence of those with a shared passion for that theme, medium or philosophy.

I think it is about time Edmonton dropped our “City of Champions” nickname to formally adopt “Festival City” instead. While it’s not a new concept (Edmonton Economic Development Corporation has marketed the city as a festival destination for years), it occurred to me this weekend how our year round events, each one distinct and unto their own, help to bring out the best and showcase the tip of the iceberg of what we have to offer.

Lovely scene after nightfall

Thanks to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for a great evening, and for the realization of one of the many reasons why Edmonton is a great place to live.

Stage a Revolution: Day 11

Our last day at this year’s Fringe was short and sweet – two plays nearly back-to-back, which, given that the skies threatened rain all day, meant that the prospect of getting drenched waiting in line was somewhat lessened.

We started the afternoon off at a new Fringe venue – The Laugh Shop – to see The Art of Being a Bastard. Set-up cabaret style not unlike the Yardbird Suite (which I similarly don’t like), the hodgepodge of chairs and tables wasn’t an ideal theatre. The play, one of two written by Matt Alden this year, was another very contemporary look at life, this time out of the lens of three shy twenty-somethings who wished they had more luck with the ladies. It was an enjoyable hour, though it did take a while to get going. The three actors kept up with the fast-paced production very well, juggling multiple characters and visibly sweating after a few of the frantic side-scenes (Mack in particular enjoyed the rap number, while I loved the Saturday Night Fever nod). It was another light, fun play that I imagine was written specifically for the Fringe, but of the two I watched in this category, Space was better.

Our last play this year was David Belke’s A Final Whimsy. Watching Belke’s yearly offering (this year marked his twentieth festival) has become a tradition for me. Whimsy focused on two sisters rehearsing a song for their father’s upcoming wedding, and needing to hash out some of the mysteries surrounding their mother’s departure from their young lives. Although the church setting was appropriate given the context of the play, the echoing acoustics made the dialogue hard to follow sometimes, particularly when the conversations were heated. That said, the vaulted ceilings worked for the musical portions of the show, with Andrea House’s rendition of “All I Have to Do is Dream” being the delightful standout. In all, it was a sweet story about family and what people will do to protect each other from painful truths.

Because the shows I wanted to see all scheduled themselves so well this year I didn’t end up spending that many days on the grounds. For that reason, it felt like I could have seen twice as many productions as I did. Of course, although the Fringe ended today, there are still opportunities to catch several popular shows that have been held over – check out the schedule here.

Thanks for a great Fringe! I am looking forward to next year already.

East Meets West Festival

After a trip to the City Centre Market (after a few busy weekends and the Fringe, I think I was going through withdrawal), Mack and I walked over to Chinatown to check out the first East Meets West Festival.

We weren’t sure what to expect – the grassroots committee had put together the festival as a means to promote the Chinatown and Little Italy neighbourhoods – but if anything, we were happy that the event seemed to attract locals that perhaps wouldn’t otherwise set foot in the area.

Lion Dance

We arrived just on time for the opening lion dance, and ended up wandering up 97th Street which had been closed to traffic. As Mack noted, the tables were too spread out and sporadic, and there was a definite lack of food vendors (food smells are half the reason outdoor fairs attract crowds). Still, knowing that this is hopefully the first of many such festivals, I’m sure it will be much improved next year.

97th Street

Handmade Felt Cupcakes and Cookies (too cute!)

Zocalo’s Mobile Flower Cart

99 Supermarket’s Outdoor Market

Pretty lanterns outside of Lucky 97 (standing behind my zodiac animal – cheesy, I know)

We didn’t make it all the way down 97th into Little Italy, but we heard there were also festivities to be seen in Giovanni Caboto Park.

In the end, we chowed down on our own version of “east meets west”:

Mack’s jalepeno-cheddar smokie from Fat Franks and my shredded pork sub from Nhon Hoa 2

Mack’s complete photo set is here.

Ten Things to Love About the Fringe

My long list of love, in honour of the 28th incarnation of the Edmonton International Fringe Festival that runs August 13-23, 2009.

  1. Online Ticketing: the public at large was in arms when online ticketing was introduced two years ago, particularly because beloved at-the-door sales were sacrificed in the process. Since then, door sales have returned to front of house and some have finally embraced the convenience of the online system. Not surprisingly, I am one of them, and have been since the beginning. Being a crazy planner, I have most of my line-up identified within days of the program’s release, so ordering tickets for me is just the final step. Though I know some prefer spontaneously choosing a show, it’s still hard to argue against a system that reduces on-site lineups and encourages on-line exploration prior to the festival.
  2. Line-side Flyering: in my first few years of attending the Fringe, it amazed me that artists came out from behind the curtain to corral patrons the old-fashioned way – by doling out flyers themselves. Up until then, I thought there was a grand line of demarcation separating theatregoers from those that graced the stage, but at the Fringe – everyone is on the same level. Beyond that – I remember reading a quote a long time ago that referred to flyering as the truest form of advertising – who better to promote a show than those starring in it?
  3. Chatting with Fellow Patrons: when all of Edmonton’s theatre-loving public converges in the same area, you can expect some good conversations about theatre. It may seem odd at first to chat up strangers, but knowing that everyone has the same love of theatre in common breaks down many perceived barriers. I love finding out from those lining up next to me what they’ve seen and what they’re looking forward to seeing – the best reviews and recommendations are from fellow patrons.
  4. The Plays: perhaps this one is too obvious, but the Edmonton Fringe needs your help to break the ticket plateau of 77,000+. While that number seems like a lot, and did help us earn and keep the title of the largest North American Fringe for many years, we have now been surpassed by Winnipeg, who amassed over 81,000 in ticket sales this year. Given the maximum you will pay for a ticket is $14 ($12 of which go directly to the artist), it is not only a steal for some of the best theatre to hit the streets, but also $6-$10 cheaper than comparable productions in the city throughout the year.
  5. Outdoor Shows: a big draw for many who attend the Fringe are the outdoor performances. I think they really help set the tone on the grounds, as their amplified enthusiasm travels for miles around the stages. With the multitude of food vendors surrounding the performers, there’s no excuse not to grab something to nibble on, settle down, and enjoy.
  6. KidsFringe: I have no children, nieces or nephews to speak of, but KidsFringe holds a special place in my heart because it was where my Fringe experience began as a volunteer. You would be hard pressed to find an area of the grounds that becomes as lively as Adventure Park (christened “Revolution Park” this year) so early on in the day. From face painting to reader’s theatre, it’s a place for kids and their caregivers alike to enjoy some free fun.
  7. The Food: did you think I wouldn’t get around to mentioning food? I won’t claim that any of the booths are unique to the Fringe (the ubiquitous mini doughnut, green onion cake and chicken bhoona vendors frequent the summer festival circuit), but every Fringe-goer has their outdoor standby – mine is Funky Pickle Pizza. It seems the festival organizers have acknowledged the current economic situation as there is actually a page of food coupons in the program. Score!
  8. The Vendors: though craft shows may be all the rage now, I still love to stroll the vendor-lined alleys for handmade treasures. Whether it be jewelry, fashions or keepsakes, there are always interesting booths to be explored at the Fringe.
  9. Old Strathcona: even as the boundaries of the Fringe expand (even further north than last year’s New City BYOV – this year, a venue on Alberta Avenue joins the fray), the heart of the festival will always be Old Strathcona. The area’s businesses – retail and restaurants – are as much a part of the Fringe as the stages are. The festival doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and it’s always a delight when the shops offer special menus and sales in tandem with the Fringe.
  10. The Atmosphere: dodging crowds and buskers, overhearing snippets of reviews, resisting the temptation of deep-fried dough…there is something intangibly irresistible about just being on the grounds, immersed in the people, the smells, the sounds. There is a frenetic energy in the air and a palpable thirst for theatre. Can you feel it?

And although I listed ten different aspects to love, the truth is, the festival is a frenzy of it all rolled up into ten days. The Fringe is when Edmonton comes out to play.

See you at the Fringe!

Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2009

It took Sarah McLachlan’s first Edmonton concert appearance since 2004 to drag me to the grassy knoll of Gallagher Park to finally experience the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Endowment concert ticket

I’ve seen the massive line-ups, winding their way down Connors Road. I’ve heard the stories about the great grub that volunteers feast on. I’ve viewed the photos of patrons doing their best to stay dry under impossible circumstances. But I didn’t understand, until Wednesday, what the draw was of a festival that is a summer tradition to many since its first incarnation in 1980.

Tickets were a pricey $70 for non-pass holders, but May and I decided it was worth the splurge. We had attended Sarah’s last concert at Rexall a few years back, and had enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

I met up with May downtown after work, and we took the bus down the hill. We had checked the website FAQs for some guidance as to what to bring. Besides ruling out our camp chairs that were probably too high, friends advised us to bring a tarp, comfortable shoes, and layers. I know those who have been to festivals past are likely well-versed in the lottery/line-up procedure and what to bring, but I would have appreciated a more blunt guide for newbies (perhaps similar to what the Fringe has developed) – complete with photos of acceptable chair examples (yes, I am very much a visual learner).

Off the bus, we encountered patrons that seemed to be wandering aimlessly, and without any signs to guide us, we approached a volunteer to direct us to the appropriate line. She told us that there were two possibilities with a sort of half-laugh, so we joined the line that we could see – the one that wound its way down Connors Road. We hoped it was the right choice.

Entering the grounds in an orderly fashion

After this pre-entry confusion, I am happy to say that the rest of the night went much more smoothly. Yellow ropes marked thoroughfares down the hill and towards the concession area at the bottom, and though there was the chaos of thousands of people jostling for the best spot, it was controlled by civility and a respect for personal space.

Our view of the stage

We lay down our tarp, while others more keenly prepared pegged their tarps into the ground (seriously, why didn’t we think of that?). And though the sky threatened to rain a few times, we were blessed with a dry first experience. Still, throughout the night, we added to our growing Folk Fest Survival List:

  • Low-to-the-ground folding chairs (examples here, as sold on-site at the Campers Village tent for upwards of $45)
  • Tarp and pegs
  • Colourful space marker, and/or flare gun (we nearly couldn’t find our way back to the tarp after our visit to the concession)
  • Umbrella, hat and poncho
  • Shoes with good grip
  • Snacks and lots of water
  • Sweater, scarf, gloves and blanket or sleeping bag
  • Flashlight (though we never used the porta potties, we wondered if they were lit inside)

After setting down most of our stuff, we joined the crowd flow down the hill for some sustenance. There were quite a few food vendor tents, but only a handful open on this special concert evening. We opted for butter chicken from India Palace, a booth that had travelled all the way from Winnipeg. It was a pricey $11.99, but offered quite a full serving, and the samosa in particular was very good. On a side note, I had no idea that the Folk Fest instigated a $2 plate deposit on the main days, mandating a sound environmental policy – I have to wonder why other local festivals (Taste of Edmonton and Heritage Days in particular) haven’t followed suit.

 

Butter Chicken with Naan and a Vegetarian Samosa

The view from the bottom of the hill was a sight to see – in daylight, thousands upon thousands of colourful specks, and after nightfall, waves of candlelight, all the way up the slope.

 

So many people!

 

May and I

It was definitely a family-friendly event, with more children than I could count. The festival, at least from where I was sitting, also seemed to be less overtly corporate than, say, the Fringe. Some advertising was present on the columns next to the stage, but every tent and seating area hadn’t been renamed to include a sponsor name.

Besides being my first time to the Folk Fest, this was also my first time at Gallagher Park. It is a great venue for an open-air concert, with the natural stadium seating provided by the hill, and a spectacular view of downtown Edmonton. I’m sure more than a few come for the picturesque setting alone.

 

Downtown Edmonton from Gallagher Park

And the concert? Wonderful. Tracy Chapman surprised me with her sense of humour, imagination, and oh, her voice. I am glad she chose to sing one song acapella – it absolutely hushed the crowd. Compared with Sarah McLachlan, she was actually the better entertainer in terms of providing richer anecdotes and song introductions. At one point, she mentioned how cold she was, and someone from the top of the hill actually tried to pass down handwarmers – unfortunately, they never reached her, but it was a thoughtful gesture.

 

Tracy Chapman

 

Candlelit ovation for Tracy

Having seen Sarah in concert before, she delivered what I expected her to – haunting and soothing melodies that almost always sound better live. She was particularly self-deprecating that night, without need to be.

 

Sarah McLachlan

I am happy to have finally experienced the Edmonton Folk Music Festival – I will consider joining the throngs of happy music lovers again in the future.

August in Edmonton is for Celebrating the Outdoors!

  • Latitude 53’s annual 12-hour Drawing Marathon runs from noon to midnight on August 1, and will offer family-friendly activities during the day, and music and bar service in the evening on their rooftop patio.
  • It’s BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair), as always, to the latest Movies on the Square instalment on August 1. They will be showing Kung Fu Panda.
  • An Edmonton mainstay, Heritage Days, runs August 1-3 at Hawrelak Park. Remember to bring a donation for the Food Bank! I wrote about our visit last year here.
  • It really shouldn’t be on this list, but I know many people are looking forward to the grand opening of Southgate Shopping Centre, August 5-9.
  • Another city favourite, the Edmonton Folk Music Festival is on from August 6-9, but the only tickets still available are for the special Sarah McLachlan and Tracy Chapman on August 5 – I’ll be there!
  • Cariwest, which bills itself as “the hottest fest in de west” runs August 7-9 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Join the party to sample some food, dance to lively music, and of course, catch a sensational parade.
  • Animethon is in its 16th year, and boasts the distinction of being the longest running anime festival in Western Canada. It all goes down at the MacEwan City Centre Campus, August 7-9.
  • Who doesn’t love free? The Winspear Centre is hosting a free noon hour concert on August 12.
  • My absolute favourite of the city’s festivals kicks off mid August – the Edmonton International Fringe Festival brings 10 days of theatre madness into Old Strathcona from August 13-23. Check out a play or two this year if you can.
  • The Rutherford House is hosting its annual penny carnival on August 16.
  • Louise McKinney Park is always a nice place to visit, but all the more so when there’s a race on the North Saskatchewan – catch the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival on August 21-23.
  • Also August 21-23, the Heritage Amphitheatre is hosting the Labatt Blues Festival.
  • Edmonton will see the dawn of a new festival on August 22 – the East Meets West Festival will be closing down 107A Avenue from 95 to 97 Street to accommodate fashion shows, a street sale and market and a talent contest. It sounds like it will be a good time!
  • Under the Big Top, a festival “for the whole community to gather, learn, and experience magic, puppetry, and physical theatre” continues in its second year in Sherwood Park, and includes theatre shows and a free puppet picnic on August 23.

Capital Ex 2009

No particular reason drew us to the Capital Ex grounds on Thursday, except perhaps a sense of homegrown duty to visit the city’s annual excuse for gluttony. Although we enjoyed ourselves last year, the attractions were somehow less interesting this year.

Sand sculptures

That said, I do still enjoy the sights and sounds of the midway – the exhilarated screams from thrill-seekers, enthusiastic pitches from the amusement carneys, the wafting smells of deep-fried everything and flashing neon lights that never fail to transport me to nights of Ex’s past.

Midway

We did make a point to go see the Cirque Shanghai troupe. Entertaining, we were surprised at how young some of the performers were. We also walked through the Sip! wine and food experience, but decided not to sample any of the food. Though we arrived too late to see David Adjey in person (I was curious to see if his arrogance held up off the screen), we did see Brad Smoliak and Mary Bailey in their nightly “dessert and nightcap” feature. Their dessert of a ginger cocktail and sautéed nectarines with mascarpone cheese and amaretti cookies was quite nice (and best of all, free!).

Mary Bailey and Brad Smoliak on the CookTop stage

Dessert

Chris’ extensive inventory of Ex eats was helpful in knowing what was available (and what to avoid). We opted for the tried and true favourites, namely – Those Little Doughnuts, corn dogs, and Deli Manjoo custard-filled treats.

Mack hearts corn dogs!

Deli Manjoo cakes

We stayed for the fireworks that night, and were quite impressed! While not as spectacular as the Canada Day offerings, the show at least exceeded our expectations.

Ferris wheel at night

It’s hard to avoid one of Edmonton’s most popular summer festivals – but I wouldn’t want to. Despite it’s shortcomings (and year-to-year fluctuations in interesting acts), the Ex is an Edmonton institution of frivolous fun.

Lunch at Taste of Edmonton 2009

I was reluctant to go to Taste of Edmonton this year because not only is the value for dollar not there, but I’ve been shown the light for tasting events (in the forms of Taste of Summer and Indulgence). That said, it’s undeniable that the festival is ingrained in the city’s culture (it celebrates it’s 25th anniversary this year), and sampling small plates outdoors on Churchill Square can be the cure for the common lunch. So when a few coworkers asked if I wanted to join them, I gave in.

I decided to buy just 10 tickets ($1 per ticket), and planned my meal accordingly. While I admit it isn’t the best way to go about the event, I was looking for a full stomach as opposed to the full experience.

I decided on the sweet potato fries from Zen and the cheese empanada from Roma Bistro, both only 3 tickets each. The sweet potato fries were good, particularly with the accompanying dip. I couldn’t complain about the portion size either.

Sweet Potato Fries from Zen

I actually remembered to pull out my reusable container for my second course, and was pleasantly surprised when the attendant at the Roma Bistro booth took the time to cut the empanada so it would fit into my container. The deep-fried pastry didn’t lack cheese, but it wasn’t anything special either.

Cheese Empanada from Roma Bistro

With 4 tickets left, I could have gone for something slightly more substantial (the dry spicy chicken from The Lingnan was tempting), but I ended up with a dessert. On the Rocks’ apple crumble with Jack Daniels caramel sauce won my vote because of the ice cream. It melted much too fast for me to enjoy it, but some fruit was a nice way to end an otherwise deep fryer-heavy meal.

Apple Crumble from On the Rocks

Have you made it to Taste of Edmonton? What were your favourites?

Taste of Edmonton runs until July 25.

June in Edmonton is for Festivals

  • I’ve always wanted to go on a tour of downtown Edmonton led by the Core Crew, but the times have always clashed with my work schedule. In any case, tours will be hosted in the summer every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-2pm starting in June. Details here.
  • The Edmonton Food Bank is marking National Hunger Awareness Day on June 2 by hosting a screening of Affirming Diversity: Rural Images and Voices on Food Sovereignty in Rural India.
  • A free screening is taking place on June 6 at the Royal Alberta Museum with a film titled Will the Real Alberta Please Stand Up?, followed by a panel discussion. Details here (scroll to the bottom).
  • Interested in the possibilities of solar power? Think about taking part in free tours of some eco-solar homes on June 6.
  • The Heart of the City Festival on June 7 will see non-stop entertainment and activities for families. Drop by Giovanni Caboto Park (95 Street & 107 Avenue) for the fun.
  • June 9-16 will see the city’s second annual Creative Age Festival, recognizes “the vital contributions of the arts to lifelong learning, creative expression, health and well-being in later life.” Check out the website for listings of many free and low-cost events.
  • NextFest, a celebration of theatre, dance, visual art, music and film, bills itself as “the precocious teenager of Edmonton’s festival family,” heh. It runs June 11-21.
  • The Age of aQUEERious Pride Week is on June 12-21, kicking off with the Pride Awards on Friday night and Pride Parade and Celebration on Saturday afternoon.
  • June 13 kicks off Western Canada’s largest outdoor farmers’ market in St. Albert! Over 250 vendors will be expected to showcase their wares this year.
  • deVines Wines is organizing a very cool event on June 13 – they’re calling it “Al Fresco on 104th Street” to benefit the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. Among other things, the street will play host to food vendors, a fashion show, an outdoor movie screening and of course, an open door wine tasting. I’ll be there!
  • Edmonton’s annual River Day kicks off on June 13 with a pancake breakfast, and follows with a whole host of other family-friendly activities, including fishing activities and opportunities to ride in a canoe or raft.
  • Celebrate Africa Day at the African Centre (13160 127 Street) on June 13-14 with activities such as a fashion show, “Taste of Africa”, and African dance and drumming. Call (780) 455-5423 for more information.
  • A free concert titled “That’s Edmonton for You” featuring leading members of Edmonton’s indie rock scene is taking place on June 14 at noon at the Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Local musicians have composed songs that address the notion of community and sustainability – should be interesting.
  • On June 14, from 10:30am-2pm, the BLIA (10232 103 Street) is organizing a Vegetarian Food Fair, which will offer more than 50 different samples of Asian cuisine. If it’s anything like the vegetarian lunch I had there recently, I’m sure it will be a great event. Call (780) 424-9744 for more information.
  • Activities commemorating National Aboriginal Day will be taking place June 15-22.
  • InterVivos is hosting Jessie Radies of the Blue Pear at Von’s Steakhouse on June 16 for a talk titled “Stick it to the Recession” that will address the importance of keeping consumer dollars in the local economy. I’m sure it will be great.
  • Pecha Kucha is already in its fourth iteration in Edmonton, and will be in its biggest venue yet at the Shaw Conference Centre on June 16. Get your tickets soon if you’re interested – it will undoubtedly sell out early. Check out Mack’s write up of PK3 for a taste of what to expect.
  • Improvaganza will host the best improvisers from around the world during its 10-day event, June 17-27. I haven’t been in a few years, but I’m hoping to check it out again this year.
  • The Dreamspeakers Film Festival, which offers a venue to explore Aboriginal culture, is now in its eighth year and runs June 18-21.
  • Love beer? You’re in luck – the third annual Edmonton Festival of Beer on June 19 & 20 will showcase your favourites alongside entertainment and food.
  • June 19-July 1 will see the Works Festival take over downtown Edmonton with displays and performances of art.
  • June is Bike Month, which means it’s time for Bikeology, a month-long festival to celebrate cycling culture. It all cumulates on Bikeology Festival Day on June 20, with free activities at Beaver Hills House Park.
  • “Find your jazz” at the Edmonton International Jazz Festival, June 26-July 5. I love that they have a glossary of jazz terms up on the site.
  • The Muttart Conservatory opens after extensive renovations on June 27. I haven’t been to the pyramids in a while, but I’m eager to see what they’ve done to the place!
  • The Feats Festival of Dance is on June 27-July 5.
  • The Freewill Shakespeare Festival kicks off its previews on June 30, and runs at Hawrelak Park until July 26. This year’s plays: Comedy of Errors and the “slasher” (or so billed by Chris Bullough) Titus Andronicus.

Enjoy all the city has to offer!