Cooler nights and falling leaves all suggest summer in the city is quickly drawing to a close. Edmontonians are acutely aware just how little of the season we get to experience but also how to best take advantage of what we do get. If you feel like you’ve dwindled the summer away, fear not, we’ve compiled a list of not-to-be-missed events happening all week long. So take advantage of the last days of August, grab grandma, the dog, and the kiddos, and make the most of hot summer in the city!
Today: Movies on the Square. The City of Edmonton in collaboration with Direct Energy has been putting on free movies all summer long. You’re just in time to catch the last one of the season. Pitch Perfect 2 will be screening tonight, outdoors, in Churchill square. Entertainment in the square begins at 7 and movies begin at dusk. Bring a lawn chair!
Movies on the Square at Churchill Square
Wednesday: Qualico Patio Series. Enjoy the view over Broadmoor Lake as you lounge on the patio at Festival Place, taking in the sights and sounds of two spectacular and eclectic music acts in an intimate setting. This week features country locals ‘The Moanin After’ contrasted with the Cuban stylings of ‘The Marco Claveria Project’. Don’t forget about the beers and BBQ to boot!
Qualico Patio Series at Festival Place
Thursday: John Janzen Family Bonfire. Bring the family down to the river valley from 7 to 8:30 pm and shake off that looming Autumn chill with a free bonfire at the nature centre. Discuss topics like bees, birch, and bats with knowledgeable staff members. Once again, bring a lawn chair!
John Janzen Nature Centre
Friday: Eskimos VS Argonauts. Show some hometown pride and see if the ‘City of Champions’ moniker holds up when the Edmonton Eskimos take on the Toronto Argonauts this Friday at Commonwealth Stadium. The Eskimos, currently ranking second after Calgary in the West Division, will start Rookie quarterback James Franklin at Friday’s game. This will technically be his first start in the CFL, an occasion not to be missed.
James Franklin of the Edmonton Eskimos. Image courtesy of Esks.com
Saturday: Dogs with Wings Fundraising Fun Day. A farewell to summer party is being hosted by Dogs with Wings, an outstanding organization striving to train and provide assistance dogs for persons with disabilities. Their event is free but they will be accepting donations on site and all proceeds from sales will go to the organization. Free activities include a petting zoo, bouncy castle, crafts, dog demos and more. There will also be a huge garage sale on site! A jam-packed day of fun with the family while raising money for charity? Sounds like a win-win!
Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society
Sunday: The Great Big Family Picnic. At the Devonian Botanic Garden from 11-3 on Sunday, take a jaunt outside the city to spend some quality time in the great outdoors with friends ad family. You are welcome to bring your own food, and there will be lunch for purchase at the grounds. Naturalists will be hosting activities at Calla Pond, as well as children’s crafts, and family games.
Japanese Garden at the Devonian
Monday: Ghostly Walk Through Old Strathcona. The last night of August deserves to go out with a bang, or rather a Boo! Why not say farewell to the season with an eerie stroll around the cultural heart of Edmonton. An experienced veteran of storytelling will take you to buildings, houses, and shops, all with ghostly legends in their history including hauntings, murders, and mysteries. Tours begin at 9pm and are a bargain at $10 per person.
Ghost Tour Group Gathers at Orange Hall
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