Happy Monday, Edmonton! 👋
Winter wasn’t quite done with us this week. Thursday brought the wind, Friday followed up with snow, and the weekend felt more like a reminder than a fresh start. Just when it looked like we were in the clear, Edmonton pulled one last switch-up.
Hopefully that was the final round because signs are pointing back to spring later this week, with temperatures climbing again and the city ready to reset.
Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's get into what's happening around Edmonton.
Now, in today's edition:
The Oilers vs. Ducks series rolls on — Game 5 is Tuesday at Rogers Place
Free compost from the City — Eco Stations open May 1
Patio season is officially open across Whyte, 124, and Jasper Ave
Restaurant of the Week: Bündok — downtown's seasonal shared-plates favourite
Homes of the Week — three Edmonton-area listings to start your week
Meet Autumn — a one-year-old domestic short hair at the Edmonton Humane Society
Events this week in YEG, plus Friday/Saturday/Sunday live music
— Nick Kulusic
News
A Tough OT Loss in Anaheim — Oilers Down 3-1 Heading Into Game 5
It didn't end how we wanted. The Oilers fell to the Ducks in overtime on Sunday night in a finish that's going to be replayed all week — a puck that barely crossed the line on a play where an Anaheim skate was sitting directly on top of it, no clear video angle to confirm anything either way, and a goal that stood after review. The series now sits at 3-1 Ducks, and Edmonton is officially in must-win territory.
The frustrating part isn't the loss — it's hockey, and Anaheim has earned every inch in this series. The frustrating part is the way it ended. A goal you couldn't see, a review that didn't conclusively show much of anything, and a season suddenly hanging on three straight wins.
But here's what we know: this team has been counted out before. And Rogers Place on Tuesday night is going to be one of the loudest barns in the league.
Here's what to know:
Game 5 is Tuesday, April 28 at Rogers Place — first puck drop is at 8PM MT
Home games at Rogers Place are Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. Game 6 (if needed) would be Thursday, April 30 in Anaheim. Game 7 (if needed) would be Saturday, May 2 back at Rogers Place.
McDavid and Draisaitl have been on the ice for almost every meaningful Oilers goal in the series so far — when they go, the team goes
The Moss Pit watch parties on the plaza are free and reliably packed; get there early if you don't have tickets
Rogers Place ticket prices have been climbing every game — Tuesday will be no exception
The series might be tight, but in this city, we always come back when it matters most.
P.S. Share this with your group chat so you can plan a watch party for Tuesday night.
City Updates
Free Compost Starts May 1 — Bring Your Own Container
If you've been waiting on a reason to get the garden going, here it is. Starting Friday, May 1, the City of Edmonton is giving away free compost at the Ambleside and Kennedale Eco Stations — and yes, it's actually free.
The compost is made from Edmontonians' own grass, leaf, and yard waste collected through the seasonal yard waste program. It's been lab-tested and is weed-free, so it's safe to mix straight into garden beds, top up your lawn, or load up the planters before the long weekend.
Here's what to know:
Available at the Ambleside Eco Station (south Edmonton) and Kennedale Eco Station (north Edmonton)
Runs from May 1 until June 28 — or until the supply runs out, whichever comes first
Bring your own containers, loading tools, and protective equipment (gloves and a mask are smart)
Limit is 100 litres per vehicle — about 4–5 medium tote bins
Personal use only; commercial use is not allowed
It's the kind of small, practical thing that pays back tenfold in the garden over the next few weeks. If you've got planters, raised beds, or a lawn that's looked rough since last summer, this is the move.
P.S. Share this with the gardeners in your life — first weekend will be busy.
City Updates
Community Spotlight
Patio Season Is Officially Open Across the City
You could feel it on Saturday — the first real warm afternoon of the year, and every patio with a heat lamp was packed by 2PM. After the winter we just had, it didn't take much convincing.
Whyte Ave is leading the charge as usual, but 124 Street has quietly built one of the city's best patio strips, and Jasper Ave keeps adding more outdoor seating every spring.
Here are a few patios that came alive this weekend:
Tres Carnales Taqueria (104 Street, Downtown) — A small but sunny patio in the middle of the action; tacos and a margarita is hard to beat
Sabor (Jasper Ave) — Tapas-style sharing plates, sangria, and one of the prettier patios downtown
Little Brick Café (Riverdale) — Brunch and coffee with a riverside vibe; one of the most underrated patios in the city
Northern Chicken (124 Street) — The patio just off the side opens the second the sun's out
Have Mercy (Whyte Ave) — Southern comfort food, fried chicken, and a back patio that fills fast on sunny afternoons
It's the kind of weekend that reminds you why Edmontonians put up with the other six months. Patio season is short — make the most of it.
P.S. Forward this to whoever you owe a drink — sun's out, no excuses.
Restaurant of the Week: Bündok
Downtown's Seasonal Shared-Plates Favourite, Quietly One of Edmonton's Best
Some restaurants make noise. Bündok doesn't have to. Tucked into a quiet stretch of 104 Street downtown, it's been one of Edmonton's most respected dining rooms since chef Ryan Hotchkiss opened it back in 2016 — and it still feels like a secret.
The concept is simple: seasonal, shared plates, served in a relaxed, unfussy way. Menus shift constantly with what's coming in from local farms. The space is small, the lighting's just right, and the staff knows the menu cold.
Here's what makes it special:
A constantly rotating shared-plates menu built around what's actually in season
A wine list that goes deep on small producers — ask the team for a recommendation
The bar itself is one of the better solo-dining spots downtown — pull up a stool, order three plates, see what happens
Tuesday – Thursday, 5PM – 9PM · Friday – Saturday, 5PM – 11PM · closed Sunday and Monday
It's the kind of place where you sit down planning to be in and out in 90 minutes and end up there until close. Spring menus are landing this week — book ahead, it's worth it.
P.S. Send this to whoever you've been meaning to plan a real dinner with.
Homes of the Week:
Home 1: Under $400K
Price: $299,900
Address: 11908 71 St NW · Montrose, Northeast Edmonton
Details: 4 bed / 2 bath / 960 sqft / Detached / Single Family
Highlights: Bright open living space with natural light, spacious kitchen, 2 bedrooms on main floor, fully finished basement suite with separate entrance and second kitchen — currently a great mortgage helper opportunity
Click here: To view the full listing and plan your showing
Home 2: $400K–$600K
Price: $589,900
Address: 2 Edison Dr · Erin Ridge North, St. Albert
Details: 4 bed / 3.5 bath / Detached / St. Albert
Highlights: One of St. Albert's newest communities, close to parks, walking trails, and excellent schools — Erin Ridge North is a tight-knit family neighborhood with easy access to the Anthony Henday
Click here: To view the full listing and plan your showing
Home 3: Over $600K
Price: $899,900
Address: 10115 83 St NW · Forest Heights, Southeast Edmonton
Details: 4 bed / 4 bath / Detached / Modern Infill
Highlights: Beautifully designed modern home filled with natural light, sleek open-concept kitchen with quartz counters and oversized island, statement fireplace, primary retreat with walk-in closet and ensuite, fully finished basement with self-contained 1-bedroom legal suite currently rented at $1,375/month, double detached garage — steps from the river valley and trails
Click here: To view the full listing and plan your showing
Pet of the Week
Meet Autumn 🐾
Some cats burst through the door demanding attention. Autumn is not one of those cats. She's the kind who finds the warmest patch of sun, settles in, and lets the day come to her.
This one-year-old domestic short hair is at the Edmonton Humane Society waiting on the right home. She's friendly but unhurried — happy to accept a few gentle pets and then politely return to her nap. The shelter team thinks she'd thrive somewhere calm: a quieter household, an apartment with a good window, maybe a person who works from home and doesn't mind a furry coworker.
If you've ever wanted a cat who matches your pace instead of running ahead of it, Autumn is your match.
Name: Autumn
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Age: 1 year old
Sex: Spayed female
Weight: 9.48 lbs
Location: Edmonton Humane Society — Kennel #12E
Pet ID: 147354
Adoption fee: $160
P.S. Share this with anyone who's been thinking about adopting a cat — Autumn's been waiting.
Events This Week: April 21–27
Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Search them up before you go!
Sports 🏒
Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks — Playoffs Game 5 | 8PM, April 28 (Tickets)
Location: Rogers Place, Downtown
Descriptions: The series heads back to Edmonton for Game 5. Rogers Place in playoff mode is one of the best atmospheres in hockey. If you can't get a ticket, the Moss Pit watch party on the plaza is free and reliably electric.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks — Playoffs Game 6 (if necessary) | TBD, April 30 (Tickets)
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim — road game (watch from home or a bar)
Descriptions: Series might still be alive at this point. If it is, find a bar with a big screen and bring the crew.
Performances 🎭
Ron James — The Noise Between Our Ears | 7:30PM, April 27 (Tickets)
Location: Francis Winspear Centre, Downtown
Descriptions: One of Canada's most beloved comedians on stage at the Winspear. Ron James is a national treasure — sharp, warm, and always worth the ticket price. Tonight only.
Cyrano de Bergerac | Opens May 2 (Tickets)
Location: Citadel Theatre, Downtown
Descriptions: The Citadel's spring main-stage production opens this Saturday and runs through May 24. A new take on one of the most-loved plays in the Western canon. Worth the ticket.
City and Colour — An Evening with City and Colour (Solo) | May 2 (Tickets)
Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Descriptions: Dallas Green plays an all-acoustic solo set at the Jube — The Way It Used To Be. Special guest Julianna Riolino opens. One of the most anticipated Edmonton shows of the spring.
Community Fun 🎆
Old Strathcona Farmers' Market — Outdoor Season Energy | 8AM – 3PM Saturday, 11AM – 3PM Sunday (FREE)
Location: 10310 83 Avenue NW, Old Strathcona
Descriptions: Edmonton's biggest year-round indoor market, just off Whyte. Live music both days, plus a busker weekend, face painting, and the spring season fully kicking in.
City Market Downtown | 10AM – 3PM, Saturday May 2 (FREE)
Location: 104 Street, Downtown
Descriptions: Year-round market in the heart of downtown — local makers, food vendors, and live music as the outdoor season ramps up.
River Valley Trails — Spring Reopen | All Week (FREE)
Location: North Saskatchewan River Valley
Descriptions: Most major trails are cleared and back open — Hawrelak Park, Mill Creek Ravine, Walterdale Bridge connections. Bike-share is back online across downtown and the river valley.
Comedy 😂
Cipha Sounds — Live at The Comic Strip | April 30 – May 2 (Tickets)
Location: Rick Bronson's The Comic Strip, West Edmonton Mall
Descriptions: The Hot 97 legend, comedian, and DJ headlines a five-show weekend at the Comic Strip — Thursday, two shows Friday, two shows Saturday. Always a good night.
Battle to the Funny Bone | 7:30PM, April 27 (Tickets)
Location: Rick Bronson's The Comic Strip, West Edmonton Mall
Descriptions: A Monday-night comedy showcase at WEM's longest-running comedy room — local comics going up against each other for the win.
Yuk Yuk's Comedy Night | Thursday – Saturday (Tickets)
Location: Century Casino, Fort Road
Descriptions: Yuk Yuk's runs shows Thursday, Friday, and two on Saturday every week. Always a great night out — check their site for this week's headliner.
Special Events 🥂
A Grand Affair — Region 26 Sweet Adelines | May 1 & 2 (Tickets)
Location: Francis Winspear Centre, Downtown
Descriptions: A two-day a cappella showcase at the Winspear — Quartet Competition Friday afternoon, Chorus Competition Saturday afternoon. A genuinely fun and surprising event if you've never been.
Patio Season Kickoff — Whyte Ave & 124 Street | All Week — peaks Friday & Saturday (FREE)
Location: Whyte Avenue and 124 Street strips
Descriptions: Most patios are open. Some have live acoustic sets going on weekend afternoons. No tickets, no plan — just walk the strip and pick a spot.
Music 🎵
