Delicious eats, yellow brick roads and Oilers skating with fans: What a weekend in Edmonton

Restaurants are preparing for Downtown Dining Week beginning March 20, 2024. (Matt Marshall/CTV News Edmonton)

Edmontonians will be treated to some warmer temperatures throughout the weekend, and like any bustling city, there are so many ways to enjoy some well-earned days off.

Here’s what’s happening in Edmonton this weekend:

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Food and drinks

Downtown Dining Week

This weekend marks the last days of Downtown Dining Week in the city.

There are more than 60 downtown restaurants to choose from to suit anyone’s taste buds, including Sabor, Alchemy, El Jardin and Tzin Wine and Tapas.

Set menus are priced from $15 to $65 to give food-lovers some bang for their buck while treating themselves to some of Edmonton’s best food offerings.

Where: Various participating restaurants

When: March 12 to 23

Admission: Based on purchase

Alberta Spirits and Cocktail Festival

Have a fancy meal, then try some delicious cocktails from Edmonton’s best bars and vendors.

The Alberta Spirits and Cocktail Festival showcases Alberta’s best spirits accompanied by live-entertainment, flair bartending demonstrations, local eats and vendors, with an after party to boot.

Where: Edmonton Convention Centre, 9797 Jasper Ave.

When: March 21 and 22

Admission: $20 afternoon admission, $32 evening admission

Fine Arts

The Wizard Of Oz

Francesco Ventriglia’s rendition of The Wizard of Oz makes its Canadian debut Friday evening in Edmonton.

Dorothy and her ragtag crew, including Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, are brought to life through a blend of classical and contemporary ballet.

Tickets for the production are available online.

Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave.

When: March 21 and 22

Admission: $31 to $200

Glow Spring Lantern Parade

The all ages event invites Edmontonians to build lanterns to represent growth within the community, followed by a parade to ring in Spring Equinox.

Glow Spring Lantern Parade will host a free lantern-building workshop from 5 to 7:30 p.m., then parade their creations along 102 A Ave and circling around Jasper Avenue between 96 and 97 Street in the evening.

An afterparty with live performances will take place from 9 p.m. to midnight to cap off the night.

Where: CO*LAB, 9641 102 A Ave.

When: March 22

Admission: Free

Performances

David Cross – The End of The Beginning of The End

Known for his roles in Arrested Development, Mr. Show with Bob and David and Alvin and the Chipmunks, David Cross' comedy is inventive, clever and entertaining through and through.

Cross is making a stop in Edmonton Friday evening for The End of The Beginning of The End stand-up comedy tour.

The comedy show is an adults only event.

Tickets for the event are available online.

Where: Midway Music Hall, 6107-104 St. NW

When: March 21

Admission: $52.50 plus fees

Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Festival

The 39th annual Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Festival brings dancers from across Canada to showcase their artistry in a dance competition for all skill levels.

The festival features a free-to-attend market featuring a number of Ukrainian jewelry, clothing, live music and local artists.

The competition will begin Sunday and will feature a special appearance of the Cheremosh Dance Company.

Where: Orange Hub, 10045 156 St. NW

When: March 22 to 23

Admission: $0 - $20

Sports

Skate Into Spring

West Edmonton Mall is hosting the Skate Into Spring charity event in support of KidSport Edmonton, a non-profit organization which helps families pay for sports registration fees.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Calvin Pickard of the Edmonton Oilers will be participating in a community skate followed by a meet-and-greet session to provide autographs and pose for pictures for fans.

Although the event is sold out, spectators can watch the event from the upper levels of the mall.

All proceeds will be matched by the Edmonton Community Foundation.

Where: Ice Palace, West Edmonton Mall

When: March 23

Admission: N/A