Rock music, markets: Here’s what to check out in Edmonton this weekend

Annual Edmonton Christmas Market. Sunday Nov. 28, 2021 (CTV News Edmonton)

Snow has finally made its appearance and holiday celebrations are in full swing for the end of November, so here are some events to check out this weekend in and around the city.

Markets and Lights

What would Edmonton be without a myriad of markets to choose from?

The Edmonton Christmas Market in Fort Edmonton Park begins Saturday and is in town until Dec. 21.

A general admission ticket gives you access to local market shopping with live musical and theatrical performances, art installations, and holiday photo opportunities, among other attractions. Tickets can be bought online or at the door, although door admission is about $2-4 more.

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Whyte Avenue will also host its Winter Whyte Light Up at Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Old Strathcona Business Association plans to turn the park into a winter wonderland replete with free family activities, live music and street performers. Visitors can buy hot drinks and treats in the park.

While not a market, per se, the Canadian Tire Magic of Lights show also continues this weekend and runs until Jan. 3 at RAD Torque Raceway. Enjoy LED displays of Candyland, Toyland, 12 Days of Christmas and more from the comfort of your car with a drive-through of 2.5 kilometres of lights. Passes begin at $35.

The OddBird Art & Craft Fair, Edmonton’s “quirkiest new indie art market,” begins Friday evening at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre and will feature more than 100 local artists and groups. Entry to the fair is $5 and 10 per cent of admission sales will be donated to charity.

Concerts

It’s a weekend for rock at Rogers Place.

Three of Canada’s biggest rock bands share the stage Friday night: The Tea Party, Headstones and Finger Eleven. Tickets begin at $54.

Then on Saturday, rock band Papa Roach comes to Rogers Place for their Rise of the Roach tour. Tickets begin at $66.

But if rock music isn’t your thing, this weekend is also the beginning of the Candy Cane Cabaret, a burlesque show hosted at the aforementioned Edmonton Christmas Market. This adults-only show’s first performance is Saturday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. A ticket to the show will also give you full access to the market.

Fort Edmonton Park’s Capitol Theatre will also begin performances of A Kidsmas Carole, a playful spin on the classic, A Christmas Carol, starting Saturday and running until Dec. 14. Tickets start at $17.45, but kids 0-17 do get a free carousel ride with their ticket.

Sports

The Edmonton Oilers are in Seattle this weekend, but the Edmonton Oil Kings are at home to face off against the Saskatoon Blades on Sunday at 4 p.m.