Friday's Here — Live Music, Fresh Food, and the Evening Ahead

Morning. It's Friday — 3°C, clear enough to move around, but bundle up. We're looking at a decent day before the sun drops at 6:20, so if you're heading out early, you've got solid light. By evening it'll be properly cool, so plan indoor if that's your thing.

If you're taking transit, note that the Ordze Transit Centre northbound stop is closed today — if you usually grab the LRT there, route around it or check your app before you head out.

It's been a heavy week locally. A 31-year-old woman was found dead in northeast Edmonton in what police are investigating as a homicide. In other news that hits different, a man pleaded guilty to luring and sexually abusing 28 girls he'd contacted through Snapchat and TikTok — a sprawling case that took real work to unravel. On a different note, Covenant Health's added weapons screening to all four of Edmonton's hospital ERs, part of the ongoing push to keep staff and patients safer in those spaces.

There's some lighter news too: Hazeldean Bakery reopened in south Edmonton today, and the neighbourhood turned out for the new owners — hundreds showing up to welcome them. After two years, though, Paperbirch by Chartrand is closing its stall at the Old Scona Farmers' Market, so if you've been meaning to grab something from them, get in while you can.

If you're hungry, a couple of new spots worth trying. Elio's just opened on the south side with Filipino comfort food and a real gathering vibe — the kind of place that feels like it wants you to linger. North on Calgary Trail, the old ramen spot Nomiya has reborn itself as Nom, now doing elevated Japanese dining. Different energy, same address.

For the evening, you've got options depending on your mood. The Pandas are playing Victoria at Saville at 6:00 if you want some university basketball. Live music is scattered around — Begonia Ticket at Double Dragon starts at 6:00, ACTORS takes the stage at the Starlite at 7:00, and if you're into the bit, Bingo Loco's got their Halloween Name That Song game at Midway Music Hall at 6:00. It's the kind of Friday night where you can pick your vibe and stick with it.

Stay warm out there. See you around.