Friday's Cold, But the Weekend Is Already Warming Up

Morning, Edmonton. It's -6 out there with the wind making it feel more like -8, so this is a day to layer up properly before you head out. Hat, gloves, the good boots, the whole deal. The UV is low at 1.0, so you won't need sunscreen today, but the light will be gone early. Sunset is at 6:05 PM, which gives you about nine and a half hours of daylight. Plan your errands and any outdoor stops for the afternoon and keep the evening for being inside somewhere warm.

If you're heading out tonight, the Ice District and downtown will be buzzing. Rogers Place is hosting hockey action this weekend, so expect a bit of extra foot traffic and a busy core as the weekend kicks off. Give yourself a few extra minutes for parking and the walk from the car, especially with the cold snapping at your face.

On the local front, there's a dormant high-rise site at 121 Street and 102 Avenue downtown that's just been listed for $4 million, which is worth watching if you've noticed that corner sitting quiet for a while. Also, the city is warning that some mature neighbourhoods could see 100-unit infill projects under a provincial order, which is the kind of change that will have people talking at the community league rink this winter. And over in Leduc, the curling club's junior program is offering a low-cost, low-commitment way for kids to get into the sport, so if you've got a young one who's been asking about it, there's your lead.

For food, Hazeldean Bakery is reopening in south Edmonton under new owners, and the neighbourhood has turned out in the hundreds to welcome them back, so it sounds like a good place to grab something warm before the weekend. Elio's has also opened on the south side with Filipino comfort food and a real gathering spirit, which is a perfect pick for a cold Friday when you want something hearty. And Nomiya has become Nom on Calgary Trail, a ramen shop reborn as elevated Japanese dining, so if you've been craving a bowl that feels like a proper night out, that's your spot.

Tonight the big draw is the Phantom of the Opera at the Winspear Centre, curtain at 7:30 PM. If you want something louder, BANDS AS BANDS 2026 kicks off at The Starlite Room at 6:00 PM, and there are two SCREAM Halloween events at the Edmonton Convention Centre and the EXPO Centre, both starting at 7:00 PM. The EXPO Centre one is 18+, so plan accordingly. If you're a Crusaders fan, the Vernon Vipers are at Sherwood Park Arena tonight at 7:00 PM for some junior hockey action, which is always a good time in the Park.

This weekend, Phantom runs both nights, there's hockey on Saturday, and a haunted dance bash on Sunday to close things out. It's Halloween weekend in E-town, so get out there, stay warm, and enjoy it.