Things to do in Edmonton this week: October 4–10

This week splits cleanly: Sunday through Wednesday offer your best weather windows — dry, mostly overcast, and cool enough to stay comfortable — before drizzle rolls in Thursday and a cold, wet Saturday settles in. Plan your outdoor moves early, and save the indoor draws for the tail end.

The biggest draw this week is How To Train Your Dragon 2 In Concert, playing October 9 and 10 at the Jube. The film screens on the big stage while the orchestra performs the score live, a format that transforms a beloved animated film into something you feel rather than just watch. If you have kids or simply remember those movies fondly, this lands with real impact.

On the live music front, IV of Spades brings their Filipino rock sound to River Cree Resort & Casino in Enoch on Sunday at 7 p.m. The Manila-based quartet — Zild Benitez, Blaster Silonga, Badjao de Castro, and Unique Salonga — broke through with "Mundo" in 2018 and remain one of Southeast Asia's most energetic rock exports. It is a short drive west, worth the trip if you want something outside the usual Edmonton circuit.

Monday evening, The Story of Linda Ronstadt comes to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. If you grew up with her voice — whether the country-rock edges, the ballads, or the Spanish-language albums — this is the week to sit with that catalogue live. Linda Ronstadt's influence on rock and country runs deep, and a night devoted to her work is rare.

Tuesday brings two options. The Inspector Cluzo, a French rock duo from Mont-de-Marsan, plays 99ten at 7 p.m. — tight, two-piece guitar and drums rock, no padding. Alternatively, The Corps and Me The Guts & Guests take the stage at The Buckingham the same evening at 7 p.m., tickets from $24. Both are solid picks for a cool, dry night when getting out feels easy.

Wednesday night, Luke Kidgell brings his comedy to Rick Bronson's — The Comic Strip at 9:30 p.m. if you want laughs instead of music.

Beyond the stages, Vagabond Pop-ups has opened for dinner service in the former Wilfred's space at 10429 121st St. NW. Chefs Christine Sandford and Roger Letourneau are running seasonal menus and wine collaborations through January — a smart move for the cooler months ahead. Book early; their reputation precedes them.

If Sunday's dry window calls, grab a late breakfast at Commodore Restaurant before the Pandas Rugby match at Foote Field at 1 p.m., or use the afternoon for a walk in the river valley while the weather holds. Thursday and Friday will be drizzly and cool — ideal nights for ramen at JINYA on a late dinner run after a show, or wood-fired pizza at Bianco if you want to tuck in somewhere warm.

One final note: Sherwood Park is hosting Spooky Strathma this weekend with a Paint & Sip Friday and family activities Saturday if you want to venture east and make an afternoon of it, though weather Saturday will be wet and bitter cold.

If I had one night out this week, I am taking How To Train Your Dragon 2 In Concert on Friday or Saturday — the orchestra, the scale, and the childhood nostalgia are unbeatable.