You didn’t ask, but don’t worry – I went ahead and did it anyway: a comprehensive roster of things to do this weekend in our fine city.
Friday, March 24
There are essentially two options on any given Friday: collapse into a defeated mass on your couch, or go out in the world. If you choose the latter, try Tuckingham: Bands Fronted by Drag Queens @ The Buckingham. This collaborative event pairs Edmonton drag queens with Edmonton bands. (And you can enjoy great vegan pub food!)
Saturday, March 25
Breakfast:
Do you have children? Then your day is going to start markedly earlier than mine.
Take the edge off of those sleepless nights with breakfast at Route 99. They’re open early, have reasonable prices, fantastic service, kid-friendly food, and a jukebox. Which means that you can do what my parents used to: hand your kids a roll of coins and finally enjoy a moment’s peace (unless, of course, your kids are into John Mulaney, in which case prepare to hear What’s New Pussycat at least 11 times).
Mulaney’s Kid Gorgeous tour rolls through town in June, BTW. (SOLD OUT!)
No kids? Then please – join me and all other sleepy DINKs staying in bed all morning and lumbering to The Almanac on Whyte for brunch (open at 11:30 a.m.).
Daytime Activities:
Kids: Head West to the Telus World of Science for their coming-to-and-end Angry Birds exhibit. And while you’re there, check if they still have that display studying boogers. It’s not to be missed!
Stop for some snacks at the TWOSE Cafe, and then make your way downtown to partake in the EPL’s Lego at the Library. (Keep the Edmonton Public Library in mind when thinking ahead to spring break next week too.)
And if Lego’s not your jam, head south to the Garneau Theatre for Metro’s Reel Family Cinema – this month’s screening is “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
No kids: From Strathcona to Downtown – you have a couple of options for your next activity.
If you’re feeling political: visit the Boyle Street Community League to get the latest on local feminist activism at Women March Forward – Taking the Next Steps.
Burned out on politics? Fair enough, the world’s a relentless dumpster fire and sometimes we need a break. Head to the Shaw Conference Centre to drink at the Beer Fest.
Dinner:
Breeders and non-breeders alike: Noodle it up at Hoang Long, and enjoy banh mi, vermicelli bowls or any number of delicious menu items over on 109 Street (downtown).
Evening Activities:
Kids: Home with the kidlets after a long day!
No kids: How about some comedy at the Citadel? At 7:30 p.m., catch the final show for Rapid Fire Theatre’s fierce femme production of ‘Sphinxes’.
You can also check out Capital City Burlesque’s 8 p.m. show, Spring Time Jizz Jazz at the Needle, featuring the Doug Organ Quartet.
Jazz not your thing?
Then how about going to 9910 for some Hip Hop and R&B karaoke, starting at 9 p.m.? Guaranteed to be a good time, regardless of whether it turns into your own personal 8-Mile, or simply reveals that you’re just as uncool as you always feared.
Sunday, March 26
As Michael Bolton points out, we’re only 10 (alright, now it’s more like eight) months from Christmas, so why not go shopping? Perfect for parents and non-parents!
The Make It Show has its final day Sunday, opening at 11 a.m. And you can get a coupon for a discount on the cost of admission here.
Or if you prefer lightly-used to handmade, how about the Colossal Garage Sale at The Aviary, open until 4 p.m. on Sunday (also runs on Saturday FYI).
After all that, you will no doubt be exhausted from deals. And that means it’s time to do something that lets you sit. Head south to the Garneau Theatre for Metro Cinema’s afternoon Quote-Along screening of Anchorman. And get popcorn – it’s the best in the city.
Next, unless you have eaten your weight in movie snacks, you’ll be leaving the theatre at the perfect time for dinner. Hit up Have Mercy just off Whyte for Frito pie, fried green tomatoes and fried chicken with donuts.
Make sure you’re out the door by 8 p.m., because your next stop is the The Empress, and you want to be sure to grab a seat in time for their Comedy Night (don’t forget – THIS comedy is live, so cool it with the shouting of Anchorman quotes).
