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Good morning, Edmonton and surrounding areas! Happy Saturday!
We are kicking off the long weekend with a mix of sun and cloud and a high near 30C, our warmest stretch in a while.
The Elks are opening the upper bowl at Commonwealth Stadium for tonight's rematch, a new group is taking aim at Edmonton's infill rules, Heritage Festival throws open its gates at Hawrelak Park, WestJet has started grounding planes ahead of a possible Sunday strike, and Trump has announced a historic Gaza disarmament deal. Here is what is making news across Edmonton and the surrounding areas this Saturday.
🏈 Elks Open the Upper Bowl for Tonight's Rematch
How big is the crowd expected at Commonwealth Stadium tonight?
For the first time since 2023, the Elks are opening upper bowl seating at Commonwealth Stadium, with ticket sales already past 26,000 ahead of tonight's rematch against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
More than 30,000 fans are expected, building on last week's wild 36 to 34 win in Regina.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the Elks looking to sweep the home and home series.
Good excuse to grab a jersey and head downtown tonight.
🏘️ New Group Takes Aim at Edmonton's Infill Rules
Who is behind the latest pushback on infill?
A newly formed lobby group is planning a heavy petitioning campaign aimed at the province over Edmonton's infill development rules, the latest shift in the city's ongoing infill debate.
The group is targeting provincial lawmakers directly rather than city council.
It comes as infill construction keeps reshaping mature neighbourhoods across the city.
Worth keeping an eye on if infill has touched your own street.
🌍 Heritage Festival Throws Open Its Gates
What can you expect at this year's Heritage Festival?
The Edmonton Heritage Festival returns to Hawrelak Park today for its three day run, billed as the world's largest three day celebration of multiculturalism.
More than 60 pavilions are set up with food, dance and performances, and it is free to attend.
Gates are open from noon to 9 p.m. today, with the festival continuing through Monday.
A perfect way to spend part of your long weekend.
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✈️ WestJet Starts Grounding Planes as Deadline Nears
Could your WestJet flight actually get cancelled this weekend?
WestJet began parking its 737 aircraft Friday as a possible strike or lockout looms as early as Sunday at 2:01 a.m. Eastern, after flight attendants issued a 72 hour strike notice and the airline responded with its own lockout notice.
Passengers booked between July 30 and August 4 can change or cancel their flight without a fee.
Both sides say talks are continuing as the deadline closes in.
If you have a WestJet flight this weekend, keep a close eye on this one.
🕊️ Trump Announces Historic Gaza Disarmament Deal
What does this deal actually mean for Gaza?
President Trump announced an agreement for Hamas to disarm and for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza as part of the ceasefire process, calling it a historic step toward lasting peace.
A senior Hamas official says Israel needs to withdraw from parts of Gaza first before disarmament can begin.
The announcement builds on the ceasefire signed nine months ago.
A moment worth watching closely in the days ahead.
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Edmonton local Weather
Day ⬇2° lower than historical avg. Night ⬆2° higher than historical avg.
Edmonton Weather: Saturday August 1
Saturday brings a mix of sun and cloud with a high near 30C, our warmest day in a while, and a 30 percent chance of a passing shower this afternoon. Showers return overnight with a low near 13C, so keep a light jacket handy if you are out late for the Elks game or Heritage Festival.
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Events Happening in Edmonton and Surrounding Areas
Saturday, August 1
🌍 Edmonton Heritage Festival 🎟️ Details
🗓 Sat Aug 1–Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ 12–8 p.m. · 📍 William Hawrelak Park / Edmonton Exhibition Lands, 9330 Groat Rd NW
Huge multicultural festival with food, performances, and shopping from 100+ cultures.eventeny+2
🏀 FIBA 3x3 Hoop City 🎟️ Details
🗓 Sat Aug 1–Mon Aug 3 · ⏰ Daytime · 📍 West Edmonton Mall Ice Palace
Free-to-watch international 3x3 basketball action all weekend.edmontonmama+1
🎧 Subsonic Forest 🎟️ Details
🗓 Sat Aug 1 · ⏰ 9 p.m.–2 a.m. · 📍 The Faculty Event Centre, 10151 82 Ave NW
Late-night electronic and bass showcase for club-goers.electricyeg
⚾ Big Valley Jamboree Saturday Pass 🎟️ Details
🗓 Sat Aug 1 · ⏰ All day · 📍 Camrose Regional Exhibition Grounds, Camrose
Country music festival day pass with big-headliner energy.labs.songkick
🎨 Chinatown food tours 🎟️ Details
🗓 Sat Aug 1 · ⏰ Daytime · 📍 Chinatown
Budget-friendly savoury and sweet food tour options.
THIS OR THAT 🗳️
Elks game or Heritage Festival, how are you spending your Saturday?
Cheering on the Elks as they try to sweep the season series against Saskatchewan in front of a packed Commonwealth Stadium, or wandering the pavilions at Heritage Festival for food and performances from more than 60 cultures at Hawrelak Park. Both are happening right now across the city.
Hit reply and tell me which one wins your Saturday, or if you are somehow doing both.