River floats, improv shows, and Indigenous culture: Here’s what’s happening over Edmonton’s first summer weekend

Edmonton River Float opens this weekend for the summer season. (Courtesy: Edmonton River Float)

The first weekend of summer is upon us and with it comes the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

This weekend is filled with events commemorating the day with festivities, Indigenous culture and more.

Here’s what’s happening:

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Indigenous celebrations

Art Gallery of Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta is hosting a day of Indigenous programming that begins with storytelling and a blessing led by Indigenous Elders.

Discussions, such as Veronica McRae’s guided interaction on how to create your own ribbon skirt lapel pin, will take place on each floor of the gallery.

The Listen to the Land exhibition also features artists’ work that reflects upon the connection between Indigenous peoples’ stories and their surroundings.

More information on the event can be found on the art gallery’s website.

Where: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square

When: Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Admission: By donation

River Cree Night Market

Canada’s largest outdoor Indigenous market is coming to the River Cree Resort and Casino all weekend long.

The night market offers live music and entertainment, more than 70 local vendors, food trucks, face painters and balloon artists.

Visit the River Cree’s website for more information on the event.

Where: 300 East Lapotac Blvd., Enoch, AB

When: Friday, Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Celebrating the arts

Alberta Circus Arts Festival

The first-ever Alberta Circus Arts Festival has landed in Edmonton.

Attendees can witness performances from around the globe and learn the basics of becoming a circus performer, including skills like juggling or stilt-walking.

An industry panel is planned for the event along with a Circus Happy Hour that will allow guests to catch up with the performers.

For more information on the festival, click the link.

Where: La Cité Francophone, 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury

When: Friday to Sunday

Admission: Free with ticketed events

Improvaganza

With the start of summer also comes the annual unscripted improv-comedy event.

The festival offers a showcase of improvised shows, including Rapid Fire Theatre’s classic show Theatresports and themed shows inspired by Dungeons and Dragons and The X-Files.

Workshops for kids and adults are also featured at the event.

Tickets to the event can be found on Rapid Fire Theatre’s website.

Where: 8529 Gateway Blvd NW

When: Friday to Sunday, with various showtimes

Admission: $10 and up

Sports and recreation

Edmonton River Float

A float down the North Saskatchewan river is never a sign of a poorly planned weekend.

The Edmonton River Float is kicking off the season starting Saturday.

Guests will enter the river using a provided tube at Laurier Park before kicking back and relaxing as the river takes them under the Walterdale Bridge.

Single passes and group packages for up to eight people are available on the Edmonton RIver Float’s website.

Where: North Saskatchewan River, 9100 Walterdale Hill

When: Saturday to Sept. 1

Admission: $25 to $40

Edmonton Stingers vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears

Edmonton’s local basketball team is hosting the Winnipeg Sea Bears on Sunday.

The Stingers are third in the western conference with a 5-6 record while their Sunday opponents sit fourth with a 4-5 record.

Tickets to the basketball game are available on Ticketmaster.

Where: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118 Ave.

When: Sunday at 4 p.m.

Admission: $25 and up

Edmonton Riverhawks vs Wenatchee AppleSox

The Edmonton Riverhawks host the Wenatchee AppleSox in a best-of-three baseball showdown.

Each game will have its own theme as well as a special treat for ticket holders.

Friday’s game will bring in Fort Edmonton Park crews for a special Dark at the Park game, where guests will be treated to apple bobbing, candy, a fire-juggling unicyclist and fireworks.

Pride Night will take over Saturday’s game while Sunday’s game will feature wrestlers for a post-game competition on the field.

Tickets to Riverhawks games are available on their website.

Where: RE/MAX Field, 10233 96 Ave.

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday games

Admission: $10 to $32, plus fees