By Joel Dryden
The end of summer means we may have fewer trips to the beach or to Edmonton’s spray parks in our immediate futures, but there are numerous positive trade-offs – including the beautiful sight of the river valley as the leaves change colour. Summer may be drawing to a close, but September in Edmonton promises plenty of fun to bring us into fall. Here’s the best of our city this month. [Photo credit: Western Canada Fashion Week]
High-quality ingredients go into the creative sharing plates and passionately-prepared dishes at Biera, which has been open since mid-July. Located inside the Blind Enthusiasm Brewing Company, Biera’s menu was created by Chef Christine Sandford (formerly of Culina) and boasts snacks such as sourdough nuggets and crispy ferns, as well as mains like the shiro bok choy and grilled chicken. Fun fact: Biera and Blind Enthusiasm are both projects of Edmontonian Greg Zeschuk, who has made a splash in the brewing scene after co-founding video game behemoth Bioware.
Though it’s simple enough to track down Edmonton’s best food trucks – simply download the Street Food Edmonton app and hit the road – one of the most beloved local options also serves up its fare in a more permanent location. Calle Mexico is a fixture at Edmonton food truck events, with tacos of every variety a popular choice among visitors. Check out their storefront location, found on 107 Avenue, to pick up their offerings seven days a week.
Tang Bistro’s goal is an impressive one – change the perception of “Chinese food” from the greasy, sauce-smothered variety to one of high-quality, chef-driven entrees that stack up with any other local cuisine. Tang’s focus on northern Chinese cuisine means items like the roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and lamb paomo trump food court Chinese fare – and will make you question why you ever chowed down on that deep-fried ginger beef.
If the kids are feeling down about their first book report after going back to school, take them down to Alberta Avenue for the Kaleido Family Arts Festival. This three-day festival, scheduled Sept. 15 to 17, is a sight to behold as a variety of visual and performance artists descend on the inner-city neighbourhood to perform wherever space allows – whether that be on rooftops, back alleys or even the sides of buildings. Best of all, it’s free.
Though the Edmonton Comic and Entertainment Expo falls later on the calendar than sister events in Calgary and Saskatoon, it’s no less exciting for lovers of cosplay, comics and culture. Featured guests on the roster this year include William Shatner, Gene Simmons (of KISS fame) and Anthony Mackie (Avengers, The Hurt Locker).
Western Canada Fashion Week returns for the second of two fashion celebrations Sept. 14 to 23 after holding the first session in March of this year. Fashion-lovers can take in a variety of competitions or just admire the work of local and international designers. Of course, the event is a great excuse to add a few pieces to your own wardrobe.
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More fun things to do in Edmonton this September:
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September looms large on the kid calendar, marking the end of summer vacation and the return of classrooms and homework. It’s time for Edmonton students to head back to school – so make sure you know about the best places to pick up supplies.
Fall officially sets in Sept. 22, and with it comes some pretty stunning views in Edmonton and area. One of the best ways to take in those views is by bike, traversing through the river valley or even just through the Downtown Bike Network. For a full guide to cycling in Edmonton, including where to pick up parts or where to meet fellow bikers, check out Cynthia Wandler’s Smart Tip.
Though the days of summer are numbered, events like the Comic Expo and new restaurants like Biera promise to usher in fall in style. Take advantage of the stunning sights and beautiful views that come with the season – especially in a city with as much character as Edmonton.
