Edmonton's cultural calendar just hit the jackpot this weekend, with one of those rare lineups that'll have you scrambling to clone yourself. The Citadel Theatre is staging Cyrano De Bergerac at the Shoctor Theatre—because nothing says Saturday night like Edmond Rostand's masterpiece of unrequited love and magnificent noses. Meanwhile, the feel-good phenomenon that is Mamma Mia! has landed at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, promising to turn the venue into a giant ABBA singalong (yes, you will leave humming "Dancing Queen").
But Edmonton's weekend isn't all about the big stages. The Arkells are taking over Midway, and if you've never experienced Hamilton's finest live, you're missing out on one of Canada's most electrifying rock shows. Over at The Starlite Room, things get deliciously chaotic with Sour Cherry Switchblades headlining a five-band bill that includes Midnight Diner and Woodchild—the kind of multi-act concert that reminds you why Edmonton's indie scene punches way above its weight.
With 25 shows scattered across the city this weekend, Edmonton is basically daring you to stay home. From theatre to rock concerts to everything in between, May 16-17 is shaping up as one of those weekends where FOMO isn't just real—it's justified. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of it.
- Cyrano De Bergerac - Edmonton — Citadel Theatre - Shoctor Theatre (Saturday 16)
- Mamma Mia! (Touring) — Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (Saturday 16)
- Mamma Mia! - Edmonton — Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (Saturday 16)
- Pain Is how we learn EP Release show w/ GEOFF & Guests — The Buckingham (Saturday 16)
- Edmonton Stingers vs. Vancouver Bandits — Edmonton EXPO Centre (Saturday 16)
- Phorboda w/ Grandmal, Warwolf, Caustic Fog — The Starlite Room - Temple (Saturday 16)
- Sour Cherry Switchblades w/ Midnight Diner, Woodchild, The Seasonal Hires, Dove Eater, & Grimace Room — The Starlite Room (Saturday 16)
- Arkells — Midway - Edmonton (Saturday 16)
- Vancouver Bandits at Edmonton Stingers — Edmonton EXPO Centre (Saturday 16)
- Arkells — Midway Music Hall (Saturday 16)