Archives > September 2023

Fall Events in the Athabasca Region

While the days are getting cooler and leaves have changed their colour, not everything in the Athabasca Region is getting ready to tuck in for winter! Our Fall events schedule is heating up and getting ready to rock!

Take a look at some of our feature events coming up in October and November! And be sure to check our Events Calendar to see any updates.

 

 


 

Heartwood Folk Club Fall Series

The Heartwood Folk Club is a staple of Athabasca’s arts & culture scene. They present a seasonal series of amazing musicians from around Alberta, Canada and the world!

Performances happen in the fantastic Nancy Appleby Theatre, an intimate setting with a retro feel and great lighting and sound!

Make it a date-night-getaway and enjoy 10% off your meal at both Johnny’s Eatery or 49th Street Grill. Just show your server your ticket to the show!

Get more details here about the Heartwood Folk Club and their Fall 2023 Concert Series and how to buy tickets.

 

 

Tina Hart – September 29

“Spice up your night with the delightful sounds of Tina Hartt singing a coquette-ish mixture of originals, jazz standards and French chansons with a playful retro Parisienne cafe twist. Intimate, rhythmic and fearless – fully expect a toe-tapping soirée along with some downright pleasant surprises!

From Montreal but now living in Calgary. Tina has sung in a gamut of musical ensembles: “Cowtown Opera” (Calgary), Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, the 18-piece GTA Swing Band (Toronto), acapella jazz quartet “Tongues ‘n Groove”(Toronto), “Tina Hartt Quintet” (Toronto), and the rock bands “Rebel Hartt’s” and “Papa So Mean” (Montreal).”

Learn more about Tina here.

 

 

 

Ray Bonneville – October 14

“Acclaimed raconteur Ray Bonneville strips his bluesy Americana down to its essentials and steeps it in the humid grooves of the South, creating a compelling poetry of hard living and deep feeling. His ninth release, At King Electric, delivers more than his trademark grit and groove. Songs such as “The Next Card to Fall” and “Codeine” gleam with intimate narratives of characters reaching for hope and wrestling with despair. Rich guitar and harmonica lines resonate over spare but spunky rhythms, while Bonneville’s deep, evocative voice confesses life’s harsh realities.”

Learn more about Ray here.

 

 

Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys – November 2

“Jake Vaadeland is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Saskatchewan, Canada. His traditional sound and unique style could be defined as a blend of Bluegrass and 50’s Rockabilly, with Jake also specializing on guitar and banjo in addition to his impressive vocals.

Jake strives to write and play with a focus on storytelling and messages that he hopes his audience can relate to, all packaged in foot-stomping, high-energy performances with The Sturgeon River Boys.”

Learn more about Jake here.

Crystal Plamondon – November 17

“Crystal Plamondon hails from Plamondon, a town in Northern Alberta founded by her Franco-American great-grandfather in 1908. Crystal is a talented bilingual singer/songwriter/performer with a 35-year track record of consistently delivering passionate concerts that cover an emotional range from heart-warming ballads; as she demonstrates in her sixth studio album “TORCH” realizing a dream to sing Jazz classics; to her rockin’ country, cajun, roots style. Crystal never fails to connect with her audience because of her warmth, wit and report! Crystal has toured extensively in live music venues, theatres, and festivals throughout North America and Europe.”

Learn more about Crystal here.

 


 

Boyle Thanksgiving Farmers’ Market – October 5

Visit the lovely Village of Boyle the Thursday before Thanksgiving, October 5, from 12 pm to 3 pm, to stock up on treats, veggies and unique handicrafts for your holiday festivities!

If you’re heading from Fort McMurray to Edmonton (or vice versa), leave early so you can visit this great, accredited Farmers’ Market!

The market is held at the Boyle Community Center in Downtown Boyle. There is good parking on the street. Google map link to Community Centre.

 

 

 

Athabasca Farmers’ Market Fall Schedule

You know summer is coming to a close, 🙁 , when the Athabasca Farmers’ Market moves to its indoor venue at the Athabasca Multiplex! But don’t be too sad, because you can still get all the amazing food, treats, crafts and more from the region’s market vendors. Same local products, cozy indoor setting.

Grab a snack and then head over to Muskeg Creek Trails for a gorgeous hike afterwards.

Upcoming dates: October 7 & 21, November 4 & 18, December 2, 9, 16

Check out their Facebook or Instagram profiles for more info!

 

 

 


 

Monster Pro Wrestling

Are you ready to rumble? Get your pro-wrestling fix at the Monster Pro Wrestling: Rise Up! Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at the Rotary Fieldhouse at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.

Doors Open: 6:00PM
Show Time: 7:00PM

Tickets:
$25 Each Advanced (Contact any MPW wrestler/staff member or contact mpwrestlingevents@gmail.com)
$30 Each At The Door


 

One Book, One Community

“One Book, One Community (OBOC) is an event in Athabasca designed to encourage people to all read the same book and then come together to discuss it and participate in a program of related events. One Book, One Community-Athabasca supports reading, celebrates books and writing, promotes Canadian authors, and builds a sense of community through the shared experience of reading. OBOC is run by the One Book, One Community Committee which consists of local book club members, library staff, and members of community betterment groups.”

Join the Athabasca community in learning more about the refugee experience with the immersive events the One Book, One Community program hosts.

Learn more here.

 

 

 

Book Discussion – October 14

The book for the One Book, One Community program this year is Homes: A Refugee Story by Abu Bakr al Rabeeah and Winnie Yeung.

Join members of the community and the OBOC committee to discuss this award-winning account of two people’s refugee stories.

2 – 4 pm, Athabasca Seniors Center. Lots of great parking. Map to the Centre here.

 

 

 

 

Author Chat and Film Screening – October 21

Meet Author Winnie Yeung as she chats about the book she co-authored: Homes: A Refugee Story.

Then enjoy a screening of the award-winning film, Peace By Chocolate, the award-winning film about Syrian refugees who build a life in Nova Scotia one delicious piece of chocolate at a time. Based on a true story.

Both events at the Nancy Appleby Theatre. The chat begins at 5:30 pm and the film at 7 pm.

 

 

 

 

Taste of Athabasca – November 4

Get your tastebuds ready for a tour through Athabasca’s multi-cultured community! Community members will be cooking up traditional and cultural treats to share! Grab some bite-size nibbles from around the world and learn more about what makes Athabasca and the region a truly multicultural community!

By donation at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex from 11 am to 1pm.
 

 

 


 

Fall Into Place October 21

 

 

 

Rock out at Neighbours Pub with local talent Fall Into Place! These local rockers will be bringing the tunes and Neighbours will be serving up delicious food and beverages! Come out and support local live music!

Wear a costume (celebrate Halloween early!) to win prizes!  The band starts at 9 pm. No minors.

Check out Fall Into Place here.
 

 


 

‘Tis the Season: Moonlight Madness & Market – November 24 & 25

Kick off the holiday season with the Moonlight Madness Festival and Market! There will be a parade, a market at the Multiplex and more.

Stay tuned for details!

 

 

 


 

Make it a Getaway!

With so many fun, entertaining and sometimes thought-provoking events coming up in the Athabasca region, why not plan a weekend or long weekend getaway? There are some perfect date nights, so get out of the city with your S.O. or friends and experience the arts & culture scene of the Athabasca Region!

Get information about upcoming events, dining, accommodations and more at visitathabasca.ca!

Thrift & Finds Crawl in Downtown Athabasca!

If you love thrifting and finding unique gifts and homeware, yummy coffee and treats, and delicious brunches and lunches, Athabasca has an afternoon of fun for you!

Downtown Athabasca is perfectly set up for an awesome “Thrift & Finds Crawl”. If you don’t know what a “thrift crawl” is, think pub crawl but with second-hand shopping! And here in Athabasca, you can visit some unique retailers along the way, too.

For this order of stops, you could park at the Riverfront, but there are other parking options where you could start your crawl. There’s parking on 51st Street and you could loop around from there.

Wear walking shoes, this crawl is about 3 km long. The Town of Athabasca is built on the Athabasca River Valley, so there are some hills. There are a lot of places for refreshments along the way if you need a break.

If you are looking for more thrift & finds opportunities, there are a few to drive to. You’ll never know what you’ll find, so it’s worth it.

Ready, Set, Crawl…

1. Paddymelon Gifts, Espresso & Eatery – 4911 – 49 Street

Starting from the Athabasca Riverfront Park, walk south (away from the river) on 49th Street. About halfway up the block, you’ll come to the first stop.

Paddymelon Gifts, Espresso & Eatery is a great place to start your crawl. Fuel up on one of their espresso drinks and an in-house baked treat, or a breakfast wrap! They have a daily lunch special and other delicious meal items.

Paddymelon isn’t just on the list as a fuel stop, but as a place to find unique home decor, candles, scarves, Canadian-made jewelry, baby gifts, books, and more!

www.facebook.com/PaddymelonGifts

2. A Little Bit of Everything – 4913-49 Street

Just a couple of doors down from Paddymelon is A Little Bit of Everything

A Little Bit of Everything is exactly that: some used, some new, some food, some clothing, some arts & crafts! They are a local favourite, always bringing in new and exciting items and crafts.

Facebook Page

3. Ella & Birch Collective – 4916 A 50 St

From A Little bit of Everything, continue walking south (back past Paddymelon) to the corner, turn right and walk over to 50th St. Turn right and walk down the east side of the block until you come to Ella & Birch. You can’t miss it… they always have an amazing window display.

Ella & Birch Collective is a boutique with a collection of clothing, accessories, soap and spa products made and designed by women in Canada! Comfy well-made clothing, handmade soap (the store smells amazing),  lovely jewelry and more.

www.ellaandbirch.ca

4. Bubel’s  – 4922 50 St

After leaving Ella & Birch, continue down the block (north) about 3 buildings down. There you will find Bubel’s department store.

Bubel’s is a family-owned and operated department store that harkens to the past. It carries clothing and footwear for the whole family! They also carry a unique selection of swimwear, toys, games, models, movies, CDs and vinyl records.

Facebook Page

5. Glas Floral Studio – 5003 50 Ave

From Bubel’s, continue walking towards the river. When you get to the corner you’ll see a newer building kitty corner. That’s where you’ll find Glas Floral Studio.

“Glas offers unique home decor curated from designers throughout Canada and the United States. Our preference lies with local, woman-owned companies and items with a story, quality of material and eco-friendly practices.”

Glas always has interesting and inspiring finds of all kinds. Their flower art is one of a kind, too.

www.glasfloral.com

6. Rhi-Defined New & Used –  5506 50 Ave

From a Glas Floral, you could walk to the Train Station. On the west side of the station is a walkway that leads to the Rotary Trail which follows the river. Walk west (away from downtown) on the Rotary Trail until it swings up and meets the highway again. Cross the highway there and you’ll see Rhi-Defined New & Used.

Rhi-Defined is a classic thrift store with a mix of furniture, household goods and clothing. They also have new jewelry, collectables and more.

Facebook Page

7. Riddle & Gift Shop at Athabasca Native Friendship Centre – 4919 53 St

From Rhi-Defined, walk along the highway back towards Downtown until you get to 53 ST. Turn right and the second building up is the ANFC.

At the Athabasca Native Friendship Centre, you can get 2 shopping experiences in one! Upstairs is their Gift Shop which has a beautiful selection of Indigenous-made gifts, jewellery and arts. Downstairs you’ll find Riddle, their second-hand store. Tons of clothing, household goods and more are available.

If you do the crawl on a Friday, they will sometimes be serving delicious homemade soup and bannock. Also a local favourite!

Riddle Facebook
ANFC Facebook

8. Lolly Pop Thrift Shop

When you exit the Friendship Centre, head back down to the highway. Continue east (towards downtown) until 51st ST. Turn right and go up the block about 5 buildings. You’ll find Lolly Pop Thrift Shop there.

Lolly Pop Thrift Shop has a great selection of used housewares, clothing and more. They pride themselves on having a neat and tidy space for you to do your best thrifting! Another family-owned business that delivers great service.

Facebook Page

9. Flowers by Christina

And finally, to your last stop, Flowers by Christina. Head back down to the highway from Lolly Pop and walk back to the main street (50th ST). Turn right and head to halfway up the block to find Flowers by Christina.

Flowers by Christina has a beautiful assortment of gifts and flowers for any budget. Home decor, food items and more, plus their gorgeous flowers.

Facebook Page

 

Take A Break

If you’re getting tired from carrying your haul, no worries, there are plenty of places for snacks, drinks and meals along your route. From convenience stores, fast food, food trucks, Chinese food, family dining and pubs, Downtown Athabasca has it!

Get something to go and enjoy it at the Riverfront Park. There are picnic tables and seating with river views for your convenience.

Take a look at our website listings for more info on where to eat/drink: www.visitathabasca.ca

 

Other Thrift & Finds in the Region

Country Bliss Treasures & Gifts – 5114  3 St, Boyle

“Welcome to Country Bliss! We are very excited to share some wonderful decor! Whether you’re searching for a piece of character to fill that special area of your home or need a heartwarming gift for your loved ones…..we have it!!”

Facebook Page

Second Time Round & More – 5800 Elm Dr, Boyle

Second Time Round has an amazing selection of thrift items, from clothing, household goods, furniture and more.

Remember, small towns have some of the best thrift items around!

Facebook Page

 

What will you find?

If you are looking for a day trip out of the city, or want to spend some time before an event in Athabasca, be sure to take on the Downtown Thrift & Finds Crawl. You’ll be sure to find some items that won’t be found anywhere else!

For more information about retail stores in  the Athabasca Region, check out our website: www.visitathabasca.ca/things-to-do/shopping/stores-boutiques