The best part about summer in Edmonton is all the art festivals that burst onto the scene. My suggestion on how to spend your 50 bucks involves hitting the streets around one of the best summer weekends in town—at the Edmonton International Fringe Fest. (I know, I know: it’s early—but this’ll give you a chance to save up for it!)
$20: Strathcona Farmers Market
Saturday morning entails getting up early, grabbing my longboard, and heading down to one of my favourite places, The Strathcona Farmers Market, where for just a few dollars you can take in lovely fresh vegetables, live music, and some of Edmonton’s best hidden gems. The Doefs Greens vegetable stand is a must—you can get a whole bag of mouth-watering baby cucumbers for just $3.50. And if it’s sweets you’re after, Mom’s Pies should be your second stop.
$8: The Fringe Grounds
Well, since you’re already in the neighbourhood.... Edmonton, famously, is home to the world’s second largest Fringe Theatre Festival. A small donation at the entrance gives you access to tons of outdoor shows and buskers—I have a specious fondness for the balloon artists. Not to mention the smell of mini dounts, which always makes my stomach yell “FEED ME.” And, of course, the never-ending rows of vendors selling everything from jewelry and paintings to didgeridoos and hippie hair wraps. Grab some delicious treats and start walking—there’s a lot to see.
$12: Pints at The Next Act
After all that walking, you’ll be thirsty, so head across the street to The Next Act Pub for a pint or two at the Edmonton theatre community’s watering hole of choice. I could spend hours here just checking out the posters from bygone stage productions posted on the walls. But be careful if you need to use the restroom: the cubicles are incredibly small, and if you swing the door open too fast, you stand a good chance of smoking someone in the face. On your way out, be sure to pop a quarter into the candy dispenser for some tasty chocolate-covered coffee beans.
$5: The Movie Studio
As the sun begins to go down, take a stroll to 109 Street to The Movie Studio and rent yourself a flick. The Movie Studio’s selection has thousands of choices, no matter your taste, and their young and trendy staff is always full of suggestions if you’re stumped. My pick is 1983’s documentary Style Wars, which profiles a group of NYC graffiti and early hip hop artists. (But I’m also a sucker for Bee Movie, which incidentally taught me much more appreciation for bees.) On your way out, don’t forget to take your free bag of popcorn.
$5: Getting Home
If you’re anything like me, the price of gas has driven you to find alternate means of transportation. So those last five bucks have to get you home. As long as they don’t hike the fare again in the next three weeks, you and a friend can hop on one the ETS bus or train. Once you’re back in your familiar surroundings, still abuzz from the chocolate coffee beans and beer, change into some comfortable clothes and settle in with your DVD. Just don’t forget to floss the popcorn out of your teeth before heading to bed.
Wanna try it?
Send your idea for 50Buck to
stories@see.greatwest.ca.
