Family Five: It’s the last week to take older children to Amaluna or check out a Turkish festival
School of Rock fills back space with lots of fun
BLOCK PARTY
Normally we wouldn’t pass on an invitation to hang out in a back alley, but the Backbeat School of Rock is putting on a bit of a shindig behind their headquarters on Whyte Avenue that looks pretty fun. The intent is to celebrate the arts, food and music that can be found on East Whyte; there’ll be live rock shows, live aerosol art on a newly designated free wall, local artists and pop-up patios along the block. When: Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Back alley between 100th Street. and 101st Street., and 81st Avenue. and 82d Avenue. Admission: Free Info: backbeatschoolofrock.com NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY
There are a number of activities happening around Edmonton for National Aboriginal Day, a day for all Canadians to celebrate the cultures and contributions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.
Most are centrally located, and a few of them are specifically designed for families, such as the Empowering Togetherness event, which takes place at the downtown library. There’ll be contemporary and traditional aboriginal performances, arts and crafts, free bannock burgers and bannock dogs, and lots of family activities. When: Friday, June 21, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Where: Centennial Plaza, behind the Stanley A. Milner Library downtown Admission: Free Info: edmonton.ca
AMALUNA
We’re coming up on the final opportunity to see Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna, which ends next Sunday. Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. In the wake of a storm caused by Queen Prospera, a group of young men lands on the island, triggering an emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor. The couple must face numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony. When: Wednesday, June 19 to Saturday, June 22 at 8 p.m. Extra matinee on Saturday at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Where: Northlands Park Admission: $53.50 to $263.50, available from the website Info: cirquedusoleil.com
SPIRIT OF GREENGABLES
Eastside Grannies are holding a rhubarb coffee party and afternoon concert in support of African grandmothers who are raising 14.8 million orphaned grandchildren. There will be a Craft Sale, and the afternoon will feature many rhubarb-specialty items. The concert will be modelled on those described in the renowned Ann of Green Gables book, and hostesses will wear clothing from the early 1900s as they serve you coffee or tea. When: Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Where: Bethel Lutheran Church, 298 Bethel Drive, Sherwood Park Admission: $15 each, or 4 for $50, available by calling Joyce at 780-922-4384 or Colleen at 780-467-0596. Info: bethelchurch.com
TURKISH FESTIVAL
The family will enjoy a day out at the Turkish Festival, where there will be displays of Turkish art, folk dance, and music, plus opportunities to celebrate, learn, and savour the hospitality, culture, heritage and cuisine of the region. Expect a demonstration of Water marbling, plus foods like kebabs, donairs, baklava, apricots and figs, as well as the popular Turkish coffee. Visitors will be able to browse and buy Turkish products, souvenirs and handicrafts, and children can participate in activities like facepainting and colouring. When: Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, from 10 a.m. on. Where: Wilbert McIntyre Park, 8331 104 St. Admission: Free Info: edmontonturkishfestival.com