Family Five
SWIMMING LE S SON
Want to be part of a Guinness Book of World Record attempt, but lack the necessary skills the various categories call for? Easily solved; over at the World Waterpark, staff are providing Edmonton and area residents with a free swimming lesson as one of hundreds of lessons being held around the globe, in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson. Even if things don’t quite pan out, the family will still get free lessons in basic skills, such as holding one’s breath under water and floating. Last year’s attempt saw more than 36,564 people from 22 countries come together to set a fifth consecutive world record. When: Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. Where: World Waterpark, West Edmonton Mall Admission: Free Info: wem.ca
PORKAPALOOZA
If ever there were the perfect event for dad, Porkapalooza is it. Edmonton’s only barbecue festival, well-timed for Father’s Day weekend, promises over 30 teams from Western Canada competing for over $15,000 in prizes. Lots of different versions of BBQ will be available for tasting, as well as an entertainment and food demonstration stage, beer gardens, Kids Zone, Friday night RibFest, Father’s Day Brunch and a marketplace. Entry is free, but sampling costs money, so bring some cash. Bare Bones RibFest and Father’s Day Brunch require tickets; check the website for info on where to get them. When: Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21. Where: Borden Park Admission: Free Info: porkapalooza.ca
JAZ Z FOR K IDS
As part of the Edmonton International Jazz Fest, five of the city’s best musicians have put together an afternoon of interactive and educational fun for kids. Drummer Sandro Dominelli leads an all-star cast that includes vocalists Kelly Allanah and Rhonda Withnell, pianist Chris Andrew and bassist Dan Churchill, with participants not only listening but also participating in making cool sounds. Here’s your child’s chance to try out an instrument and learn from some of the best. When: Saturday, June 20, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Blvd. Admission: Free Info: edmontonjazz.com
BLOCK PARTY
Teaching your kids how to correctly rock out is an important part of raising a family in the 21st century. The folks at Backbeat School of Rock are aware of this necessity, and that’s why they not only focus on the essentials of rocking, they also provide the much-needed venue by closing down their back alley and having a block party, complete with student bands. Along with music and food, there’ll be pop-up patios, a root-beer-float stand, face-painting, a bouncy castle, temporary tattoos and more. When: Sunday, June 21, noon to 8 p.m. Where: Back alley behind Backbeat School of Rock, between 100th and 101st streets and 81st and 82nd avenues Admission: Free Info: backbeatrock.com
MAKE MUS IC EDMONTON
If you’re looking for a quiet afternoon out you won’t find it on 124th Street on Sunday. The folks at Make Music Edmonton are setting up 15 venues and two open-air stages to accommodate 85 musicians for a showcase of the impressive musical talent Edmonton has to offer. They’ll be on sidewalk stages, dance floors and various other spaces around the avenue, inspired by La Fête de la Musique, a national music event launched in France in 1982. When: Sunday, June 21, noon to 5 p.m. Where: 124th Street, from 101st to 111th avenues. Admission: Free Info: makemusicedmonton.com