Lindork’s Lists #263 – Indie Book Store Day, Asian Cinema Concert, new Sandwich Shoppe & MORE!
Newsletter for April 23-29, 2025
Note: this is the public version of my weekly email newsletter that gets sent to subscriber inboxes first each Wednesday. If you’re looking at this public version, there’s a chance you miss out on events earlier in the week! Get the full newsletter first by becoming a free subscriber.
Things to Do This Week
Experience Independent Bookstore Day (various locations)
Pick up a passport at participating bookstores and spend the weekend April 26 & 27 visiting as many of the 17 independent book stores as you can for Edmonton Independent Bookstore Day! Visit, collect stamps, win fun prizes (while checking out and supporting local indie bookstores). Related: This was a nice story about Audrey’s Books, who are celebrating their 50th year.
Attend In The Mood for Film (ArtsHub Ortona – 9722 102 St.)
Local artists Nicholas Yee and Joselito De Los Angeles present In The Mood for Film, a live concert fundraiser on April 25, inspired by Asian cinema with proceeds donated to the inaugural FascinAsian Film Festival – Edmonton. The event includes a bubble tea bar from OCHA + BOBA + door prizes and is already 80% sold so likely to sell out. Get tickets before it does!
Don’t miss the final weekend of Mars at the Muttart (9626 96a St.)
It’s the final weekend to catch Mars at the Muttart, an awe-inspiring installation of Mars by artist Luke Jerram. The 7-meter in diameter, glowing Mars, is surrounded by bright red plants inside the Feature Pyramid of the Muttart Conservatory. April 27 is the last day to take it in.
Experience the Edmonton Music & Speech Arts Festival (various locations)
The 117th Annual (that’s not a typo! lol) Edmonton Music & Speech Arts Festival kicks off this week April 22 to May 4 featuring more than 20,000 music students, actors, musicians, and music lovers. Performances are FREE to attend and take place across four venues in the city.
Enjoy some amusement park rides with Wild Rose Shows (various locations)
Carnivals are back! Hit the travelling midway in Spruce Grove or at Riverview Crossing Mall this weekend (until April 27) or next weekend at Bonnie Doon, featuring thrill rides, kids rides, fun games and carnival food.
There’s a few sales and markets you might be interested in attending…
Alt After Dark Night Market returns April 25 with 35 local vendors, artists and brewers. FREE admission.
Edmonton Grandmothers group is hosting their Fabulous Fabric Frenzy on April 26. $2 Admission.
The Hazeldean Artisan Market runs April 26 & 27. Admission is FREE (donations to Edmonton Food Bank welcome).
The Mill Woods Seniors Association’s Spring 2025 Rummage Sale is April 26 & 27. FREE admission!
Here are a few other events you may be interested in this week…
There’s a Seniors’ Tour of a new exhibit what we leave, what we take, at the Art Gallery of Alberta on April 25.
My favourite magician Justin Willman is performing at the Winspear Centre on April 25.
An Invitation to Queer and Trans Joy documentary screening and panel is on April 26 at Metro Cinema.
JAMMY CON, a K-pop themed event hosted by Kawaii Alley is on at West Edmonton Mall’s Ice Palace on April 26.
The 39th Annual Wood Carving Show and Competition is on April 26 & 27 at Duggan Community Hall! It’s FREE to attend with displays, demos, and more.
The annual Snow Goose Festival is happening this weekend April 26 & 27. You can book a tour or take a free shuttle from Sherwood Park to Tofield, Alberta to celebrate the spring migration of snow geese.
Got an Edmonton area event, virtual event, or something coming up you think my readers would be interested in knowing about? Let me know!
Food to Try This Week!
Check out the new Tulip Sandwich Shoppe (inside OTTO 11405-95 St.)
Tulip Sandwich Shoppe is now open inside OTTO Restaurant, described as a lunch spot specializing in fresh, delicious sandwiches to eat-in or take away. Open Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (for now!) Great use of the space during the day (typically OTTO is only open for dinner).
Order Latin cuisine at Smokin’ Barrels Cocina Latina (13119 156 St.)
My friend asked me this week what my favourite food genres were and Mexican / Latin cuisine would certainly be up there (after satisfying all my Asian cravings of course lol)! I was reminded of this as I dug into tacos for the second week in a row. The Don Birria braised smoked beef brisket tacos from Smokin’ Barrels Cocina Latina in west Edmonton are excellent. The Birria poutine is also great. I love their soups. They’ve got a lot more Mexican and Colombian dishes, great service and will be opening their patio soon!
Try Hot Philly (9604 165 Ave.)
This week Mike was doing Realtor work (remember he’s a Realtor now! lol) in north Edmonton and popped into local, family-owned Hot Philly for lunch. He ordered the 12-inch Classic Philly, loaded with grilled mushrooms, onions, and green peppers, mixed in sauce of your choice, and topped with mustard mayo and cheese. “They were really nice and it was yummy.” -Mike’s review. lol
Grab treats from Sugared & Spiced (10334 Whyte Ave. – Back Alley)
This week, subscriber Diane suggested you try the Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares from Sugared & Spiced. “I don’t know what they use in making these PB squares but they are seriously the best I have ever had. It always hits the nostalgia vine but is just so so good!” She also recommends the local back alley bakery’s famous cakes.
And here are some upcoming food events you may be interested in!
Spilt Zero Proof Bar’s April classes are focused on planning your Mocktail Herb Garden (April 29) and then explore Street Drinks from Around the World in May and June (May 13, 27, June 10, 24).
Your ticket to April 25’s In the Mood for Film, a live concert fundraiser supporting FascinAsian Film Festival – Edmonton, also includes access to a build-your-own Bubble Tea & Juice Bar from OCHA + BOBA!
Alberta’s Premier Chocolate Tasting Festival, ChocoFest, is April 25 & 26.
There’s a Beats & Borsch Ukrainian fundraising dinner on April 26.
Don’t miss the Sorrentino’s Garlic Fest Garlic Stomp Fundraiser on April 26.
Hot Chefs Cool bEATS food and music fundraiser for the Canadian Culinary Fund and High School Culinary Challenge is April 30.
Playwright and eighty eight brewing are doing a tasting event on April 30.
The First Ever Viva La Tequila Fest is May 3 at the Renaissance Hotel.
HOM (southeast Asian-inspired street food) is doing a pop-up at Shamrock Curling Club on May 9.
Spotlight Cabaret Romeo & Juliet’s Notebook dinner + show runs til May 15.
Plus: pre-order Fu’s Repair Shop & Jacek Chocolate Couture’s Limited Edition JOY OF ASIA Bonbon Collection for Asian Heritage Month!
Clients of my friends at BONAFIDE MEDIA & PR are launching a beautiful + delicious product for Asian Heritage Month this May!
Chef Winnie Chen of Fu’s Repair Shop and JACEK Chocolate Couture Chocolatier J-Lynne Carlos and Production Manager, Mina Hideshima proudly present the JOY OF ASIA Bonbon Collection!
This limited edition release of handcrafted chocolates celebrates Asian heritage, artistry, and culinary innovation, featuring six bonbons inspired by nostalgic ingredients and flavours found across Asia.
Only 500 collections will be produced and each box features custom packaging with artwork by celebrated Edmonton artist Emily Chu.
This special collection will be on sale May 1 online and in-store at JACEK, Fu’s Repair Shop and Boa & Hare. $16.95+GST.
They are also currently taking corporate pre-sales of the Fu’s Repair Shop x JACEK Chocolate Couture JOY OF ASIA collection (min. 30 boxes) if you email [email protected].
10% of proceeds from the collection will be donated to the Togather Chinatown Arts Festival, supporting local artists and Edmonton’s Chinatown.
Ate something amazing recently? Want to show some love to a struggling restaurant? Have a take-out suggestion? Let me know to include in this newsletter.
Stay Tuned for a Giveaway Next Week!
In next week’s email newsletter (Wednesday, April 30), I’m excited to give away a pair of tickets (winners choice!) to the inaugural FascinAsian Film Festival – Edmonton taking place May 9-11 at Landmark Cinemas downtown.
The festival includes screenings of 4 feature films and 15 short films, all centered around Asian storytelling. Plus free Opening Ceremony/Reception, an Awards / Closing Banquet, and industry workshops. I’m on the volunteer organizing team for the event and am really excited to help it launch in the city. I believe representation in media is so important and this festival is playing an important role in building diversity and inclusion in the city (at a time when it feels like the world is going in the wrong direction by trying to eliminate diversity & inclusion initiatives).
Be sure to browse the festival line-up to get excited about the upcoming films and enter next week’s email newsletter giveaway for tickets! If you aren’t already a newsletter subscriber:
* there is a paid option as well if you’d like to further support my work
From the Blog Vault
Around this time last year, I released my Guide to Fun Flights (Food and Drink Samplers) in Edmonton! This was a super fun one to “research” and put together lol. If you missed it or haven’t referenced in awhile, check it out! And let me know if there’s some flights around town that should be included.
Save $$$ with my Discount Codes
I regularly partner with awesome companies to offer discounts that save you money!
Here’s a few promos you may be interested in…
Get 15% off your Deluxe Mobile Playscapes party package using code LINDORK! Book by April 30, 2025 for parties happening by Feb 28, 2026 to receive the discount! (not valid on deposits, delivery, or any other promotions
Get 20% off regular priced items at Bamboo Ballroom with my code LINDORK20.
Get 10% off cooking classes at Secret Ingredient YEG with my code LINDORK10.
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See all current discount codes on my blog!
As a TELUS Ambassador, if you sign up for TELUS products or services using my referral link / code, I also get some revenue (unfortunately you don’t get a bonus lol).
Popular on my Blog Right Now
Here are the top four most popular posts on my blog this week:
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