Lindork’s Lists #265 – FascinAsian Film Festival, Lobster Special, Mother’s Day Ideas & More!
Newsletter for May 7-13, 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
Catch a show at FascinAsian Film Festival – Edmonton!
The inaugural FascinAsian Film Festival – Edmonton runs THIS WEEKEND May 9-11 at Landmark Cinemas downtown.
The festival includes screenings of 4 feature films and 15 short films, all centered around Asian storytelling (with universal / relatable themes! This is open to everyone!)
I’m on the volunteer organizing team for the event and we can’t believe the event is finally here. As I’ve mentioned before, I really believe in the value of representation in media and are excited to see these stories on the big screen.
Click to see the program + get tickets
I also ran a giveaway in last week’s email giving subscribers a chance to win a pair of tickets to a film festival screening of their choice! Thanks to those who entered.
The winner is: Alison B. who selected Paper Flowers as the film she’d most like to see!
Check out Eunju Park – Rooting for You Exhibit (The Carrot, 9351 – 118 Ave.)
Until May 31, The Carrot Community Arts & Coffee House will be exhibiting one of my favourite local artists Eunju Park. “Rooting For You” Visual Art Gallery showcases the talent of Korean letter abstract collage artist Eunju Park. Best of all each piece is for purchase (it’s been on my list to get a piece so maybe I—and you—will find one here!) Opening Reception is May 7 from 7-8 p.m. or view the gallery at The Carrot anytime through May.
Kick off the Edmonton Stingers season (Edmonton EXPO Centre)
The Edmonton Stingers basketball team kicks off their season this Sunday, May 11 taking on Calgary at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Mike and I are season ticket holders this year (it’s really affordable compared to some of the other sports in town lol) and we really love the games. They’re a lot of fun!
Experience the Ben Calf Robe Traditional Pow Wow (11000 Stadium Rd.)
You’re invited to experience a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture with stunning dance performances, powerful drum groups, and community connection. All are welcome at the Ben Calf Robe Traditional Pow Wow taking place at Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre (indoor field house) on Saturday, May 10 from 1-9 p.m.
Shop the Oddbird Art & Craft Fair (8426 Gateway Blvd.)
Oddbird Art & Craft Fair is back May 9-11 at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, featuring more than 70 vendors selling jewelry, home goods, ceramics, bath and fragrance, art, apparel and more!
Here’s some arts-focused events and shows you may be interested in…
NorthWestFest film festival celebrating the best in local and international indie filmmaking runs May 8-15 at Metro Cinema. Rainbow Visions which focuses on LGBTQ2S+ films runs right after May 16-18.
There’s a few Jane’s Walks happening on May 10 (I missed sharing about the majority of walks taking place last weekend because of my condensed newsletter lol).
Titilope Sonuga – Sis: A Meditation on Sisterhood through Poetry and Song is on May 11 at the Zeidler Dome, TELUS World of Science.
O2: The Breath Between – A Duo Art Show Experience is on at Bay 1 Gallery until May 17.
Here are a few other events you may be interested in this week…
The TELUS World of Science is kicking off free Friday Night Trivia this Friday, May 9.
If you’re like me, you might be interested in witnessing a Spell Bee Competition in real life lol. That’s happening on Saturday, May 10. I think it’s free to attend but the Eventbrite link notes tickets to register to compete.
I think the name is really silly lol but Heavy Metal Place, the massive new recreation and culture facility in Spruce Grove, is hosting their Grand Opening event on Saturday, May 10 with lots of free activities.
This year’s Canstruction fundraiser and can-building competition runs at West Edmonton Mall until May 11! Check out the impressive can designs by architects, engineers, designers, contractors and community.
And looking ahead to end of the month…
The Fringe Theatre is hosting ‘A Fringe Benefit’ fundraiser, Fringe-style—radical, rebellious, and ridiculously fun—on May 23.
Audrey’s Books & Bent Stick Brewery are hosting a ‘Grown-up Book Fair’ on May 25.
The Edmonton International Cat Festival that I organize is on Caturday, May 31! Don’t miss Alberta’s biggest celebration of cats, cat culture and cat people, that raises money for cat rescues.
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!
Try all-you-can eat Korean BBQ at BB2 Korean House (2335 111 St.)
I recently tried the new-ish (opened January 2025) BB2 All You Can Eat Korean BBQ House, which features more than 17 options for the grill from premium beef to pork, a variety of chicken, fresh seafood, and more!
You can also get a cold noodle soup or top rice with your BBQed meats, AND access even more items from the Self Serve bar—for instance, I piled up on romaine lettuce, garlic, and jalapeños to build my own lettuce wraps using the grilled meats! There’s also noodles, other appetizers and a sauce bar.
The interior of the restaurant gives new/modern x graffiti grunge vibes – you’ll see a lot of graffiti wall art and art sculptures, plus graffiti text on the table vents. It’s bright and spacious! Service was great! They also do daily specials (check my Facebook post for more details).
Grab quality cocktails and food from Little Wolf (8424 109 St.)
Honestly, I’ve always had such great food and drinks from Little Wolf, an independent cocktail and snack bar just south of the river. Vibes are always great. Flavours are also excellent. Service is always wonderful! We recently popped in before a comedy show and enjoyed our cocktails and jumbo schnitzel. The menu changes often so lots of reasons to keep coming back!
Take advantage of the lobster special at Dynasty Century Palace (9700 105 Ave.)
Don’t miss the Lobster Special Mix & Match deal being offered from Dynasty Century Palace from May 9-18! It’s being offered all day weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends – 1 Lobster with Cream sauce & Noodles (looooe this dish!) plus rice, soup of the day, and two items of your choice from a pre-selected list.
Check out the Grand Opening of the new Paris Baguette (2853 119A St.)
Paris Baguette is expanding to Heritage Valley, with a Grand Opening event this Friday, May 9. with freebies and a photo booth happening from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (you’ll get better perks if you arrive first thing!) This popular bakery (chain with local location owners), is known for their pastries, drinks and cake!
Cheer on the Edmonton Oilers with these downtown restaurant specials:
Go Oilers Go! If you’re ready to jump on the Round 2 bandwagon (hello, join me lol). Check out this list from the Downtown Business Association featuring downtown bars and eateries offering Oilers playoff specials. (Not an exhaustive list!)
Here are some food-focused Mother’s Day ideas:
Asian Market Adventures presents ‘Flavours of the Orient – Fruit Tour’ Mother’s Day Edition on May 9 at Lucky Supermarket (north) as well as ‘Adventures in Snacking’ Mother’s Day Edition on May 10.
There’s a Mother’s Day Scotch & Chocolate Tasting at ch. cafeteria May 10.
Padmanadi is hosting Mother’s Day (vegetarian/vegan) Buffet on May 10.
Calgary ‘s Ollia Macarons and Tea are doing some pop-up baking classes in Edmonton this weekend (sold out!) but if you’re interested, attend their pop-up at Bamboo Ballroom (8206 106 St.) on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-orders of macarons, tea, cakes and more are available online to be picked up in Edmonton at Bamboo Ballroom. A sweet opportunity to treat mom to something sweet for Mother’s Day! Shop the full menu.
The Edmonton Queen Riverboat is hosting a Riverboat Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet on both Saturday & Sunday May 10 & 11.
Moms eat free at all Canadian Brewhouse locations on Sunday, May 11.
District 102 at Delta Edmonton Centre Suites is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 11 (and you could catch FascinAsian Film Festival screenings after that—same building!)
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Caribbean Brunch on Sunday, May 11 presented by the Jamaica Association of Northern Alberta.
And here are some upcoming food events you may be interested in!
HOM (southeast Asian-inspired street food) is doing a pop-up at Shamrock Curling Club on May 9.
Spilt Zero Proof Bar’s invites you to explore Street Drinks from Around the World May 13, 27, June 10, 24.
Spotlight Cabaret Romeo & Juliet’s Notebook dinner + show runs til May 15.
Get Joy of Asia Bon Bon Asian Heritage Month chocolates while supplies last this May.
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.
Shop the 2025 Edition of my Asian Heritage Month Clothing Collection with ZEN LION DESIGN!
Shop my Asian Heritage Month Clothing Collection collaboration with Edmonton business Zen Lion Design. There are nine designs to choose from, from more serious, social issues-inspired statements to more light-hearted, fun, culturally celebrating designs (like Soy Into You, Rice is Life, In The Mood for Noods, and more!) This is the fourth year of our annual collaboration! 20% of proceeds from this year’s sales will be donated to FascinAsian Film Festival – Edmonton!
Tune into the #exploreNWAB Online Festival for a chance to win prizes!
I’ve teamed up with FestivalSeekers, Tourism Whitecourt, and Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association to highlight #exploreNWAB (North West Alberta) Online Festival—a virtual festival taking place Tuesdays & Thursdays May 6, 8, 13, and 15. Pop onto Facebook on these days (from this Facebook Event page) to watch short broadcasts featuring artists, makers, businesses, tourism operators and entrepreneurs in the region, share about products, give you tours, demos, and more.
It’s actually a really easy opportunity to spotlight and support local Alberta tourism, businesses you can support and experiences you can try right in your backyard, which feels especially important these days amidst the Canada-U.S. trade war. I’ve always encouraged folks to explore and support local—and plan cross-Alberta getaways. But not since perhaps the start of the pandemic has a summer felt most important to do that. To spend your dollars and your time in Canada, in Alberta! #exploreNWAB will give you some great ideas on things to do as you plan your Alberta experiences AND if you tune in and interact (share, leave comments), you’re entered to win gift cards to spend in the community—and other perks from the individual businesses!
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 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.
Get 10% off massage, acupuncture, energetic healing and medical aesthetics services at Park Integrative Health when you mention LINDORK at payment.
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).
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