Are you wondering what to do in Edmonton this weekend? We’ve got a strong woman-led lineup for you—it is Women’s History Month, after all!
1) Women of Folkways | Mar. 12
This concert is a celebration of women by women. Women of Folkways brings you an exciting lineup of artists who will perform their original songs and cover music from the women in the Women of Folkways Catalogue. These performers include Dana Wylie, Maria Dunn, Linda McRae, Terry Morrison, and Shawna Caspi. This in-person performance will be held at the Parkview Community Hall. Sound Studies Institute will record the performance for the chance to view the highlights on March 19. Tickets are available online.
2) SkirtsAFire Festival | Until Mar. 13
The SkirtsAFire festival will continue to bring Edmonton a celebration of diversity and empowerment through to the end of this weekend. Here are some events to check out:
A RETURN TO WOMANHOOD WORKSHOP | Mar. 12
This workshop of creative practices, led by multidisciplinary treaty scholar and artist, Lana Whiskeyjack explores women as sacred and powerful. Dive into nêhiyaw worldviews through nêhiyawêwin (Cree language) and land-cosmic teachings through art practices.
SONGS IN THE SANCTUARY | Mar. 12
A celebration of women’s voices that features three local women choir performances by Nîpisîy, Ariose, and Chanteuses.
COMEDY NIGHT WITH GIRL BRAIN AND ZENON+ | Mar. 12
Girl Brain Sketch Comedy is written, directed, and performed by three Albertan women: Alyson Dicey, Ellie Heath and Caley Suliak. The show explores all the bits of a “girl’s brain.” Special guest, ZENON+ is a Calgary-based music duo that takes influence from R&B. Join them this Saturday for some laughs and bops.
AYITA BY TENEIL WHISKEYJACK | Until Mar. 13
MainStage production, Ayita, by Teneil Whiskeyjack, continues until the end of the SkirtsAFire Festival. This show mixes theatre and Indigenous contemporary dance and follows Ayita in her navigation of sovereignty, past pain, healing, liberation, and the awakening to her medicine.
3) Mosquers Film Festival 2022 | Mar. 12
Transforming perceptions. The Mosquers Film Festival strives to combat misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, demonstrate their diversity, and provide a channel for talented individuals to express themselves. The festival has become the world’s largest showcase of Muslim art, featuring 10 short films from around the world, comedy, music, and more. Prepare to be entertained, inspired, and educated this weekend at Edmonton’s Winspear Centre—tickets are on sale online!
4) Stories of Métis Women: Tales My Kookum Told Me | Mar. 12
Join RISE Book Club to discuss the book, Stories of Métis Women: Tales My Kookum Told Me. This book depicts tales of the land, community, family, resiliency, and hope through firsthand accounts of Métis women. The women discussed in the book are the matriarchs of their families, keepers of cultures, and midwives for their communities. Sharing their stories ensures a place in history for the perspectives of Métis women. You can join this free virtual event this weekend by registering in advance on the Edmonton Public Library Website.
5) Women of Aviation Worldwide Week Celebration | Mar. 12
This fascinating career fair celebrates the past, present, and future women of aviation. Have you ever wanted to be an air traffic controller, know the ins and outs of a jet engine, or soar through the sky? The Alberta Aviation Museum is hosting the 9th Annual Celebration of Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. The goal? To join the movement for gender representation in aviation. Elevate Aviation has partnered with the museum to bring in pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance engineers so that you can ‘fly in’ to speak with these experts and explore aviation possibilities.
6) Bianca Del Rio: Unsanitized | Mar. 12
Bianca Del Rio is coming to Edmonton this weekend at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium! She recently completed her fourth global stand-up comedy tour, It’s Jester Joke and made history as the first drag queen to headline Carnegie Hall and Wembley Arena. You may also know her as the winner of the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Bianca’s comedy style is unapologetic—she isn’t afraid to stand out, shock, and offend. She is back better than ever (with even more attitude) with her new comedy tour, Unsanitized. Grab your tickets online and join Bianca this Saturday for some much-needed comic relief amid a global pandemic.
