5 things to do in Edmonton this weekend

Apart from the more general Easter activities, this weekend is packed with niche-nerdoms and events for the passionate, yet discerning fan.

Question of the ages

What: Nearly as dividing as the timeless question “Star Trek vs. Star Wars?” is the classic Marvel vs. DC comics debacle. Metro cinema-goers will have their own chance to weigh in on the matter and show their colours Thursday night as the theatre holds a double feature of Spider-Man 2 and The Dark Knight. Prizes will be handed out for best costumes and I’m told both Spider-Man and Bruce Wayne’s alter-ego will be there (and maybe even Wolverine!).

When? April 2; Spider-Man 2 plays at 7 p.m. and The Dark Knight at 9:30 p.m.

Thaw at the Shaw

Marilyn Manson will perform Thursday at the Shaw Conference Centre.

What: The musician that many parents once worried their children would love (AKA Marilyn Manson) is performing Thursday night as part of the Thaw at the Shaw event. Manson, who’s been performing and touring for nearly 30 years, is currently promoting his new album The Pale Emperor.

When? April 2 at 6 p.m.

Bunny hop

What: It’s the Easter Long weekend and there are plenty of family-friendly events scheduled around the city:

Hop into your car and head 25 kilometres north of Edmonton for the Hop! Easter Fest at Prairie Garden & Adventure Farm, where there will be a pancake breakfast, egg hunts every hour, a petting farm, puppet shoes, spring craft and more from April 3 to 6
While outdoor Easter egg hunts in Edmonton will likely not take place on a pristine bed of green lawn like this, there are still plenty of Easter options for candy-hungry children (and parents) this weekend. (Darin Oswald/Canadian Press/File Photo)

Have an old-fashioned Easter at Fort Edmonton with Sweet Treat — where your kids can try their luck in a scavenger hunt and outdoor Easter egg maze before settling into wool carding, baking and planting seeds
Freak your kids out and gain a priceless family memory by making them sit on the Easter Bunny’s lap at West Edmonton Mall
Get your face painted, craft and hop through the Muttart pyramids at the Easter Egg-stravaganza on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Dance all night

What: Some of the biggest names in electronic music (including Eric Prydz) will be at the Shaw Conference Centre this weekend for the 3rd annual Northern Lights Music Festival. Tickets to the 18+ event cost $99/day, or you can buy a Tier 3 pass for the whole weekend for $149.

When? April 3 and 4 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Add to your collection

What: Edmonton’s Dead Vinyl Society is hosting Super Mega Records Garage Sale 2 (it’s a sequel to the VERY popular vinyl sale held last year) this weekend at the Kenilworth Community Hall. The group promises tens of thousands of records from every genre will be up for grabs — but get there as early as you can to guarantee the best selection.

When? April 3 to 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.