An era in Edmonton's live music scene is drawing to a close. Union Hall, the storied venue on 99 Street, will host its final event this Friday night, December 31, 2025, marking the end of its 22-year run. The space, which originally operated as the Thunderdome, has been a cornerstone for hundreds of dance, metal, country, industrial, and rock shows.
The Final Bow for a Local Institution
The venue's farewell will be a free, high-energy send-off featuring American producer and DJ Borgeous. The event promises to be an "absolute electro banger," offering free admission before 10:30 p.m. with an RSVP. For over two decades, Union Hall was known not just for its diverse bookings but also for its strict entrance screening procedures and distinctive wraparound balcony.
This closure, however, is not a permanent end for the location. The space is slated to be replaced, rebranded, and resuscitated as The Pawn Shop, reviving the name of a beloved local venue that closed during a wave of shutdowns roughly a decade ago. It remains to be seen how the physical space will adapt to the crusty-punk vibe of the original Whyte Avenue music box.
Fresh Sounds and Theatrical Genius
As one chapter ends, others are just beginning. The weekend also offers Edmontonians a chance to catch emerging talent and inventive performances.
Ruby Plume, an angel-voiced "song and dance girl" from Edmonton's sister city of Nashville, brings her dreamy indie folk-pop to The Starlite Room on Sunday. A poetic lyricist and hypnotic guitar player, she is considered a rising star. The all-ages show features a strong lineup of local openers, including Morning Coyote, Mya Will, and Rachel Walton, making it a full night of discovery.
For those seeking laughter, Off Book: The Improvised Musical returns after a celebrated run at the 2025 Fringe Festival. This talented troupe creates an entire, hilarious musical on the spot based on a single audience suggestion. The show has drawn comparisons to major productions for its catchy, spontaneously composed numbers.
Weekend Event Details at a Glance
Union Hall Farewell with Borgeous: 9 p.m., Friday, December 31. At 6240 99 St. Free with RSVP at unionhall.ca.
Ruby Plume with Openers: 6 p.m., Sunday, January 2. At The Starlite Room (10030 102 St.). Tickets are $17.72 at starliteroom.ca.
Off Book: The Improvised Musical: 7 p.m., Friday, December 31. At Rapid Fire Exchange (10437 83 Ave.). Tickets are $26.82 general, $16.50 for students and seniors at rapidfiretheatre.com.
