Calgary Entertainment

Calgary’s urban scene has changed considerably since the city has grown, and is becoming recognised as one of Canada’s most diverse cities. Today, Calgary is a modern cosmopolitan city that still retains much of its traditional culture of hotel saloons, western bars and nightclubs. Following its revival in the 1990s, Calgary has also become a centre for country music in Canada. The city is also home to a thriving all-ages music scene of many genres including pop, rock and hip-hop.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Calgary is better than you would expect of a cowboy and oil town in the middle of the Canadian prairies. The city is best explored through its various neighbourhoods, and if you want your action to be more concentrated, stick to areas like Kensington, known for its streets that are lined with a diverse range of cafés, bars, restaurants and clubs. Alcohol can legally be served in Alberta until 02:00, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years old. The dress code at most bars and clubs is casual, although more upscale establishments may refuse entry to those wearing trainers or ripped jeans.

Eau Claire Market is the home of The Garage, a hip warehouse-cum-bar of billiards and alternative rock. At 1315 1st Street is Crazy Horse, one of the city’s longest reigning and hottest dance clubs. The Palace, on 219 Eighth Avenue SW, offers live music and dancing as well as pool. Metro, on 6120 Third Street SW, contains three different clubs under one roof, with DJs spinning a variety of tunes in the Ballroom. Live bands play at the Tonic Club and ambient electronica sets the mood at the Limelight Lounge.

The Embassy Nightclub on 516C Ninth Avenue SW, is a happening spot with two dance floors that crank out everything from disco to house until 03:00. For those with an urge to flutter, Casino Calgary is a fully-licensed gaming lounge, open until 03:00, and it offers table games, slot machines, a poker room and horseracing; there is no dress code.

Theatre and music

Calgary’s sprawling EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts (tel: +1 403 294 7455; website: www.theartscentre.org) provides the kind of cultural hub that many cities twice as big still lack. The centre houses the Jack Singer Concert Hall, home of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (tel: +1 403 571 0849; website: www.cpo-live.com); the Max Bell Theatre, home of Theatre Calgary (tel: +1 403 294 7440; website: www.theatrecalgary.com); and the Martha Cohen Theatre, home of Alberta Theatre Projects (tel: +1 403 294 7402; website: www.atplive.com).

An acoustic marvel, the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (tel: +1 403 297 8000; website: www.jubileeauditorium.com) is located high on a hill with a panoramic view of downtown Calgary. A sprawling performing arts, culture and community facility, this 2,700-seat auditorium has been host to hundreds of Broadway musicals and theatrical, stage and local productions, and attracts over 850,000 visitors to its performances every year. The ‘Jube’ is also the resident home of the Alberta Ballet (tel: +1 403 254 4222; website: www.albertaballet.com); the Calgary Opera (tel: +1 403 262 7286; website: www.calgaryopera.com); the Kiwanis Music Festival and the annual official civic Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Festivals

Calgary is home to a number of major annual festivals and events including the growing Calgary International Film Festival, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Greek Festival, Carifest, Lilac Festival, GlobalFest, Calgary Fringe Festival, Summerstock, Expo Latino and many other cultural and ethnic festivals. 

• Calgary Exhibition and Stampede is Calgary’s most well-known event, which occurs for 10 exhilarating days every July and is among the largest and best-known festivals in Canada. It features an internationally recognised rodeo competition, a midway, stage shows, agricultural competitions, chuck-wagon races, First Nations exhibitions and pancake breakfasts around the city among other attractions. The event has a 93-year history, and in 2005, more than one million people attended this 10-day extravaganza. Phone: +1 403 261 0101; website: www.calgarystampede.com.
• Summer Jazz and Shakespeare, from late June through late July, brings nearly 50 jazz bands and artists to present live music at a variety of venues in Calgary including outdoor concerts at Eau Claire Market and on Stephen Avenue Mall. In early July to mid-August, Shakespeare in the Park (tel: +1 403 240 6374) presents free admission to the Bard’s works from Thursday to Saturday at Prince’s Island Park on the Bow River.
• Calgary Winterfest is a one-week event in February showing all the fun that can be had in the midst of snow and ice, whether in the form of cultural, sporting or children’s events. This festival, held throughout various locations in Calgary, is all about ice carving, human curling competitions, musical performances, strongman face-offs and arts and crafts displays. Phone: +1 403 543 5480.