Arts and Entertainment in Calgary
From Calgarypedia
Contents |
Overview
Calgary’s arts and entertainment scene is older than the city itself and boasts a rich and storied history. Calgary’s cultural history ranges from the fiddles of the early traders at Fort Calgary to the present-day Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Alberta Ballet. The city boasts the world-class Glenbow Museum, a burgeoning live music scene and an active theatre community. Considering this vast range of arts and entertainment options, Calgary is a cultural hub with much to offer.
Free Family Music Concerts
Calgarians are invited to attend free family music concerts in Calgary parks this summer for The City of Calgary Parks 100th anniversary. These free family events will be held once per month from June through September, in a different quadrant of the city. Calgarians are encouraged to attend each event and enjoy local talent in a beautiful outdoor park setting.
Visit The City of Calgary Parks web site at calgary.ca/parks for concert schedules and more information about Parks’ 100th anniversary events and celebrations.
Live Music
Main Article: Live Music in Calgary
Calgary has an expansive and active live music scene. From the city’s many talented musicians across almost every genre to the world-class talent Calgary attracts on a regular basis, music lovers will rarely feel a dearth of options when it comes to shows.
Calgary’s live music venues range from large arenas and stadiums to intimate clubs and lounges, and include genre-specific venues for blues, jazz, reggae and hip-hop music, among others.
Festivals
Main Article: Festivals in Calgary
Calgary hosts a multitude of festivals throughout the year, including the massive Calgary Stampede, the multinational Calgary Folk Music Festival and the charming Marda Gras street festival. The city is also home to a number of festivals with rich cultural entertainment such as Expo Latino and GlobalFest.
Performance and Film
Main Article: Performance and Film in Calgary
Calgary has a proud tradition of live performance. From large scale touring productions to smaller local theatre groups, the live performance scene in Calgary is a vibrant one. Calgary is home to opera and dance companies that have delighted audiences for years. Calgary is also home to the world-renowned Loose Moose Improv Theatre. For movie lovers, the city offers both big multiplexes that show first-run Hollywood films and smaller independent theatres which typically run art-house films and documentaries.
Art Galleries and Museums
Main Article: Art Galleries and Museums in Calgary
Calgary is home to many fine art galleries and museums. These institutions contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Calgary and highlight the city’s storied history. The Glenbow Museum, artist run centers, the Art Gallery of Calgary, the 11th Avenue galleries, the Cantos Music Foundation, the Nickle Arts Museum, the galleries at the Alberta College of Art and Design as well as several military museums all serve to exhibit the culture and the history of Calgary. Look for special events such as First Thursdays in Calgary's Cultural District.
Local Publishers and Magazines
Main Article: Publishing and Magazines in Calgary
Calgary contains an ever-growing literary scene, helped immensely by the close relationships between local publishers, bookstores, and the public library. A number of local publishers and magazines publish Calgarian writers along with other Canadian content, and various events and festivals in Calgary including WordFest and the Calgary International Spoken Word Festival help raise awareness of Calgary's local authors.
Nightlife
Main Article: Calgary Nightlife
Calgary is home to a bustling after-hours scene that has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy a quiet patio, a rocking live band or a dance club, Calgary has your nighttime fun covered. Several popular nightlife areas in the city are 17th Avenue, Kensington and the downtown/8th Avenue strip.
Dining
Main Article: Dining in Calgary
Diners in Calgary have over 1,200 restaurants to choose from, ranging from fine dining to interesting ethnic fare. Depending on which part of the city you’re visiting, you can find anything from fast food to vegetarian.
