Wowza. So many festivals! If you’re looking for things to do in the outside world, look no further my friends – Calgary is teeming with activity. Here’s the proof:
Thursday: If you find yourself downtown at lunchtime, hit the Downtown Calgary stage outside of the Glenbow for Blues on Stephen Ave featuring Vic & Jory; Comedy? The Laugh Shop has you covered with Adam Newman this weekend, and Ofer Ronen will perform over at the Ironwood. Down at Prince’s Island Park there’s a little festival you may have heard of – the Calgary Folk Music Festival kicks off tonight with headliners Sharon Van Etten and Belle and Sebastian.
Friday: I told you it was festival city this week — Terminus Festival 2019 showcases dark electronic, progressive and industrial music and it’s all happening this weekend over at Dickens Pub. Are you an escape room fan? Head to the new Central Library for Locked Library and run amok, use your brain, have all the fun! If you’re a bowler and a Clash fan, you’ll for sure want to be at Paradise Lanes tonight for Major Minor Music Project’s Punk Rock Bowling celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Clash‘s first album hitting North America. Kim Thompson will be at Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar, The Wells EP Release with Handmade and Figaro will happen (early!) at Broken City, and folk fest sees The Rheostatics, DJ Champion and Sheila E hit the stage, to name a few.
Saturday: Pet lovers! Pet-a-Palooza takes place at Eau Claire Market today – it’s the social event of the year for dogs and their people! Head out to Banff to catch Frazey Ford and Hawksley Workman at the Shaw Amphitheatre, or just park yourself down at the folk fest all day and check out Asleep at the Wheel as well as Daniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
Sunday: Head to Kensington to check out the inaugural Sun N’ Cerveza festival featuring over 13 local breweries with seven different bars and restaurants offering samples and stuff. You could also check out Songsmith Sundays with Doug Hoyer at the King Eddy, or over at the folk fest you can catch Della Mae, Valerie June, Colter Wall and The Strumbellas.
Monday: The 15th Annual Calgary International Bluesfest kicks off today and runs until Aug. 4, featuring the likes of Amos Garrett Band, Bob Corritore/John Primer Band, Colin Linden, David Gogo Band, Keeshea Pratt Band and many more.
Wednesday: Def Leppard with Tesla? Sure! That’s all happening at the Saddledome, so tease your hair and squeeze into those acid wash jeans, because it’s Pyromania, people. Aaaaand I just dated myself.
There is so much more going on in this city than you can imagine. Check out all of the listings to plan your week ahead!
Kari Watson is a writer and former Listings Editor of FFWD Weekly, and continues to work within the Calgary arts & culture scene to promote the city’s numerous and varied events. Contact her at kari@theyyscene.com.
