Fold Paper at Block Party. Sled Island 2023. Photo by Michaela Neuman.
It’s a big week for music fans in Calgary. The sixteenth edition of Sled Island kicks off this Tuesday, bringing downtown Calgary to life with six days of music, art, comedy, dancing, and high fives.
Tuesday offers a sneak peek of the festival with a stacked show at Commonwealth, featuring performances from DJ Dine & Dash, Lost Decade, Brain Bent, and more. You can also catch the Alberta premiere of the entertaining documentary Swamp Dog Get’s His Pool Painted at the Globe Cinema.
Sled truly gets into gear on Wednesday with a headlining performance from psych rockers WITCH at The Number 1 Legion, a heavy metal rager capped off by Tomb Mold at Dickens, and much more.
AUArts instructor Malcolm Mooney will perform with his experimental band, The Eleventh Planet, at Central United Church on Thursday. Hardcore punk stalwarts SOUL GLO are also headlining a (sold-out) ripper at Dickens Pub.
Friday features an Alcove Centre for the Arts exhibit and a wild set from rapper Mick Jenkins at The Palace Theatre.
On Saturday, duck behind Stephen Avenue to find Sled Alley, an all-ages all-day party featuring DJs, a local art market, a mobile skatepark, food trucks, a non-alcoholic bar, and free art activities for all ages. You can also head a few blocks over to Modern Love and catch Sled Island’s annual drag brunch, hosted by Birthday Girl and chock-full of queer performers like Dogiichow and Valerie Hunt.
If you’re not too tired on Sunday, you’ve got to check out the annual Sled Island Pig Roast, a free wrap-up show featuring free pork sandwiches and performances across various genres.
This is just a small, small taste of what Sled Island offers; much of it is free or has single-show tickets available. Check out their website and this month’s issue of The Scene for more information and to plan your week. Remember to hydrate and wear a helmet while riding your bike or scooter!
If you need a break from all the Sledding, Village Brewery and Calgary Pride are hosting a Taproom Pride Party in Village’s taproom on Friday. This free event will feature many live performances, dancing, and the official launch of Pride and Village’s beer collaboration. Reserve a spot beforehand, as it’s a small room!
The Inglewood Association Community Hall will host the Punk Rock Flea Market on Saturday. Entry is free; over 40 vendors will sell various art, comics, records, and more.
Make your way to a small gazebo behind the big Canada flag at Erlton Stampede Station at three PM on Sunday to join a free “Sweat the Stress” workout program led by Richardson Manzol, and end the week on a rejuvenating note. Make sure to bring a yoga mat!
On Saturday evening, One – World Goes Bollywood takes over the Jack Singer with a showcase performance featuring circus acts, tribal belly dance, hip hop, Bollywood, collaborative works, contemporary dance, salsa, and more.
–
Pick up a copy of The Scene to find even more things to do around Calgary.
