CALGARY’S
FOLK FEST TERMINUS STAMPEDE HACKS THE BLUES CAN ZERO PROOF DRINKING GUIDE
CHEAP$KATE’S Guide to Summer
THINGS TO DO MUSIC AND GIGS THEATRE ARTS FOOD AND DRINK HAVE FUN IN THE SUN WITHOUT GOING BROKE
14 STAMPEDE SCENE
2025 is one of the biggest Stampedes ever, and there’s plenty to consider.
We acknowledge the traditional territories and the value of the traditional and current oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
10 COVER
CHEAPSKATE’S GUIDE TO SUMMER
Soak up some rays and save some cash with these certified dirtbag tips.
4 ACT 1, SCENE 1
From Stampede music festivals to luchador wrestling and black metal, here’s what to do, see, and hear this July across Calgary.
8 Q&A
Meet Saulteaux/Métis visual artist Autumn Whiteway.
9 THEATRE SCENE
Broadway Across Canada brings The Lion King to Calgary this summer, and the actor playing Scar just had a kid. Ironic.
15 CREATIVE SCENE
The Stampede raises many questions for artists.
16 DRINKING SCENE
All the fun and none of the guilt; welcome to The Scene’s guide to zero-proof drinking.
Cover Illustration Gus Rendell
Publisher Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca
Editor Nathan Iles, niles@redpointmedia.ca
Editorial Intern Catrina Bowles, cbowles@redpointmedia.ca
Founding Editor Mike Bell
Designer Kris Twyman
Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich
CONTRIBUTORS
Evelina Pak, Krista Sylvester, Cam Hayden, Sarah Comber, Celina Vides, Marcus Ogden, Kenna Burima
Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur
Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt
Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten
Administrative and HR Manager Tara Brand
CEO and co-owner Roger Jewett
President and co-owner Käthe Lemon
Design Director Steve Collins
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada
The Scene is a member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers’ Association and abides by its professional standards. redpointmedia.ca
1721 29 Avenue SW, Suite 375, Calgary, AB, T2T 6T7
18 MUSIC SCENE
Two music festivals, Folk Fest and Terminus, bring totally different vibes to Calgary on the same weekend.
20 FOLK FEST
There’s lots to do on Prince’s Island beyond jamming to music.
21 VENUE SPOTLIGHT
The Blues Can roars to life in a new location on 16th Avenue.
22 Cam Hayden
1 12 7 9 1 9
PHOTO: CHRIS LANDRY
What to do in July
BY CATRINA BOWLES
CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS, SWEET TREATS, STARRY SKIES AND MORE
CANADA DAY AT THE CONFLUENCE
There are more ways to celebrate Canada Day than lining up on McHugh Bluff to watch the fireworks. Enjoy a jam-packed day of celebrations at The Confluence, starting at 10 a.m. on July 1 Check out the cultural centre’s new Blackfoot exhibit Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life), or test your Canuck-ness with Canadian history trivia at the Burnswest Theatre. Go on a walking tour around The Confluence and learn about icons from Calgary’s history. Bring the kids or your pals to play giant Jenga at the crafts and games session at the lower barracks. There’s plenty to do all day, then wind down the evening with a pint on the dog-friendly patio starting at 5 p.m. Admission is free for all events, but you’ll need to sign up for the walking tour in advance at theconfluence.ca.
MEXIFEST
What’s better than a summer vacation in Mexico? A Mexican summer vacation, right here in Calgary! Take in the sights, sounds and flavours of Mexican culture down in Eau Claire Plaza on July 4, 5 and 6. All three days are packed with performances on the venue’s two stages,
including DJ sets, mariachi bands, and dance performances. Sit ringside at thrilling lucha libre matches in the wrestling ring, starring Canadian wrestlers alongside luchadores coming directly from Mexico. Keep your energy up for all the fun by fueling up with authentic Mexican cuisine from food trucks on site and sipping on a steady stream of Jarritos. Tickets are $10, but if you go on Friday between 10:30 a.m. and noon, admission is free. Bring along extra cash for the food trucks and the artisan market on-site. Check out mexifest.ca for tickets and to find the full festival schedule.
PINK PONY DRAG BRUNCH
Music this year has been all about the pop girlies, and no one knows it better than Farrah Nuff and Jane Hustle, who are hosting the Pink Pony Drag Brunch at the University District Canadian Brewhouse on July 5. No need to save your bedazzled cowboy hat for Stampede, because guests are encouraged to come in their best pink pony-inspired attire. Sip on themed cocktails while watching some high-energy drag. And if that wasn’t good enough, hundreds of dollars worth of door prizes are up for grabs. Skip the coffee for this brunch and don’t dress casual, because these hot-to-go drag performances will be
your new guilty pleasure. Tickets are available for $19.96 from eventbrite.com.
POSTMODERN JUKEBOX: MAGIC & MOONLIGHT TOUR
If you’ve been online at all in the past 15 years, then you probably know about Postmodern Jukebox, the channel from musician Scott Bradlee that puts a retro spin on modern pop songs. It’s grown a lot since the early days, and this Postmodern Jukebox tour comes for the show’s 1000th performance. On July 9 at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, experience songs you know and love in a way you’ve never heard before.
It’s one of the few concerts where you know the performer will be playing the hits. Tickets are $80, doors for the concert open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.
THE MARKET ON STEPHEN AVE
If Stephen Ave isn’t your preferred shopping destination right now, prepare for that to change this summer with The Market on Stephen Ave, which will run for two full weeks this July from July 15 to 29. If you’re still dying to enjoy the summer sun after Stampede is over, this is the perfect way to do it. The market will continue later in the season from August 12 to 26, and from September 9 to 23. It’s the seventh season that local artisans and producers have taken over Stephen Ave, and it’ll be a blast. Check out thedowntownmarkets.ca for more info.
MODERN ASIAN FAMILY: STRAIGHT OUTTA BUSAN BOOK LAUNCH
For a glimpse into the life of Korean immigrants to Alberta, check out Shelf Life Books on July 16 at 7 p.m. Cartoonist Stefano Jun’s new comic book blends humour into he and his family’s experience of immigrating, which he’ll discuss
PHOTO: ARDEN SHIBLEY
PHOTO: FIESTAVAL LATINO FESTIVAL
PHOTO: CHARLENE DELISLE
Confluence Canada Day
Mexifest
Stephen Ave Market
at the book launch event alongside his publisher from Renegade Arts Entertainment, Alexander Finbow. The launch event is free to attend. You can pick up Modern Asian Family at the launch or order from shelflifebooks.ca for $19.99.
YYC ICE CREAM FEST
Fight the heat with a sweet treat at the YYC Ice Cream Fest, starting July 18 and running until August 17. Explore the best of Calgary’s ice creams with creamy creations from participating ice cream shops across the city. Participating shops will invent their unique flavours in an attempt to win in three categories the Golden Scoop (best-selling ice cream), Best Scoop and Best Non-Dairy Scoop. And as a delicious bonus, $1 to $3 from every ice cream sold goes towards Calgary Meals on Wheels, a charity which helps hungry Calgarians. Head to yycicecreamfest.com to find participating shops and to vote for your favourite scoop.
MILKY WAY NIGHTS
Get ready for three mystical nights gazing at the cosmos on July 24, 25 and 26 at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory at the University of Calgary. Running all three nights from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., you’ll have the chance to view Aquila the eagle constellation up close and personal with high-quality telescopes operated by the university astronomers. In the sky these nights, you’ll also have the chance to see planetary nebulae and globular clusters (groups of stars held together by gravity). Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance, available at science. ucalgary.ca. Kiddos under 7 get in free, so bring the whole family along.
EXHIBITION OPENS ON JULY 16
TIMELESS: 100 YEARS OF OSCAR PETERSON
VIRTUOSO, COMPOSER, HUMANITARIAN.
Honouring the late jazz great on his 100th birthday.
EXHIBITION ON NOW
EXHIBITION ON NOW
2025 CANADIAN MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
UPDATED EXHIBITION ON NOW
Honouring the international pop-punk icons.
Voices that matter — past, present, future.
Celebrate Indigenous trailblazers in music.
Ray St. Germain • Harry Rusk • Kelly Fraser • Beatrice Deer • Dakhká Khwáan Dancers
Celebrate the legends. Dan Hill, Glass Tiger, Ginette Reno, and Loreena McKennitt.
PHOTO: ROTHNEY ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATORY
PHOTO: FRASER ABERDEEN
Milky Way Nights
YYC Ice Cream Fest - Holyshit Ice Cream
ACT 1 SCENE 1
Onstage in July
BY NATHAN ILES
FESTIVAL SEASON MARCHES ON, AND CALGARY’S STAGES HEAT UP
BADLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Tiesto, Zedd, and Subtronics are just some of the huge names to catch at Badlands ‘25. The Scene pick to catch is the Boiler Room set. This viral online music broadcaster (you’ve probably seen snippets on TikTok) brings ISOxo and HorsegiirL to the Blue Sky City, with locals like buccaltheft kicking things off. July3to13, 725 9 Ave. S.W., badlandsmusicfest.com.
COWBOYS MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Stampede’s stealthy music festival continues at the iconic Cowboys tent. Fall Out Boy, Macklemore, and Akon are set to bring your heart and your eardrums back to 2010. July3to13 at Cowboys Park, 1220 9 Ave. S.W., cowboysmusicfestival.com.
THE MOCKING SHADOWS
B.B. King, Buddy Guy, ZZ Top – The Mocking Shadows have played with some bonafide music royalty over their career. Catch them in an intimate setting, right on the Music Mile. July5, 8 p.m. at the Ironwood, 1229 9 Ave. S.E., ironwoodstage.ca.
BBNO$
This Vancouver musician has been making waves lately, from his hyper-queer Junos performance to the earworm single “it boy”. The entire National Saloon lineup is pretty crazy, but this is one show not to be missed. July7, 7 p.m. at the National Saloon Tent, 330 11 Ave. S.W., ntnlsaloon.ca.
ROUND-UP MUSIC FEST
Looking to treat your parents, or just relive the ‘80s? Take them to see Pat Benatar, Tom Cochrane, INXS, and more at this one-day shindig. July9 at Prince’s Island Park, roundupmusicfest. com
REBECCA BLACK
If you still only associate Rebecca Black with “Friday,” you gotta keep up. Her born-again career has seen her crushing the decks with impeccably produced hyper-pop and dynamic DJ sets. Don’t believe us? Watch her electric Boiler Room set, and then see it live. July10, 9 p.m. at The Palace, 219 8 Ave. S.W., thepalacetheatre.ca.
OXFORD STOMP
Swing back to the island for another packed day of music, featuring Sheryl Crow, Dear Rouge, and many more. July11 at Prince’s Island Park, oxfordstomp.com.
CHAMBERFEST WEST
Calgary’s premier chamber music festival (co-founded by recent Top 40 alumni Roman Rabinovich) is back, featuring seven concerts in five venues across the city. July14to18, chamberfestwestyyc.com.
PETER DREAMS AND MOONRIIVR
Peter Dreimanis’s (July Talk) solo project takes his distinctively gravelly voice and casts it in a new, psych-y post-punk context in an electrifying collaboration with MOONRIIVR. July16, 8:30 p.m. at Dickens, 1000 9 Ave. S.W., dickensyyc.com.
WYNONNA JUDD
With five Grammy Awards and multiple platinum albums under her belt, Wynonna Judd has been a singular voice of Appalachian-style folk-country since 1992. July16, 6:30 p.m. at the Grey Eagle Event Centre, 3777 Grey Eagle Dr., greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.
SCOTT MORIN PRESENTS: JAZZ AT THE ATTIC
Once a month, Scott Morin curates a lineup of exciting jazz musicians to deliver soulful sets of standards, improvisation, and perfect jazz club vibes. July25, 7:30 p.m. at The Attic, 1413 9 Ave. S.E.,theatticyyc.ca.
KINGS ROT W/ SORGUINAZIA, FROSTHYMN AND BLACKSPIRIT
It’s black metal night at Calgary’s favourite barbecue joint, with Kings Rot headlining a grim and brutal night of frost-bitten heaviness. A great alternative if Folk Fest isn’t quite loud enough for you. July26, 8 p.m. at the Palomino, 109 7 Ave. S.W., thepalomino.ca.
THE SHIP & ANCHOR’S 35TH BIRTHDAY SHOW
Bad Buddy, The Blue, and Brain Bent (this writer’s band!) are bringing the party to celebrate 35 years of Calgary’s best dive bar. We’ll bring the cake and champagne! July30, 8 p.m. at the Ship & Anchor, 534 17 Ave. S.W., shipandanchor.com.
CALGARY INTERNATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL
Newly at home at The Confluence, Bluesfest is bringing a wild lineup to Calgary that includes
Nigel Mack Blues Attack, Lady A, and even locals like Marcus Trummer. July31toAugust3at The Confluence, 750 9 Ave. S.E., calgarybluesfest.com.
BIGXTHAPLUG
This southern hip-hop maestro is bringing the beats to Mac Hall, fresh off the release of his sophomore album last October, Take Care. July 31, 5 p.m. at MacEwan Hall, 2500 University Dr., machallconcerts.com.
CHASING SUMMER FESTIVAL
The yang to Badlands’ ying, this year’s Chasing Summer is headlined by none other than Kx5 — a wobbly producing collaboration between Deadmau5 and Kaskade. Don’t forget to drink water! August2and3 at the Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds, chasingsummerfestival.com.
PHOTO: LYLE BELL
PHOTO: ED GUMUCHIAN
Bad Buddy
bbno$
NIGHT SINGING WOMAN
AUTUMN WHITEWAY ON INDIGENOUS ART TODAY
BY EVELINA PAK
Also known by her spirit name, Night Singing Woman, Autumn Whiteway is a Saulteaux/Métis artist, curator, archaeologist, and member of Berens River First Nation. Her multidisciplinary practice blends Indigenous identity, ecological awareness, and resistance to colonial narratives through the vivid lens of Woodland-style art and photography.
Her work has been exhibited at venues such as Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons), cSPACE, the Central Library, Contemporary Calgary, and more. She currently leads workshops called Arts ReimaginED for students, supporting creativity and inclusion.
OUTSIDE THE BOX
“What I’ve seen through Arts ReimaginED is that there’s a real need for this kind of programming. Some students — often those who don’t usually show up for class or are considered neurodivergent — engage in these arts programs.
“I’ve had teachers say their students stayed through the entire day and really enjoyed it, whereas typically they wouldn’t participate. Arts in general just have a huge impact on students. It’s a different way of learning.
“When I work with students, I let them know they can apply Woodlands style to anything — a video game character, their favorite animal, even their favorite food or sport.
“There aren’t strict rules, just the general principles. And I find many students are blown away by that. They’re used to working inside the box.”
NORVAL MORRISSEAU
“The Woodlands style was developed by Norval Morrisseau, who was an Anishinaabe man from Ontario. He created the style in the 1960s. It’s a very colourful style, filled with symbolism.
“It’s thanks to Norval Morrisseau that a lot of Indigenous artists have the opportunities they have today — to be shown in galleries, to be
SELF-REPRESENTATION IS KEY — IT SHOULD GUIDE HOW INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ARE SHOWN IN ART AND MEDIA.
recognized — because before that, Indigenous art was often displayed as though Indigenous people were no longer living.
“Some of the defining features are heavy black outlines. There’s often an ‘X-ray’ effect, where you can see skeletons or inner parts of figures.
QUICK TAKES
Preferred Camera: Nikon Z8.
And there are shapes within shapes that define parts of the body or tell part of the story.
PIXEL BY PIXEL
“I’ll have a vision or a daydream that comes to me randomly — something I’d like to create.
Major inspirations: Norval Morrisseau, Kent Monkman
As a Curator: “What always draws me is [the] story. Sometimes a piece looks simple but has deep symbolism or narrative behind it.”
What’s Next: “I’m working on a large mural in the Woodlands style using Lego bricks. It really takes me back to childhood, and it’s just fun.”
“Each medium has a different process. My photography, for example, probably takes the most time. One of my pieces at Arts Commons took a month to prepare: I created a huge digital banner, got models and period costumes, gathered or made props — a lot of prep work.
“My digital art takes forever because I zoom in and work pixel by pixel — I’m a perfectionist.”
AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION
“It’s when Indigenous people represent themselves. Self-representation is key — it should guide how Indigenous people are shown in art and media.
“A lot of artists rely on funding, and funding agencies often have this idea of what ‘Indigenous art’ is supposed to be. If you stray outside that box, you might not get funded, so artists stay in the box.
“As a result, a lot of creative work never gets made. People expect something like a chief in a headdress on a horse looking off into a sunset. Those are the cliches.”
BUILDING DIALOGUE
“I just go with my gut, with what I need to express. I don’t set limits or ask others if it’s ‘appropriate.’ For me, it’s a way to process intergenerational trauma. I’m not that eloquent with words, but when I sit down and build these pieces, the images speak for me.
“Sometimes I choose a theme because I want to highlight Indigenous issues and realities. I want to foster dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
“There’s been a real shift, especially since the pandemic and the discovery of the 215 children in Kamloops. It raised a lot of awareness and brought people to the table. Indigenous voices are being included in more conversations, and I think the future is bright — if we keep those conversations going and work together respectfully.”
This Q&A was created in collaboration with Werklund Centre (formerly Art Commons). To see Autumn Whiteway’s work, visit autumn.ca.
“We’re trying to embrace it like the adventure it is.”
PETER HARGRAVE
BY KRISTA SYLVESTER
CIRCLE OF LIFE ON AND OFF STAGE
BROADWAY ACROSS CANADA’S THE LION KING STAR REFLECTS ON FATHERHOOD AND TOURING WITH HIS CHILD
For Peter Hargrave, the circle of life has come full circle both on and off the stage.
As the actor steps into the role of Scar in the North American Broadway Across Canada touring production of The Lion King, he’s also navigating a thrilling new chapter – fatherhood.
This full-circle moment for the new father comes as he returns to Alberta to perform in this month’s The Lion King musical.
The majestic mountains of Banff are where Hargrave and his wife celebrated a milestone in their marriage while also making a life-changing decision only a short couple of years ago.
“This is where it all started,” Hargrave reflects. “My wife and I celebrated our 10-year anniversary in Banff and it’s where we decided to try to have a child. Now, returning to Alberta with our daughter feels full circle — it’s pretty magical.” Their daughter Ivy, just four months old, is already living a life more adventurous than most adults.
“She’s spent nearly equal time in New York and on the road,” Hargrave says. “She’s been to
Disney World, a Major League Baseball game, and even her first zoo. By the time we reach Alberta, she’ll have been to 18 states and three provinces. She’s our little road warrior.”
Life on tour with a baby and a dog (a four-yearold shih tzu named Maddie) isn’t always easy, but Hargrave says the challenge is also a gift.
“Packing up every few weeks can be exhausting, but it also means we’re always experiencing something new. And that sense of adaptability has already rubbed off on our daughter — she can sleep anywhere, anytime,” he says, adding she inherited his sleep gene.
“We’re trying to embrace it like the adventure it is.”
It’s the season of babies for The Lion King tour — four babies under one year old are travelling with the cast currently, bringing new energy to an already tight-knit company.
“It means a lot to our ecosystem. Because we are a family show, we are many people’s first experience in theatre and oftentimes a reason for many families to get together to come see the show,” Hargrave says.
“This is a show about family. A lot of our audi-
ences are multigenerational — parents bringing their kids after having seen the show when they were young. Now, we’ve got that spirit mirrored in our own cast.”
Hargrave was once one of those wide-eyed kids, which also spurred his interest in acting.
When he was 11 years old, Hargrave saw The Lion King from the front row and was instantly hooked — another full-circle moment for the actor, who says he still often feels like a wide-eyed child watching magic for the first time.
“That’s when the theatre bug bit me,” he says. “I make my entrance just after ‘Circle of Life,’ and I still watch it like I’m that 11-year-old kid … it’s just amazing,” Hargrave adds.
Playing Scar, a character often labelled the villain, can be challenging, but Hargrave brings depth to the role.
“In the musical, Scar has one line that isn’t in the animated film: ‘Nobody loved me.’ That hits differently. I’ve always seen Scar as someone who felt second-best his whole life. That pain becomes power in all the wrong ways,” he says.
With parents who were marriage therapists, Hargrave grew up surrounded by conversations
about human behaviour and can resonate with this coming-of-age tale even from the villain’s perspective.
“Villains are fascinating because you’re unpacking real pain. Understanding what drives them — jealousy, isolation, the feeling of being unworthy — it’s psychology in motion.”
His love for exploring character depth has found the perfect stage in The Lion King, a show rooted in universal themes – loss, legacy, and of course, the circle of life – which has been a case of art imitating life and life imitating art.
“We’ve experienced a lot on the road — losing loved ones, celebrating new births. Touring doesn’t pause for real life, but somehow, it becomes part of it. It’s a strange and beautiful rhythm.”
As Hargrave returns to Alberta with his family and castmates, he says he is most looking forward to enjoying Canada and its beauty.
“It will be exciting to make memories with our little girl.”
The Lion King takes over the Jubilee from July 30 to August 17. Grab tickets at jubileeauditorium.com.
PHOTO: MATTHEW MURPHY
Peter Hargrave as Scar.
The Lion King North-American Tour
CHEAP$KATE’S Guide to Summer
BY CATRINA BOWLES AND KRISTA SYLVESTER
BEAT THE HEAT ON THE CHEAP
Summer shouldn’t be spent buying out all of the ice from the grocery store and bedrotting in front of an oscillating fan — even when the temperature breaks 30 degrees. Stop debating whether this is the summer you shell out for an A/C unit, and start cooling off in a way that’s actually fun.
SANDY BEACH
If “beat the heat on the cheap” means “spend zero dollars,” then it’s time to look to nature and head to our city’s beloved rivers. There are a few spots around town where you can take a dip in the Bow and Elbow rivers, but if you’re looking for a chill way to stave off the summer heat, Sandy Beach is the place to go. If you wanna go rafting, this area is a launch point, and also a great place to swim. The current usually isn’t too strong, and the area is decked out with picnic benches, fire pits and barbecues.
SIKOME LAKE (A.K.A. SIKOME AQUATIC FACILITY)
Considering it’s only $8 (including GST) per adult for admission for the entire day, Sikome Lake is an absolute steal for a day at the “beach” in Fish Creek Park. There are concessions on site with fairly standard fare, but to really pinch some pennies, bring your own food to enjoy at one of
the on-site picnic tables. And if you’re a particularly enterprising cheapskate, Sikome permits propane barbecues on grassy areas around the lake. So fill up a cooler with some burger patties, and grill up some mid-day refreshments once you’re thoroughly cooled off.
PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
Sikome Lake is slightly out of the way, but staying cool doesn’t necessarily mean going far. While the regular cost of entry at the public pools in Calgary will run you a cheapskate-friendly $6, you can get in even cheaper. If you head to the outdoor swimming pool in Forest Lawn, you can get in for $2. Public swim times start at 12:30 p.m., so if you’re going to be in the area and looking for a cheapskate’s brunch before you hit the water, try Forest Lawn favourite Tim’s Cafe (no, not that Tim’s). Get waffles or French toast topped with ice cream to keep the heat at bay for just $5. — C.B
GRAB YOUR BEERS AND FRIENDS, WE’RE GOING (LEGAL) DAY DRINKING
When the sun’s out, the cans can come out to play — the beer cans that is. Calgary’s riverbanks and parks are popular places to gather with your friends and sip a few cold ones without getting a bylaw ticket — if you follow the rules that is. As of 2021, the city finally embraced allowing Calgarians to responsibly enjoy some suds in the sun as long as they follow the rules. Here’s a guide to some hot spots where you can enjoy a six-pack outside without breaking the bank with a fine for open alcohol. Cheers, hooligans.
RILEY PARK
This Beltline-adjacent haven boasts picnic tables that have the benefit of shade from nearby trees and a relaxed vibe.
BOWNESS PARK
This quaint spot is a perfect spot to enjoy drinks either before or after your river journey. Don’t forget your life jackets if you plan to hit the river, and most importantly, remember that drinking on beaches, in water, or while floating is illegal.
ST. PATRICK’S ISLAND
This inner-city family-friendly urban oasis is a beautiful spot for a stroller ride and you can also enjoy the art installations along the way.
RICHMOND GREEN PARK
This cozy community gem is often less crowded
so there’s usually extra space to lounge with your blanket, some drinks and some friends.
SHOULDICE TO EDWORTHY OR GRIFFITH WOODS TO SANDY BEACH
If you’re of legal drinking age, you can park your beach chairs along these popular river spots and enjoy some cold ones while people watch.
NEED TO KNOW: City public drinking is allowed from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in more than 80 designated zones and picnic tables marked by signage, as long as you are snacking at the same time, but no glass or litter is allowed. And don’t forget, you can still be ticketed if you’re causing chaos or are publicly intoxicated, so save that for Vern’s later, you menaces.
—K.S
PHOTO: CITY OF CALGARY
Riley Park Wading Pool
DIVE BARS WITH SEXY HAPPY HOUR DEALS AND DAILY SPECIALS
Calgary’s dive-bar scene blends wallet-friendly indulgence with local character in a rough-around-the-edges aesthetic. The city has no shortage of cheap dining and drinking options that are soft on the wallet. We will drink to that!
SHIP & ANCHOR
534 17 Ave. S.W. shipandanchor.com
One of Calgary’s favourite dive bars and a staple in the nightlife scene, the Ship offers daily specials from weekdays 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday 3 to 6 p.m., including $1 off drafts/ highballs and snacks such as wings and poutine for just $8.
ONE NIGHT STAN’S
520 17 Ave. S.W. onenightstans.ca
This popular bar room and divery offers a dark nightlife spot to unwind in a low-key atmosphere where you can “come-as-you-are.” Enjoy happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. with $5 beers, wine and highballs. And check out the “my girlfriend isn’t hungry” option where you get double the fries and dips.
EL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE
107 Stephen Ave. S.W. warehousegroup.ca
The daily “power hour” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at El Furniture Warehouse is one of our favourite ways to pinch pennies while enjoying some grub and quenching our thirst. With food specials and drinks starting around $5, Stephen
Avenue’s hot spot should be a happy hour staple for everyone. Their regular menu has some pretty great prices, too!
BOTTLESCREW BILLS
140 10 Ave. S.W. bottlescrewbill.com
From Monday to Friday between 3 and 6 p.m. and all day on Sundays, this popular spot serves up $5 beers. If you’re not into beer, Caesars and shaft on drafts are just $6, and wine is $7. There are also some great daily food specials for $15 or less.
VERN’S
622 8 Ave. S.W. Instagram @therealverns
Probably the diviest of the city’s dive bar scene, Vern’s is known for its local music and cheap drinks. While this rough-around-the-edges cult staple doesn’t have a traditional happy hour, the allure is its cash-over-the-counter vibe and dark, edgy atmosphere flanked with loud music and broken cymbals hanging on the walls.
POCO LOCO
731 6 Ave. S.W. pocolocopizza.com
Known as a divey pizza joint, this downtown bar is known for its snack and sip deals and late night specials. Happy Hour runs Monday through Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m., plus latenight specials after 9 p.m. Expect daily $4 to $8 drink and snack prices for items such as chicken samosas, jalapeno poppers, wings, ribs and more.
SWIGS PUB & GRILL
11213 30 St. S.W. swigs.ca
This neighbourhood pub is located in the heart of Cedarbrae so you don’t have to go downtown to get your dive bar experience. Enjoy happy hour specials from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. If you want no-fuss specials such as $5.50 20-ounce “Bronc” pints, $6 Caesars and $7 premium wine specials, you’ll want to head over to this spot that also hosts open mic nights. — K.S
PLAN A CHEAPSKATE DATE
There are dozens of cute dates you can go on in Calgary if you’re willing to spend a pretty penny. But if you’re looking to treat a new boo to a date and not worry about the rent this month, look no further.
BUY A PICNIC AT CROSSROADS MARKET
Yes, you can pack a picnic if you want. But going out and planning the picnic together is a great way to learn each other’s preferences and get quality food for great prices.
If you’re looking for inspo for your picnic, try grabbing produce from one of the many vendors at the front of the market. You’ll find great seasonal fruit and veg like cherries, berries and apples. Then hit up Wayne’s Bagels for astounding Montreal-style bagels. Or DIY your sandwiches by stopping by Say Cheese Fromagerie for artisan cheese in all kinds of styles and flavours. Stop by Paolini’s Sausage and Meats for some delish Hungarian sausage it’s raw, but don’t worry, that’s in the plan. For dessert, stop by Cloud Nine Confection for some gourmet marshmallows.
And voila, a veritable feast that would put any saran-wrapped sandwich to shame.
BOOK A FIRE PIT AT INGLEWOOD BIRD SANCTUARY
You’re going to want to plan ahead for this one, because fire pit bookings can fill up fast in Calgary. Nobody wants their date interrupted be-
cause somebody else has a reservation. Booking is free, so there’s no reason not to. Don’t forget to pack skewers!
There are plenty of fire pits you can book across the city. One spot not too far from Crossroads is the fire pit at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.
Strike up the fire, play some tunes on your phone or Bluetooth speaker at a low volume for some ambience, and kick off the picnic to end all picnics. Get those sausages nice and smokey for the best sausage and cheese bagels you’ve ever had, then enjoy some summer-staple roasted marshmallows.
GO BIRDWATCHING
Birdwatching may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but you’re already at the bird sanctuary, so why not? Put out your fire, go for a walk and digest all that delicious food. There are plenty of birds to see at this time of year — from ducks and waterfowl to warblers, sparrows, and even hawks. Even if you and your date have no interest in the wildlife, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is a gorgeous place to walk through, and a lovely way to cap off a cheapskates date. —C.B
PHOTO: NATHAN ILES
Crossroads Market
PHOTO: NATHAN ILES
CHEAP$KATE’S Guide to Summer
FREEBIES & GREAT DEALS
The cheapskate way is knowing how to have fun without breaking the bank. There’s plenty to do around Calgary that won’t leave you looking for beer money under your couch cushions.
GO TUBING
In the summer, the Bow River is filled with people in rafts and innertubes floating along. Well, it’s not going to completely blow the bank for you to be one, too. Lazy Day Raft Rentals is running a sale right now, and renting an innertube — or a “bowtube” — will run you $19 for a single. If you’re going with a friend, get the double innertube for $29. That’s down to $14.50 per person. For more info and rentals, head to lazydayraftrentals.ca.
TAKE A BIKE RIDE ALONG THE BOW RIVER
Calgary has incredibly scenic bike paths, covering around 1000 km across the whole city. Take advantage of these with a bike rental. Toonie Tours downtown offers half-day rentals for $30.63 and full-day rentals for $37.83. That being said, if riding around on an e-bike is more up your alley, go to Bow Cycle in the East Village. It’s located right by a bike path along the Bow River, and a 3.5-hour rental will cost you $60. It’s a couple of bucks more than what Toonie Tours offers for around the same amount of riding time on an e-bike, but without having to navigate around downtown bike paths. Learn more at toonietours.ca and bowcycle.com.
PLAY PICKLEBALL
If you hopped on the pickleball trend this year, then you’re in luck. Most public tennis courts around the city have been modified for pickleball play, and they are all completely free to use. Keep in mind that city courts can be booked, usually for tournaments or private instructions, so you may lose your spot if you’re just dropping in. If you don’t want to run that risk, you can book a court for $8.40. For court locations and bookings, check out calgary.ca.
EXPLORE NATURE IN A CITY GARDEN
The plants are in full bloom this time of year, so take advantage of one of the city’s many gardens. Reader Rock Garden is a short walk away from the
Erlton/Stampede CTrain station, and is filled with not just beautiful plants, but is also an officially designated historical site. Just make sure you’re not too hungry when you come, because the cafe in the garden is definitely not cheapskate friendly.
JAM OUT AT A FESTIVAL
Summer is the season of festivals, and even if you don’t want to shell out the big bucks for tickets, you still get to have fun. Enjoy Folk Fest from the free stage, just a few steps away from the festival’s main gate (it’s near the cannabis consumption area — follow your nose!).
GET INSPIRED AT AN ART GALLERY
There’s always something new and interesting on exhibition at the Esker Foundation in Inglewood, and entry is free. You also get complimentary parking for up to 90 minutes in the lot behind the building, so no hidden costs there. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Check what’s on at eskerfoundation.com.
PLAY ARCADE GAMES
While you could definitely blow some cash at a dedicated arcade bar, there’s way better opportunities for fun with little to no cost.
On Mondays at Boogie’s Burgers, at both their Renfrew and Marda Loop locations, all of their arcade games are free to play. And if you head down to Pinbar on Mondays and Wednesday, you can play all the pinball you want at no cost. Bring along $10 for a Bastion Burger, while you’re at it. Learn more at boogiesburgers.com and pinbaryyc.com.
HAVE A PIZZA DATE
Date night doesn’t have to mean Domino’s and a bottle of Naked Grape. Head over to Posto Pizzeria and Bar on Wednesday nights after 4 p.m. for their date night deal. The deal includes your choice of pizza, a chocolate cake dessert and an entire litre of wine for just $55. Lots of restaurants have date night deals, but at less than $28 a head, this is one for the cheapskates — and who doesn’t like pizza? Plan your date and make a reservation at posto.ca. —C.B
ROCK THE STAMPEDE ON A BUDGET (AND STILL HAVE A DAMN GOOD TIME)
The Calgary Stampede might be the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” but if you’re not careful, it can also be the greatest money pit on earth. Between admission prices, greasy food and outrageous drink costs, it’s easy to drop hundreds of dollars at the 10-day extravaganza. Fear not, frugal Stampede savers. Experiencing Stampede on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skip the glitter and glam — it just means you have to be a savvy cowpoke. Show up early, bring snacks, plan ahead and chase the free stuff like a seasoned cowboy or cowgirl. Here’s how to ride out the 2025 Calgary Stampede on a budget.
ADMISSION
First rule of Cheapskate Club: Never pay full price for admission at the Stampede. There are plenty of opportunities to get in for free or for less.
• Sneak-a-Peek Night kicks off the Stampede on July 3 with admission for just $13 after 5 p.m. Then there are the classic Value Days:
• Parade Day: Kick off the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth after catching the parade on Friday, July 4 with free admission from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Family Day: July 6, bring the family to the Calgary Stampede and enjoy free admission until 11 a.m. Family Day also features a free pancake breakfast in the GMC Stadium Courtyard from 8 to 10 a.m. while quantities last,
and a free family-friendly variety show from 8 to 10 a.m. in GMC Stadium.
• Community Day: On July 8, enjoy free admission between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and free admission all day with free coffee and donuts for seniors 65+ and military veterans in the BMO Plaza until 11 a.m.
• BMO Kids Day: On July 9, enjoy free breakfast and a free variety show in the GMC Stadium Courtyard from 8 to 10 a.m. Gate admission is free before 10 a.m. and kids 12 and under are free all day.
Pro tip! Get yourself a Stampede SuperPass. It’s around $49 and boasts unlimited admission for all 10 days, so it pays for itself if you plan to attend two or more times.
Esker Foundation
PHOTO: ALLISON SETO
RIDES
The rides are fun but pricey. If you are a thrill-seeker, buy the Ride-All-Day wristband from Safeway or Sobeys ahead of time for around $45. It’s cheaper than buying coupons on-site.
Are you only planning to do a few rides? Split a Ride and Play card with a friend.
Pro tip: Wait until the afternoon for shorter ride lines so that you can take advantage of more rides with fewer crowds.
Costco sells Stampede Bucks valued at $50 for $39.99, which can be used for food, rides and games. It’s like getting $10 as a bonus off the top, and you get to beat the lines, too.
FOOD
Let’s be honest, the food is a significant attraction, and it’s not cheap — for example, the $20 deepfried cheesecake. But you don’t have to miss your rent payment to try some of those disastrous concoctions. Bring a reusable water bottle to quench your thirst instead of spending up to $5 for a bottle.
If you head indoors, the Stampede’s vintage food strip, Weadickville, offers lower food prices, and the portions are often bigger and more satisfying.
It’s also nice to enjoy some air conditioning when it’s hot out.
You can save big by bringing your own lunch from home and packing some snacks.
Alternatively, eat outside the ground. There are dozens of affordable restaurants along 17th Ave.
Want to eat so many pancakes that you won’t want to eat any more for the rest of the year?
A variety of organizations host daily Stampede breakfasts across the city, and most are free or by donation. Check out stampedebreakfast.ca to schedule your plan of attack.
FREE STUFF
You don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy your time once you’re inside the Stampede gates. There are dozens of free shows throughout the day, including live music at the Coca-Cola Stage, country jams at Nashville North, Indigenous performances, agricultural demos, SuperDogs and more.
The nightly fireworks are free for the entire city to see, including those who choose to watch them from Scotsman’s Hill or Nose Hill Park.
The Stampede app is a helpful planning tool, identifying when and where the free shows are.
PHOTO: CHRIS LANDRY
Calgary Stampede Midway
STAMPEDE SCENE
Biggest Stampede Ever
DON YOUR BOOTS AND TIP YOUR HAT FOR WHAT MAY JUST BE THE WILDEST STAMPEDE YET
BY SARAH COMBER
From newly minted sport games to impressive music festival lineups, this year’s Calgary Stampede is going to be a big one.
1. SEE THE CANADIAN QUEEN OF COUNTRY (WITH A LOCAL OPENING ACT)
Good news fans of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” Shania Twain is performing during the Stampede on July 5. Not only is Twain singing at the Scotiabank Saddledome, but the five-time Grammy winner will also be this year’s Calgary Stampede Parade Marshall. Notably, Twain’s opening act, Devon Cole, is a Calgary local making waves in the pop-world for tracks like “W.I.T.C.H” and “I’ve Got You.” calgarystampede.com/stampedeconcert-series
2. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN INDIGENOUS CULTURE
The Calgary Stampede Powwow, presented by TC Energy, returns to the Scotiabank Saddledome on July 12 and 13 from 12 to 6 p.m. Bringing together top dancers, singers and drummers from across North America in a powerful celebration of Indigenous culture, community and artistry, the Powwow builds to a thrilling finale as performers compete for various prizes totalling $200,000. calgarystampede.com/powwow
3. CHEER ON THE STAMPS AT THE FIRST-EVER STAMPEDE BOWL
Touted as a new tradition that is setting the scene for Calgary to host the Grey Cup in 2026, the Stampede Bowl is a regular-season contest held on July 3 at 7:00 p.m.. The Calgary Stampeders host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at this “sneak-a-peek” event hosted on Stampede Eve.
The Stampede Bowl also features a “Presidents’ Wager” between Jay McNeil of the Stampeders and Wade Miller of the Blue Bombers, with a $25,000 donation to the Purolator Tackle Hunger program by the losing team. stampeders.com
4. HONOUR AN “ELBOWS UP” START TO THE STAMPEDE
Coincidence? We think not. Slap on the sunscreen and secure a spot along the Calgary Stampede’s legendary Parade Route on the fourth of July. In the most Canadian way possible, politely celebrate the kick-off to a Canadian institution on our prickly neighbour’s Independence Day. calgarystampede. com/stampede/parade
5. TICKLE YOUR TASTEBUDS WITH THE NEW MIDWAY FOOD LINEUP
Some folks head to the Stampede for the rodeo, others for the music festivals. And then there is that special echelon of grounds-goers who are
only there for the food. From delicious dishes such as Dumpling Hero’s Cowboy Bao at booth #2103 to consume-at-your-own-risk delights like deep-fried pickle Oreos, this year’s new midway cuisines do not disappoint. calgarystampede. com/new-midway-food
6. WATCH A CALGARY SURGE GAME
Not a football fan? Worry not. Basketball enthusiasts can also sit courtside and cheer on the Calgary Surge of the Canadian Elite Basketball League as they take on the Montreal Alliance on July 9 at 7:30 p.m. This historic game is the first team-up between the Surge and the Stampede. calgarysurge.ca/Surge2Stampede
7. CATCH A BOILER ROOM SET AT THE BADLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Beginning as a webcam taped to a wall in a London warehouse in 2010, Boiler Room is a global cultural institution known for its raw, immersive broadcasts of underground DJ sets and live performances. EDM fans can’t miss this show, which is headlined by ISOxo and HorsegiirL. badlandsmusicfest.com
8. DON’T MISS MUSIC FOR THE MILLENNIALS
Whether your teenage angst was fuelled by listening to Fall Out Boy or Simple Plan, or the
likes of Akon and Lil Jon marked your earliest clubbing day, it’s time to party like it’s 2005 again. Millennials, don’t miss this opportunity to relive your youth by catching all four performers at the Coca-Cola Stage, The Big Four Roadhouse, and Cowboys Music Festival calgarystampede.com/coca-cola-stage calgarystampede.com/the-big-four-roadhouse cowboysmusicfestival.com
9. GET YOUR FURRY LITTLE FRIEND FIX AT THE ANNUAL DOG BOWL
This year’s Dog Bowl, with events running from July 3 to July 12, features a brand-new show: Wild Wild Woof! It is a western-inspired adventure set at the SuperDogs Ranch, where fun, friendship, and furry talent steal the spotlight. The 2025 lineup features eight Calgary-based trainers and more than 25 local dogs. calgarystampede.com/stampede/shows/ dog-bowl
10. WIN YOUR DREAM HOME
Who can afford to buy a house these days? Constructed in partnership with Homes by Avi, the 2025 Rotary Dream Home is the most valuable Dream Home package to date, valued at $1.49 million. Try your hand at winning this 2,480-square-foot home, located in the coveted southwest Calgary community of Sirocco. calgarystampedelotteries.ca
PHOTO: COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDE
PHOTO: COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDERS
PHOTO: JESSE TAMAYO
Calgary Stampede Powwow Stampede Bowl Calgary Surge ISOxo
How We Create: The Stampede
CREATIVELY CRACKING THE “YAHOO” CODE
BY KENNA BURIMA
I’ve been talking a lot about Stampede these last few months. I’ve wondered how artists navigate their creativity and practice during “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” I’ve dubbed these conversations “Creatively Cracking the Stampede Code.” The question being, how do artists Stampede? How do they find themselves within this overwhelming cultural event that grips the city for 10 days?
AN OPPORTUNITY
We artists are aware of that dangling monetary carrot Stampede offers. The trick is finding a balance between making the bank and being crushed by 10 days of corporate patronage. Actor, producer, writer, and teacher Linda Kee is fully aware of this balance.
“The big picture answer is to sit in the constant tension between, not just two, but all opposing forces,” says Kee. “Because it is my job as an artist to constantly creatively problem solve. Depending on where you live, Stampede can feel like an invasion of your neighbourhood. There’s the garbage, traffic, people, and increased aggression. But if I pour drinks for 10 days, and it pays my rent for three months, I can freely work on my creative writing. Because ultimately, the question becomes how do I want to spend my time?”
The answer constantly changes from artist to artist, but clarity is required for the navigation and a finely edged negotiation between comfort and freedom.
“It’s a negotiation that I think any artist who knows who they are knows well,” says Kee. “We know we can’t close ourselves off from the opportunity to make ends meet, trying to live and breathe in this city.”
IT’S COMPLICATED
Lisa Jacobs is a music therapist and bassist known for owning the low end at the legendary Stampede Grandstand Show stage.
“The Grandstand band has become intentionally more diverse over the years,” says Jacobs.
“WHEN WE TALK ABOUT STAMPEDE, WE AREN’T JUST TALKING ABOUT STAMPEDE, WE’RE TALKING ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE AWARE OF ALL THE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS THAT BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER AND CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.”
LISA JACOBS
“There’s been this desire to open up the stage to reflect more of what our city looks like. This is important to consider because we’ve seen how the Stampede seemed to be predominantly white industries and spaces. But when we talk about Stampede, we aren’t just talking about Stampede: we’re talking about how important it is to be aware of all the different elements that bring people together and create a sense of community.”
Engaging with Stampede enables many opportunities for artists that aren’t necessarily monetary. It is the opportunity to find and lose oneself simultaneously. Hold onto your hats and hold onto your values.
“I don’t think every artist has to have the same values as me,” says Jacobs. “Service,
expression and support … they’re [my values] and Stampede highlights the complexity of having values and living from them. You always have to negotiate it, and it’s not easy. But every time I choose to be involved with something, be it Stampede or anything to do with the history of this country, I ask myself, ‘How can I do this in a way [so that] that I’m good with myself?’”
FAMILY TRADITIONS
Autumn EagleSpeaker is what you might call “Stampede OG.” She is a Blackfoot Kainaiwa/ Black artist, burlesque performer, executive director of Making Treaty 7, and co-founder of Authentically Indigenous Inc.
“I came to Stampede initially as the wideeyed teenager,” says EagleSpeaker. “Eyes
glazed over like mini donuts, but all the traditions were really important to me. Sitting in the same place every year for the parade, pancake breakfasts and then living in a tipi or an RV for ten days on the grounds. Our whole family would be there: cousins, uncles, aunties, and elders. I missed that when I stopped going, the whole vibe of the family being there together. So for me, it’s about carrying on that family tradition, honouring our loved ones, and promoting our culture in the way that we weren’t allowed to.”
Many Stampede relationships are built on familial memories. Kee searches for a window every Stampede night, transporting her to when she and her brother — the late, great Marvin Kee — lived in a house right off Scotsman’s Hill, the city’s prime fireworks viewing location. Jacobs continues to attend the same Stampede breakfasts she did as a kid. And EagleSpeaker’s lineage stretches back to the beginning days. Her auntie and family member, Evelyn EagleSpeaker, was the first Indigenous Stampede Queen in 1954.
I’m not alone in attempting to hold onto multiple truths when considering what Stampede means. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the fireworks.
Kenna Burima is a Calgary-based songwriter, musician, mother and teacher.
Linda.Kee
Lisa Jacobs
Autumn EagleSpeaker
PHOTO: KATHERINE COLWELL
PHOTO: MISFITS PHOTOS
DRINKING SCENE
ZERO PROOF SIPS
NON-ALCOHOLIC BREWS WORTH THE BUZZ IN CALGARY
BY CATRINA BOWLES
People are drinking less these days. Whether you’re totally sober or one of the many Canadians cutting back, that doesn’t mean you have to wallow in some self-imposed isolation because your friends want to go to a bar. Just slip some polite venue suggestions into the conversation. And yes, you can still get a beer, it’s not just mocktail-or-nothing. It’s all the fun, and none of the morning-after oh-my-godwhy-is-the-sun-so-bright agony.
A pint of something brown is the staple of the night out. You might even forget these brews are alcohol-free.
VILLAGE BREWERY
If you’re living that sober lifestyle, you’ve no doubt spotted CR*FT beers at your local grocery or liquor store. If you want to find out what all the fuss is about, head over to the Village Brewery taproom and grab a pint of CR*FT radler (ABV 0.3%) on tap, $5 for a 16 oz or $6 for the 20 oz. And if radlers aren’t your thing, all of CR*FT’s other brews — including blonde, pale, stout and hazy IPA (ABV 0.3%) — are available in cans for $5. Village Brewery, 5000 12a St. S.E. villagebrewery.com.
TOOL SHED BREWING
This grungy little spot is just a 15-minute walk from the Marlborough C-Train station, so you won’t get stuck with designated driver duty. Though the name of Tool Shed’s on-tap non-alcoholic beer, Zero People Skills (ABV 0.5%), may leave you feeling a little self-conscious hanging with your friends, the true-to-the-realthing taste will have you shrugging it off in no time. It’s a classic, lightly-hoppy, zero-proof, but try a can of their Zero Red Rage (ABV 0.5%) if you want something a little heavier. It’s a red ale that Tool Shed promises you’ll mistake for the real deal.Tool Shed Brewing, 801 30 St. N.E. toolshedbrewing.com.
LAST BEST BREWING
Walk through Last Best’s bright yellow doors and sit down for a brew from its Edmonton-based sister brewpub Campio Brewing Co., called Non the Wiser (ABV 0.5%). This pale ale is fruity and fun, with notes of grapefruit, orange zest and pine. zest and pine. Last Best Brewing & Distilling, 607 11 Ave. S.W., lastbestbrewing.com.
SOUTH BLOCK BARBECUE AND BREWING CO.
Bring your appetite for this drink because the real star of the show is the barbecue. Your best times to go are Monday or Wednesday between 3 and 6 p.m: Monday is $10 ribs and Wednesday is half-off wings (making them $9), and your non-alc brew is only $6.50 a pint with the happy hour deal. Yes, even though your delicious Short Rows Golden Ale (ABV 0.5%) doesn’t have the stuff that’ll make you forget how much money is worth, it’ll still run you $9 any other day of the week. So save this brew for after-work drinks (and eats) with your coworkers. South Block Barbecue and Brewing Co., 2437 4 St. S.W., southblockbbq.com.
THE DANDY BREWING COMPANY
If all you need to satisfy a drink craving is something fizzy, then Dandy has you covered with their DandyPop craft sodas, served on tap in cherry vanilla and sour peach flavours. But if you have gotta have a beer, then fret not: Dandy introduced Zero Pressure (ABV 0%) earlier this year. It’s a hazy IPA that’s a little fruity with a crisp finish, and you’ll feel no pressure from your friends to get a “real drink.” The Dandy Brewing Company, 2003 11 St. S.E., thedandybrewingcompany.com.
BOW RIVER BREWING
Paintings of the Bow River cover the exterior of this brewery, with a rustic entrance that looks like it belongs in Banff. Step through the doors to try out Bow River’s River Runner blonde ale (ABV 0.4%) for $7. This classic flavour is sure to perk you up on a hot day chilling out on their patio. If you like it, hit up the brewery on Wednesday to fill up a whole growler of the stuff for just $10. Bow River Brewing, 5769 4 St. S.E., bowriverbrewing.com.
Tool Shed
Whether you’re out on the town with your friends, or chilling out at a backyard barbecue, these brews are made for hitting the town. And if you’re looking to enjoy a drink while walking through a park, sip on one of these cans with no worries about drinking in public.
ONE FOR THE ROAD BREWING
Head over to the Manchester Industrial District and hit up Establishment Brewing Company for a can from One For The Road Brewing. You can find this brand in grocery and liquor stores, or order it from several Boston Pizza locations if that’s your vibe. But Establishment is definitely the place to go. If you ask your server real nice, they’ll throw some slushie in your drink for you for the perfect summertime treat. Two flavours of One For The Road are on offer here, a kolsch (ABV >0.5%) and an espresso stout (ABV >0.5%) for a little caffeine kick, each for $4.75. One For The Road Brewing, onefortheroadbrewery.com.
TUESDAY BREWING
This brand is found in taprooms and bars across town, including Cabin Brewing Company, Eighty-Eight Brewing and the ol’ faithful Ship & Anchor. At the Ship, you’ll find their A-tier Knollypop modern lager (ABV 0.5%). Tuesday adds vitamin C and D to their brews as a little bonus. With the kind of weather we have here, everybody could use a little more vitamin D, and with vitamin C, you can boast about how incredible your immunity is after a six-pack of these drinks. Tuesday Brewing, tuesdaybrewing.com.
FAHR
We know that Fahr Alkoholfrei (ABV 0.5%) definitely sounds like an import, but this German-style beer is actually brewed about an hour’s drive outside Calgary in Turner Valley. Unfortunately, you won’t find this one in a bar (yet), so keep this one in your back pocket for your next house party or barbecue. Fahr Alkoholfrei is found in just about every liquor store across the city. Fahr Brewery, 123 Kennedy Dr. S.E., Diamond Valley, Alta., fahr.ca.
If you’ve sampled just about all the non-alcoholic beers you can stand, or you just want something different, Calgary’s non-alcoholic scene has plenty to offer.
WILD FOLK
These canned mocktails come in all the flavours you know and love, including Aperol Spritz, Mezcal Margarita, and Vermouth Spritz (ABV 0%). Rather than using the traditional process of creating a non-alcoholic cocktail — which involves distilling alcohol and filtering it out — Wild Folk cocktails are infused with flavour without distilling for a drink that packs a punch. For a wicked night out, take in a comedy or drag show over at The Attic and sip on this tasty treat for $10. Wild Folk, drinkwildfolk.com.
QUENCH HOP WATER
Hop Water (ABV 0%) is a little bit like the bubly or La Croix of beer. It has that hoppy flavour but without the alcohol and calories. If that sounds about your speed, then you’re in luck, because you can find the stuff all over Calgary. Cabin Brewing Company makes Quench, so if you’re headed there to Sample Tuesdays, grab a Hop Water while you’re at it. It’ll only run you $3. Cabin Brewing Company, 505 36 Ave. S.E., cabinbrewing.ca.
CONFLUENCE DISTILLING
This local distillery is known for making classic liquors with a bit of a twist, and they’ve got a little treat for the sober folks as well. So far, Confluence has only made one non-alcoholic canned cocktail, but the raspberry lemon gin and tonic (ABV 0.5%) is killer enough that you won’t wish for other options. It’s got all the gin botanicals that the regular stuff has a flavour combo that’s perfect for summer. If you and your pals are hitting 17th Avenue on your night out, order this one at the Ship for just $8. Confluence Distilling, 507 36 Ave. S.E., confluencedistilling.ca.
CLINK BEVERAGE CO.
This female-founded, Alberta-based brand is ideal for scratching that itch for a bubbly champagne cocktail. They come in two flavours: head over to Born Brewing Company for a sip of their raspberry limoncello bubbly brut mocktail (ABV 0%) for $5.25, or hit up Bitter Sisters Brewing Company for the classic mimosa version for $7.25. Clink Beverage Co., clinkbeverageco.com.
Remember: you can enjoy alcohol-free beers, like these from Bow River Brewery, while rafting — but drinking alcohol on the river is illegal.
PHOTO: DAKOTA KIRBY
PHOTO: DEVON HAWKINS
Day -and- Night
For one weekend every July, the Terminus Festival and Calgary Folk Music Festival simultaneously light up the city. At first glance, the festivals couldn’t be more different; one takes place on a sunny island, the other inside a dark basement club. One is attended by flannel-clad hipsters, while goths in bondage gear frequent the other (try and figure out which is which). But in many ways, they align and even complement each other.
Together, Terminus and Folk Fest are Calgary in a nutshell. And both are bringing some kick-ass music to town.
A GLOBAL UNDERGROUND
Terminus Festival, this year sporting the subtitle “Modulation,” takes place every year at the end of July. A collection of dark electronic, synth, industrial, and post-punk acts gather at Dickens for a four-night witches’ sabbath of shows. It was born of festival runner and Dickens owner Chris Hewitt’s desire to bring a harder and noisier echelon of acts to the city, ones that seldom get booked here.
“It was something that I already always kind of wanted to do,” says Hewitt. “It’s a sort of dubious honour that I sometimes bestow on myself when I say that I am the only person stupid enough to bring some of these bands.”
While there are many different genre ascriptions for Terminus’s milieu, a constant across the acts is intensity. It’s loud, confrontational, and entrancing. While many of the acts come from across North America, Terminus also books musicians from an eclectic collection of European
FOLK FEST AND TERMINUS SHOW OFF TWO SIDES OF THE CALGARY MUSIC SCENE COIN
BY MARCUS OGDEN
countries, where much of the dark music movement is dictated. As someone with an ear to the ground, Hewitt is quick to draw in acts before they outgrow Calgary venues.
“People now realize, ‘We missed HEALTH, we missed Boy Harsher. We missed Trust. We missed Cold Cave. We missed Drab Majesty.’ We’ve had all these bands at Terminus … If you’re paying attention, you realize that a lot of tomorrow’s superstars are playing Terminus today,” says Hewitt. “You’re going to see some things you won’t see otherwise, most of these bands will never be back in Calgary … I can tell you from 12 years of experience, 97 per cent of these bands, you will never see them again.”
Being a festival emphasizing darkness, the vibe of Terminus and its crowd is both gothic and
CHRIS HEWITT'S TERMINUS PICKS
TWIN TRIBES
An occult-ish dark wave duo, Twin Tribes delivers a fast-paced and moody synth-laden sound. Their 2024 album Pendulum was a driving force in solidifying them as the new gothic hot commodity.
“You’ve got to watch what we’re doing … This year, Twin Tribes will be that band. Twin Tribes is huge in the scene right now.”
futuristic. Think Blade or The Matrix and you’ll be heading in the right direction. While the festival has not quite reached the size of longer-running examples, being localized in one space proves to be its strength. The concentrated crowd lends itself to a strongly communal experience wherein one becomes the mass, and that’s a feeling that has a far-reaching draw.
“We really started to see people coming from further away with greater regularity … Whenever you start to see that happening, you realize that the promo that’s out there and the list of bands you’ve got on the bill is exceeding local and area interest,” says Hewitt. “They call it ‘industrial summer camp.’”
This feeling of togetherness bleeds from the crowd to the talent, who often find themselves
in the pit during each other’s shows. It’s an opportunity for these musicians to meet each other, a chance not often afforded to them. It is also a meeting of different generations. The net of genres pulled in by Terminus frequently gets picked up and remoulded by artists of all ages. It’s music that’s always new and remixing itself.
“We’ve seen a lot of collaborations come out of things at Terminus… They’ll meet there for the first time, and they’ll be chatting about stuff, and then the next thing you know, a collaboration track will come out,” says Hewitt. “I think with any festival, you really do have to evolve with the scene and the music as it moves along. Terminus is no exception to that.”
Terminus takes place from July 24 to 27 at Dickens. Grab a wristband at dickensyyc.com.
FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY
One of Terminus’ more established picks of the festival, Front Line Assembly is a well-known Canadian band in the electronic-industrial genre. They are bringing a set of music from their late 80s/early 90s Wax Trax! Records era.
“That’s when a lot of people believe a lot of their most classic, memorable tracks were made. They’ve never done this before. It’s very exciting they’re doing it for Terminus.”
SACRED SKIN
Newer on the scene, Sacred Skin is a Los Angeles-based band that’s beginning to make waves as they grow their catalogue. Leaning into an edgy synth-pop vibe, their 2024 album Born in Fire shows promise.
“We’ve had them before; That’s how you know that I like them, because usually I turn over the entire lineup almost every year. I don’t do a lot of rebookings, but I love Sacred Skin.”
PHOTO: JARRETT EDMUND
PHOTO: SHANNON JOHNSTON
Calgary Folk Fest
Terminus Festival
PHOTO: ALEJANDRO LOMELI
Twin Tribes
Prince’s Island Party
Calgary Folk Fest is a multi-day outdoor event wherein a wide swath of musical acts play across several stages. Taking over Prince’s Island Park, the festival pitches itself as an experience rather than simply a setlist. They fill the space between stages with food trucks, a market, and an expansive beer garden, all while leaving enough green to lean on.
“A lot of people come for the first time and say, ‘I had no idea, because you can go see music all day long,’” says the festival’s artistic director Kerry Clarke. “You can take a break and throw a Frisbee, read a book under a tree, hang out in the beer garden area … It’s open, it’s flexible. There aren’t a lot of rules.”
While “folk” summons a certain mental image, it’s surprisingly difficult to narrow it down to one definition. This works to the Folk Festival’s advantage, as they’re able to define it to suit all different kinds of acts. Clarke sees “folk” as an overarching theme embodied by storytelling and a connection to the craft of music.
“People telling stories is important to us, but those stories can be told in a hip-hop fashion or in a more folk fashion. They can be told from whatever culture you’re from,” says Clarke. “You’re going to see someone who’s playing their own instruments, and playing instrumentally strong … Having people come play their instruments, live without backing tracks, is pretty key to who we are.”
For attendees, Folk Fest is very self-driven: you decide what kind of festival you want out of it.
CYMANDE
Originating from the UK in the 1970s, Cymande is a band that fuses funk and groovy rock with a blend of African and Caribbean sounds. Often sampled or cited as a source of inspiration, they’re foundational to our current sound lexicon and have only recently reunited.
“They took a bit of a hiatus, and they’re back… I’m super excited about that.”
MICHAEL KIWANUKA
Those who don’t recognize the name will recognize the song “Cold Little Heart” from his 2016 album Love & Hate as the theme for
Pack it full of live performances, take it as a floaty discovery experience, or select your favourite acts to bookend a day at the park. The lineup is varied enough to appeal to a wide range of audiences rather than a narrow folk crowd.
“At our festival, you could see people wearing the stereotypical Birkenstocks and something chill, or you could see someone wearing platform shoes. It’s really diverse and open,” says Clarke. “It’s people who are open-minded and like lots of different genres of music. It’s also people [who] are adventurers and are into discovering. There isn’t one kind of person for us.”
One of Folk Fest’s most distinctive characteristics is the collaborative environment it fosters for the musicians performing at the festival. It’s often referred to affectionately as a kind of summer camp for musicians, as they naturally spend time together on the festival grounds themselves. Beyond off-the-clock time, the festival also pairs and matches musicians to play joint showcase sessions, wherein they experiment with each other’s music.
“It’s those moments where an artist turns around and you see the look on their face, because they’ve just had somebody add something incredible to what they do,” says Clarke. “It’s those magical moments that really stand out for me and that are really special.”
Folk Fest takes over Prince’s Island Park from July 24 to 27. Passes available at calgaryfolkfest.com.
HBO’s Big Little Lies. Michael Kiwanuka is a man with a strong message and even more powerful voice.
“Michael Kiwanuka is a beautiful songwriter and really wonderful, so I’m personally excited about him.”
BRIA SALMENA
Bria Salmena made her name as the lead of the Canadian band FRIGS, and has performed regularly as a supporting vocalist to Orville Peck. As a solo artist, her voice packs a powerful punch.
“I discovered Bria Selmana recently as a solo artist. I really liked the band she was in.”
CJSW July Charts
Direct from your radio pals at 90.9 FM, here is a snapshot of the current artists & albums topping the charts at CJSW. Tune in, turn it up and enjoy.
1. Hermitess** - Death & The Fool (Self-Released)
2. Eye of Newt** - Work Perks (Self-Released)
3. Meadowsweet** - The Sound of Coming Home (Self-Released)
4. Jolie Laide** - Creatures (Victory Pool)
5. Non Ultras* - Bulwark EP (Self-Released)
6. Rube & Rake* - Good Time After Bad (LHM)
7. The Misery Mountain Boys* - Somebody Stole My Peaches (Self-Released)
8. Fulfilment** - Husky House (Revolution Winter)
9. wihtikow* - ᐊᐦᒐᕽ (Self-Released)
10. New Chance* - A Rock Unsteady (We Are Time)
11. Celeigh Cardinal* - Boundless Possibilities (SelfReleased)
12. Frog Eyes* - The Open Up (Paper Bag)
13. Cassie Anne MacDonald & Maggie Jane MacDonald* - Gold And Coal (Self-Released)
14. Ladom Ensemble* - Sofreh Tisch (Lulaworld)
15. Motherhood* - Thunder Perfect Mind (Forward Music Group)
16. Battle River** - Battle River EP (Self-Released)
17. Leanne Lightfoot** - Still Knowing (Self-Released)
18. Carter Felker** - Loser (Department Store)
19. Cassia Hardy* - In Relation (Mint Records)
20. Last Waltzon* - Wethouse (Northern Jizz)
21. Letters from Taylor** - Still Asking (Self-Released)
22. Black Country, New Road - Forever Howlong (Ninja Tune)
23. Selina Boland** - Take My Heart (Self-Released)
24. The Harpoonist* - Did We Come Here To Dance (Tonic Records)
25. Kimmortal* - sunniest of days (Odd Doll Records)
26. Various Artists** - Calgary Calling (Sketchy Records)
27. Cut Cult* - First Three 2025 (Self-Released)
28. Artificial Go - Musical Chairs (Feel It Records)
29. K.V. RAUCOUS & the Cave Dwellers** - Shakin’ in the Grave (Tombstone Hop Music / Self-released)
30. Underground Wires** - Death at the Luau Soundtrack (Digitigrade Records)
** Local
* Canadian
FOLK FEST
Folk Fest: Beyond The Music
THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO AND SEE BEYOND LISTENING TO MUSIC ON A BEACH TOWEL
BY CELINA VIDES
Whether you’re a seasoned devotee or a first-time attendee of Calgary Folk Fest, there’s one truth all Calgarians know: that last weekend of July at Prince’s Island Park is magic. While the lineup is always stacked with incredible musical talent that stretches beyond the titular genre of folk, the real magic lies with the food, the art, the talks, and the joy of community.
“The Calgary Folk Music Festival is more than just great music: it’s a full-on summer experience,” said Jeff Storey, Folk Fest staff and longtime arts supporter. “Whether you’re soaking up the sun, learning something new, or just looking to unwind and explore, there’s something for everyone on the island we call home.”
Here are five ways to enhance your Folk Fest experience this year and check off your entire summer bucket list in the process.
SNACK TO THE SOUNDTRACK
How about some cheesy empanadas while listening to the Latin street rhythms of Empanadas Ilegales? Folk Fest is as much about delicious food as sonic discovery. This year, double down on both by munching on warm, crispy treats or summery fresh bites while discovering a new favourite band and enjoying an old one, if you’re so inclined. Walk down the food aisle and take a chance on some inspired pairings: barbecue and fried chicken while soaking in bluegrass and Americana. Fresh lemonade and churros while basking in a soul-rock or flamenco-filled session. It will hit differently!
Long-time Folk Festers know there’s nothing quite like catching a show at National Stage 4 during golden hour, especially after a full day on your feet. Find that perfect spot with a view of the Calgary skyline, settle into your festival chair or picnic blanket, and level up the moment: grab milk from the Dairy Farmers’ Milk Bar and cookies from the Community Natural Foods Bodega. If you’re volunteering, bring a container filled with one of the legendary volunteer meals (if you know, you know!). Then, cozy up with your treats and the blankets of sound coming from the stage, because now you are home.
MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR
If the babies in headphones lounging on tarps didn’t tip you off, Folk Fest is extremely family friendly. The Family Zone is where future “tarpies” and mini-passholders can dive into crafts, games, and other kid-approved activities while their cool, folky parents soak up the vibes. And let’s face it: the parents deserve a break every now and then. At Folk Fest, nd kids under 13 are free, but physically and financially!
DISCOVER LOCAL CREATIVITY
Stroll through shaded pathways between sets and explore the Folk Fest Art Market. It’s the perfect spot to find handcrafted jewellery, visual art, textiles, and more — each piece made by independent artists. Can’t get that last act out of your head? Pick up their vinyl or a t-shirt at the merch tent.
We love retail therapy that directly supports artists, and Folk Fest curates an incredible yearly selection. You might even find your new favourite
piece of art and music on the same afternoon. If the heat is starting to take its toll, drop by a Routine Natural Beauty “Freshen-Up” station and sample natural deodorant and other self-care goodies to smell great while you fest it up.
LISTEN AND LEARN
Need a break from dancing? Recharge at the Altitude Communications Talk Tent, where artists and locals share stories from the road, their creative process, and the cultural currents behind their work. If inside-baseball is your thing, this is your festival home base. Conversations flow naturally under the breezy shade of the tent, offering juicy nuggets of wisdom and stories you’ll retell at your next dinner party.
“OFFICE HOURS” AT THE BEER GARDENS
Enjoying alcoholic beverages (responsibly) anywhere on-site is an objectively awesome change to Folk Fest’s recent operations. But the legend of the Big Rock Beer Gardens is still going. If you remember sharing sangria under a tree sheltering you from a light drizzle, or snagging a quick pint before the main stage set in the heat of summer, you know that space is special.
Today, the spirit lives on, and you haven’t truly Folk Fested unless you’ve held “office hours” at the Beer Gardens. Plant yourself at a table and invite friends and coworkers from every part of your life to check in, catch up, and map out stage-hopping plans over mini donuts. The central location of the gardens means you can softly hear music from every stage, which adds a special ambiance. This is what community looks like.
BY EVELINA PAK
Aplayful Jesus sticker at the entrance of the new Blues Can reads “If you don’t sin, I died for nothing.” The exterior is modest, but inside it’s buzzing: old posters, wood blinds, soft light, and a sense that everyone knows each other. A Buddha on a poster holds up an “okay” gesture, as if to say everything will be all right.
The Inglewood closure last year stirred concern among many, but in April, the Blues Can returned in a new location on 16th Avenue, where Tipperary’s used to be. “One of my big worries about moving here was that it’s much fancier,” says owner Greg Smith. “It’s in an upper-class neighbourhood.” The building, however, isn’t new — it was built in 1972. “Worn, scratched, paint chipping … it’s looking a little more Blues Can-y,” Smith said. “Rode hard and put away wet, as we say.”
A lifelong music lover, Smith is the son of a professional musician. “I was born without the musical genes,” he jokes. “But my father always held one thing in higher esteem than even musicians — someone who paid them. That’s how I ended up in this business, so I do it for the musicians, the industry, and the whole scene.”
Booking shows takes persistence and instinct. “Sometimes I hear [bands] on Bluesman Channel and start researching,” says manager Teena Wilson. “Other times they come through recommendations or emails.”
That kind of hustle fuels a tight schedule. “We’re doing 10 to 14 shows a week. That’s a pretty big number for anywhere in the country,” Wilson says. “With this size, we’ve got more room — and responsibility.”
The new venue is three times the size. “Which means three times the rent, utilities, staff, and work,” Smith adds. “But the vibe remains familiar. We kept most of our team. The programming, the food, the feel — it’s all the same.”
The idea for the Blues Can was born after the original King Eddy shut its doors. “Watching it go felt like losing a friend,” Smith says. “This is how I tried to close that hole in my heart.”
NEW VENUE, OLD SOUL
“I DO IT FOR THE MUSICIANS, THE INDUSTRY, AND THE WHOLE SCENE.”
OWNER GREG SMITH
THE BLUES CAN KEEPS THE LOVE OF MUSIC ALIVE IN A NEW HOME
It wasn’t quite the same when the Eddy eventually reopened in 2018 — something about the old magic was missing for Smith.
The venue is usually packed with birthday parties, friend hangouts, and date nights before concerts. The atmosphere has a rough charm — simple, bold, and joyful. People dress casually, some in cowboy hats.
On June 6, California blues duo Casey Hensley and Laura Chavez lit up the small stage with the iconic blue light. When Hensley’s deep, soulful voice filled the room, the audience whistled and called out in approval. When she launched into “I Got No Money” over a punchy guitar riff, a few couples made their way to the dance floor as if on cue, like an impromptu flash mob.
Looking to the future, Smith says it’s all about survival. “We hope that the bigger size will give
us a little more headroom. It may or may not. Depending on how things work, it could either help us or wipe us out.“
He is (understandably) cautious about change as the Blues Can enters a new chapter. “We’re hoping to maintain the course we were on, continue in the same vein, with the same feel, and the same people, and do the same kind of things.” He describes the opening of both the original and the new Blues Can as near accidents – or, as he put it, “million to one shots”.
“Greg never wanted to run a bar,” says Ken W. Lord, Greg’s friend of over 30 years. “He just wanted to listen to his favourite music and eat his favourite food.”
Honestly, that sounds like a good enough reason. And if those were million-to-one shots, then may the odds keep surprising them.
QUICK FACTS
Address: 2002 16 Ave. N.W.
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Events this month:
Jay Coda Walker on July 4 and 5, Taylor Ackerman’s Global Acid Reset on July 11 and 12, Alfie Zappacosta on July 17.
Food & Drink Recs:
The menu offers a lineup of kickass Cajun food. Folks rave about the Louisiana barbecue pork ribs, best washed down with some PBR. Specials change regularly, so be sure to check with your server.
Arts Commons is becoming Werklund Centre
Scan to learn more
Image featuring Rissi Palmer in Trailblazing Women of Country at the Jack Singer Concert Hall ©SaraKuefler
