SCENE July 2026

CALGARY’S GUIDE TO GOING OUT

FREE • JULY 2026 • ISSUE #69

CALGARY FOLK FESTIVAL TERMINUS: RESONANCE OUTDOOR PUNK SHOWS FEDERICO AIRAUDO Q&A VILLAGE BREWERY PROFILE

Heat up the

YOUR ALTERNATIVE GUIDE TO SUMMER IN CALGARY

THINGS TO DO MUSIC AND GIGS VISUAL ARTS FOOD AND DRINKS CAM HAYDEN COMIC

PLUS 30 CONCERTS AND 40 COLLABORATIVE SESSIONS REVEALED HERE

ATB Mainstage Thursday July 23 • 5:30-10:30 pm

Friday July 24 • 5:30-11:30 pm

Saturday July 25 • 5:30-11:30 pm

Sunday July 26 • 5:30-10:30 pm

Julian Taylor

The East Pointers

S.G. Goodman

Foxwarren

Tiken Jah Fakoly

Cochemea

Adrian Younge presents Jazz is Dead feat.

Ronnie Laws, Carlos Dafé + Ala.Ni

Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino

Valerie June

SYML

Mexican Institute of Sound & Meridian Brothers present Ruido Tovar

Killer Mike

Of Monsters and Men

Goldie Boutilier

Madison Cunningham

Corb Lund

Thundercat

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives

National Stage 4 Thursday July 23 • 5:45-10:30 pm

Friday July 24 • 6:15-11:00 pm

Saturday July 25 • 6:15-11:00 pm

Mariel Buckley

Mitsune

YAGODY

Ruby Singh and the Future Ancestors

Adrian Younge presents Jazz is Dead feat.

Ronnie Laws, Carlos Dafé + Ala.Ni

Lola Kirke

Killabeatmaker

Sahra Halgan

DUG

The Neighborhood Kids

Daniel Romano’s Outfit

The Free Label

CONTENTS

Cover Audience, Calgary Folk Fest 2025.

Photo: Paul Fesko

July

Publisher Käthe Lemon, klemon@redpointmedia.ca Editor Nathan Iles, niles@redpointmedia.ca Editorial Assistant Evelina Pak, epak@redpointmedia.ca

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Events and Listings Editor Catrina Bowles Founding Editor Mike Bell Designer Kris Twyman

congRess after dArk: prIde! photogRaphs by jaoyme shibarI by deadheavy & perlEtte dRag by laShes n lobotomIes mUsic by dj djewel 7pm $10 18+

Print/Digital Production Manager Mike Matovich

CONTRIBUTORS

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varsconma gRoove quintet 8pm $10 all ages

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the smokin toad revival 7pm $20 all ages

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congRess after dArk rope night fIguRe dRawIng 7pm $10 18+

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hymmmelodies persiaN + latIn + flamenco 8pm $10 all ages

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soft pet + nO more moments + PB & james 8pm $10 all ages

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parklaNd poetry open mIc 7pm free all welcome

and the Government of Canada

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melyssa lEe & educatIon party + tuRiya 8PM $15 all ages

The Scene is a member of the Alberta Magazine Publishers’ Association and abides by its professional standards.

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martha zEd + hair controL + matthew twain 8pm $10 all ages

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dRag is for all ages 2pm $10 all ages

Alana Hudson, Krista Sylvester, Kiara Neisz, Kimberley Dooshima Jev, Lissa Robinson, Viancy Salubre, Mary-Lynn Wardle, Cam Hayden Client Support Coordinator Alice Meilleur Senior Account Executive Jocelyn Erhardt Account Executives Nadine Benoit, Vicki Braaten Administrative Manager Shahana Beegum HR Manager Evette Stobo

CEO and co-owner Roger Jewett President and co-owner Käthe Lemon Design Director Steve Collins

14 MUSIC SCENE

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Alberta

Calgary’s DIY punk scene thrives in unconventional outdoor venues and operates under cardinal, unspoken rules.

XXX Liquor Store playing at Whatfest 3 PHOTO: ZORAN MILOVANOVIC

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.

redpointmedia.ca 1721 29 Avenue SW, Suite 375, Calgary, AB, T2T 6T7 Published 12 times a year by Redpoint Media Group. © 2026 by Redpoint Media Group.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

10 COVER

8 Q&A

16 FESTIVAL SCENE

Explore cultural festivals, embark on a punk rock patio crawl, defy the Stampede, and more with The Scene’s 2026 summer guide.

Federico Airaudo paints luscious visuals that invite you to slow down and look a little closer.

Calgary Folk Fest continues to expand its sound, and Terminus: Resonance opens a portal to the international goth underground.

4 ACT 1, SCENE 1 What to do, see, and hear this month across the city.

9 ART SCENE Zadie Xa’s new multisensory installations blend fantastical imagery with diasporic struggle at the Esker Foundation.

20 VENUE Village Brewery puts people first. But the tasty beer and lively taproom don’t hurt either.

after eight quArtet 8pm $10 all ages

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lEv SwaffIeld 8pm $10 all ages

wednesdAys! open mIc & acoustIc jam 7pm free all ages

23 Cam Hayden congResscoffeeshop.com/events thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

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ACT XXX1 SCENE SCENE1

What to do in July

BY CATRINA BOWLES

GAZE THROUGH A TELESCOPE, WATCH A CULT MOVIE, HIT A DOG FESTIVAL, AND MORE

LITTLE MERMAID

July 18 to 26 | Big Secret Theatre | werklundcentre.ca Dive under the waves with Little Mermaid, a fresh music re-interpretation from Flipside Theatre, Calgary’s Filipino theatre company.

Jewel (not Ariel) is a bold young mermaid with dreams bigger than the ocean. She gets one glimpse of the human world, takes a risky bargain, and you know the rest. With inventive puppetry and brand new music, this production offers a fresh take on a story you probably watched 1000 times on VHS. This show is presented in association with the Philippine Festival Council of Alberta (PFCA) and Forte Musical Theatre.

CLUE

The Day of the Dog PHOTO: BARKING MAD PHOTOGRAPHY

MILKY WAY NIGHTS

July 14, 16, 17, and 18 | Rothney Astrophysical Observatory | science.ucalgary.ca The wonders of the universe enchant us all, but under the city lights, it’s rare to get that chance to see what’s out there. Take the opportunity at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, which opens its doors to the public for a few nights in the summer. Look through the telescopes real astronomers use and ask them questions about the universe. A New Moon on July 14 offers optimal viewing conditions to spot planetary nebulae and globular clusters in all their glory.

Tickets are only 10 buck, so snag yours fast.

July 17 | Western Canada High School | vibrantcity.ca Head over to the front lawn of Western Canada High School from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for an evening of 17th Ave vibes without the usual nightlife chaos. Enjoy tunes from live DJs as you grab snacks and drinks from local vendors and shop with small businesses and artisans for unique goods. This night market emphasizes relaxing, strolling and chatting, so if you’ve had a long day at work or are just looking to unwind, the 17th Ave Night Market is the place to be.

ELECTRIC CINEMA CLUB

July 17 to August 16 | Multiple venues | yycicecreamfest.com There’s nothing like a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day. Hit up ice cream shops around the city and sample unique flavours.

Vote for your favourite to win the title of Best Scoop, Best Non-Dairy Scoop and the special Golden Scoop award, which goes to the best-selling ice cream. For every ice cream sold, $1 to $3 goes towards Calgary Meals on Wheels to provide nutritious meals to Calgarians.

July 16 | Sweet Loretta | sweetlorettabar.ca Movie night just got an upgrade. Electric Cinema Club is a new, monthly film screening series at the grooviest bar in town, programmed and hosted by Celina Vides and Adam Keresztes. Each $20 reservation nets you a guided pre-show conversation, access to specialty-themed cocktails, a limited-edition souvenir, and tasty popcorn. This month’s edition presents True Stories, a musical satire directed by (and starring) David Byrne.

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17TH AVE NIGHT MARKET

July 21 to 26 | Jubilee Auditorium | calgary.broadway.com Was it Colonel Mustard in the dining room with the candlestick? Or Professor Plum in the library with the wrench? Find out this month with Clue, a comedy play based on the Hasbro board game and the beloved 1985 film. A rare non-musical show for Broadway Across Canada, Clue is a fast-paced romp that’ll have

you gasping for air from laughter. It only runs about 80 minutes, with no intermission, so you can catch a weeknight show and still get to sleep on time.

HISTORIC CALGARY WEEK

July 24 to August 3 | Multiple venues | chinookhistory.ca History buffs and proud Calgarians alike will go off at Historic Calgary Week, an 11-day celebration of Calgary’s past, shared through walks, tours and presentations. This year’s festival theme is “Chinook Country: Influences and Icons,” highlighting key figures from Calgary’s past that shaped the city we know today. Don’t forget to head over to the Central Library during the fest to check out the photography exhibition displaying modern photos of historic locations.

INGLEWOOD SUNFEST

July 25 | 9th Ave. S.E. | inglewoodsunfest.ca As the Ramones said, “We’re out here having fun in the warm [Calgarian] sun.” This annual festival lights up Inglewood’s main street with live entertainment, food trucks and patios for you to really get into those summer vibes.

YYC ICE CREAM FEST

CLUE PHOTO: EVAN ZIMMERMAN FOR MURPHYMADE

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

THE SCENE’S EVENT CALENDAR

KNOW WHERE TO GO CHECK OUT YOUR GUIDE TO GOING OUT

AUGUST 14-16 NMC PRESENTS: EDDY FEST

BROTHER BICKER BAND JADE ELEPHANT

Check out the over 200 vendors showcasing at Sunfest, selling artisan goods, displaying small-business wares, and promoting community organizations.

DUKE DOMINO SONIA DELEO & THE NEW DADS DEICHA & THE VUDUDES OLLEE OWENS BAND

THE DAY OF THE DOG

July 26 | 8th Ave. S.E. (Between 4th + 6th) | petapaloozawest.com Enjoy a day out with your furry friend this month at the Day of the Dog festival. Take your pooch for a dip in the 120-foot pool for a party featuring a DJ, pool floaties, canine cabanas for your dog to get some shade and swag for you and your pooch. If you’ve got a particularly competitive canine companion, enter them into one of the dog races. And guess what? The festival is free, so you’ve got no excuses (unless you are soulless and really don’t like dogs).

JESSIE BIRD • BLACK CROW FUNK LEWIS CARDINAL • ROSS FIZZARD ASHLEY GHOSTKEEPER • LEO MARTINEZ JOHN RUTHERFORD • TAKE THE SONSET MARCUS TRUMMER • TONI VERE

TICKETS: KINGEDDY.CA/WHATS-ON

NEW EXHIBIT ON NOW 2 0 2 6 C A N A D I A N M U S I C H A L L O F FA M E

CALGARY FRINGE

July 31 to August 8 | Multiple venues | calgaryfringe.ca Explore Calgary’s indie theatre scene at the 20th annual Calgary Fringe Festival. Catch performances spanning genres, from improv to drama, comedy, drag or anything in between. Check out The Kinkonauts’ show Couch Surfing, Steven Morton’s The Late Great Mormon Drag Queen, or just take a risk on a show you know nothing about. That’s the fun (and the danger) of Fringe: you never know what you’re going to get. Regular tickets are $20, and all of the proceeds (excluding surcharges) go back to the artists.

DUNGEON FEST

August 1 and 2 | Hotel Blackfoot | dungeonfest.ca We promise this festival isn’t as intimidating as it sounds.

Dungeon Fest is for lovers of tabletop roleplaying games, wargames and card games like Magic: The Gathering. Over the course of two days, jump into games familiar and unfamiliar and play with your fellow TTRPG fans. Between games, be sure to check out the underground musicians playing at the fest. Tickets are $33.28 for a single day or $54.58 for a weekend pass, available on eventbrite.ca.

TOUR DE BOWNESS RACE + FESTIVAL

August 3 | Mainstreet Bowness | mainstreetbowness.com This year marks the 23rd annual Tour De Bowness, and each year this cycling event keeps upping the ante on the fun for all. During the largest amateur cycling event in the province, sample food from local food trucks and restaurants, and hit the market to shop for handmade goods from local vendors. Catch live musicians on the Tim Hortons stage throughout the day, and even more live entertainment on the street. The festival is free to attend and full of impeccable vibes for the whole family.

Celebrating the global pop icon’s sound, style, and fearless reinvention.

GET TICKETS AT STUDIOBELL.CA

EXHIBITION EXTENDED TO 2027

NOW OPEN

Honouring the late jazz great on his 100 th birthday.

STUDIO BELL, HOME OF THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE

Free music playground for kids and families that transforms visitors from observers into active music-makers.

@NMC_CANADA

STUDIOBELL.CA

NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE OPERATING PARTNERS:

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

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ACT XXX1 SCENE SCENE1

Onstage in July

BY NATHAN ILES

CRUSTY PUNK ROCK, PIANO CONCERTOS, AND GROOVY BASS DROPS TO TICKLE YOUR EARDRUMS

NO MORE MOMENTS

Tennessean newspaper. July 26, 7 p.m. at Commonwealth, commonwealthbar.ca.

For more than a decade, No More Moments has brought Siksika energy to their anthemic punk rock ditties. Art punks Soft Pet and the solo acoustic ramblings of PB + James are on deck to open. July 11, 8 p.m. at Congress Coffee, congresscoffeeshop.com.

COLLECTIVE SOUL If you have any young-at-heart Gen X folks in your life with some Doc Martin’s still sitting in the closet, let them know about this gig. These alt-rock legends are here to find out Where The (Bow) River Flows. July 30, 8 p.m. at the Grey Eagle, greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.

2026 CASSA CONCERT Classical pianist Gregg Pauley performs Ravel’s Valses nobles et sentimentales and Pavane, as well as Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat, D. 960.

Haunting, beautiful, and not to be missed.

July 12, 7 p.m. at Brentview Baptist Church, cassamusicalarts.com.

SANAH KADOURA SUNDAYS This Juno-nominated Lebanese-Canadian drummer lights up the library every Sunday with a jazz-y jam session that never fails to surprise. Every Sunday at Betty Lou’s, bettylouslibrary.com.

Collective Soul

BOBBY DOVE This modern country troubadour delivers heartbreak, humour, and honky‑tonk swagger with a fresh voice. Hank Williams by way of Patsy Cline, with Canadiana flavour. July 14, 8 p.m. at the Ironwood, ironwoodstage.ca.

CHASING SUMMER Two days of EDM, sunburns and furry boot chaos. Some highlights of the lineup include Subtronics, Armin van Buuren, and Tiga.

August 1 and 2 at Max Bell Centre Festival Grounds, chasingsummerfestival.com.

BOUNCING SOULS Being a punk lifer means that aging is inevitable, but maturity is optional. Still ripping after 37 years, this New Jersey band’s pogo-friendly songs still feel fresh and mosh-pitready. July 15, 6 p.m. at The Palace, thepalacetheatre.ca.

THE HARPOONIST Harmonica‑driven blues so gritty you’ll want to wash your hands afterward. What’s not to love?

Get there early and catch Morgen Le Fae and Factory Walk. July 16, 8 p.m. at The Palomino, thepalomino.ca.

SAN HOLO This Dutch DJ (and suspected Star Wars fan) crafts emotional “post-EDM’ fit for both dancing and an existential crisis. July 17, 6 p.m. at the Grey Eagle, greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.

AMP SESSIONS Get in the car with some friends and make your way to the mountains. The AMP Sessions presents two weekends of outdoor music with

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SHY FRiEND

KATAKLYSM + SIX FEET UNDER

The Harpoonist PHOTO: JOEL JOHNSON

the Rockies as your backdrop, and music from the likes of Lost Decade and Kayla Williams as your soundtrack. July 17-19 and 23-26 at the Banff Centre, banffcentre.ca.

JAZZ NEBULA SERIES This monthly concert series presents concerts of the Great American Songbook. For June, they’re tackling the Broadway ballads of Cole Porter. July 18, 2 p.m. at Scarboro United Church, jazzyyc.com.

RUBBER CEMENT Blistering hardcore punk delivered with powerviolence precision; Rubber Cement offers all this and then some. Your friendly neighbourhood punk activists QUIT IT! are also tearing this gig up. July 18, 7 p.m. at The BLOX, bloxartscentre.ca.

PHOTO: COLIN MCTAGGERT

YASIN ELAHEE & THE FOG OF SOUND (Un)Decided & SHY FRiEND join Yasin for this genre‑bending lineup that feels like a sampler pack of Calgary’s indie pop-rock scene.

July 24, 7 p.m. at The BLOX, bloxartscentre.ca.

LIFELESS DARK From Boston, Lifeless Dark are a whirling machine of metallic, crust-punk fury. Innocent (also from Boston) and local bruisers Languid and Death Knell. July 25, 8 p.m. at The Palomino, thepalomino.ca.

WILLOW AVALON Bringing her Pink Pocket Pistol tour to the prairies, Avalon’s Americana-tinged take on country feels both nostalgic and fresh, and established her as a “Top Artist to Watch in 2025” by The

Specializing in a brand of death metal they’ve dubbed “Northern Hyperblast,” Kataklysm are bona fide Canadian legends. Six Feet Under co-headline, with Wormhole and Snakepit opening. August 4, 6 p.m. at The Arrowhead, thearrowheadcalgary.com.

BLUE RODEO Warm harmonies, gentle twang, and country nostalgia are all hallmarks of a Blue Rodeo show. Don’t miss this 40th anniversary party celebrating Canadian country excellence.

August 4, 8 p.m. at the Grey Eagle, greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.

CAT POWER The sadcore queen herself brings “The Greatest” tour to Calgary. Her sound is charmingly genre-agnostic, spanning punk, folk, blues, soul, and more. August 7, 7 p.m. at The Palace, thepalacetheatre.ca.

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

HOW LIVE DO YOU LIKE IT?

CJSW’s bandroom has a legendary lineup.

Check out the sessions at YouTube.com/@CJSWRadio

Q&A

Everyday Beauty

THROUGH VIVID PAINTINGS, FEDERICO AIRAUDO CAPTURES SCENES OF EVERYDAY LIFE

BY EVELINA PAK

N

ear the Martha Cohen Theatre, visitors to Werklund Centre pass through a gallery space that also serves as an artist residency. Behind the glass window, Federico Airaudo is painting a mural. Even unfinished, it already shows a lot of detail. Nearby, his dog Hermano rests under a blue blanket before getting up to greet you.

Originally from Ecuador, Airaudo arrived in Calgary in 2023 with a background in graphic design and fine art. Since then, he has established himself as an artist with a visually distinct and memorable style. His brightly coloured paintings, populated by humananimal characters, are often compared to a Latin American version of Where’s Waldo? or the animated world of BoJack Horseman. Filled with symbolism, humour and social observation, his works invite viewers to slow down and examine everyday life more closely.

He is the current artist-in-residence at Werklund Centre and maintains a studio in Kensington.

Q: How did you become an artist?

A: “I have been painting all my life, but I’ve been working professionally since 2017. Graphic design was always my strongest skill, but I don’t enjoy it anymore because I had to work with clients who kept changing my designs. In the end, my portfolio didn’t have anything I really liked. So I decided to start painting.

“I started practicing on my own, taking online courses and working with a mentor, networking.

“I think in this work, or in any work, it’s important to take it seriously. All the time, I had this idea in my mind: ‘I want to be the best at this.’”

Q: How did you develop your style?

A: “I already had a particular style, but then I started using animals. First of all, it made the stories more playful because animals have many mannerisms and expressions.

“Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. I used to spend a lot of time outside, surrounded by birds. Then I started

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PHOTO: DENA VAHLE

noticing things like, ‘Ah, this looks like that guy.’

“At first, I was only drawing one character.

Now I only have one frame to tell a story or show a situation. If I want to show that someone is a hard worker, I might use red hands. If I want to show that someone is happy, I might use a parrot. I try to include symbolism.

“I use bright, flat colours. I don’t use gradients or effects like that, so the paintings look a bit like digital work.”

Q: Is there a specific message you want to share with the audience?

A: “I leave a lot of the meaning open to the viewer’s interpretation, but it’s hard to avoid political perspectives. I try to put everything together. I don’t go to one side or the other. I present what I see and try to project that vision.

“I like people to pay attention to the mundane, the normal, the simple things. We get caught up in routines and stop noticing them.

Things happen every day, and we take them for granted because they always happen.

But there are [many] beautiful and special

“I LIKE PEOPLE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE MUNDANE, THE NORMAL, THE SIMPLE THINGS. WE GET CAUGHT UP IN ROUTINES AND STOP NOTICING THEM.” FEDERICO AIRAUDO

moments there.

“When a person stops to look at my art, it’s important to me that they become present and start noticing things. I treat painting as a device that brings people into the present moment. I like people to enter the work and maybe find themselves there, or recognize situations they have seen before.

“I studied publicity, and one of our exercises was to go out into the streets and observe people and what was happening around us.

When you go to a store or step outside for a cigarette, you hear conversations. Those everyday moments are what make my city so special.

And I think every place has that.”

Q: How do you balance maintaining that cultural identity while becoming part of Calgary’s arts community?

A: “Part of this residency is getting involved with Calgary and its people. Here at Werklund Centre, people come in all the time. I also spend a lot of time downtown, which is very lively.

“I’ve had some exhibitions in Canada, and it’s amazing to see how people react to these stories because they come from a completely different context. … Sometimes, I help and tell a little bit more about the work that caught their attention.”

This Q&A was created in collaboration with Werklund Centre. To see more of Federico Airaudo’s work, visit donfede.art.

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

ART SCENE

WEAVING ANCESTRY

IN THE GALLERIES THIS MONTH

ZADIE XA EXPLORES GHOSTS, BEASTS, AND MYSTICAL LANDSCAPES

ARTPOINT GALLERY A Place of Joy Until July 13, 2026 Featuring 17 distinct local artists, this group presentation explores deeply personal interpretations of joy and optimism. Spanning a diverse array of mediums and styles, the vibrant, celebratory collection provides a lively visual sanctuary designed to uplift visitors and counter contemporary feelings of social exhaustion.

BY LISSA ROBINSON

B

lending memories of the Pacific Northwest, her Korean roots, and fictional elements like folk tales and shamanistic rituals, Zadie Xa creates large, multisensory installations that explore historical traditions.

She notes in an interview with Tate Gallery that folk art is “really the language of our ancestors directly to us” and a space where she finds “a sense of hope, and a desire for that resistance within the work.”

Guided by this intuitive philosophy and using an interdisciplinary approach, Xa views each exhibition as a singular, immersive work, stitching together a rich and otherworldly narrative.

Her newest iteration weaves together two bodies of work: Rough Hands Weave a Knife, a series of paintings and sculptures Xa made in early 2024; and Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything (2025), a project created with her long-term collaborator Benito Mayor Vallejo. The two different exhibitions move lyrically across the hand-painted, cavernous rooms, drawing viewers into a dreamlike realm where mythology speaks, ghosts haunt, and diaspora sings.

Arranged in three sequential rooms at the Esker Foundation, the installation invites the viewer to enter the first space and walk progressively deeper.

Inside the first space, three figures sit on a large blue hexagonal plinth. Cast in bronze and finished with polished gold and oxidized green surfaces, these human-animal hybrids come alive against a lush and colourful backdrop. The walls are painted a deep teal, evoking tranquil waters or an old-growth canopy. Five paintings, some framed or composed using bojagi, a

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

NICKLE GALLERY Zadie Xa with Benito Mayor Vallejo | Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything.

PHOTO: EVA HERZOG

multicoloured Korean patchwork technique, hang along the perimeter of the room. Filled with shamans and mystical beasts, they echo Xa and Vallejo’s imposing figurines, which reference Korean funerary dolls and are based on characters from Xa’s performances, like an orca playing a drum or a nine-tailed fox performing a handstand on human hands.

In the next room, the palette deepens into a dark, oceanic blue, where additional paintings and a four-panel screen painting, positioned on a plinth and facing forward, guide the viewer toward the shimmering final chamber.

As you step onto the gold sheeting spread across the floor, the final chamber shifts dynamically as the walls move from sunset to night, mimicking a glimmering ocean. At the heart of this luminous environment hangs Ghost, a monumental centrepiece constructed from over 1,000 brass bells arranged in the shape of a massive conch shell. Inspired by Korean shamanic ceremonial rattles, which are designed to evoke sounds of spiritual protection, this intricate work, as its title suggests, remains completely silent.

This defiant silence is permeated by atmospheric

sounds that emanate from the edges.

Around the perimeter, four large seashells hang suspended from the ceiling like acoustic portals. Gathered by the artists from shorelines in Korea, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates, these objects broadcast a haunting, atmospheric audio track. Standing directly beneath them, the ear-to-shell experience bypasses the traditional sounds of wind and waves; instead, the audio seamlessly cycles through soft chatter, Morse code, ringing phones, and the deep, ancient language of whales.

Having grown up in Vancouver and now based in the UK, Xa innately recognizes the cultural complexities of navigating multiple identities and her Korean heritage. Working eloquently across performance, painting, sculpture, textile, and installation, Xa’s work emanates a joyful exuberance.

However, beneath the belly of the beast lies a darker undercurrent, forcing viewers to contemplate ecological grief, diasporic dislocation, and colonial disruptions.

This exhibition can be viewed until August 23. Learn more at eskerfoundation.com.

Her Own Way: A Selection of Women Artists in the Nickle Collection Until August 21, 2026 This exhibition features women artists from the permanent collection who produced work in the post-war era between 1950 and 1979. Showcasing rarely exhibited pieces across a breadth of media, the collection offers vital insight into the distinct, successful paths these creators forged despite widespread gender bias and misogyny.

PAUL KUHN GALLERY Mark Holliday + Aaron Sidorenko: DEGREES OF ENTROPY Until August 22, 2026 This joint exhibition explores themes of decay, breakdown, and transformation. Engaging in a visual dialogue between abstract forms and heavily textured surfaces, their art challenges traditional systems of order, exploring how meaning shifts and evolves amid unpredictable chaos.

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COVER

10 Alternative Ways to Stampede AVOID THE CROWDS, SAVE A FEW BUCKS, AND YAHOO YOUR OWN WAY

BY ALANA HUDSON

Honky Tonk Market

Calgary Outdoor Yoga PHOTO: SHANE REMPEL

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JULY 3: LEARN TO SWING DANCE

Trade line dancing for swing dancing at Fly Right Swing’s Friday Night Hop. The evening starts with a beginner lesson before opening up into a social dance filled with live-energy jazz and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. No experience or dance partner is required, making it an easy entry point. flyrightswing.com

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JULY 4: SHOP LOCAL AT A HONKY TONK

The Honky Tonk Market combines a westerninspired market with local vendors, food, and an evening lineup of live music. “It’s not just a market, you’re not just there to shop; you’re also there to hang out,” says Laura Graham, co-founder of HTM Productions. Soak up western flavour without the sensory overload of the Stampede grounds. honkytonkmarket.com

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JULY 5: ENJOY YOGA IN THE PARK

Calgary Outdoor Yoga’s weekly session in Stanley Park offers a chill way to spend a Sunday afternoon. “It’s a very different way to experience Calgary during Stampede week,” says Krystal Scott, founder of Calgary Outdoor Yoga.

The pay-what-you-can classes are designed for all skill levels and provide a chance to get outside, move your body, and reconnect with nature before diving back into the festivities. outdooryoga.ca

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JULY 6: LAUGH THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT

Monday Open Mic Nights at the Comedy Cave bring together professional comics, touring performers, and local talent testing new material.

Plus, poutine is 50 per cent off, and Wild Rose pints are discounted. comedycave.com

PHOTO: KRYSTAL SCOTT

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JULY 7: TEAR UP KARAOKE NIGHT

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JULY 8: CATCH A DIFFERENT KIND OF CONCERT

If you’ve spent the week watching performers, why not become one? Karaoke Night at Kings Head Eatery invites you to grab a microphone and belt out your favourite Kings of Leon tune.

Half-price tacos and margarita specials don’t hurt, either. thekingshead.ca

The Roundup MusicFest returns to Prince’s Island Park, bringing Billy Idol, David Lee Roth, Sloan and TOQUE to Calgary. “We’ve travelled all over the world to really try to emulate some of the best music festivals,” says Robert Duteau, festival organizer. For those looking for a huge festival vibe with significantly fewer cowboy hats, this might be the move. roundupmusicfest.com

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JULY 9: DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

Just a few blocks away from the party tents, electronic music artist BLOSSM is bringing funky bass house to the Velvet Room dance floor. “I try to take the audience through a journey and provide a space for everyone to dance and party and have fun,” says Tom Blhuer, artist behind BLOSSM. And the dark interior of Velvet is a refreshing change of temperature and pace. velvetroomyyc.ca

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JULY 10: EXPLORE A NIGHT MARKET

Part community gathering and part summer festival, the Inglewood Night Market is one of Calgary’s favourite warm-weather traditions.

With more than 150 local vendors, food trucks, and live music, this is one of the most fun ways to spend a summer evening and get way ahead on your Christmas shopping. inglewoodnightmarket.ca

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

Stampede Hacks If you do wind up at the city’s biggest cowboy convention, here are some quick tips: PLAN YOUR ROUTE: Park at a non-central CTrain station and ride in to avoid downtown congestion. Time your exit to avoid post-concert chaos.

DON’T PAY FOR ENTRY: Several days offer free entry, so check the schedule if you’re flexible.

AVOID THE COKE STAGE: Hang out near the river or the Erlton station while music is playing to avoid hyperventilating in a massive crowd.

BRING SNACKS: Budget for one midway splurge (mini donuts, probably), and bring some sandwiches along for the rest of your excursion.

CHILL WITH A DRINK: Hit the BMO Centre and check out the Western Oasis for a climate-controlled space … and one of the rare spots to drink on the grounds.

Cold Garden PHOTO: COURTESY COLD GARDEN

The Punk Rock Patio Crawl A SEVEN-DAY MISSION TO MAXIMIZE CALGARY’S SUMMER

BY KRISTA SYLVESTER

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JULY 11: SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC

The Brother Bicker Band and Of Ghosts & Glory celebrate a dual-release show at The BLOX Arts Centre on July 11. Discover Calgary’s independent music scene while supporting a community-focused arts venue. “We’re raring to go and ready to have a lot of fun, especially during Stampede,” says Brother Bicker lead singer Jeremy Hrdlicka. bloxartscentre.ca

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JULY 12: HIT A CAR SHOW

Enjoy a whole different kind of horsepower.

The Bumper 2 Bumper Car Show and Off-Road Show provides a fitting finale to the Stampede.

Expect custom builds, off-road rigs, and plenty of automotive enthusiasts gathering to celebrate all things on four wheels. newhorizonmall.com

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

I

n Calgary, patio season is as fleeting as a summer fling.

After spending eight months chasing summer, locals waste no time heading to patios across the city the minute the temperature hits double digits. Almost every patio table in the city is inundated with thirsty and hungry folks just itching for nachos, nightcaps, and a sweet slice of that summer sun.

To help you do just that, we’ve curated a week-long guide to some of the city’s best patios, without blowing your budget.

MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS:

THE HAPPY HOUR HUSTLE Seasoned punk rock patio connoisseurs have surely realized by now that the start of the week is the best time to secure a prime spot without turning it into a competitive sport.

Better happy hour deals and faster service, the start of the week is the perfect time to enjoy a low-key night under the sun.

Unpretentious, perfectly located, and

always bustling, the Ship & Anchor on 17th has long been one of Calgary’s most popular patio institutions for a reason. Their deadly Happy Hour offers discounts on the entire drink menu, and starts at 2 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.

Whether you start or finish at the Ship, we would be remiss not to mention its neighbour, National on 17th, which also offers one of the city’s best people-watching patios.

If you need a break from what is arguably one of the city’s busiest streets, National on 10th is renowned for its massive rooftop patio, free games, and all-day happy hour on Mondays.

For a milder night, spend some time at Last Best Brewing & Distilling, which has food and drink specials from 3 p.m to 6 p.m., and again from 9 p.m. ‘til closing time. Switch up the scenery and head to East Village, where a beautiful rooftop patio vibe at Connie & John’s Rooftop, overlooking the Bow River, awaits you.

If you are looking for a little more of a pulse, check out GRETA Calgary for a cute patio pit stop and three hours of unlimited gaming for $20.

And you can always end up at the Ship because why not?

WEDNESDAYS:

THE WEEKEND WARM-UP

THE MIDWEEK REBELLION Hump Day is a chance for overworked Calgarians to reward themselves for surviving half the workweek just enough to justify some after-work drinks without completely abandoning work the next day, though it has been known to happen. Don’t ask us how we know.

THURSDAYS:

As Calgary’s unofficial Friday, Thursday nights offer a peek at the weekend ahead, and you might need to get a little more serious about your patio strategy by making a reservation or arriving earlier than usual to secure a spot.

Technically a wildcard weekend option, we are focusing on a few sometimes-forgotten

11

COVER

Navigating Calgary’s

Summer Weather Whiplash

S

ummer in the prairies means that one second you can be sweating through your shirt, and the next you’re soaking wet, running for cover during an impromptu downpour.

The city’s summer forecast usually features a mixture of “Why is my street flooding?” “Where is that smoke coming from?” and “It’s hot as hell,” which is why you need to be open to switching your plans as the weather rolls.

Is it too hot for you, but you still need to feel that sweet vitamin D on your skin? Grab your pals and/or animals for a river float, hit one of the city’s numerous lakes, or head to Inglewood or Kensington and enjoy both the sun and a local business’s AC as needed.

When the sky turns grey, and that unexpected rain hits, stay inside at a farmers market like Crossroads, or chill at a board game cafe. Nothing hits quite like rainfall and Settlers of Catan.

Forest fire smoke is an unfortunate reality for us living in 2026, but it doesn’t have to kill your entire vibe. Shut all the windows, turn on the purifier, grab a box of cold ones, and watch something light. Now that the movie has been out for a while, it’s the perfect time to catch up on Nirvanna the Band the Show.

Prepare for weather that may include all four seasons within a three-hour period. If smoke wafts over your cookout, pivot inside.

If it rains, wait it out; it usually doesn’t last.

If hail arrives, run. When one of those rare, perfect weather Calgary evenings appears?

Stay out longer than you planned to. And no matter what, pack a cheap pair of sunglasses that you won’t mind losing.

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AFTER SPENDING EIGHT MONTHS CHASING SUMMER, LOCALS WASTE NO TIME HEADING TO PATIOS ACROSS THE CITY THE MINUTE THE TEMPERATURE HITS DOUBLE DIGITS. patio picks, including 17th Ave’s One Night Stan’s, a “divery” with a dog-friendly patio and robust happy hour selections from 2 to 6 p.m.

Cleaver also offers half off a bottle of wine and a cheap steak sandwich deal in the evening, in case your stomach needs a break from all the beer.

Appease the vegan-inclined members of your friend group over at The Coup. They boast a patio renowned for its “Thirsty Thursday” deals, including half-price wine by the glass and by the bottle.

For a total swerve from that vibe, head to Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey in Kensington for smoked meats and smokier bourbon. Pro tip: Patrons can enjoy 50 per cent off all meats from 10 p.m. until close.

FRIDAYS:

THE WEEKEND CALLING When the weekend actually starts, the Beltline patio circuit fires on all cylinders.

One popular Friday night spot is Porch, overlooking the heart of 17th Ave., offering a laid-back, lively vibe and late-night happy-hour deals. Lulu Bar is also nearby, with a covered patio and “Honolulu Happy Hour” kicking off at 2 p.m.

A perfect dive-y vibe awaits you down at Cold Beer + Pizza. Their scrappy interior

opens out seamlessly onto a lively patio, and the cheap happy hour slices and pints (from 2 to 5 p.m. on Fridays) live up to the watering hole’s name.

If you’re planning a patio crawl, keep it to a maximum of two locations on Fridays. Three is far too ambitious, and you’ve had a long week, so don’t waste time hitting the pavement all day.

with Fido. Cold Garden is an excellent choice (plus,you can top your beer with a slushie), but be warned that the patio fills up very quickly.

Prairie Dog Brewing and Kensington Pub are some other great options. And, anecdotally, it’s a lot easier to snag a patio spot when the bar isn’t in the city core.

SUNDAYS:

SATURDAYS:

THE SWEET SPOT

​ tart early — we are talking really early. The S biggest mistake Calgarians make is waiting until 5 p.m. when every coveted patio is already lined up and spoken for. Our suggestion? Begin with brunch.

Queens, Galaxie Diner, OEB, Red’s Diner, and the Beltiner all offer the perfect launch pad on a Saturday, where you can intake some desperately needed calories and plan your own patio-crawl adventure afterward. There is no shortage of breakfast options to kick off your day, but we definitely recommend one of the above.

From there, you could end up doing a side quest at a handful of the city’s breweries, many of which are conveniently located within striking distance of one another, or perhaps at one of the city’s many dog-friendly patios for fun

While Saturday gets all the attention, Sunday offers the perfect way to cap off a sweltering-hot summer week, especially if you’re a wee bit hungover.

It’s the perfect time to grab a seat by the river in East Village or Eau Claire, wander through Kensington, and spend an entire afternoon in Inglewood without any obligations or schedules. Plus, you can save a few bucks if you’ve been going at it all week with a simple picnic and discreet drink containers.

The Rooftop YYC, River Cafe, and CRAFT are some good spots to laze away the afternoon.

If 10 p.m rolls around and you’re still raging, Bridgette Bar has a killer happy hour ‘til closing time with an exclusive snack menu. Get the eggplant fries; thank us later.

There is a reason they call it Sunday Funday; you really can’t go wrong, no matter what you do.

THE STRATEGY SESSION

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

Calgary Cultural Festivals HIT THE STREETS IN A VIBRANT WAY

BY EVELINA PAK

Calgary Japanese Festival Omatsuri PHOTO: TAKU ONISHI

When: July 17 to 18, 2026 Where: Max Bell Centre, 1001 Barlow Trail S.E. calgaryjca.com/events/omatsuri

T FiestaVal PHOTO: FIESTAVAL LATIN FESTIVAL.

When: July 17 to 19, 2026 Where: Eau Claire Plaza, 200 Barclay Parade S.W. fiestaval.ca

T

wo decades ago, FiestaVal looked very different then it does in 2026. “Back in the day, there was only one small Latin festival in the city,” says FiestaVal event director Christian Greiffenstein. The event was well-received from the start and continued to grow each year.

Today, FiestaVal features dozens of food vendors, artisan booths, community organizations and live performances representing cultures from across Latin America. It’s returning to Eau Claire Plaza for the second year in a row, after moving from Olympic Plaza (RIP). This time, the lineup includes Colombian salsa group Orquesta 33, Dominican band Fulanito, Chilean rock legends Los Prisioneros, bachata artist Michael Romance, and more.

“We bring people from anywhere that is close by as long as they’re good and [it’s within our

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

budget],” says Greiffenstein. The organizers try to make the festival diverse, as Latin America has a lot of countries with microcultures inside each of them.”We try to be as diverse as possible and make everybody happy with our choices.”

Greiffenstein estimates that roughly half of attendees come from Latin American backgrounds, while the other half are Calgarians interested in learning about different cultures.

“They come and dance, and they drink their cervezas, and they’re super happy to be there and to share with us.”

FiestaVal is also intent on challenging stereotypes. “The ultimate goal of our festival is to show a different face, a different story and a different way of looking at our countries,” says Greiffenstein. “When I tell people I’m from Colombia, they’re like, ‘Oh, drugs, Pablo Escobar.’ But there’s so much more to the country.”

His advice for first-time visitors is simple: come with an open mind. “Order something that you can barely pronounce and let the music be contagious.”

his year marks the 15th anniversary of the Omatsuri Calgary Japanese Festival. What began as a small community event in Bridgeland-Riverside with around 1,000 attendees has grown into a full-blown festival that attracts up to 8,000 visitors from across Alberta.

“I really like to look at the festival through two lenses,” says Danny Seo, co-chair of the Calgary Japanese Community Association’s festival committee. “There is the lens of Japanese culture, with so much depth, history, and tradition that we can tap into. The other lens is the unique experiences of Japanese Canadians who live and have lived in Alberta for a long time.”

The festival has become a collaborative effort involving Japanese Canadian communities from across the province, including Edmonton and Lethbridge.

One of the signature events is Bon Odori, a traditional dance accompanied by taiko drumming. This year’s program also includes

martial arts demonstrations, traditional and contemporary music, cultural exhibits, and a Friday night market inspired by Japanese Obon festivals with lanterns, games, and food stalls.

For Seo, the festival is not just about celebrating culture in the present but also about preserving it for the future. This bridges the gap between generations, passing on traditions, stories and cultural knowledge.

“I think young people have a tremendous role in carrying that legacy for the older generation,” he says.

The Omatsuri organizing committee includes members and volunteers from all walks of life, ranging in age from their 20s to their 50s.

Some grew up in the community, while others joined through a specific interest in Japanese culture, whether it’s tea, music or something else. Seo himself first became involved through a personal interest that eventually grew into a commitment to a larger community.

“Of course, there are days and nights where it’s a lot to juggle, but this is the village that I chose to enter and remain,” he says. “I want to ensure we have a meaningful festival, [and] continue to build our reach.”

Even More Cultural Festivals

Peru Fest YYC

Carifest When: August 14 to 16 Where: Cowboys Park

MexiFest Mexican Arts and Cultural Festival

When: July 25 Where: Calgary Hellenic Banquet Hall

Incredible India Fest

Muslim Heritage Day Festival

When: July 3 to 5 Where: Eau Claire Plaza

When: July 25 Where: Westin Calgary Airport

When: August 22 Where: Eau Claire Plaza

Nepali Mela and Multicultural Showcasing

Philippine Calgary Summer Festival

Fiesta Filipino

When: July 18 Where: Prairie Winds Park

When: August 8 to 9 Where: Prairie Winds Park

When: September 4 to 7 Where: Eau Claire Plaza

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Squelch at Mills Skatepark

MUSIC SCENE

3 WATCH THE WHOLE SHOW

DIY shows are bu ilt around highligh ting multiple local ba nds, rather than a single headliner. Show ing up early and sticking around for every set is an important way to support these musicians and en courage them to pl ay again.

The shows unfol d gradually, and ea ch set builds on the last, creatin g an energy for th e sh ow . When you show up halfw ay through or on ly for on e band, you miss out on the progression and the vibe. He you might even be ll, missing your new favourite band.

Every musician is equal at these sh ows, no single headliner, so being there from begin ning to end makes all the dif ference.

BY KIARA NEISZ

5 OUTDOOR PUNK SHOWS SIMPLE RULES FOR

IT =/ FREE-FOR-ALL P H S O M 4

CALGARY’S DIY SCENE RUNS ON GRIT, WORD-OF-MOUTH, AND AN UNOFFICIAL CODE OF CONDUCT

T

here’s no ticket scan, no barricade, no stage lights shining to warm up the crowd. Just a dropped pin, a half-legible flyer, and groups of people hauling equipment.

Once the weather warms up, Calgary’s DIY punk scene migrates from indoor venues to backyards, alleys, skate parks, and underpasses. These spaces feel temporary, community-built, and just a little bit chaotic.

1 RESPECT THE SPACE

Whether it’s a backyard, un derpass, or a lot, these sp borrowed aces all belo ng to someo if that someo ne — especial ne is Mother ly Nature. That aware of whe means being re you are an d w hat you’re le Respecting th aving behind ese “venues” . comes down ing the place, to not trashnot damagin g pr operty, and re that once the cognizing music stops, the space still is to leave th exists. The go e place as yo al u found it, an shows can be d ensure that played there ag ai n.

“Venues in ou r city shouldn’ t have to wor vandalism or ry about damage afte r hosting a bu what’s suppos nch of patron ed to be a fun s for evening,” says a member of Alex Bennett, local punk ba nd Liquor Stor e.

Finding them is a matter of spotting a scrappylooking poster in Kensington or Inglewood, stumbling across a mysterious Instagram advising you to “dm for address,” or hearing about it from your friends with patched vests.

There’s no “official” rulebook for these shows.

But after attending a few, it becomes clear that there is an unspoken code that keeps the chaos focused.

YOU CAN IF Y U B , H S A C G IN 2 BR

hout ained. Wit s self-sust n a e m it tting ; u e p cost of ’t mean fre acking, the b DIY doesn l a ci n a s fin the band or formal ing it and sponsors le organiz p o e p e r ask for a th o falls on e a cover rg a ch y ing ll on a show a s typic art of keep hese show a crucial p re a s a le p playing. T b u erch ta picking and the m into a jar, rs a ll o and d donation, ts w g a fe for artis at. Throwin up quickly d d a n to g ca things aflo n t a shir ly choosi urchasing ople active e p n o patch, or p ly ows re . These sh promoters gh than enou em. p is more u g in u w support th o sh ad idea if yo elieves just t’s not a b “I .

Bennett b rt u h ’t doesn to show ut money great way support, b e says. “A h ,” h tc t, too.” n ra e tra sc complim have the ex l artist is a ca lo a to love support or

d of ating whirlwin like an intimid em se n ca it ntly, an hp rta A mos and more impo a rhythm to it, e’s er th falls, t ne bu , eo fists ch other; if som look out for ea le e. op ac Pe sp g. n in ve understand es, they’re gi if someone leav d ery an Ev , s. up es ed en ck ar they’re pi in the pit is aw g in riv th d an iving for both themThe key to surv is responsible s oned or fresh, as se , er nc t that awarenes da slam em. The momen th nd ou ar ne yo one. selves and ever , and not a good can take a turn gs in th ’t control, , rs isn ea e pp siv disa its fun and inclu hp os m e es th e another What keeps king out for on undaries. “Loo bo of e ns whether se it’s a shared that influence e huge factors ar tte ue nnet. iq et Be g and showin other gig,” says come out to an to t her an ot w ch ay m ea someone ve to respect brant, we all ha vi e en sc e th “To keep time.” and have a cool

5 ALL ARE WELCOME (EXCEPT JERKS)

ator for At these shows, there’s no clear indic who’s just there who’s playing, who’s organizing, and t be running for a good time. The band on stage migh le selling the door at the next show, and the peop the scene take merch might be hosting it. People in iple hats. turns with these things, all wearing mult her they’re These shows rely on everyone, whet s, or just setting up the gear, reposting the flyer up. The scene adds all it ort; supp show to up showing the people in doesn’t exist without the flexibility of t showing up it; it’s less about roles and more abou t it. ready to help. And not being a dick abou

PHOTO: NIKLAS JACK

14

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

Esker Foundation - Until 23 August - Free Admission

ᐃᔨ – Eyes – Shirley Moorhouse Zadie Xa with Benito Mayor Vallejo Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything

PROJECT SPACE

Johnathan Onyschuk @eskerfoundation eskerfoundation.art

Old Growth 29 June-18 October

ᐃᔨ – Eyes – Shirley Moorhouse is realized as a collaboration between the artist and Rose Bouthillier, Guest Curator. Circulated by The Rooms, St. John’s, NL.

Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything is organized and developed in partnership with The Power Plant, Toronto and PHI, Montréal.

THE

ROOMS Visitors explore Zadie Xa with Benito Mayor Vallejo’s, Moonlit Confessions Across Deep Sea Echoes: Your Ancestors Are Whales, and Earth Remembers Everything, 2026, Installation at Esker Foundation. Photo by: Elyse Bouvier.

FESTIVAL SCENE

A Song For Everyone CALGARY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL KEEPS EXPANDING IN GENRE AND SOUND

A

BY KIMBERLEY DOOSHIMA JEV

coustic guitars and prairie ballads might come to mind when you hear the words “folk festival.” But for more than 40 years, the Calgary Folk Music Festival lineup has continued to evolve into something broader, louder, more global, and deeply reflective of the city around it.

This year’s lineup moves fluidly through hiphop, jazz, Indigenous storytelling, experimental folk, blues, global fusion, and indie rock. Yet for Folk Fest’s artistic and marketing director Kerry Clarke, the thread connecting it all remains surprisingly simple: storytelling.

“Folk festivals are alive,” Clarke says. “For me, folk is about coming from a song and singer-songwriter tradition, or traditions from other places from all over the world, and the evolution of those traditions.”

That philosophy is perhaps most visible in this year’s major headliners. Grammy-winning Atlanta rapper and activist Killer Mike was brought in as a replacement for The Psychedelic Furs after they were originally announced for the 2026 lineup. This sparked familiar online conversations about whether hip-hop belongs at a folk festival at all.

Clarke sees no contradiction. “For me, folk is about storytelling,” she says. “People told

KILLER MIKE

KAT STEVENS PHOTO: NEIL GAVIN

16

stories and still tell stories through hip-hop and urban music in ways that they couldn’t through other styles of music.”

The festival has quietly been moving in this direction for years. Clarke cites past bookings such as The Roots and A Tribe Called Red as examples of how Folk Fest has continued to broaden its musical vocabulary while remaining rooted in community and collaboration.

That openness has also allowed Calgary audiences to encounter artists who might otherwise never land on their radar.

Clarke lights up speaking about Meridian Brothers, whom she describes as “one of the best live bands” she has ever seen after catching them in Bogotá. Their ability to weave Colombian and Latin musical traditions into something contemporary and wildly unpredictable made them an immediate target for the festival lineup.

She carries that same enthusiasm into discussions around Jazz Is Dead and producer Adrian Younge, whose work bridges generations of jazz and global music traditions. Clarke praises the collective for collaborating with legendary artists like Ebo Taylor while introducing younger audiences to deeper musical histories.

“They find some of the most interesting artists on the planet,” Clarke says. “They really

PHOTO: CALGARY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL

THUNDERCAT

“ P E O P L E . . . S T I L L T E L L S TO R I E S T H R O U G H H I P - H O P A N D U R B A N M U S I C I N WAYS T H AT T H E Y C O U L D N ’ T T H R O U G H OT H E R S T Y L E S O F M U S I C .”

KERRY CLARK, FOLK FEST ARTISTIC AND MARKETING DIRECTOR PHOTO: JARRETT EDMUND

are, with their ironic name, keeping jazz alive.”

Alongside internationally recognized names like Thundercat, Mexican Institute of Sound, and blues artist Jontavious Willis, the festival continues to invest heavily in Alberta artists and emerging Canadian voices.

Among Clarke’s Alberta standouts is Fish in a Birdcage, whom she describes as “really interesting” and “one to watch.”

She also points toward Edmonton collective The Mbira Renaissance Band, whose sound incorporates Zimbabwean mbira traditions and contemporary global fusion. Artists like L.T. Leif, Hermitess, Raleigh, and Kate Stevens represent another thread of Alberta’s evolving independent music ecosystem, one that continues to build through years of collaboration and creative crossover.

That balance between emerging artists and established names continues throughout the Canadian lineup. Clarke highlights artists like Foxwarren, Goldie Boutilier, Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Ribbon Skirt, and Julian Taylor as some of

ADRIAN YOUNGE

the festival’s stronger Canadian draws this year.

Elsewhere, collaborations like Ruby Singh and the Future Ancestors continue the festival’s interest in genre-crossing experimentation, while folk-rooted acts like Leaf Rapids and The Pairs anchor the lineup in familiar territory.

For Clarke and the Folk Fest staff as a whole, programming the festival has never been about rigid definitions.

“It’s an art and a science,” she says. “The art part is just, holy crap, that artist blew my mind.”

That sense of discovery may ultimately be what keeps Calgary Folk Music Festival so enduring. Audiences arrive for familiar names, but often leave talking about artists they had never encountered before.

In other words, Calgary Folk Music Festival isn’t here to tell the audience what folk should sound like. Instead, they’d rather keep asking what folk can become.

Folk Fest takes over Prince’s Island Park from July 23 to 26. Explore the entire diverse lineup at calgaryfolkfest.com.

DANIEL ROMANO’S OUTFIT

MERIDIAN BROTHERS PHOTO: VALERIE MIRANDA

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

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.

Cola* - Cost of Living Adjustment (Fire Talk) Battle River** - Motel Blues (Self-Released) 3. Mike Tod** - Four Wheeled Wagon; or, A Dark Day in the West (Self-Released) 4. Sunglaciers** - Spiritual Content (Mothland) 5. Lucid 44** - hole in the fence (tonto is jesus) 6. Local Menace** - Your Friendly Neighbourhood (Self-Released) Brettyn Rose** - The Wild West (Self-Released) 8. Kue Varo** - How Everything Feels and Other Lies (Small Fry Music) 9. Cadence Weapon* - Forager (Six Shooter Records) 10. Marbled Eye - Forever (Digital Regress) 11. Holy Fuck* - Event Beat (Satellite Services) Flore Laurentienne* - Volume III (Secret City Records) 13. Tom Phillips and The D.T.s** - Live on The Music Mile (Self-Released) 14. Bristol Manor** - One Foot In The Haze (Self-Released) 15. Amrita* - Amrita (Self-Released) 16. Mélisande* - Sur la même longueur d’onde (Quartier Général) Souls In Rhythm** - Stranger In My Heart (Self-Released) 18. General Chaos* - Can’t Please ‘Em All (Stomp Records) 19. Sea Of Lettuce** - Open Doors (Self-Released) Quit Music** - Monopoly (Self-Released) Rae Spoon* - Assigned Country Singer At Birth (Coax Records) Bennett Mitchell** - rearranging (Self-Released) Phantom Orchid* - Dance, Praise, Heavens (Aubox Records) The Zaxons* - Videopticons (Science Centre Records) Boards of Canada - Inferno (Warp) Telehealth - Green World Image (Sub-Pop) Ivo Perelman and Damon Smith - Duologue: Core of Existence (Squid Note Records) Pasquale* - Specials 2 (Hand’Solo Records) Beau Nectar* - Dandy (Indica Records) 30. Bonne nuit, chérie* - xx (Pan European Recording)

BEST.

FIRST DATES EVER.

* Canadian ** Local (Calgary area)

Happen at the best bars.

Find a Best Bar None venue.

BestBarNone.ca

FESTIVAL SCENE

F

or one week in July, pulsing electronic synths, atmospheric guitars and abrasive vocals pull people into the depths of Dickens. Terminus Festival has ruled the subterranean floor of the legendary dive for the last weekend in July almost every year since 2012, creating an environment that magnetizes fans of darker electronic, industrial, emo, or post-punk sounds.

This year’s edition, dubbed “Resonance,” is full of the heavy, moody, and ear-splitting sound Terminus is known for. But the festival is not strictly a screaming match; the lineup lends itself to different tones, with each set and day of the festival morphing from softer acts to ones that bring the intensity.

Unlike its more upbeat, very distant cousin, the contemporary darkwave genre reveals a murkier side of electronic dance music that attracts a more gothic, eyeliner-heavy crowd rather than the typical tie-dye, face-gemmed raver wook. Though Dickens is accustomed to catering to the alternative tastes of collective weirdos alike, Terminus has remained uniquely special for its repeat fans since the festival’s inception.

The festival exhibits a queue of artists that honours the genre’s past while showcasing the future sounds of industrial synth wave. Dickens owner and Terminus’ director, Chris Hewitt, sees the evolution of the music as vital to his curation process.

“There’s that musical division of the early 2000s to now that has become very pronounced,” he says. “The scene has really changed, and with that, there has been some friction as well. There are people who are still eager for the sounds of the early days, and they find a lot of frustration now, because they like the music from those days, but those days are gone.”

As the darkwave sound changes, so does its culture. Hewitt intentionally selects and curates for our current times, where women and queer artists are becoming increasingly platformed in a genre that was formerly male dominated.

“It’s enormously different now. We have a lot of women and queer people making music now,

18

OWLS PHOTO: NATHAN SHERIDAN

Like Goths To A Flame

TERMINUS OPENS A FLEETING PORTAL TO THE GOTH UNDERWORLD RIGHT HERE IN CALGARY, ATTRACTING PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

BY VIANCY SALUBRE

which is making its way to the forefront, and I love to see that,” says Hewitt. “ It’s important to us to make sure that all that representation is shown on the stage.”

Inadvertently, this representation has also created a unique opportunity for older audiences to discover new favourites, while younger ones can forge connections to the

giants of the genre. The festival’s fleeting nature simply encourages audiences of different generations and musical preferences to listen with open ears. Acts from around the world and throughout music history are being showcased this year. Newer bands like OWLS, Soft Vein, Edmonton’s Home Front (who just filmed a killer KEXP performance), and Calgary’s Wants

“ W E ’ V E E S T I M AT E D T H AT O F T E N A S M A N Y A S 70 % O F T H E P E O P L E [ T H AT AT T E N D ] A R E F R O M O U T S I D E C A LGA RY. T H E Y F LY F R O M A L L OV E R TO S E E T H I S .”

CHRIS HEWITT, DICKENS OWNER AND TERMINUS’ DIRECTOR

populate the lineup alongside industrial music legends like Test Dept and Portion Control.

“We’re pulling off something we’ll not see otherwise,” says Hewitt. “[Many of] these bands won’t come to Calgary, ever, for sure. There’s no reason for them to come here. It’s not a big enough market for them to be in. These bands are not on tour. They are flown in just for this.”

Hewitt independently plans each Terminus’ lineup a year in advance while actively keeping a growing list of bands queued up for future festivals. The process of booking each band requires Hewitt’s alertness to secure forthcoming acts before many of them outgrow the Dickens basement’s crowd capacity.

Artists like Boy Harsher and Kanga have blossomed in popularity beyond the local festival but continue to come back to greet Terminus electrifying audiences.

The blend of international and local acts is not just a prevalent theme in its artist lineup but also in its audience. From small towns all over the province to countries across the continents, Terminus feels like a muster point for like-minded moody music enthusiasts. “We’ve estimated that often as many as 70% of the people [that attend] are from outside Calgary. They fly from all over to see this,” says Hewitt. “We’ve had people come from Chile, from China, from Germany, Finland, the UK, all over the States.”

Attendance among Calgarians has also continued to grow over the years, fostering a booming local scene and establishing a dedicated international fanbase that comes back for more every year.

This festival creates a bridge between worlds, building an ironclad community right here in Calgary. Each year, Terminus sends out a bat signal, calling its diaspora of weirdos to this gnarly celebration of darkwave music.

Imagine a beautiful ensemble of new and old bands, baby punks, old heads, and foreign cybergoths partying in the basement of a city in Alberta. Then, go attend it.

Terminus takes place from July 23 to 26 at Dickens. Grab your ticket at terminus-festival.com.

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

Where world-class contemporary art meets unforgettable architecture.

A bold contemporary art experience inside a reimagined planetarium.

701 11 St SW, Calgary See what’s on

contemporarycalgary . com Erik Olson, Shadow, 2025.

VENUE

More Than a Pint

VILLAGE BREWERY CONTINUES TO CHAMPION CALGARY’S COMMUNITY

BY MARY-LYNN WARDLE

W

alk into Village Brewery, and you’ll quickly realize that you haven’t simply arrived somewhere to grab a drink. You’ve arrived somewhere designed for conversation, connection, and community.

That’s been the idea behind Village Brewery since opening its doors in 2011. While Calgary has changed dramatically in the last 15 years, the heart of Village remains consistent: bringing people together.

“Beer is really an excuse to get together, to share a story, to support a cause,” says Village Brewery’s marketing director, Jackson Stuart.

“If we have learned anything, we’ve learned that good things happen over beer.”

For those looking for an outing, that philosophy is exactly what makes Village worth a visit. Whether you’re meeting friends after work, checking out live music, attending a community event, or simply exploring local craft beer, the experience is about much more than what is poured into your glass.

Calgary’s craft beer landscape has grown enormously since Village opened. New breweries, new styles, and new ways of enjoying locally made beverages have been on-trend for years. With more than a hundred breweries and brew pubs now part of Alberta’s beer culture, standing out requires more than creating a great product.

Village’s answer has always been people.

From the beginning, the brewery looked for ways to celebrate the individuals who make Calgary vibrant.

That philosophy extends to its beer packaging. When the brewery celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2021, the team reflected on how much the surrounding community had grown. “We decide to shift away from family members and expand into current community members, making a difference every day,” Stuart says. “Village has always been about the people that make up our communities, and this was a fun way to highlight and honour

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“If we have learned anything, we’ve learned that good things happen over beer.”

JACKSON STUART, VILLAGE BREWERY MARKETING DIRECTOR

PHOTO: VILLAGE BREWERY

VILLAGE AT A GLANCE Address: 5000 12a St. S.E. Hours: Tuesdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and closed on Mondays.

Vibe: Like stepping into a clubhouse where everyone is two sips away from becoming

those individuals.”

Now, you will find slam poet and former Calgary Poet Laureate Wakefield Brewster on the White Wheat Ale can, and mixed-media

lifelong friends. Great for a third date.

Drink recc: The Village Squeeze kegs are often empty for a reason. It’s light, citrusy, and perfect for the patio.

Upcoming events: July 4: Calgary Beer Party July 24: Cask Sessions, featuring Joshua Beebe & The Forest Orchestra w/ Devin Foster

and welded-steel artist Sinéad Ludwig-Burgess — who created the art in front of the Green Building Technologies building at SAIT — gracing Village Blacksmith, to name two of

several featured artists. It’s a creative way of telling Calgary’s story, one person at a time.

Village has also found innovative ways to celebrate local history and partnerships, including reviving the original Calgary Beer and featuring the classic buffalo-head-and-horseshoe logo on the can. “This beer was originally founded in 1893, a year before Calgary became a city, and was retired in the ‘80s,” says Stuart.

“We collaborated with Molson Coors to bring back a reinvigorated version [which is] now available in liquor stores, bars and restaurants across Alberta and Saskatchewan. It is such an important project for us to be able to work on an iconic piece of Calgary’s history.”

The brewery’s collaborations extend beyond beer. A recent partnership with Bridgeland Distillery and the Ship & Anchor created Barnacle Whiskey, a small-batch whiskey distilled from the Ship & Anchor’s Barnacle Pilsner.

The taproom has become a destination for people who want their evenings to include a little more than sitting at a table with a drink.

The space features 16 draft lines, including Village favourites and taproom exclusives, along with a full food menu, private event space, live programming, and community events.

The red and yellow highlights mesh well with the wooden surfaces, making you feel at ease from the moment you walk in.

The brewery hosts approximately 300 community events, festivals, fundraisers, and taproom events each year. For art lovers, Village’s rotating artist residency program provides another reason to visit, with proceeds going directly to featured artists.

And the ongoing “Cask Sessions” feature live music and one-of-a-kind casks of beer created with the artists themselves.

In a city filled with possibilities for getting out and exploring, Village Brewery offers something uniquely Calgary: a place where local beer, music, art, history, and community all share the same table.

It was never only about brewing beer for this company; it was about building a Village.

Learn more about Village Brewery at villagebrewery.com.

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

FEST

July 30 - August 2, 2026 at The Confluence Bob Corritore’s Blues Revue f. Bob Stroger Dexter Allen w/ Lady Adrena Melody Angel Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport Miss Emily Garret T Willie Angel Forrest Tribute To Tim Williams w/ The Porch Dogs, Big Dave Mclean, Tony D, David Gogo, Steve Marriner & many more!

VINCE MO PHOTO

TICKETS & INFORMATION calgarybluesfest.com

Fresh, fun and unforgettable!

AUGUST 7-8, 2026 Annex Park • FERNIE BC

Join us in Fernie, BC for a 100% Canadian Festival Experience set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.

Just a 3-hour drive from Calgary!

wapitimusicfestival.com Purchase your pass today! wapitimusicfest

CAM HAYDEN

22

thescenecalgary.com | 07 | 2026

X ©YSchmedemann

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2026 Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre

Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves CELEBRATE

John Coltrane TICKETS AVAILABLE TODAY! werklundcentre.ca/coltrane

supporting sponsor

public sector support

hospitality sponsor

Artists, program, and date subject to change.

FREE

MUSIC

in the Plaza

WEDNESDAYS, JULY 1 – SEPT. 2 | 6–8 P.M.

Check out this year's artist lineup! heritagepark.ca/events

@heritageparkyyc