Inglewood Night Market

Jun 14 to Sep 13, 2013

Hours:
6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
 

The Inglewood Night Market brings live music, entertainment, artists and fun surprises to the streets of Inglewood. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, shopping and street food.

June 14, July 12, August 9 and September 13.

6 p.m. to midnight.

For more information visit finditcalgary.ca.

Watch The Perseids Meteor Shower This Weekend

Every year around this time, the Earth is pelted with fiery stones from the frigid depths of outer space. Instead of as being as terrifying as that concept has every right to be, it is beautiful and awe-inspiring. For skywatchers, this year’s Perseid meteor shower should be a particular treat, with Jupiter and Venus getting in on the action as well.

ProTips on how to view the coolest light show of the year and a video from the smart folks at NASA, who when they are not sending robots to perfect 10 landings on another planet, are apparently getting other people to do their more menial tasks — like counting meteors — for them. Nice work if you can get it, right?

Get Out of Dodge: If you can afford to take a little late-night trip and, yes, lose a little sleep, getting away from city lights is going to make the Perseids a much more enjoyable show. Escaping light pollution will make for a lot more visible meteors. I didn't see anything particular set up at the observatory SW of the city but it might be worth while checking it out anyway.

Sunday Funday: This Sunday, August 12th will mark the height of the show, which goes on every year when the Earth passes near the comet Swift-Tuttle.

Coffee. Also, More Coffee: Though you can catch a glimpse of the meteors pretty much anytime after 10 or 11 pm, the best viewing is going to be in the early morning hours, just before dawn. So be prepared to either get up real early, or stay up real late. Hot coco is also nice or some kind of tea. Just something warm to put in your tummy and don't forget some comfy blankets to lay out on. This is one thing that is best enjoyed on your back.

Look to the East. Also, A Little North: The majority of the evening’s shooting stars will seem to radiate from the constellation Perseus. For those of you who (like me)  have no idea where to begin looking for that cluster of stars, it is to the northeast. For those of you who (again, like me) have no idea what direction northeast is, your phone probably has a compass that will come in handy.

For more tips, we turn you over to the capable hands and dulcet tones of the professionals at NASA. While you’re watching, the space agency would appreciate if you could count meteors for them to help determine the trajectory of Swift-Tuttle. They’ve even cooked up a smartphone app to make it easy for you — at that point, it’s kind of rude not to lend a hand, right? Right.

and for a special treat, watch this video!

and then check out this month's Star Chart from the TELUS Spark Science Centre.

(via Space.com, pic via Logan Brumm)

Open Air August: New Movie Every Thursday!

Every Thursday evening in August join the East Village for a movie which will be projected on the back of Simmons along with a different theme every week and community partnership.

Programming takes place from 9:00 -10:00 PM on the RiverWalk Plaza, with the movie starting at 10:30 PM.

Bring your lawn chair, grab some friends and come down to the historic Simmons building located in East Village:

618 Confluence Way, SE.

Open Air August promises to transform your typical Thursday evening into a magical movie experience under the stars.


Movies:
Aug 2 - The Happy Movie.
Aug 9 - Real Steel
Aug 16 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Aug 23 - Flashdance (1983)
Aug 30 - Best in Show

*Exact time of the movie is subject to change based on the light and sunset. Weather permitting.

Captain's Cruises at Heritage Park

Captain's Cruises

Thursday Evenings: July 19 - August 30
7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Set sail on Calgary's only paddlewheeler and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Glenmore Reservoir and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a selection of fine Canadian wine and beer, all while grooving to the smooth sounds of a live jazz band ( One Nite Band).

Tickets: $74.95 + gst per person

Call 403-268-8500 for tickets

Menu

Classic Chilled Shrimp Cocktail with Tiger Prawns
Cocktail Sauce & Chili Lime Aioli
-
Smoked Duck Breast on Crostini
Chipotle Aioli
-
Maki Rolls, Salmon & Shrimp Sushi
with Wasabi Paste & Soy Sauce
-
Classic Devilled Eggs with Smoked Paprika
-
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Capers & Cream Cheese
-
Mini Vietnamese Salad Rolls
Sweet Chili Ponzu
-
Artichoke & Spinach Dip with Crisp Pita Chips
-
Sliced English Cucumber with French Brie & Orange Marmalade
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Grapes Rolled in Blue Cheese Scented Cream Cheese & Toasted Almonds
-
Crisp Crudités & Cool Ranch Dip
-
Canadian Cheese Platter with Crackers
-
Seasonal & Tropical Fruit Tray
-
Fancy French Pastries & Assorted Squares
-
Complimentary Soft Drinks, Juices & Gourmet Coffee

Beer & Wine Sales are available on a cash basis

     *Captain’s Cruises are not wheelchair friendly, due to the food and drink being served on the upper deck.

Drive into the village and park by the S.S. Moyie Paddlewheeler.

Free parking.

Deerfoot Mall Drive-In Movie Series

Deerfoot Mall Drive-In Movie Series is BACK! Admission is FREE!  Cash donations will be gratefully accepted for Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids Society!

The films being shown are:

THE LORAX (August 10th)

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (August 17th)

Movies will play in the WEST parking lot. Gates open about 5pm. Parking is first come, first serve.

They also have a bouncy house and crafts for kids before the show starts.

Victoria Park Red Leaf Project: July 2 2012

On Monday, July 2nd the Molson Canadian Red Leaf Project will be working with Victoria Park BRZ to do some good for my favorite community. Volunteers will be rejuvenating a vacant lot on 14th ave and 1st Street SE in the Victoria Park area of Calgary for a day and transforming it into an urban open space that everyone can enjoy. Volunteers will be given a ticket to see Sublime with Rome at the Cowboys tent on July 3rd

There are two shifts:

8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 11:30 am - 4:00 pm

What you'll need:

Outdoor wear, sturdy boots, anything you don’t mind getting a little dirty

LETS GET DIRTY and do something good!

Ignite Summer Block Party – June 21

June 21st

We're celebrating the summer solstice with a classic block party on Stephen Avenue. Featuring live art, sound by The Bass Bus, signature cocktails and fabulous food to kick start the season.

Tickets are $40 or free for Pivot members.

for more info, click here

The Calgary Folk Fest Comedy Tent

For the first time ever The Calgary Folk Fest will include the jeers, cheers and chuckles of talented funny people in their newest addition... the Talk Tent.

The Talk Tent will run Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - 5 pm, and is programmed chock-a-block with stand up comedians, interviews, and a special celebration of the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie. Bring your festival chair and have a seat on the grass under the tent (it will be shady!).

Here is a peak at who will be attending:

Atomic Improv

Donovan Workun and Mark Meer have been creating comedy-on-the-spot based entirely on audience suggestions for over 2 decades. Their fast paced, high-energy show incorporates a range of styles, characters and hooks to produce a comedy pressure cooker. They’ll also be doing sketches from their national CBC Radio comedy program The Irrelevant Show, an irreverent take on pop culture that ranges from the everyday to the surreal, including scenes about family life, dating, relationships, the workplace, the news and superheros.

Chris Fairbanks

Stand-up comic, writer, artist, actor, twitterer, skateboardinger. He’s a correspondent for action sports channel Fuel TV and a Comedy Central reality show Reality Bites Back regular. When not touring as a stand-up comic, Fairbanks earns his living as a poster artist, animator and illustrator.

Richard Flohill

Richard is a Toronto-based publicist, writer and concert promoter who has influenced, supported or managed more than 100 artists over 40 years. His experience and abiding love of music make him an informed and engaging presenter and interviewer who gets deep into artists’ music, history and stories. A dedicated carnivore, Richard has thrived all these years without letting a piece of lettuce, a carrot or cucumber pass his lips. He’ll do a panel with festival artists on their war/travel stories, interview individual artists and share information about how to make a living in music.

Kevin McDonald

Comedian, actor, writer and director, The Kids in the Hall co-founder Kevin McDonald is known for his popular recurring characters the King of Empty Promises, Sir Simon Milligan and Jerry Sizzler. McDonald has appeared in many films and television programs, including Seinfeld, Friends, MADtv, Tim and Eric's Awesome Show Great Job! and Arrested Development and hosted his own CBC show Sketch with Kevin McDonald.

Derek Seguin

A quintessential performer, seasoned stand-up comedian, actor, host and narrator, he’s a regular on CBC Radio’s The Debators and Just for Laughs. Derek’s takes on the world have a hysterical Quebecois flare. Whether ragging on politics or describing life with his children, he deftly brings audiences into his perspective.

Walking Woody’s Road

Jimmy Lafave and his collaborators celebrate and chronicle the life and writings of legendary singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie for the 100th anniversary of his birth through stories, songs and video.

The schedule will be announced alongside the full weekend schedule at the end of June.

For more information check out the Calgary Folk Fest webpage

Carifest 2012

The music, the food, the vibration of the event!

Carifest is an annual festival held to showcase the arts and culture of the Caribbean. Events include a Gospel music show, Movie Night, a Friday night show at the Telus Convention Centre and Sunshine Festival at Shaw Millennium Park.

June 2nd - June 9th

Visit the website for more info

[picture borrowed from here]

Trail Reports for Hiking in Alberta

One of my favorite things to do as a nature geek is go hiking. I'm lucky enough to have a family cabin on a lot of land south west of the city so for basic day hikes, I can go there.

When most of the snow melts and spring starts to pop her pretty little head up, I like to take things a little further west to the mountains.

But living where we do, the conditions can be unpredictable and unstable. It's not uncommon to go through all the seasons in a few hour trek up a ridge.

Usually, the best way to avoid this is by watching the weather and calling the visitor centres of the different areas you wish to hike in.

Until I found a page on Alberta Parks that had a recent trail condition review:

Trail Reports for both Summer Winter Trails

so take a gander before you head out this long weekend and make sure you are prepared for everything you can be.

Calgary Jane’s Walk 2012

Brought to my attention by the always informative and quickly becoming one of my favorite people in the social networking world, Mr YYC wrote a post about Jane's Walk in Calgary for 2012.


Here are a few of my favorite walks as posted by Mr. YYC:

Chinatown Tour

Guided by Jing Grace Wang

Want to know more about Chinese culture but never got a chance to visit China? Chinatown tour will be the best choice for you! Chinatown is a small reflection of China embedded in brilliant culture and exuberant history. We have murals that are painted to fight the graffiti in Chinatown, and in turn shares stories of how the Chinese started its roots in Calgary. The 100-year old Canton building, “dinning block” that serves tons of amazing traditional Chinese food, The Chinese Cultural Centre that holds lots of great Chinese events, Sien Lok Park that is always promoting Chinese language, philosophies and culture, and The Dragon City Mall that runs different business related to Chinese culture, these are all fantastic places you don’t want to miss!

 

 

Unique Food Shoppes of the Beltline

Guided by Paul Chambers

Don’t know where to get that unusual ingredient or favourite treat? The Beltline has a food store for that!

We’ll spend two hours exploring the diverse range of specialty food and grocery stores in the Beltline, all within walking distance of each other. We’ll meet the passionate owners and staff who contribute to the Beltline’s unique gastronomic culture. We’ll learn the history of the stores, where they source their products and even get some tips for cooking your dinner!

We’ll be visiting Community Natural Foods, Epiphany Chocolate, Kalamata Grocery (Greek), Matrioshka Grocery (Russian), Boyd’s Lobster Shop, Rustic Sourdough Bakery, Janice Beaton Fine Cheese & Wine Ink.

[I have writen about Epiphany Chocolate before]

 

 

The Calgary That Could Have Been

Guided by Jason Markusoff

In a city with a mythology of risk-takers, dusty shelves are full of proposals and blueprints that promised a very different-looking Calgary. This walk starts at the Prince’s Island Museum that never existed, retraces the path of the expressway that almost flattened Eau Claire and Chinatown, and ends near the canal that didn’t dissect East Village. We’ll ponder how these alternative realities would have transformed our city.

[This walk reminds me of a post I did in 2009]

For further details check out the inspiration for this post Mr. YYC's post on Jane's Walk

Or Check the Jane's Walk site for info on all the tours.

 

"This is My City" Photo Walking Tour

 

 

This is My City: Photo Walking Tour

 

March 24th, April 21st — 11:00am to 1:00pm

Meet in front of City Hall, Macleod Trail SE

Cost: Pay what you can
 

Bring your camera and join artist Cat Schick and a photographer who has experience of homelessness on a walk through downtown areas that are off the beaten path. See the city from a new perspective and receive guidance on how to capture it in pictures.

Part of This is My City Festival on through May 3.

**

This is My City was a project initiated by The City of Calgary, Arts & Culture, which provided Calgary’s homeless community with increased opportunities for creative expression and engaged Calgarians in a dialogue about the issues surrounding homelessness and the place of art and culture in society today. The City of Calgary, Arts & Culture, has worked extensively with This is My City, (TMC) which is now a not-for-profit society that picks up where the original program left off. Many members of the artist-mentor team combined their talents and vision to take TMC to the next step through the creation of This Is My City Art Society, so that it might continue to grow and share this work with all Calgarians.

Peace Bridge Opening Party

Can you believe it? It's been how long and used up how much money and the day has finally come to unveil Calgary's controversial Peace Bridge. March 24th at 02:00 pm - 04:00 pm / Location: Eau Claire Park, 700 Block of 1st Ave SW (south end of the Peace Bridge)

There will be food, fun and lots of entertainment!

For more info see the City Information Site

Ice Magic Festival

photo credits

Now two weekends. Twice the magic!

January 20 - 29, 2012

Now in its 18th year, this Banff National Park classic is more popular than ever. Experience Lake Louise at its winter finest during the Ice Magic Festival. Centerpiece to SnowDays, a new month-long celebration of winter in Banff National Park.

January 20 - 22, International Ice Carving Competition Weekend
Hosted by The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise,  this 34- hour competition is the most anticipated spectacle of the Festival. 24 internationally recognized professional ice carvers work in teams of two to sculpt towering one-of-a-kind works of art from imposing blocks of solid ice on the shores of Lake Louise.  With each ice block weighing a daunting 300lbs, this exceptional art form involves grueling physical labour in a delicate balancing act with precision artistry.

This years carving theme is "WordPlay: Where language comes out to play".

In addition to the International Ice Carving Competition this weekend also hosts the One Carver, One Hour, One Block speed carving event at the Lake Louise Inn, interpretive ice carving demonstrations by Ice Magic's Lead Judge Dan Rebholtz, an Ice Magic Judges Carve-Off at the Lake Louise Ski Area, horse drawn wagon rides, ice skating on Lake Louise beneath the towering gaze of the Victoria Glacier and much more that will particularly appeal to adult visitors.

January 28 & 29, Little Chippers Weekend
Join us as we celebrate the young and young at heart. Not only can you marvel at the finished ice carvings from the previous competition weekend, this weekend is filled with activities and experiences that are focused on family fun. 

The "NEW" Ice Playground is where your kids - and you - can learn the art and science of ice carving first-hand, play ice mini golf, crawl through an ice tunnel and cruise down an ice slide. You can skate with the Ice Queen on Lake Louise, witness the 10-block ice carving event and spend time in the Cozy Corner Kids Indoor Activity Centre.  All kids activities are free!

...

Visit the site for more info

Thing to do in Calgary this Fall

Whiskey Tasting at Kensington Wine Market
We love our wine tastings, but this fall, it’s all about whiskey. Check out the Kensington Wine Market’s tasting nights, focusing on rare whiskies that have been aged for more than 20 years from closed distilleries. You might discover a new old-school favorite.

Kensington Wine Market; 1257 Kensington Rd. N.W.; 403-283-8000

Heritage Park Historical Village
It’s your last change to enjoy the Historical Village as it closes for the season following Thanksgiving. Go back in time with costumed townsfolk and a collection of impressive antiques and artifacts.

Heritage Park Historical Village; 1900 Heritage Drive S.W.; 403- 268-8500

Calgary Collects
Fall means new shows in all of the city’s galleries – and until the end of the year, The Art Gallery of Calgary will be displaying rarely seen works of contemporary art acquired by avid Calgary collectors. Time to get gallery-hopping.
The Art Gallery of Calgary; 117, 8 Ave. S.W; 403-770-1350

Cooking Classes at The Cookbook Co. CooksCool weather calls for hearty, home-cooked meals. For some culinary inspiration, take a class or two at the famous downtown kitchen. Choose from a variety of options including couples nights, a class on how to cook with squash or the best of Moroccan meals (from $85). The Cookbook Co. Cooks; 722 11 Ave. S.W.; 403-262-3322

Autumn Birding Course at Fish Creek ParkNature enthusiasts rejoice: Alberta is the best for birding (a.k.a. bird watching). Get out and be one with nature (and the birds) this fall by taking weekly two-and-a-half-hour sessions, which include plenty of field trips. Fish Creek Provincial Park; 15975 Bow Bottom Trail S.E.; 403-238-3847

5 Ways to Spend Labour Day Weekend in the City

With fall around the corner, here are five ways to soak up the last of the summer sun in and around the city this long weekend (more to come later in the week):

Calgary Lawn Bowling Club

Even if you don’t adhere to the no-white-post-Labour-Day rule (who really does?), have a little fun with an all-white dress-up lawn bowling event. Get teams together and crown a lawn bowling champ. (Naturally, you’ll need one last little white summer dress for the occasion.)

Calgary Lawn Bowling Club; 1238 16 Ave. S.W.; 403-245-4341

Canmore Highland Games

Braveheart is on TV again but instead of settling for the couch, and Mel Gibson for that matter, head to Canmore for this annual end-of-summer event that includes highland dance and piping and drumming competitions, heavy sports contest, sheep dog demonstrations, Celtic wares and traditional food and beverages.

Centennial Park, Canmore; 403-678-9454

Labour Day Classic

Relive your favorite Friday Night Lights moments at a real football game this long weekend as the Calgary Stampeders take on the Edmonton Eskimos in what is known as the greatest rivalry in CFL. No interest in football? No worries; the people-watching alone is totally worth the ticket price. 

McMahon Stadium; 1817 Crowchild Trail; 403-282-2044

Rafting on The Bow and Elbow Rivers

True Calgarians love their rafting, so what are you waiting for? If you’re a beginner, start with the calmer Elbow River before graduating to The Bow (perhaps next summer).

Mackay’s Cochrane Ice Cream

We all scream for ice cream – especially before the temperatures drop to 40 below. Indulge in the summertime treat at the historic ice cream shop in Cochrane, just a short drive out of the city but well worth it thanks to the gorgeous scenery.

Mackay’s; 220 1st St. W., Cochrane; 403-932-2455

The First Thursday Outdoor Dining Room

Thursday, September 1st, 2011

6PM-10PM

The FOOD TRUCKS are here! Alley Burger, Perogy Boyz, BLAMwich, Fiasco Gelato, Los Compadres and maybe more, PLUS a huge communal table under the Olympic Plaza pergola, board games and bocce. 8^th Avenue SE at Olympic Plaza (in front of the EPCOR CENTRE)

Hot Air Balloon Rides

What’s the deal?

Go for a ride in a hot air balloon.

Where’s it at?

Of all the ways of flying, no other feels like a hot air balloon. To balloon is to levitate above the ground, drifting silently as if in a dream. With its beginnings in 18th-century France, the endeavour has changed little since. You are still completely at the whims of the wind.

Book a flight with Sundance Balloons, an operator with balloons in 12 cities from Ontario to British Columbia.

Flights launch at sunrise and sunset, but try a sunrise flight because the winds are calmer and your trip is less likely to be cancelled. Meet your crew, who will arrive with a trailer, in the early-morning twilight. First, they’ll unload the wicker basket, which despite its non-aeronautical appearance has proved de rigueur for hundreds of years. Next, the balloon will be unfurled and inflated with giant fans, and finally the gas-powered burner. Clamber in and you’ll soon be hovering 100 metres above a rural landscape, peering down voyeuristically.

The tranquillity is broken only as your pilot pumps the jets, sending flames up to modulate lift, the only control you have. A skilled pilot can read air currents and choose an elevation with a breeze to his liking. After about an hour, you’ll set down in a farmer’s field and the chase vehicle will arrive to pack it all away. Your pilot will offer a champagne toast, a tradition of balloonists, and the experience will feel like it was a dream.

Who’s it for?

Those who are not afraid of heights or landing in a strange farmer’s field. Sundance Balloons offers two flights per day, weather permitting. Prices start at $215 a person.

**

Another company I have dealt with is Rainbow Balloons, very good. Family Owned. No deposit required.

Karma Yoga at Heavens

Be an angel with Heavens!

August 14th at 12:00pm
The Heavens parking lot (637 11th Ave SW. Calgary AB).

Grab your wings and head on down to Heavens Elevated Fitness to enjoy a 75 minute yoga class. Your $2 admission will be donated to Feed-a-Need. DJ Wes Straub will be there along with the lululemon and Heavens crew. Also, bring your cans and bottles because the Feed-a-Need delivery trucks won't drive themselves! Don't worry about the weather, if it's raining we'll just head inside to Heavens studios!

Calgary Food Trucks

 

 

 

 

 

Time: 11:00 am - 03:00 pm / Location: 100E Block, Stephen Avenue Walk

 

August 11th will be the official launch of The Food Truck Pilot Project. YYC Food Trucks has teamed up with The City of Calgary, Tourism Calgary and The Downtown Calgary Association, to launch the first-ever food truck festival in the city. The event, "YYC Taste The Trucks" will be held on August 11th from 11:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M on Stephen Ave in the Convention Centre Block (100E Stephen Ave).

This event will be a showcase for the general public and offer an opportunity for interested parties to experience the fine food and fabulous trucks.

The event is family-friendly and admission is free. The food trucks will be offering their new regular menu at street-friendly prices. The participating trucks are: Fiasco Gelato, Perogy Boyz, Alley Burger, Fries & Dolls, Pimentos Mobile Pizzeria, Jojo’s BBQ (although, I heard today Jojo's might be an issue), Los Compadres Mexican, and perhaps one more.