With so many great things going on this weekend in Calgary, it’s sure to be a howler…so we’re getting right to it…
After work on Friday calls for libations. Why not loosen your ties or let your hair down a little and head to Sociale Bar and Grille. Known for being a hot spot amongst Calgary YPs, you may just start to wonder what it was like in this underground space 100 years ago when it was home to Kronn’s Rathskelar Restaurant. During its heyday, it was famous for catering to the business elite of the day with well-made food and cocktails, and entertaining vaudeville shows.
After drinks it’s a short walk to the Jack Singer Concert Hall. The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra has two special showings (Friday and Saturday) of Psycho. Hitchcock once said “33% of the effect of Psycho was due to the music.” The piercing shriek of violins in the infamous shower scene at the Bates Motel is possibly the most famous piece of film music ever written. Come experience a powerhouse of driving rhythms and eerie menace as the CPO performs Bernard Herrmann’s chilling score, while Hitchcock’s cinematic classic is shown above on the big screen.
Still looking for something to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up? Grab some friends a mask and head out of the city to the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory. Friday evening, the University of Calgary’s Department of Physics and Astronomy will be hosting Sci-Fi Night at the Observatory. Tour the galaxy and identify celestial objects that are the inspiration for science fiction’s popular stories. While there, check out the feature speakers, readings from up-and-coming sci-fi writers, sci-fi music and movies. The telescopes will be operating so you can catch a closer look at all those alien worlds.
Wanna stay in the city? The Plaza Theatre in Kensington is having a midnight viewing of the cult hit Rocky Horror Picture Show. But be ready, the viewer participation is an event in and of itself.
Saturday morning it’s up and at ’em early, there’s too much to do…Why not channel your inner child and head to the Calgary Farmers’ Market and pick up some pumpkins. Invite some friends over for the afternoon to carve ’em out. It’s always fun and you can really get creative with how you carve. (Bonus: Wash the seeds, let them dry, and bake with a little sea salt and olive oil for a healthy snack to tide you over during those last couple hours at the office next week.)
If you’re looking to dress up in your favourite costume and partying until the wee hours with various characters, we have got a great list of the places hosting amazing Halloween parties this Saturday. Check it out here.
Looking for something a little more low-key but equally entertaining? Calgary’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet is performing Wonderland at the Jubliee Auditorium, and Saturday’s performance is their last in Calgary. This is Alice like you’ve never seen her before; a dynamic re-interpretation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale that’s sure to surprise and delight. The Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter are all on hand, displaying generous doses of wit, camp and humour. The surreal and dark elements that lurk at the original story’s fringes are bravely realized in explosive passages of breathtaking dance and innovative multimedia. Acclaimed choreographer Shawn Hounsell has transformed Wonderland into a multi-sensory experience, with edgy, athletic movement and an inventive electro-acoustic soundscape.
After the performance you may be aching for a potion of your own. Why not go for a pint at the Rose and Crown. Built in 1920, it was a funeral home for 60 years before being converted into the pub. Legend has it though that the place is haunted, so be prepared to feel a chill as you sip your pint –they’ve got 29 on tap! Of course, this Saturday will be packed with YPs partying the night away to live entertainment.
Sunday brunch is typical for many YPs. This weekend, we suggest heading to the Ranche Restaurant in Calgary’s Fish Creek Park. Not only does this highly acclaimed restaurant serve up an amazing brunch, for a frightful weekend it is supposedly one of the city’s haunted spots. Legend has it the space is haunted by a former chef who passed away in 1938.
When the sun goes down we have the perfect way for you and your friends to wind down the weekend…of course, you may be a little wound up after. We’re talking about Screamfest. You can’t enjoy the ghoulish holiday without a little haunted house action, right? Located at Canada Olympic Park, Screamfest is the largest public event of its kind in Western Canada. With several different haunted houses and attractions, a scare is most certainly guaranteed.