Friday
Mad Decent Block Party
For all of you who didn’t make it to Coachella or Lollapalooza this year, consider keeping Friday night open. The Mad Decent Block Party is rolling into Calgary on July 19 before heading on to Toronto, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The event will be held at Prairie Winds Park located in Northeast Calgary. Major Lazer, Dillon Francis, Flosstradamus and Big Gigantic will be turning up the dial with some crazy hip-hop and electronic. For tickets, click here.
Since you’re already in the Northeast, consider checking out one of the many fabulous restaurants. White Elephant is a great spot if you’re feeling like Thai. This little restaurant was rated best Asian food restaurant by Avenue magazine this year. Everything is delicious here.
Truck Level Up Party
On Friday July 19, TRUCK gallery is saying goodbye to the Grain Exchange Building (located at 815 1st Street SW), which has been a home to the gallery and arts community for 17 years. The Level Up party is everyone’s chance to come out and woop it up in the gallery space one last time. There will be plenty of entertainment and a cash bar. Admission is by donation and all proceeds from the bar will be going to the Elephant Artist Relief Society to help out artists who were affected by the flood. For more information, click here.
Gypsy Bistro and Wine Bar is just upstairs from the gallery and is a great place to stop for a snack before you head to the gallery. The red walls and eclectic paintings on the wall will make you feel right at home.
Saturday
Calgary’s Zombie Run
The first annual Calgary Zombie Run is happening this weekend. The population has been infected with some horrible disease and now you’re required to not only finish a 5km in your best time, you’re also required to get to the finish line alive. This race is only for the bravest souls and there will be many obstacles to bypass… including bloodthirsty zombies.
The race is just outside of Calgary, heading to Cochrane. Make sure you leave in plenty of time if you are participating.
The Food Truck Flock
City Palate magazine is turning 20 this year and celebrating with the food truck flock. From noon until 3pm this Saturday, food trucks will be set up behind Metrovino to serve some tasty food. The trucks will include: the Steakout, Perogy Boys and Cheezy Bizness. If you’re coming out to sample some local food truck treats, then don’t leave without stopping in Metrovino and the Cookbook Co. to sample a little wine and to try some craft beer from Village Brewery. All liquor sales proceeds go directly to charity.
If you stay long enough, we guarantee you’ll leave with a lovely Rose or bubbly and probably a little inspiration for your next meal. To register for the Food Truck Flock, click here.
Saturday and Sunday
1st Street Market Walk
1st street is one of the coolest streets to stroll in downtown Calgary and Victoria Park is hosting a ‘pop-up’ event on July 20 and 21 to encourage people to be downtown and to showcase a few of the many cool artists and businesses in this city. There will be a craft market, vintage clothing sale, street food and plenty of art on display.
After the market, consider swinging by the Drum and Monkey for a pint or stop over at Hotel Arts for a martini and a swim if you need to cool off.
Sunday
Sun and Salsa Festival
The Sun and Salsa festival will be taking over Kensington on Sunday morning starting at 11am. Come out to sample all kinds of salsas, check out the dances, or simply go for a stroll to see what the merchandise booths are selling. There will be five stages and a street mural painted that day.
When you tire of taking in the sights and the salsa, jump onto one of Kensington’s great patios. You have Original Joes or the Oak Tree Tavern within walking distance.
Top photo courtesy Hotel Arts