High Performance Rodeo (HPR), Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts, is once again descending on Calgary, bringing hundreds of performers from all over the globe to our city’s stages. Thanks to One Yellow Rabbit, for four weeks Calgarians have the opportunity to watch local, national and international performers share their award-winning performances.
Running from January 3-February 3, the 27th Annual High Performance Rodeo is Canada’s longest running international arts festival. Tapping into the pulse of the city and acting as a catalyst for cultural innovation, it encompasses theatre, music, dance, comedy and interdisciplinary art, making it the largest event of its kind in Western Canada.
In co-operation with many of Calgary’s major arts organizations, such as Vertigo Studio Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects and Lunchbox Theatre, the High Performance Rodeo has become one of Calgary’s most anticipated major cultural yearly events. This year’s festival will be hosted at 13 different venues, all of which are located throughout Calgary’s Downtown.
Mind you, for young professionals on a budget it can be hard to catch all the performances you want without breaking the bank. Well, the folks at HPR have that covered. Throughout the month there will be a variety of free and pay-what-you-can events, allowing you to take in the festival action. Check out the website for a complete list of performances and events.
If you are looking for a pre-show drink or post-show celebrations, or simply are interested in meeting performers up close and personal, then head to the The Laycraft Lounge, the official bar of the High Performance Rodeo. Located in Motel, across from the Big Secret Theatre (225 8th Ave SE -2nd floor), the Laycraft Lounge is known for being the nightly hub for artists, staff and festival-goers alike. Take advantage of nightly drink specials and a delicious food menu.
Follow HPR on Twitter and Like them on Facebook to find out the latest.