Had a meeting the other day to view this space as an events space and man did it blow me away. Set…read morein the heart of downtown, this 100 year old historic building still conveys its original pride in its golden leaf mouldings, the original theatre ceiling and original walls. Most of the architecture has been updated and the lobby area houses the sexy and sultry Velvet Restaurant. The main theatre is a jaw dropping thing to experience, from the catwalk you see an expansive area with rolling seats that can be set up as a classic theatre formation or can be set up against all four walls with the stage in the center. The hardwood floor is rich and dark and the brick wall is an interesting urban feel which could house really unique staging. The theatre was renovated by theatre diehard loyalists and you can tell the dedication that has been put into this venue as everything is so well taken care of. There is a killer mezzanine area, with a bar that presently has been popular for wine and scotch tasting events. The only criticism I would have is because of all the historic restoration they are not so open to hosting youth events there but it is understandable considering the fine details of the architecture. All in all the place is a superb location and akin to theatre spaces I have seen in New York City and Toronto, but it's not its grandness is all right here in Calgary.

A friend gave me tickets to a Charlie Chaplin event called Modern Times. People were decked out in…read more1920s outfits, drinking cocktails, and the amazing beauty of this old gem. They had Juno winning musicians masterfully creating the sound for this old film. I was blown away by the beauty and history of this theatre! I have since attended several events and loved them all. This theatre has heart and soul and artists to run it. It's an incredible space with more history and nooks and crannies that any other joint in our FINE City! Heading to their showing of The Princess Bride tonight, pass the popcorn. ;)

Went for lunch with 3 colleagues - business meeting. I had never been and to be honest someone else…read morebooked this and I hadn't heard of this restaurant before. Ironwood was only moderately busy, which is a shame as it should be packed. The food and service was fabulous and prices reasonable ($20 for a 2 full Course prix fixe menu). Restaurant is decorated in a very funky way with lots of mood lights. There is a small semi-private back room that would probably seat 10 people or so, so might be useful for group meetings. They tell us that if you're into jazz, that late in the week and on weekends they have jazz nights (if you're into jazz...). Another reason to patronize this restaurant. Highly recommend. I will be back.

I attended a private event here and it was lovely. The staff was very attentive, the bar was fully…read morestocked and quick to accommodate and the food was served promptly. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everyone was served and no drink was left empty to miss a toast. When someone was speaking on the stage or singing the servers were discrete yet still serving. A great night was had by all. Extra kudos to the female assistant manager that night ( she had dark hair) she was great. Thank you.

Along a quiet residential street in Inglewood, surrounded by small, old bungalows is not the…read morelocation you'd expect to find such a remarkable venue. I think Festival Hall is a remarkable venue, because it seems both so out of place and so perfect for the neighbourhood at the same time. The building is by no means extravagant - a brick cube that could very well be a small apartment. You'll almost pay no attention to it, wondering if you've gone the wrong direction until you get close enough to read the sign on the front wall. It blends into its surroundings without so much as a parking lot to indicate there's a concert venue in the area. Inside, the 200ish seat space is comfortable and intimate. The performance area is a large cube room with some brilliantly subtle touches that prevent it from sounding like a small gymnasium. Large soft curtains at the back to absorb sound, angled walls, ceiling and attractive roof trusses break up sound and reduce echo and keep you focused on the performance. The space works well for unamplified performances - I was most recently wowed by Cowtown Opera's ability to fill the space using nothing more than vocals and a single piano. I've also seen several roots / blues acts here and the space sounds excellent at the higher volumes of drum kits and electric guitars. Another cool feature is the versatility of the space. Without fixed seating, they are free to setup the room to accommodate the needs of any performer. With a full-house the foyer can get pretty packed at intermission and I quickly find myself seeking some fresh air. You can order any kind of beer as long as it's Big Rock, which is a-ok by me! Drinks are also permitted in the performance hall which is a nice touch.

Management & Customer Service & (SOME) Jam Hosts - NOT servers - suck at the NEW location on…read moreBowness... Been there several times but citing ONE example: on June 30, Canada Day EVE, twas a nice warm night, and there's tons of peepz out & about cozza Holiday next day. "They" made last call around 9:30pm(!!), TURNED AWAY around 20 willingly paying customers saying "they can go drink somewhere else", and kicked everyone else out by around 10:30pm!! So many customers, groups, tables, etc, were pissed off. The bartender's excuse was: "i'm tired - wanna go home"... LOL How does it help Mikey's if they PROMOTE other pubs & send customers to Leopold's down the street?? Also, they're a bit IN-appropriately arrogant. Someone should alert Mike about this, in case he MIGHT give a sh*t.

This is a nice Pub that specializes in Mexican food. Apparently, the chef is mexican. Therefore,…read morethey have many taco flavors and other delicious Mexican cuisines. On a regular day, you could get three tacos for $12. On top of that, on Tuesdays each Taco is $3. The tacos are quite good. I ordered the chicken, Baja Fish, and carnita taco. We also shared the birria taco and that was good. I personally think this is a good deal. They also have live music but we were not there during that time. Overall, good food, great atmosphere, and a place we definitely will come back again.

I visited this venue on Sunday September 28/25 to check it out after hearing rave reviews…read more Unfortunately my visit was far from that. I arrived approximately 30 minutes prior to closing and was met with staff that were not engaging and felt like a hindrance. Asked if kitchen was still open at which point the chef had to be consulted. Answer was "five minutes" so ordered my Pinot and ordered a pizza for takeout. During that time I was met with no eye contact or acknowledgment that I was even there. Upon completion of pizza I basically downed my wine and hit the road. Horrible experience. The only good thing about it was a homeless person received what I imagine was a wonderful meal.

The food and service was excellent! This is an establishment that seems very supportive of allergy…read moresensitive diners! They have a creative (and witty) menu and include a wide variety of booze free cocktails as well!

HIDDEN MUSICAL GEM IN PLAIN SIGHT…read more Wow! We had a fantastic time at Studio Bell, home to the National Music Centre and the Canadian Music Halls of Fame. Studio Bell is much more than a museum and describes itself as a "hub for music, innovation and cultural discovery in Canada." Housed in a breathtaking modern architectural wonder, Studio Bell's collection includes instruments ranging from harmonicas to huge organ pipes, music memorabilia and artifacts, early keyboards and other electronic gear and gorgeous stage costumes. Among the instruments we saw on display was the upright piano used by Elton John to compose many of his early hits. Studio Bell houses four Music Halls of Fame - the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and the Quebec Music Hall of Fame. We enjoyed the newest exhibit honoring Nelly Furtado, the 2026 Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee. Everyone - but especially musicians - can easily spend hours at Studio Bell. There are many interactive exhibits that let you pop on headphones and play actual instruments alongside a video. It was fun stepping inside a vocal booth and hearing myself sing really badly off-key :o) Admission is $24.50 Adults and $19.50 Seniors (Wednesday free for seniors). We wish we had known about the Greatest Hits Tour ($12 Adults/$8 Senior) and the Backstage Tour ($16 Adults/$12 Seniors) that would have given us more insight into the museum's many treasures.

Absolutely spectacular walk through the history of Canadian music. This is a must see if you're…read morevisiting Calgary. For lovers of music this is like heaven. 5 stars!

Cute little spot with a great atmosphere! Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar has a nice selection of…read morepastries to choose from, and the americano was really tasty. I tried the quiche, which was just okay, but the salad was fresh and nice. They also offer wine and have live music, which makes it a fun place to relax and spend some time. Worth a visit!

This place is nice and cozy. It's different than your regular "mass produced" coffee place. It's…read morelocated in a quaint town of Inglewood where they have community events throughout the year in the neighbourhood. Love they serve a good selection of wine for during those times or evenings you want to relax and unwind. They serve a good selection of food too. I had the bacon & onion quiche with potato soup, hot and fresh. Perfect for the fall weather. Also ordered Rose' wine. Going into the weekend they have live performances, often emerging local talents from jazz, country to folk music. It's nice to have a warm place to enjoy your java. This is one of those places. It's convenient, there's plenty of parking and at certain hours it's free.

Times have changed. This building used to be the Town of High River office. Now it's Carlson's on…read moreMacleod - a coffee house/cappuccino bar/cafe/pub/music bar. The decor screams, "just relax". Hardwood floors that look like they've been there a while. The menu written on blackboards. Old battered brass instruments and trophies adorn the forest green walls. A cozy fireplace flanked by cushy chairs. A small stage with a piano, sax and guitar that anyone can play, providing that an act hasn't been booked. I've been there on three occasions. When I attended a reunion there, we ate lots of appetizers. The chicken wings had a good kick to them. The ribs were sticky but good and the rest of the stuff is standard fare. Well done, but standard to what you'd get in a pub. Big hearty servings though - bigger than what you'd get in the city. The desserts were heavenly! Dark chocolate cake...moist and rich! Fantastic lunches. The soups are freshly made and very filling. A good selection of beer, respectable selection of wine and some funky fancy coffees! Try the Raspberry Delight (at least I think that's what it was called. Or perhaps it was Raspberry Drizzle). Or, try the Turtles one. Scrumptious. Toothsome. Yummy! Staff is friendly, quick and efficient. I've yet to go when there's live music but I've noticed that they've been bringing in some good local talent and there's usually a good number of cars by Carlson's whenever I'm in the area. I have tried playing the piano. It's one of those old honky-tonk type pianos that go out of tune immediately after tuning. I wouldn't dare try the guitar or sax. They'd probably kick me out.

This great place had dinner and few drinks friendly staff and clean restrooms Food was greatread more

This is a pub in Okotoks Alberta. It is a pub theme, has a large patio and separate room for…read moreparties. All I can say the food was fantastic. The beer selection was great. Children are allowed in the pub up to 7pm. The food was hot, delivered nicely, waitress was fabulous. I'm sorry I didn't take pictures but we ate there 3 times, as the food was so good

I love this pub. The food never disappoints. Yesterday, had the soup of the day (Tomato Bacon)…read moreomg! Delicious! The others I was with also thoroughly enjoyed their dishes. Our server was absolutely great! Totally worth venturing out from Calgary. Will go again without question!

Patio is cute but small and dog friendly. Servers are all really nice. Loved the selection of Irish…read morebeers.

Fun and safe atmosphere, great pub food, like yorkies. Good service…read more Parking close is near impossible unless you're super lucky...if you're willing to walk a few blocks, you'll find a space...parking in Kensington has been this way since the beginning of time.