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!

I have to admit I had a preconceived idea about Calgary and it's Folk Fest and I was so so so…read morepleasantly mistaken. This festival is completely wonderful. The location is really the highlight and location can completely make an event. The festival sits on an island in the rushing blue of the spectacular Bow River. The stages all have great sight lines and tons of shady seating options and amazing sound. It was a dream to wander about here with a stroller listening to world class music. I saw Tune Yards and Sharon Van Etten on the same day, it was magical! I agree with a previous reviewer that the food truck alley can get quite congested, but on the flip side I loved the options available here. Especially the all vegan food truck with snacks so good even non-vegans we're lining up for it. I'll find the name and make sure they get their own review. I loved the artisan vendors too, especially the ones that are actually handmade in Canada. I think Folk Fests that are strict about their artisan curation and then serious about how they treat all their artists are the ones that are truly world class.

I agree with much of what Tara M. has to say. My favourite…read morethings about the CFMF? It has shade -- regardless of stage, you'll find a place that's not sunny. Also, the beer gardens are next to a stage, so you can enjoy live music while enjoying sangria, wine, or beer. Also, the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire hotel is about a 4 minute walk away for out-of-towners, or for Cowtown folks who want to really enjoy the entirety of the festival. Also, the festival organizers has people walking around with water tanks, filling up the bottles of anyone who needs water -- how awesome is that? One thing that troubles me greatly, however, is how we are forced, essentially, to run a gauntlet of food vendors on our way from the front gates to the main stage. It's overcrowded when it's busy and it's just not fun. But that's greatly outweighed by the many good things this festival brings. Give it a try, it's worth your time and money!

We've been to a couple of these Marda Gras Festivals over the years and they are always super busy,…read morefun for the kids and an enjoyable outing for the entire family. We've been to and love New Orleans and so this festival holds a special place in our heart No issues with parking, even though it was a couple blocks away. Mayor Nenshi was on hand meeting and greeting the line up of people who wanted to see him. A handful of food trucks were on hand including Fiasco Gelato and we were excited to finally visit them. Fun Mardis Gras themed crafts for the kids. Face painting and bouncy houses are always a hit. A fun way to spend a couple of hours, chatting with people, trying new things, learning about the neighbourhood and supporting the Marda Loop Community.

Today I attended the marda gras festival. Nothing great to say about that. Lilac,sun and salsa and…read morelatin festivals were a way better than this. Not much crowd too. Even there were very less businesses. There was nothing much to pass time or enjoy either. There were two music band stages and were nt good too. It was just not worth going over a weekend after waiting for 20 mins for transit and walking to the marda loop. If there is no other work and idle then we could think of this festival :P .

It was my first time to attend Global Fest. I really don't know about it, not until one of my…read moreoffice mates asked if we are going. In GlobalFest, you'll see different food stalls representing various countries. Yes, I basically went there because I heard there's going to be a lot of food! For your convenience, tickets can also be purchased from CO-OP, First Calgary Financial, London Drugs, Chinook Financial, and Marlborough mall. There were several gates to enter the event. Security was really tight because police started blocking roads as early as 6pm. Parking fees will range from $10-$20 (depends on the distance of the parking area to the main ground). If you're planning to attend the event I suggest bringing a bug spray (not unless you're willing to be sprayed by natural bug repellant which cost $10) with you as well as folding chairs or outdoor blankets. Think of it as if you're going to a camp site but not to have bonfire but to watch fireworks Overall, it was a nice experience!

We got the VIP.experience which was disappointing. There was truly no real benefit to paying the…read moreextra money for his experience. We even had to leave the VIP area for cheaper beer. The lines were as expected the parking and ubering in was a nightmare. The email they send you with your tickets told you exactly where the drop.off was and the security wouldn't let.them in there. Unfortunatly there was no drone show which we were looking forward to. I wouldn't spend the money for VIP again but the fireworks show was nice.

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. ;)

Visiting the Canadian Rockies has been on my bucket list. We saved it for when we moved to Florida…read moreand wanted to get out of the summer heat. We arranged our travels around the annual stampede, The Calgary stampede is considered to be "the greatest outdoor show on earth." This 10 day annual rodeo, exhibition & festival annually in July attracts over 1 million visitors. It features one of the world's largest rodeos, a parade, midway, stage shows, concerts, agricultural competitions, chuckwagon racing, and First Nations exhibitions. It started in 1886 when the Calgary & the District Agricultural Society held its first fair. In 1912, The first rodeo and festival, known as the Stampede began when World War I veterans came home. In 2008, the Calgary Stampede was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

Does Calgary know how to do a parade! Friendly people, well organized, diverse and the sanitation…read moredepartment cleaning the horse manure during and after the parade. A bucket list experience that if you have the opportunity to do it, do it!

A million dogs,a million strollers and 4 million people at this one day fest…read more... It was an overcast, drizzly day but that did not keep the people from coming out to seemingly Calgary's first Spring fest. This was great to see. The roads were closed appropriately and the main attractions (live performers) were still in the main stream but off on the side streets aways. Regardless, my first time at this festival grades a bit low as we absolutely had to walk on the sidewalks to get anywhere, not in the street. No flow on the street at all. This means there was no way I could see who all the vendors were there or take part in much by way of looking or purchasing as the lines were just too long. Tons of food trucks though if you have the patience! But, it is what it is in this great, big city and I am sure there were many out of towners here as well taking part. Great for Calgary's already booming economy! Wear comfy shoes as you will be walking a lot esp. if you drive downtown as parking is scarce close by. We walked 11 blocks back to our car. Not a day to try a new restaurant on 4th Street either as they are all packed! Free admission.

It was a fun event. Very rich in culture- colorful and very exciting to explore. Lots of food…read morestalls and food trucks. Lots of varieties of booths- from selling merchendise to meditation classes, to animal care, etc. I love the bands playing too in different sections with different song genres. I could walk around all day browsing. Though I hope it lasts more than a day.

This is a great way to try ALL the new breweries in Alberta. Samples of beer range from $2-3…read moredollars. Tickets to get in are $20. I won my tickets via Yelp. My husband bought $30 worth of tokens and we sampled enough to make me tipsy. If I had to pay for my entry tickets, the night would have cost us $70. Not bad if you really like beer and you want to see what's new. The experience was cool. There were at least two large rooms of breweries and restaurants and it was crowded. Most notable of the food options include Cluck and Cleaver, Spolumbos, and Raw Bar. There were plenty of places to stand or sit and sip your beer and nibble on your food. My pick of breweries: Freehold Brewing Co, Caravel, Ol Beautiful, and Six Corners. We were quite impressed with Ol' Beautiful's Okami-Kasu beer. We'll have to make a point to stop by their brewery in Inglewood.

What a great event. I was amazed at how many Alberta based craft breweries I had not hear of that…read morewere there. Albeit this was an international beer festival there were plenty of local eateries and brewers on site. I had never been to one before, and was able to attend thanks to Yelp! There were some pretty cool tent/stations set up. The prices were a bit on the high side, considering it costs about $2-$4 bucks for a mouthful of beer (maybe I have a big mouth). The atmosphere was fun and it was packed. It's great that you can experience and indulge in so many options in one room. We had a blast!