From Kevin Bacon-themed rounds to quirky mini-games, Talespin Trivia transforms your average quiz night into an unforgettably Calgarian experience. With themed nights for die-hard fans and unpredictable questions that challenge even the sharpest minds, Talespin has grown into one of Calgary’s quirkiest trivia nights, where stakes are high, laughs are endless, and a devoted crew keep coming back for more.
“[Trivia] started to become a passion of mine,” says founder and host Alan Johnson. “I realized what kind of trivia I wanted to see in the city, and I realized a lot of that wasn’t happening, so I decided to just create it myself.”
After Johnson’s friend James Wade returned to Calgary from a trip to New York years ago, he couldn’t stop raving about the city’s abundance of movie trivia nights. Inspired by their mutual love for film, Wade and Johnson launched what would become Talespin Trivia at Dickens in 2017. While Wade has since taken a step back, Johnson runs the show to this day with a revolving door of co-hosts that includes Ife Abiola, Joanna Iles, and various special guests for themed nights.
“We try to think outside the box,” says Iles. “We make it more than just trivia.”
Case-in-point is the “Cookin’ with Bacon” round, which kicks off every edition of movie trivia. “We like to start the round with a question about Kevin Bacon. I’ll use that question as inspiration to write the next question,” says Iles. “We use it as inspiration from the ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon’ concept, which is that every single person is six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon.”
Talespin also adds a unique twist by incorporating mini-games that level the playing field, giving everyone a chance to win — even if trivia isn’t your strong suit. From “Name That Tune” challenges to guessing movie trailers, each round keeps players guessing.
“We want anyone who comes to feel like they’re having a good time,” says Johnson. “Even if they don’t walk away with the trophy.”
According to Iles, trivia nights provide a fun escape from daily stresses and allow participants to relax and enjoy the evening. She and Johnson strive to create a welcoming, book-club-esque atmosphere with a good dose of humour.
While competitive, the vibe remains lighthearted, with a mix of easy, challenging, and “improbable” questions. “Have a drink, have some fries, hang out with your friends, and laugh the night away,” said Iles. “It’s a nice way to escape.”
Talespin hosts multiple unique trivia events around Calgary, including Trivia Killed the Radio Star, a monthly music trivia event held at Dickens Pub. Twice a month, they bring the fun to Citizen Brewing Company with Citizen Trivia Night. They host regular events at The Establishment Brewing Company, and Johnson recently added a trivia night at Two Pillars Brewery.
“I think you’d be surprised how much you actually know,” said Johnson. “Grab a couple of friends and come check it out and see how well you do.”
For details and upcoming events, give them a follow on Instagram at @yyctrivia.
More Calgary Trivia Nights
Quiz Shoe
You might remember Quiz Shoe from Broken City (R.I.P). The hosts have relocated to Tubby’s and are keeping the quizzing spirit alive. Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Tubby’s, @quizshoe on Instagram
WOO HOO! YYC Classic Simpsons Trivia
WOO HOO! features three rounds of questions about Simpsons seasons 1 to 11 — the “good seasons.” Various dates at Dickens, @woohooyyc on Instagram
Penny Black Brunch Trivia
Hosted by Tremendous Trivia, this event features the deadly combination of mimosas and trivia at Penny Black Kitchen & Bar. Sundays at 1 p.m., tremendoustrivia.com
Name That Tune @ Cabin Brewing
Join Trivia Daddy at Cabin for “Name That Tune.” Various dates, cabinbrewing.ca
Madisons Restaurant & Bar
Arrive early to catch happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m., then test your knowledge and compete for prizes. Monday at 7 p.m, madisonspub.ca
Century Downs Racetrack & Casino
Take a break from the slots every Saturday evening with trivia games, great food, and affordable drinks. Saturday at 7 p.m., cnty.com
Bowness Pub
Bowness Pub hosts six rounds of trivia, Name That Tune, and offers great food and drink specials. Wednesdays at 7 p.m., bownesspub.com
Canadian Brewhouse (University District)
Join in to win prizes and a trophy for the top team while enjoying their daily specials — like tacos! Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m, thecanadianbrewhouse.com
Southland Yard Bar and Table
Compete to win prizes in general knowledge and “Name That Tune” rounds at Southland Yard. Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. eventbrite.ca, southlandyard.com
