Marked by competition, passion and camaraderie, Calgary’s trivia scene has expanded as local bars and pubs partner with trivia companies city-wide. One of the most important parts of trivia nights is that phones aren’t allowed. Without them, folks are encouraged to talk, share ideas, and connect in person.
TALESPIN TRIVIA
One of Calgary’s most renowned trivia companies, Talespin Trivia, operates across four locations: Citizen Brewing Company, Two Pillars Brewery, Dickens Pub and The Establishment Brewing Company.
Founded in 2017 by Alan Johnson, the company has started its own trivia nights and has since been building a community around the game.
“I’m the owner and creator and creative personnel behind Talespin Trivia,” says Johnson. “I basically create, write, produce [and] prepare everything for all the trivia nights that I host throughout Calgary.”
Johnson primarily hosts general knowledge trivia, which draws in most trivia goers. Other themes range from films and television shows to anything pop culture related.
Johnson likes to sprinkle in additional clues to the answers with carefully curated playlists, answers hidden within the questions and more. Developing trust from the community by asking for feedback allows Johnson to put on his best shows for everyone to enjoy.
“I feel like I built a good following now that I’m pretty proud of,” says Johnson. “I like seeing a lot of the same people at all my trivia nights because that, to me, tells me I’m doing something right.”
To find more event information on Talespin Trivia, check out @yyctrivia on Instagram.
PEOPLE OVER PHONES INCORPORATED
People Over Phones Incorporated, also known as POP Inc. recently made its way to Calgary, but the team is made up of seasoned writers and hosts who’ve worked in the industry for years.
“I’ve been writing and hosting trivia for over 10 years,” says Brady Grumpelt, co-owner of Pop Inc. “This last year, I started a new company with a few people […] and we’re currently working with about 10 locations around Calgary and about 50 across the country.”
Some locations that POP Inc works out of include Madisons Restaurant & Bar, The Hose & Hound Neighbourhood Pub, Offside Pub & Eatery, and Last Best Brewing & Distilling. Similar to Johnson, Grumpelt believes trivia has a large social aspect that brings friends together.
“Our role was really to help give people a reason to go back out and get together with friends. I’m a big believer in people having a third place to go to, so that they’re not just at home,” says Grumpelt.
Past events have included trivia themed around The Office, Disney, Jurassic Park and even Taylor Swift. The primary reason that trivia is so beloved by many is that at the heart of these nights is the desire for folks to explore their own city and try something new.
“It’s all local people that just want to put on some fun, entertaining nights,” says Grumpelt. “Every time you go out to a trivia night, you’re always supporting local groups. Whether it be the writers and the hosts of the trivia or the bar that you’re going to — it’s always supporting local.”
For details on upcoming events, check @peopleoverphonesinc on Instagram or visit peopleoverphones.com.
TRIVIA TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS
Johnson and Grumpelt each shared some tips for how to be successful in a trivia competition.
FIND A CREW
A good sized crew consists of five to six people who bring their own ideas to the table.
“The more different brains you have on your team, the more likely you’ll succeed,” says Johnson. “I’ve seen those teams succeed the most because they have different experiences [and] different knowledge bases.”
GIVE IT A TRY
Grumpelt emphasized newcomers should just take a chance, approach the night with an open mind, and take the time to enjoy themselves. Come in not expecting to win, but to have fun. “I encourage everybody to go out there and try it out!” says Grumpelt.
PAY ATTENTION
For returning trivia goers, success is achieved through practice, reading, and learning how different hosts format their own questions. Every company formats things differently, so always listen to the host and collaborate with others to get the best result.
TWO MORE FOR TRIVIA
Wiseguy Trivia typically holds weekly trivia nights at multiple venues including Jamesons Pub, The Lennox Irish Pub and more. For avid trivia-goers, Wiseguy Trivia provides a large variety of themed nights across Calgary. The Wiseguy Trivia website has a list of frequented venues, but the most up-to-date information can be found on their Instagram page @wiseguytriviayyc.
The Trivia Boys‘ Lee and Nick can be found at Blowers & Grafton on 4th every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The boys can often be seen hosting a wild night filled with prizes, challenges, and games beyond trivia. To participate, book a reservation on the Blowers & Grafton website blowersgrafton.com/mission.
