With the Sled Island Music & Arts Festival presenting 200+ musical acts yearly in venues big and small, there are as many ways to Sled as there are Sledders.
The Scene has some pointers to make the most of your experience and help your musical dreams come true.
Planning vs. Spontaneity
With the number of shows happening simultaneously, deciding where to be at a given time can be daunting. Traditionally, Sledders use the abundant and free official paper schedules, which usually end up looking like they were recovered from the scriptorium of an ancient monastery.
Some prefer Sled’s online scheduling tool. “It provides a clear visual overview of set times and locations, helping users strategically plan their festival experience and make the most of every moment,” says festival director Hemen Tor-Agbidye. Users can click the heart symbols on the profile pages of their favourite acts, which will populate a personalized schedule grid.
Difficult Decisions
If two highly anticipated sets overlap, ask yourself some questions: Which one will deliver a more fun and unique live experience? Which show will your friends be at? Is it feasible to see the start of one show and the end of another? Who’s more likely to tour through Calgary again in the future?
If you’re torn between your preferred show and that of your Sledding buddy, be flexible and willing to compromise; they might return the favour. Can you split off and see different bands? Can you — without being manipulative, of course — convince them to come along with you instead? Or can they convince you to come with them?
In any case, resist FOMO; you may find you simply can’t see everything you want to see. Take my wife Ash’s advice: “Don’t beat yourself up. If you can’t see a band you know you like, take a chance on one you’re not so familiar with, and you may be pleasantly surprised.”
Getting Around
Calgary’s core is fairly easy to navigate, being mainly laid out on a grid with numbered streets and avenues. That said, you may need to get places faster than you can walk. Most streets downtown are one-way, and parking is a tight squeeze, so a car is not ideal between venues either.
“Venues are in close biking proximity to each other,” says CJSW music director Helen Young. “The inner city has great bike lanes, so take advantage of those, but please wear your helmet, and do not ride if you feel faded! Walk that bad boy home or keep it locked up on one of the venue bike racks until you are clear-headed. Don’t forget your lights and bell!”
Weather the Weather
In late June, Calgary’s weather can range anywhere from cloudless 35°C heat to torrential thunderstorms. On sunny days, wear sunglasses, breathable clothing and sunscreen, and know the signs of heatstroke. If it might rain, bring rain gear, even just one of those ponchos that can fold up and fit in your pocket.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
“Rolling with a pal, especially in the evenings, is ideal,” says Young. “However, if you find yourself alone at a show, try to identify a familiar person, [like] someone in a Sled Island shirt or a bar staff member, early on in case you need support. If you ever feel uncomfortable in a situation, trust that gut feeling. And always watch your drinks!”
If you witness violence, harassment, bigotry, or any other harmful behaviour, she suggests you “make your presence known and check in with them if it makes sense in the circumstance. If you need additional support, find a Sled Island volunteer or venue staff member for assistance.”
Look After Your Body and Mind
Zipping around town for five days can take a toll, especially if you’re no longer (physically) a teenager. Pace yourself, sleep and eat well, stay hydrated, and consume intoxicants within reasonable limits.
Those of us on the neurodiverse spectrum or with specific disabilities may also be more easily overwhelmed by crowds, continuous loud noise, or having a long, activity-filled day. This makes us prone to exhaustion, anxiety attacks and mood swings. Make sure you know and respect your own personal limits, and if you’re Sledding with a partner, make sure they understand and respect them too.
Last but not least, wear earplugs! Foam ones, reusable rubber ones, special expensive ones made for musicians; just give your ears reason to thank you. One concert that’s too loud (let alone many in a row) can lead to permanent hearing damage or lifelong cases of tinnitus. Even if you’ve been lucky thus far, you may regret not plugging up this time around! If you forget to bring them, fret not; CJSW distributes foamies with carrying cases in vending machines and at merch tables in multiple venues.
Sled Island rips up Calgary from June 18 to 22, 2025.
