It takes a professional partier to enjoy Calgary’s nightlife on a budget. Luckily, The Scene is home to some pro-level cheapskates who still like to live the night up.
In this edition, some seasoned local partiers share their best tips on how to make the most of the night.
Welcome to the cheapskates guide to nightlife!
Nightlife Hacks
Bring cash
We live in an increasingly cash-free world where small pieces of plastic rule all. But at the rock show, “Cash is king,” according to local bartender and musician Kalen Baker. “Debit transactions during a busy rush greatly slow down your bartender,” he says. “Starting a tab or paying cash will help you and everyone else get served much faster.” Stone-cold cash is also the quickest way to ensure you’re not racking up a huge, unexpected bill. A tab, meanwhile, makes ordering a drink a breeze, and allows you to streamline things further if you buy for multiple people.
Keep a phone charger on hand
A dead phone is basically an expensive brick. Local entrepreneur and avid concertgoer Lily Peterson says, “I’d rather not be stuck without my phone in case I need to call a friend or get a cab home at the end of the night.” You also never know when you will want to follow a DJ’s socials, grab a cheeky selfie, or Shazam that banger you’re dancing to. A portable power source is easy to carry to ensure you are always covered and safe.
Don’t forget earplugs
Hearing protection might be the most important thing you bring out the door. “Hearing damage is real,” says local partier Maya Simon. “It may not affect you right away, but live music decibel levels can impact you immensely down the road.” You can buy foam plugs at any hardware store at a bargain, but pricier musician earplugs will preserve the quality of sound. Hearing loss clinics can provide custom moulded earplugs if you want to splurge. No matter what you choose, it will be preferable to a lifetime of tinnitus.
Keep an eye out for promotions
The vigilant partier can grab sweet deals online, according to local raver and flowdancer Jess Semeniuk. “Boodang and Blueprint are two in Calgary that I follow,” she says. “They’ll post free shows before
10:30 or 11, and you don’t even buy a ticket! You go online, put your email in, and they send you a free ticket, and that right there, you’re saving $30 at the door to get in. Sure, you have to go a little earlier than normal, but you save that price point on the ticket, which is awesome.” Ravemama and Silent Tension also offer sweet deals on local raves.
Wear comfy shoes
Those strappy heels might look cooler, but trust us; you’ll regret them before the night ends. Local rocker and Hang the DJ regular Mike Ackman advises, “Function over fashion is key if you’re going to be standing or flailing around on your feet for most of the night.” In other words? “Blisters suck, and don’t wear sandals. You’ll never see your toenails again.” Wear something with good arch support and decent protection to keep your feet as happy as your ears. Even a well-worn set of sneakers will serve you well.
Use a good bag
It might sound obvious, but having a bag is essential to keep your valuables on hand. As Chloe Bunn says, “It holds my water bottle, inhaler and all the other goodies I need for long nights of five-band stacked shows. It’s also great to hold all the merch I buy before the show so I can skip the line after and go home right away.” If your purse is too small or your backpack too unwieldy, consider a canvas reusable tote bag from one of your favourite organizations. Just be prepared; some bigger venues enforce a mandatory bag check.
Hit the pre-game
There’s no way around it: drinks at the bar are expensive in 2024, so self-professed local party wizard Ben Blue recommends a few drinks before and after your night out. “The pre-game is always good, and the after-party house party is the way to go,” he says. “You can go to someone’s house at 10, go someplace at 11:30, and only pay top dollar for a couple of hours.” As for stocking the home bar? “I can’t recommend Costco liquor enough. You can get five drinks [at the bar] for $50 or a giant bottle from Costco for the same price!” And guess what, Scenesters? You don’t need a Costco membership to buy from their liquor stores.
