Position yourself in the “shoulder” between fall and winter: November — a month of transitions. It’s not quite fall or the holiday season; it’s not quite cold, but it’s definitely too chilly to go out without your coat. It’s a month to shop, get cozy, and discover the vibrant pulse of a city that knows when to rest and when to turn it up.
The following is an intimate exercise in crafting a magical evening and exploring your city like a tourist, and I invite you to indulge in the following ingredients.
Have a Bite
When work is over, close your computer and walk to the newly opened downtown branch of Calgary’s longtime staple, Pigeonhole — adjacent to Calgary’s newest food hall, Pineapple Hall in Stephen Avenue Place. Pigeonhole offers an enticing Happy Hour from 2 pm to 5 pm. Grab a Dr. Pepper Old Fashioned, and if you’re feeling snacky, grab a few bites like beef tartare served with roasted cheddar cream, shallots, and horseradish, or perhaps the cozy warm olives, accompanied by the crispy Kennebec potato hash browns.
Find a Deep-Dive Friendly Space
After a few drinks, walk over to the Globe Cinema, a crowning jewel of Calgary’s media arts scene. This art-house cinema is once again hosting CUFF Docs, the documentary-focused festival running from November 20 to 24, presented by the Calgary Underground Film Festival. The offerings for the evening of the 21st are juicy. Catch Mistress Dispeller at 6:30 p.m., a documentary by Hong Kong filmmaker, producer, and cinematographer Elizabeth Lo (Stray, 2020). The film follows a new industry that has emerged in China devoted to helping couples stay married in the face of infidelity.
If you want to make it a double feature, grab a famous CUFF hot dog in between screenings (and pick from their indulgent topping selection), and get ready for Michel Gondry: Do It Yourself! at 9:30 p.m. and learn more about the Oscar-winning French genius behind films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and music videos such as The White Stripes’ Fell In Love With A Girl (2002), Daft Punk’s Around the World (1997), and my personal favourite, Björk’s Army of Me (1995).
Celebrate Premium Performances
For those seeking a high-octane evening that will metaphorically hit you like a “shining wizard to the back of the head” (yes, that’s a wrestling move!), check out Top Talent Wrestling at The Palace Theatre. The show will feature AEW Superstar Evil Uno of The Dark Order, TNA Wrestling’s Josh Alexander, and GCW‘s Effy, aka “Weapon of Sass Destruction.” Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just dipping your toes into the electrifying world of wrestling, you won’t regret spending an evening immersed in this unique blend of athleticism, drama, and spectacle—an experience that sends audiences into a frenzy with every slam and high-flying move. More info and tickets at toptalentwrestling.com.
If the theatrics and high drama of wrestling has you craving more thespian talents, check out Pumphouse Theatre’s Common Ground Festival 2024, celebrating a decade of bold, vibrant performances in Calgary. From November 20 to 23, the performing arts festival showcases six exciting new works by emerging artists. Each evening promises three unique performances to enjoy, including this Thursday’s Enrichment Hour by The Three Cheese Institute — a hilarious and vulnerable improv experience featuring poetry, stand-up, and song performed by none other than our very own Calgary Zoo animals. Tickets are just $25 for general admission, giving you access to all three shows—don’t miss out on this celebration of the performing arts! For tickets and to read more about the show, check out pumphousetheatre.ca.
And When The Night Is Still Young
After an eventful cultural evening in Calgary, you deserve a nightcap. Head to Missy’s This That and enjoy a glass of wine or champagne from their highly curated and distinctive selection. Or, if you find yourself with the right group of friends, hit up karaoke at Sole Calgary and reserve a private room to punctuate your night with a lively rendition of Mr. Brightside by The Killers.
And if you need some quiet, end your evening at High Park, located on the 6th floor of a parking building on 10 Ave S.W. Admire the city skyline surrounded by murals and graffiti pieces commissioned by the expansive and immersive public art initiative BUMP, including artists like Kevin Ledo, Guido van Helten, Ankh One, Derek Simmers, and Kalum Teke Dan. This park is a hidden gem and one of my favourite places to end up on a Thursday night in this beautiful and challenging city we call home.
Celina Vides is an artist, arts administrator and lover of film, living and working in Mohkinstsis.
