Top Five Ways to Experience the Arts in Calgary this Month
Many of our beloved arts institutions in Calgary have had to make the difficult decision to cancel their 2020-21 season due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns. Fortunately for us, some resourceful groups have found ways to continue to present the arts - social distanced of course. So check out this list to see what our city has in store for September!
Calgary Pride Festival
August 28 – September 6, 2020
Stream online
Free to participate
Calgary Pride Festival is curating a truly impressive program of live streaming and pre-recorded content for their 30th Anniversary celebration including performances from Canada’s best and brightest LGBTQ2S+ artists, diversity workshops, community newscasts, and interviews, all free to the public!
Stay tuned for the full Pride Week and Parade Day (September 6th) entertainment schedule, when Calgary Pride will be broadcasting performances from over 200 LGBTQ2S+ artists.
A Celebration of Love Drag Show
September 5, 2020
Socially Distanced Drag Show – from the balconies of the Ramada Hotel
Tickets
In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Calgary Pride, presented by Plain Jane Events, guests will experience the very first Hotel Balcony Drag Show in history! Hosted by Calgary’s own Karla Marx and featuring performances by local favorites including Duke Carson, Angelina Starchild, Vanta Blaque, and Farrah Nuff attendees will enjoy the show in the comfort of their own room from the balcony at a safe, social distance. Set for September 5th on the pool level rooftop of The Ramada Plaza Downtown Calgary, this outdoor Drag Show will certainly be one to remember.
For more information visit calgarypride.ca
St. Patrick’s Island Public Art
July 20 – September 20, 2020
Free
PARK and CMLC have joined forces to launch #VIBRANCEYYC. This interactive, temporary art installation located on the east end of St. Patrick’s Island offers Calgarians a new way to stay connected and active while following physical distancing guidelines laid out by Alberta Health Services and the City of Calgary.
Find out more! ourparkonline.com/vibranceyyc
The Great Disconnect
September 15, 2020
Stream online
Free to watch, registration required
This timely documentary streams online with the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival’s next justREEL Virtual Film Screening. It explores whether is it possible to overcome our modern culture of disconnectedness and rediscover how truly essential we are to one other. Registration details will be announced soon.
To learn more visit: justicefilmfestival.ca
ArtsXpeditions
Throughout the month of September
Free
Throughout the month of September, Arts Commons will be continuing our ArtsXpeditions series, where random arts encounters come to you! Follow us on social media to find out where and when the performance will, bring your mask, and enjoy! We hope to see you there!
To learn more visit artscommons.ca
Honorable Mentions
BUMP Festival
Throughout the month of September
Free
If you missed the Festival in August, the murals are still up for self-guided walking tours. Click here to see the map of mural locations and take yourself on a tour of Calgary’s outdoor art.
To learn more visit yycbump.ca/festival/
National Music Centre free tours
Throughout the month of September
Free
For those of you who have always wondered what’s inside the beautiful architecture of the National Music Centre but haven’t had the chance to visit - now’s your chance! National Music Centre is offering a limited amount of free, timed, self-guided tour tickets for the month of September.
To learn more visit studiobell.ca
India Film Festival
September 10 - 12, 2020
Free
Join the India Film Festival for a series of free nightly drive-in film screenings where viewers can enjoy a “big screen” experience from the safety of their cars. These screenings take place at Big Rock Brewery 5555 76 Ave SE.
For more information visit indiafilmfestival.ca
