East Village Get Out Guide - Summer 2016
There are always tons of great events happening in East Village, so many that it is sometimes hard to keep up! We did the work for you, so you can stay in the loop and have an awesome summer.
Enjoy all that East Village has to offer and stop in to visit us at the INK sales centre along the way!
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JULY EVENTS
Canada Day in East Village - Friday, July 1
The East Village Canada Day Street Fair and Show 'n Shine is back! Come down for local street vendors, gorgeous cars, and live music. This event hosts over 80 artisans and non-profit organizations, has performances from local musician and performing artists, and a featured children’s area for families.
Times: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Between the City Hall LRT station and Fort Calgary
More information: ev-na.com
Studio Bell Public Opening - Friday, July 1
The public opening of Studio Bell is on Canada Day. Only on July 1, admission to the centre is free. The centre will also be hosting special Canada Day programming all day to celebrate the opening.
Times: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: National Music Centre, 850 4 Street S.E., Calgary, AB
More information: studiobell.ca
Cyclepalooze Bike Festival - July 1-10
Cyclepalooza is a community-driven, do-it-yourself bicycle festival held every summer in Calgary. Cyclepalooza brings people together through cycling for fun and transportation. Check out the Cafe Croissant bakery crawl that travels through East Village on July 3 and the YYC Beer by Bike tour that launches from Charbar on July 8.
Times: Vary
Cost: Free (excluding pastries and beer!)
Location: Vary
More information: cyclepalooza.ca
Long Weekend Island Escape #1 – Sunday, July 3
Bring the whole family down to for a fun-filled island staycation. Get your beach boogie on with music from BassBus. Food trucks will be on site with beach snacks, and EAST Crew will have classic summer games and activities on hand. All you need to complete your urban getaway is a blanket and a pair of sunnies.
Times: 12 - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Trout Beach on St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
EV Music Pavilion Concert - feat. 'Tire le Coyote' – Wednesday, July 6
Celebrate the Year Of Music in Calgary with the opening of the new East Village Music Pavilion - a gift from our sister-city, Quebec City. This inaugural concert will feature Québécois folk band, 'Tire Le Coyote' and local Albertan band, 'Post Script'. Snack on poutine & drinks, provided by Taste of Quebec.
Times: 7 - 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: EV Music Pavilion, located just east from 6th St & 6th Ave. It is SE from the George C. King bridge, between the RiverWalk pathway and Fort Calgary.
Stampede Parade - Friday, July 8
Each year the Parade showcases more than 150 western-themed entries, including 30 marching bands, 40 floats, 750 horses and 4,000 people. It's not just a Parade marching down an avenue; it's a march through tradition, history and local Calgary culture. East Village and Fort Calgary will be used as the staging ground for the Parade and will be the start of the Parade route!
Times: Prelude at 7:30 a.m., Parade 9 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Downtown Calgary - Parade route
More information: calgarystampede.com/stampede/attractions/parade
Bell Live Series - July 8-17
The Bell Live Series at the King Eddy is bringing you 10 days of foot-stompin’ tunes. The King Eddy will be transformed into a pop-up country bar with real-deal western music: classic country, rockabilly, bluegrass, western-swing, and Americana.
Times: Vary
Cost: $20
Location: National Music Centre, 850 4 Street S.E., Calgary, AB
More information: nmc.ca
Rooftop Rose Party - Wednesday, July 13
A Broad Abroad, Paula Froelich, is stopping by to film some Alley Burger action and we’d love for you to be part it! Come down at 2:00pm, we’ll be serving up the biggest, baddest, tastiest Alley Bugers!
We’ll be serving the full Alley Burger menu, including single or double patty Original Alley Burgers with the famous piri piri sauce, everything piled high Whole Truck Burgers, tasty Beef Fat Fries, and Softserve Icecream!
Times: 2 - 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Alley Burger @ the Simmons, 618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB (access the walk–thru window from the West parking lot)
Rooftop Rose Party - Sunday, July 17
Team Branded invites you to join us at charbar for a Rooftop Rosé Party to celebrate the release of Issue 11 on Sunday, July 17th from 12-7pm in trueThe Fat Jew style - aka ft. all of the rosé.
We’ll have a live DJ pumping the vibes and charbar is going to have rosé on special all day. So grab your homies, get dressed up in your finest Canadian Tuxedo (seriously) & raise a glass to the release of Issue 11: 'The Interlude'.
Times: 12 - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Charbar, 618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB
EV Neighbourhood Series - Bingo Night - Monday, July 18
Have you met your neighbour yet? You're bound to at the Neighbourhood Series events! We're inviting all EV residents to come meet one another at fun, free, community get-togethers. You'll get to know East Villagers both young and young at heart, the newly arrived and the pioneers.
The first EV Neighbourhood Series event is bingo night on Monday, July 18th. Pull up a chair at 5th Street Square, and get your dobbers ready. Nothing bonds neighbours like a little friendly competition, so we'll have some sweet prizes up for grabs! All bingo supplies and light snacks will be provided.
Times: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: 5th Street Square
Hamlet - A Ghost Story - July 19-24
For the period of July 19-24, Shakespeare by the Bow will move to St. Patrick's Island for an exciting new initiative, Hamlet – A Ghost Story. The 50 minute play takes the audience through a story telling wonder of visual spectacle.
The audience will promenade through the island, lead by ambitious tour guides, peering into the lives of the first family of Denmark. Rediscover the spirit of the original Shakespeare which is, after all, a ghost story where "Hell itself breathes out contagions to this world".
Times: 9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Trout Beach on St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
More information: theatrecalgary.com/hamlet-ags
AUGUST EVENTS
Long Weekend Island Escape #2 – Monday, August 1
Music from the BassBus, delicious eats from YYC food trucks, and summer games are back! Rally the crew and enjoy your long weekend getaway without leaving the city.
Times: 12 - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Trout Beach on St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
More information: evexperience.com/st-patricks-island-events
Opera in the Village - August 13-21
Over two weekends, Calgary Opera presents two shows under the Chautauqua Tent. An abridged version of family-friendly Hansel and Gretel and four performances of the adult-oriented, cheeky comedy, Archibaldo. There will also be free performances in the East Village daily for the community to attend.
Times: 1 p.m., 7 p.m.
Cost: $15-25
Location: East Village RiverWalk, 618 Confluence Way S.E., Calgary, AB
More information: calgaryopera.com
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Fort Calgary - August 24
Mafia Murders: It's the roaring 20's and that means you have to know the password to get into this exclusive party at the speak-easy. The Godfather, his fashionista embarrassment of a brother, his bodyguard, and Fifi the lounge singer will all be there. Everyone has an agenda, and if you haven't made your bones yet, you could be called upon... so be prepared!
Times: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $85
Location: Fort Calgary Barracks, 750 9 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB
More information: fortcalgary.com/functions/dinnertheatre/
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
X-Fest Calgary - September 3-4
This year, X-Fest has an impressive lineup of contemporary musicians. Headliners at the festival include Twenty One Pilots, The Lumineers, Halsey, Vance Joy and Arkells. There are also beer gardens.
Times: Gates at 11:30 a.m.
Cost: From $179.50
Location: Fort Calgary, 750 9 Avenue, S.E., Calgary, AB
More information: xfestcalgary.com
Long Weekend Island Escape #3 – Monday, September 5
The third and final island staycation kicks off this weekend. Don’t miss your last chance to experience sun and fun-filled island life in the heart of the city!
Times: 12 - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Trout Beach on St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
More information: evexperience.com/st-patricks-island-events
Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Fort Calgary - September 9-October 21
A Hillbilly Wedding: You're invited to the best pig-hollerin', foot-stompin' wedding ever! You can cut the tension with a knife with the problems from rejected sitors, jealous cousins, money-hungry in-laws and overprotective parents! This wedding isn't what it seems and the body count is risin', the sun is settin' and pig isn't even on the spit yet!
Times: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $85
Location: Fort Calgary Barracks, 750 9 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB
More information: fortcalgary.com/functions/dinnertheatre
Beakerhead - September 14-18
Science and engineering meet art and design when Beakerhead takes over the city for its fourth year. During the course of the five-day event this year, there are going to be more than 60 events that combine science, engineering and art.
Most events are free. Ticketed events include the Rock 'n' Roll History of Space Exploration, the Love Lab and Industrial Arts Culinary event. Tickets go on sale in August.
Times: Vary
Cost: Vary
Location: Vary; stay tuned for updates closer to the event
More information: beakerhead.com
Movies on the Rise at St. Patrick’s Island - Thursday evenings in August
Outdoor movie screenings at The Rise on St. Patrick’s Island were a hit last year. The films that will be screened this year are still being decided, but last year, five films were screened from the middle of August and into September — films screened included Stand By Me, Ghostbusters and Jaws. Gather on the nine-metre-high natural amphitheatre and watch the film that is shown on an inflatable movie screen at its base.
Times: TBD
Cost: Free
Location: St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
More information: evexperience.com
RECURRING EVENTS
Sunday Brunch at Fort Calgary - Sundays
Each Sunday, Fort Calgary puts on a delicious brunch served with a side of local organic local history. Your brunch admission includes amazing food, a unique historic setting, activities for kids and access to the museum.
Times: 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: Adults $27, kids 5-12 $15, kids under 5 are free!
Location: Fort Calgary Barracks, 750 9 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB
More information: fortcalgary.com
Outdoor Games Station – Sundays
A quick game of Bocce? Or ladder golf, perhaps? Track down EV’s EAST Crew, who will set-up on the island every Sunday to lend out activities and equipment for a perfect day at the park! First-come, first-served. Honour system applies.
Times: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
Voices in the Village – Sundays
Your perfect lazy Sunday has been planned. Local musicians hit the East Village Experience Centre deck every Sunday. Kick back with some chill tunes and soak up the sun.
Times: 1 - 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: East Village Experience Centre, 553 Riverfront Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB
Flow Yoga – Tuesdays
Matching movement and breath, heart with lungs. Stef Rizvi will create a fluid, unique sequence with a primary focus on generating internal heat through breath, sun salutations, balance, and strength. This practice ends with a guided meditation and savasana. Don't forget your yoga mat!
Times: 12 - 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: East Village Experience Centre, 553 Riverfront Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB
Outsiders Run Club – Tuesdays
East Village is teaming up with The Outsiders Run Club! Lace up with Joanna Magik of The Sweat Style for free 5-8k runs every Tuesday night. Presented by The Sweat Style x East Village.
Times: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Meet up at RiverWalk Plaza (adjacent to the Simmons Building).
Crossfit – Wednesdays
Feel the burn. Join Inglewood Crossfit as they whip you into summer shape with a free hour-long outdoor workout.
Times: 12 - 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: East Village Experience Centre, 553 Riverfront Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB
Calgary Food Tours: Eating East Village - Wednesdays
If you need some help getting through the week, a food tour in the East Village might be the boost you need. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes progressive dinner at the Simmons Building. The tour begins at Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters where you'll learn about the roasting and brewing of coffee beans. Get insight into bread making at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery (and pop a dessert in the oven that you'll enjoy later in the evening.) The dinner ends with a custom cocktail and asado feast at Charbar.
Times: 5:30 - 8:30pm
Cost: $145
Location: Simmons Building, 618 Confluence Way S.E., Calgary, AB
More information: calgaryfoodtours.com
Tot Storytime with Calgary Public Library – Wednesdays
Calgary Public Library brings endless imagination to the park with children’s stories every Wednesday. Stay after and spend some time exploring the island playground. The program is designed for ages 1-5 years, but siblings are always welcome!
Time: 10:30 - 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
More information: evexperience.com/st-patricks-island-events
Barre Body – Thursdays
Barre Body Fit is a 60 minute total body workout that incorporates elements of Pilates, yoga, and dance. You’ll experience small isometric movements to work the body's stabilizer muscles for a great burn from start to finish. The class is low impact and great for all fitness levels. Bring a mat and water for this class at the East Village Experience Centre!
Times: 12 - 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: East Village Experience Centre, 553 Riverfront Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB
The Book Truck – Every second Wednesday 11am-12:45pm
This “library on wheels” brings books, movies, and many library services to the community and gets people of all ages excited about reading and books. Register for a free library card, browse and borrow from our collection of 1,500 books and movies, and return library items.
Times: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Cost: Free (membership and fees excluded)
Location: St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
More information: calgarylibrary.ca/booktruck
Music on the Island – Saturdays
Enjoy acoustic sets by a local musician every Saturday on the island. It's a great way to spend a summer afternoon on a beautiful urban island oasis! Specific location will vary week to week.
Times: 2 - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: St. Patrick’s Island, 1300 Zoo Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB
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We want to help make summer 2016 your best yet! There are always new events being planned so stay tuned to the blog for updates and follow our social media accounts for the live version as we show you just how amazing East Village life is.
Facebook: Battistella Developments
Twitter: @BattistellaDev
Instagram: BattistellaDev
Craving more? Visit us at the INK sales centre to find out how you can be part of the action and call East Village home.
Sales Centre: 535 8 Avenue S.E.
Phone: 403.452.9268
Empowering Youth Through Street Art
Calgary: Battistella Developments Inc. is thrilled to donate a “canvas” to The City of Calgary’s Street Art Program for Youth, bringing more vibrancy and public art to the East Village.
Battistella has gifted the former Orange Lofts sales centre in East Village to the Street Art program to use as practice walls. “Art takes many forms and street art is no exception. We support The City of Calgary’s efforts to empower students through creative expression and we are excited to be able to contribute to such a great program,” says Chris Pollen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Battistella. “We want to live in a city that is rich in art, in all its many forms, and we believe that drawing youth into the artistic process helps us create an amazing, diverse artistic landscape for Calgary to enjoy.”
“The City of Calgary’s Street Art Program for Youth engages students in a supportive environment and promotes the practice of safe and respectful urban muralism. An internationally respected art form, students are guided by professional artists and learn art-making skills that add to the vibrant urban life of our city,” says Dawn Ford, public art program coordinator for The City of Calgary. “Students in the program gain an understanding of what it means to be a professional artist working to meet the needs of a commissioning body and contributing to the larger community through their creativity. Thank you very much to Battistella who is graciously donating the canvas for these youth to practice their art form, and allowing our students to see the real-world results of their positive work.”
The artwork will be painted in three installations, scheduled for May, July and August 2016. Come check out the painting live on site!
To learn more about The City of Calgary’s Street Art Program for Youth, visit calgary.ca/streetart. To contact Battistella, please email admin@battistella.ca.
About Battistella Developments Inc.: Battistella Developments Inc. is multi-family real estate developer based in Calgary, AB. Founded in 1980, Battistella is focused on creating architecturally designed homes in the inner city of Calgary and has complete 10 developments to date, with two currently in progress; LIDO and INK.
Redefining small
Modernity and affordability work hand-in-hand at INK
By Pepper Rodriguez
Go big by going small. The rise of so-called micro-suite apartment style condos in Calgary has not gone unnoticed, and Battistella Developments is bringing their own inimitable style to this niche market as the renowned Calgary-based developer launches INK.
Battistella has always been at the forefront of multi-family innovation in Calgary’s inner-city, with a long string of successful mid-rise apartment-style condos and luxury townhomes that push the envelope of modern, cosmopolitan styles. They bring this same love for cutting-edge designs to this 117 unit, a 14-storey high-rise in East Village with units starting from 368 square-feet.
“We are bringing the minimalist mindset to another level with INK,” says Battistella’s Liz Schrettlinger. “We wanted a condo that captures the vibrant millennial lifestyle that focuses more on having the ability to thoroughly enjoy a downtown lifestyle affordably.”
And INK seems to be off to a rocking start selling 40 percent of the development in its first few weeks with hardly any marketing push.
INK offers eight-floor plans from a 368-square-foot studio apartment to 444-square-foot one-bedroom units, and 689-square-foot two bedrooms, which is their largest. Prices range from $181,000 to $419,000 plus GST.
What makes INK different from other micro-suite condos is that, in addition to affordable units that have no parking, they also offer some units that have the option to purchase a parking stall in their underground parkade. “This way you still have the option of owning a car,” Schrettlinger says.
“Our buyers are more interested in living their lives than maintaining a home, they lead a lifestyle where all they really need is a bedroom, and the money they save from paying a huge mortgage goes into travel and enjoying all that downtown life has to offer,” she adds.
What makes this car-less lifestyle appealing is that INK is right in the heart of East Village, just off the edge of downtown, near the C-Train, and surrounded by already existing amenities and more coming down the line.
This historically important part of Calgary has become a shining example of urban redevelopment. East Village is now a coveted inner-city destination, and with the new Central Public Library and National Music Centre going up in the neighbourhood, with their construction already going at a fast clip, this comunity is vying to become the cultural centre of Calgary. And INK will be right in its midst.
“INK is expected to be completed in 2018, which is also the year when a lot of these key developments will be opening in East Village,” she points out. “People who buy at INK now can have these to look forward to when they move in.”
Of course, Battistella is no stranger to East Village, and one of their earliest developments — Orange Lofts — heralded new residential development here even before there were concrete plans for the redevelopment of this riverside area. INK’s sales centre is, in fact, along the main floor of Orange Lofts.
Speaking of which, the sales centre features a show suite of their one-bedroom units, expertly displaying the commitment to making small spaces work in a cohesive, practical manner.
INK’s interiors merge smart, functional layouts with stylish materials and features, complemented by nine-and-a-half-feet tall ceilings with matching window walls.
“The loft-like overheight ceiling provide an open, airy atmosphere to reveal exposed pipe and venting, which with Battistella’s signature polished concrete floors give suites that singular modern, industrial look,” Schrettlinger says.
Kitchens have a full array of stainless steel appliances and a choice between two modern wood grain cabinetry options. Bathrooms are just as sleek, with custom floating cabinetry and smart storage solutions.
INK’s exterior is just as unique with a visionary design by S2, which combines concrete construction with a soaring glass-and-steel facade, creating a modern architectural landmark for East Village.
There are several in-house amenities that adds to the ease-of-living promise, including a spacious rooftop patio with fireplaces and plenty of room for entertaining. “It’s a private spot where you can enjoy the company of friends and neighbours with the glittering downtown skyline as a backdrop,” Schrettlinger says.
INK also has a Repair Room where residents can tackle their DIY projects. Tune up your bike, fix your skateboard, adjust your skis or do small household repairs in a shared space equipped with all the tools you need. There’s also a pet wash station and easy in-and-out secure bike storage rooms.
“We give residents all they will need to thoroughly enjoy their downtown life,” she adds.