By Joel Dryden
It’s been a great summer in Calgary – the 2017 iterations of Calgary Stampede and Sled Island were a blast and delicious new restaurants like Parm and Calcutta Cricket Club joined the ranks. Though you might assume the fun is over now that summer is drawing to a close, there’s still plenty to keep you occupied as the leaves begin to change colour. Here’s the best of Calgary this September. [Photo credit: Beakerhead]
Calgary’s cocktail scene has long boasted some standout options, like the stylish 60-seat Proof and Model Milk’s charming (and nearly-hidden) Model Citizen speakeasy. The scene’s latest addition, Shelter, is positively post-apocalyptic. With a menu designed with vault-dwellers in mind, drinks on the menu include American Diplomacy (bourbon, sherry and sesame) and The Smell of Napalm in the Morning (rum, vermouth and absinthe).
Don’t let Tavernetta’s laid-back attitude and relaxing atmosphere fool you – the food at this charming Bridgeland addition packs a punch. The calamari and meatballs are particular favourites, though you can’t go wrong with Tavernetta’s broad selection of contemporary Italian dishes. The small backyard patio is one-of-a-kind in Calgary and is worth the price of admission.
Meat-lovers, keep an eye on Run Pig Run, opening Sept. 9 in the former home of Galla Winehouse and Bistro on 17th Avenue. With a menu that promises house-smoked bacon and craft cocktails, Run Pig Run looks to be the perfect stop before (or after!) you head across the street to the Ship and Anchor.
Though many summer festival favourites are in the rearview, September boasts a packed roster all its own. Beakerhead, Calgary’s celebration of all things futurism, runs Sept. 13 to 17 at a variety of venues. If you’ve never been, kick off your Beakerhead experience with the Serpent Mother – a performance featuring 40 pillars of fire certain to amaze.
The lineup for the 18th Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is here, and there are some big buzz films heading to Calgary. Stronger – starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Regina’s own Tatiana Maslany – is a heartbreaking and inspiring film focusing on the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Plus, make sure you check out Entanglement, written by Calgary’s own Jason Filiatrault (who also is the brains behind the hilarious viral Twitter account @SarcasticRover).
Other events on the schedule include Calgary Oktoberfest and VegFest Calgary – but for a full roundup of festivals and events on the way in September, check out Shane Flug’s Smart Tip.
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More fun things to do in September:
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September looms large on the kid calendar, marking the end of summer vacation and the return of classrooms and homework. It’s time for Calgary students to head back to school, and even if your child has already settled into their routine, there are plenty of places to stock up on extra supplies.
If you didn’t get enough local food at the 2017 Taste of Calgary, September has you covered. The second annual Calgary Food Fest is scheduled Sept. 16, where a number of Calgary food trucks will serve up their scrumptious offerings. For a full list of food festivals on the docket in September, check out Sarah Sussman’s Smart Tip.
Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of time to enjoy some fun in the sun. From CIFF to new spots to eat like Tavernetta and Run Pig Run, September in Calgary looks to be the perfect close-out to what’s been a festive summer.
