Night on the town
New ideas for your nights off work
Albina Khouzina
Features Editor
Living in Calgary can sometimes seem uneventful, and when the air gets colder you probably don’t want to even leave the house, but luckily for you The Reflector has put together a little guide to help you get out and do something fun. This city can get a lot of flack for not having a lot to do, but if you just look a little deeper you can find lots of events, places and activities to do.
Using this handy guide, you can follow your own trail on how to plan your evening.
You can choose categories depending on your budget, if you like the outdoors, or if you consider yourself a “foodie”, there is truly something for everyone’s fancy.

Calgary is full of good times; it's all about finding then and exploring. It's Adventure Time! Infographic: Michelle Vaniersel
Use your legs!
Calgary is always has different festivals, and events that happen and most are pretty cheap or even free. Now most students don’t really have the budget to go to a four-star restaurant so here is a guide for a variety of budgets:
It’s still warm in the city, so why not go out enjoy the parks and patios while you still can. Go to Eau Claire and go for a walk — it’s free. Downtown is full of places where you can go for a walk, go shopping or sit outside and have a drink. There also seems to be something happening near Stephen Ave so get out while its nice out. Living in Calgary the nice weather will probably not last too much longer.
Artsy styles
If you don’t feel like going outside or if walking isn’t really your thing — then why not do something cultural like going to an art gallery or poetry reading.
There are a lot of free galleries that frequently feature Canadian artists. It’s something different that will let you see some local talent and be a great date!
Childhood treasures
Calgary always has its staple locations like the Zoo or Heritage Park, but we often forget how fun they can be. There are also people who have lived here for years and have never been. Bring out the child in you, spend the day seeing some animals or going back in time and going on some rides at Heritage Park. It won’t cost you that much — its family friendly and you can make a whole day out of it.
Sporty folk
For all you sports fans, it’s still football season right now and NHL starts Oct. 1, so why not go see some games. Tickets can vary in prices but there is usually the “nose bleed seats” that are pretty cheap — and that’s where real fans sit anyway. Finally, if you want to cheer on your favourite home mountain-cats: go to a Cougars game and don’t forget the foam finger.
If money is no issue
Finally, for you 1 per cent kids in the audience – if you can make it rain and have an unlimited budget – then why not go all out and go to a dinner and a show? You can go see the ballet or go see some great music artists at the ‘Dome, which can be quite costly. There is also a bunch of amazing restaurants all around the city that are always a good idea and paradise for any foodie out there.
Calgary has lots of great things to do all year round, it’s just about finding them and being creative. And of course if you get lost, there is always great ideas sitting on the stands of The Reflector.