Few things come together to capture the quintessential cultural experience Calgary has to offer more perfectly than the combination of live music and food and drink. Now that restrictions have been fully lifted, you can be sure that over the next few months, we will be seeking out that experience in spades.
With several of the city’s go-to music-meets-food destinations gradually beginning to resume doing what they do best, we decided it would be a great time to share a few of our favourite places in Calgary to watch a live performance paired with delicious local cuisine.
From daily live performances on the historic King Eddy rooftop patio to up-and-coming artists making their mark at Koi’s popular patio sessions, to a series of unique and intimate songwriters’ rounds at Blue Jay Sessions at Ill-Fated Kustoms, here are some of the best places in Calgary to find live music with tasty eats and drinks this July.
The King Eddy
After a six-month closure, live music along with a new menu of comfort food classics, local brews, and creative cocktails officially made their return to Calgary’s historic King Eddy on Canada Day.
The local landmark also just reopened its newly-refurbished rooftop patio to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Studio Bell’s opening in 2016 and will offer daily live music during the Stampede and beyond.
The Blues Can
After Calgarians rallied to save the iconic Inglewood institution during the hard times brought on by lengthy lockdowns, The Blues Can is now back in action and offering live music every day of the week.
The Blues Can also offer a full menu featuring fun southern-inspired fare like popcorn prawns, breaded frog legs, po’boys sandwiches, jambalaya, and more.
Blue Jay Sessions
After a 10 month hiatus from in-person events, the popular food-meets-music popup Blue Jay Sessions is officially back in action!
Taking place at an outdoor event space on-site at Ill-Fated Kustoms from July 7-10, Blue Jay Sessions: Summer Nights will feature 24 Canadian musicians in intimate songwriters' circles complemented by interesting food options created by Top Chef Canada alum Elycia Ross and summery drinks. Menu will include an array of delicious sandwiches, braised beef nachos, tater tots, doughnuts, whisky lemonade, Negroni spritz cocktails and more.
Tickets for each session are $20 per person and available to purchase via Showpass.
Mikey’s on 12th
If you’re looking for an intimate setting to listen to live local music while indulging in some of the best tacos Calgary has to offer, Mikey’s is the place to be. The 12th Avenue haunt already has its stage booked for the entire month of July, so you can be sure that a great experience awaits whatever night you decide to stop by.
Vintage Chophouse and Tavern
Known for delivering classic Calgary steakhouse vibes along with a variety of local musical talent from a range of genres, Vintage Chophouse will officially resume offering weekly live music performances on the weekend of July 9.
Broken City
In addition to being one of Calgary’s go-to venues for comedy shows, games nights, and late night cocktails, Broken City is also one of the best places in the city to catch a live show from a number of independent musicians and DJs. Broken City also offers an entirely made-from-scratch menu featuring its famous chicken strips and much more.
Koi
With Calgary’s current heat wave continuing in full force for the foreseeable future, Koi’s popular patio sessions are a perfect way to experience live music from budding independent artists while enjoying chef Zaceriel Ardena’s newly-revamped menu of delicious Asian fusion fare.
Koi also recently announced the return of its iconic Tuesday open mic nights, so you can expect a number of up-and-coming local musicians to make appearances this summer.
