@CultureDistrict Tweets
| 1st Thurs FINAL TIP: not too late to get over to Cantos - 30s music+50s amps+90s grunge++=unconventional new sound of My Dear Watson — 2 days 1 hour ago |
| CORRECTION: Oops! free PIZZA not beer tonite @contemporaryATP w pre-show chat 6:30 for 7:30. So get over there NOW! #yycarts #yyc. — 2 days 3 hours ago |
| 1st Thurs RIGHT NOW @contemporaryATP Enbridge playRites Festival of New Canadian Plays: preview "Drama", rush tix $27, free beer & chat NOW! — 2 days 3 hours ago |
| 1st Th gotta-do: 3:30 start early tonite w 1/2$ sushi & Sapporo @ubulounge then 1st Th all within 3 blocks then UBU DJs til 10 #yyc #yycarts — 2 days 7 hours ago |
| 1st Thur tip #5: LAST DAY till 8 Crystal Wonderland 2 by ACAD prof Rbt Geyer sculpture & drwg created w altered pcs of commercial glass #yyc — 2 days 9 hours ago |
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Frequently Asked Questions about First Thursdays
What are First Thursdays?
On the first Thursday of every month, arts venues, restaurants and retailers in and near Calgary's Cultural District stay open late and offer a mix of special activities, many of them free or discounted. Activities include gallery openings, meet-the-artist events, theatre, dance, readings, talks, tours, street happenings and food and drink specials. First Thursday goers can sample any number of events, start as early as breakfast and stay as late as 2am, all within blocks of Olympic Plaza.
When are they?
The first Thursday of every month. Events are on all day, but things really pick up after 5pm.
Where are they held?
Venues change every month, but it's all within a comfortable walking area in the Cultural District. Regulars include The Art Gallery of Calgary, the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts and its resident companies, the many galleries and shops in Art Central, Vertigo and Lunchbox theatres in the Tower, Theatre Junction GRAND, Coppeneur Chocolate, Beat Niq Jazz & Social Club, the Central Library, TRUCK and Stride Galleries, MOCA-Calgary and more!
There seem to be a lot of events. What are you supposed to do?
There ARE a lot of events! Browse the listings. They are available online. Download the listings and pick a route. Pick a starting event (when in doubt, start with half price appies at The Auburn Saloon from 5-6pm) and wander from there. Some events require an entry fee or ticket, but many are free. Stay as little or as long as you like at each venue. Explore!
Do I have to dress up?
No way. Come as you are.
Who's behind First Thursday?
First Thursday is presented by the Cultural District - a neighbhourhood collective including arts organizations and venues, individual artists, restaurants, shops and other businesses.
How long have First Thursdays been going?
Based on successful First Thursday art walk events that attract thousands of people in the US, Calgary’s First Thursdays have been going on since 2002.
Why First Thursdays?
Our downtown is packed with fun ways to get out and sample some of Calgary's arts and culture. We are proud to show off the growing variety of events taking place in the Cultural District.
How can I get involved?
We are looking for all sorts of interesting ideas and people who want to get involved in First Thursdays. Learn more.