FIRST THURSDAYS in the Cultural District

First Thursday is the signature event of Calgary's Cultural District - the neighbourhood roughly bounded by City Hall, 6th Avenue, the Bay and the CPR tracks.  This neighbourhood is home to one of the richest concentrations of arts and cultural facilities (10 theatres and a concert hall, public and commercial galleries, the central library and Glenbow Museum), year-round programs and festivals and resident arts companies of any city in North America!  

As well, the Cultural District is home to some of Calgary's most significant historic buildings and the Stephen Avenue National Historical District, the Calgary Tower, great one-off shops and 59 (count em'!) eateries and bars, including many of Calgary's finest dining spots - Teatro, Ccentini's, Belvedere, Piq Niq, Murietta's, Blink, Charcut, Sky 360, the Trib, the James Joyce, Saltlik, Catch, Thomsons, Home Tasting Room, Rose Garden Thai, deVille, the Palomino and many more.

On the First Thursday of every month, the neighbours stay open late and offer something special - talks, tours, live music, theatre, exhibitions, sales, food and drink specials and more, much of it free.  Be a tourist in your own town - join us on First Thursday and discover the inner workings, fascinating characters and lively lifestyle of this special place in Calgary's downtown.  

Check www.firstthursdays.ca or www.culturaldistrict.ca two weeks prior to each First Thursday to get the full listings of what's on.  You can go to one event or see how many you can cram into the day, starting as early as 7am with a hearty breakfast at the Legion and staying till the last glass is emptied and the bands quit at Beat Niq and Palomino.  It's wise to plot your itinerary in advance.  (And just to warn you - it's impossible to do it all, so you can have a different experience every month!)  

If you try an event and it isn't your thing, feel free to leave and try something else.  There's lots happening, all within 3 blocks of the Calgary Tower.  Come solo, come with a crowd of friends, or join a free tour.  Say hello to your hosts and fellow First Thursday visitors - everyone's in it for a good time!  If you'd like to set up a custom tour for a group (minimum 8), email Meg at cd@culturaldistrict.ca.  And if you have a group in town for a convention or family event, we'd be happy to set up a personalized First Thursday-like tour of the Cultural District any day of the month.

www.culturaldistrict.ca