A great way to spend a summer evening is wandering around Kensington. Start with some window shopping at stores like The Rocket, Purr, Kismet for clothes and Urban Barn, Cushy Life and Mañana Imports for some unique home products. When you’re done window shopping give yourself a treat by heading over to Spoon Me, an amazing new frozen yogurt shop in the heart of Kensington, to get a small frozen yogurt for $5. If frozen yogurt isn’t your thing, head next door to Higher Ground for a latté (or even a glass of wine or  a beer).

To finish off the night make your way to the Plaza Theatre for a movie. The Plaza is one of Calgary’s oldest theatres, and there is always some unique movies playing. Regular admission costs $9.50 – and if you go on Monday admission is 2 for 1!

Have other suggestions for things to do in Kensington? Be sure to post them in the comments.

It all started with the costumes. So far I counted 4 wookies, 5 Links, 3 Wolverines and more Storm Troopers than you can count. As years past the costumes were all amazing, there was tons of originality and creativity put into the costumes. My personal favourite was the little boy wearing the R2D2 costume, it had blinking lights and everything.

There was also a ton of celebrity appearances. Spock was there, so was Lando and Captain Spalding. I also saw Data, some werewolves and Captain Kirk’s murderer! Celebrities definitely ruled the Expo this year. We were fortunate enough to see 2 panels, Horror Icons and X-Men.  Both had legends in their genres and kept us laughing and entertained (especially when Malcolm McDowell jokingly shot down a couple of the questions asked!).

Leonard Nimoy’s panel was PACKED – with an overflow room required. He was white hatted by the Mayor during the event, and although we couldn’t get into watch, we saw him speak logically on the big screen inside the expo.

Having attended the expo in the past, I noticed some huge improvements this year: most importantly space (not like the universe, but actual floor room). With the expansion into another hall there was a lot more room to walk around, relax and take a break. And  most importantly, it didn’t always feel like I was a cow being herded.  I was able to take in more of the sights and sounds and the room allowed me to stop to take some neat pictures.  Food availability also increased this year – with 2 extra food locations and an expanded Coco Brooks.

A new feature, Horror took the stage for new showcases.  Troma Entertainment was new this year, probably the biggest name in low budget horror films.  Screamfest brought their infamous haunted house right from COP, and Ravenous EFX from Edmonton brought some amazing costumes right from movie sets.  My favourite was Alice’s costume from the Resident Evil series.

The day was definitely packed full of fun, and I’m looking forward to day two on Sunday. What to look forward to Sunday?  More celebs, costumes and shopping!  The Twilight panel is taking place (Go Team Wolfpack) and Brent Spiner will take the stage to talk about his role as Data on Star Trek: TNG.

And as an added suggestion, if you purchased a photo-op with Leonard Nimoy try lining up early.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lineup that long before, it even extended outside of the BMO Centre.

So what can you expect this year at the Comic Expo?:

Media Guests

Star Trek – Check! Star Wars – Check!  Twilight – CHECK!  This year the expo has got it all, and it really is where the expo shines.  Over the past 4 years the guests have become more famous – and this year they have Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy, as well as Brent Spiner (Data on Star Trek:TNG), Malcom McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Chris Claremont (X-Men), and Sid Haig (House of 1000 Corpses).  A full list of guests are available on the Calgary Expo website.

Costumes

Have you ever wanted to don your own pair of leotards and fight crime?  Think what you got to win the Costume Contest?  Then step up and sew up the greatest character costume you can imagine – originality is highly recommended! While I don’t think I’ll be dressing up myself, I have to confess that I will enjoy seeing everyone else in their favourite character costumes.

The Artwork

Some of the greatest artists and animators of our time have graced the presence of the CCE.  The artist alley provides a large area for freelance and amateur artists to show their work, and each artist can contribute to the annual CCE Artbook. While I have never been a big art connoisseur, after attending the CCE 4 years in a row I look forward to the artwork by both the local and international artists each year.  Check out the full list of artists on the website.

Presentations

Panel discussion. Round table. Presentation. Call it what you want, but it’s the information every fan and want-to-be artists are looking for.  Most of the media guests will participate in at least one panel, and if you’re a budding artist or game designer there are sessions that can help you jump start your career in art and media.  For a full list presentations visit the website.

The Deals

So after beating the crowd to see Leonard Nimoy do the Vulcan Salute, you might wonder what else there is to do? It’s time to go shopping! Pretty much every comic and collectible from here to the 5th moon of Endor is at the CCE. It’s a great place to find that one book or that fits your collection, and a giant wave of nostalgia will come over you when you find out just how many games and toys you can find.  And yes, even the original Final Fantasy NES cartridge your mom threw out can be found at the Comic Expo.

Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not just about Comics. There’s plenty of stuff for everyone in the family to enjoy, so be sure to check out the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo this upcoming weekend. Calgary Things will be there live covering the event on Twitter and through this blog so be sure to follow us and check back for updates.

Is it possible to have a fun night out in Calgary for under $15 a person? We think so, which is why we’re on a mission to help budget conscious Calgarians find things to do. Over the next few weeks we’ll be hunting down the cheapest things to do in Calgary. In the first part of this series we’re visiting Lloyd’s Roller Rink.

Anyone who grew up in Calgary should remember Lloyd’s Roller Rink. With it’s disco style lights and old school decòr Lloyd’s has been a Calgary landmark for over 45 years. The last time I was at Lloyd’s was when Aqua’s Barbie Girl was a #1 hit – so I was hesitant to visit out of fear of both falling on my face and being the only adult there. But my fears were unfounded. I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide group of people there, from the very young to some very old – and (thankfully) many who were worse skaters than me. And the best part? Everything inside was exactly the same – from the colourful lights on the ceiling to the murals on the walls.

Total cost for the night: $13.00. This includes $8.00 for admission, a $2.50 skate rental (you can choose between roller skates or blades), and another $2.50 to buy a Coke after skating too fast during Don’t Stop Believin’. If you visit during the week, admission is even cheaper – with a $3.00 loonie and twoonie night on Mondays, and if you bring your own skates you can skip the rental fee.

Despite what you might remember, Lloyd’s isn’t just for kids. The retro interior and many wobbly attempts at skating made for a night full of laughs with my friends. And if you haven’t gone roller skating or blading in a long time – you’ll have a great time trying it again.

Did you know that this week, between 3-5 children in every classroom in Calgary will witness their mothers being assaulted? Or that Alberta has the highest rate of reported family violence in Canada and leads the country in domestic assault, homicide-suicide and stalking? Me either. That’s why I was happy to hear about Rock Against Abuse, a Calgary event aimed at raising awareness on domestic abuse and family violence, and to raise funds to support the programs at the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.

Tickets are now available for the May 22 event and only cost $20. They include a free drink, with proceeds going to a great cause. Local bands featured at the event include THE TIME MACHINE, KENSINGTON ROAD and THE A CAPPELLA FELLAS.

For more information visit our event page, or visit the Rock Against Abuse 2010 website.

So if you’re ready to add your event – whether it’s coming up in a month or in a year – simply do one of the following:

1. Email us at things@calgarythings.com with event information, and we’ll post it to the site
2. Visit the Add your Event page and add your event details to add it automatically

And if you have other ideas of how we can help you promote your event, shoot us an email. We’re always open to new ideas and unique partnerships with organizers.

1. The classic “Dinner and a Movie”. A classic romantic night out is a simple way to show your loved one how much you love them by recreating that perfect “date night”.  For dinner suggestions, check out Urban Spoon to find great restaurants in the Calgary area.
2. If that sounds too plain for your liking, how about something a bit more physical?  Try taking a dance lesson together to create a night of active fun. Latin Corner, Alberta Dance Sport, and Mambo Pro all feature beginner and drop-in lessons.  If rhythm isn’t your thing, go out for a night of ice skating at either the Olympic Oval or Bowness Park.
3. Treat yourself!  Ladies, whether you’re single or attached don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is about loving you, your man and making yourself look good.  For some sexy outfits to wear outside on the big day, check out the Valentine’s Shopping Night @ Fashion Central or for something more revealing in the evening, pick up some lingerie at She Apparel or Knickers N Lace.
4. Do something different!  Don’t want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the classic dinner? How about playing tourist for the day instead. Pretend it’s your first visit to Calgary and take in the sights and sounds the city has to offer.  Check out the Glenbow Museum, take a trip to the Calgary Zoo and then top it all off by spending a night with your lover in one of Calgary’s great hotels – Hotel Arts perhaps?
5. Bring out the artist in you!  Do a fun and simple craft together that will create a memory to last a lifetime.  Check out Color Me Mine or Fire Escape for some fun and amazing Valentine’s Day fun.

So whether you decide to stick with the classics, or try something a little different, have a fun and sexy Valentine’s Day!

Beyond Artisan Marketplace Show and Sale

November 6 – 8 – Happening at the Blackfoot Inn, this show features fine art and hand crafted one-of-a-kind pieces by Artists & Artisans. Tickets are only $7, and feature a number of creations from local artists.

Make it Calgary

November 6 – 8 - Located at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, Make it Calgary is happening the same weekend as the Beyond Artisan Marketplace. With over 70 of Canada’s hottest urban artisans and designers, you’re sure to find an amazing one-of-a-kind handmade item that’s perfect for a gift (or for yourself!). Items range from fashion and accessories to home decor items.

Calgary Art Market and Show

November 19 – November 22 - Head down to the Telus Convention Centre to discover the Calgary Art Market. This exclusive event is designed for Christmas gift giving and for the discerning collector. Over 200 professional artisans from across Canada present an amazing selection of quality art and craft, with over fifty craft categories represented.

ScreamFest Haunted House

ScreamFest is a yearly event at Canada Olympic Park that includes five different haunted houses and a tent full of games and other ghastly attractions (like getting buried alive or test driving a casket). I recommend getting there early as it definitely gets busy quickly, and it’s much more fun getting scared then waiting in line. With a number of scary performers sneaking up behind you, you also might get a little scare outside of the haunted houses (my apologies to the guy that snuck up on me… I didn’t mean to call you an asshole).

Nightmare Now Haunted House

Located at KartWorld off MacLeod Trail, Nightmare Now is smaller than ScreamFest but packed full of just as many screams. With two creepy haunted houses that are sure to make you pee your pants, you’ll also be able to hang out at KartWorld afterwards for a fun night out.

Rocky Horror Halloween Show

My number one Halloween tradition is watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show. And what better way to do it then with a bunch of other crazy people at midnight? Head down to The Plaza theatre in Kensington October 30 or 31 for one of three screenings of the movie. Audience participation is a must, so be sure to bring your props, costumes and be prepared to do the Time Warp.

Boo! at the Zoo

An annual event, Boo! at the Zoo is a fun family event for children between the ages of 3 – 12. Starting October 26 you can take your kids to the zoo for a day (or evening for the older kids) of scares as they walk through the “Walk of the Dead” and play a number of Halloween themed games. There is also a free treat for kids under 12. Who doesn’t like free candy?

Other Events

There’s also a number of other family friendly events happening on October 31. Bring your kids to Halloween Scare at Market Mall, The YMCA Halloween Howler, or Halloween Fun Day for Kids at Deerfoot Mall. You can also visit Calgary Opera’s Grave Gala for an evening of spooky fun.

Update: Check the comments for some other great family friendly events!

If you’re an event coordinator and you would like to get your event reviewed/promoted, send us an email at things@calgarythings.com and we’ll see what we can do!

Stay tuned for some great articles.