For two weekends this fall, the alley north of 17th Avenue’s 400 block will be completely transformed into a pop-up public space called The Backyard! Thanks to a collaboration between 17th Avenue businesses, the 17th Avenue BIA, the Beltline Neighbourhood Association, and the City of Calgary, Calgarians will get the chance to enjoy this temporary public space to soak up the last moments of summer, while supporting 17th Avenue during the reconstruction project.
This idea for this pilot project came through conversation between businesses and the City of Calgary’s 17th Avenue reconstruction team as a way to maintain patio space while construction was in front of their establishments. Partnerships have been the backbone of this event with Kasian Architects re-imagining this unsightly alley into a space that will feature recycled astroturf donated by Wilco Construction, plants and greenery donated by Eagle Lake Nurseries, canopy lighting, patios, an open air movie theatre by Quickdraw Animation Society, a live music stage, artisan market, and more.
“It’s been great helping support the marketing and coordination efforts for this event on behalf of the businesses in our BIA; who have come together with this unique and creative idea that all Calgarians can enjoy!”, said 17th Avenue RED BIA Executive Director, Esther Kelly. “Whether it’s the Roadblock Party that happened earlier this month or The Backyard Alley Party taking place this weekend and next, it’s clear that Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit is both resilient & remarkable.”
“Local 510’s patio is a staple on 17th Avenue, no matter how short our summers are,” said Local 510 Operating Partner, Dan Northfield. “It’s been helpful to work with The City to look at the impacts of road construction in a new way and using it as a platform to create an event that gives people another way to enjoy a pint, some music and food outside for as long as possible.”
The Backyard Alley Party will take place the last two weekends in September with new patios behind Local 510, The Living Room, Ox Bar De Tapas, The Ship & Anchor, Ricardo’s and National.
Friday, September 29: 6pm – 10pm
Market Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1: 2pm – 8pm
Main Event Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1: 2pm – 10pm
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
6 – 10 pm: Fudge Packer Friday Fall Freak Fest and Lip Sync Battle, Local 510 6 – 10 pm: DJ, National
6 – 10 pm: Live Art Mural Painting, Daniel J Kirk, Blank Page Studio
6 – 10 pm: Market, Local Vendors
8 – 10 pm: Quickdraw Animation Reel
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
12:30 pm: Freddy Dwight, Live Music, Local 510
1:30 pm: Ram Hoss, Live Music, Local 510
2 – 4 pm: Quickdraw Animation Workshop
2 – 8 pm: Market, Local Vendors
2:30 pm: Fox Who Slept The Day Away, Live Music, Local 510 3 pm: DJ, National
3:30 pm: Grey Screen, Live Music, Local 510
4:30 pm: Bog Bodies, Live Music, Local 510
5 – 7 pm: Quickdraw Animation Workshop
5:30 pm: Melted Mirror, Live Music, Local 510
6:30 pm: Bog Bodies, Live Music, Local 510
7:30 pm: Archaics, Live Music, Local 510
8 – 10 pm: Quickdraw Animation Reel
8:30 pm: 36?, Live Music, Local 510
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
11 am – 12 pm: Free YOGA Class with Katie Mak
1:30 pm: Liquor mountain, Live Music, Local 510
2 – 4 pm: Quickdraw Animation Workshop
2 – 8 pm: Market, Local Vendors
2:30 pm: Corey Hotline, Live Music, Local 510
3 pm: DJ, National
3:30 pm: Ancient Highways, Live Music, Local 510
4 – 10 pm: DIY Drill Workshop, Daniel J Kirk, Blank Page Studio 4:30 pm: Speed Strips, Live Music, Local 510
5 – 7 pm: Quickdraw Animation Workshop
5:30 pm: Clinton St. John, Live Music, Local 510
6:30 pm: FLOOD PLAIN, Live Music, Local 510
7:30 pm: Supervisions, Live Music, Local 510
8 – 10 pm: OUTDOOR MOVIE, Fantastic Mr. Fox
8:30 pm: Sunglaciers, Live Music, Local 510
Stay up-to-date on all things Backyard Alley Party & follow the fun:
Twitter: @TheBackyard17 and join the conversation by using #Backyard17 in your posts.
For more information please contact: Brieanne Biblow
403-978-8409 [email protected]
