If you’re looking for socially distant, COVID-friendly things to keep you entertained these next few weeks, we’re here to help. 17th Ave is a cultural hub in the heart of Calgary’s downtown, and although things look a little different than normal, there’s still plenty of ways to keep busy on the Red Mile this month. Stop by the always-bustling Tomkin’s Park for a picnic and an afternoon of people watching; grab takeout from one of the many local restaurants offering creative pickup options; meander down the decorated Beltline streets to admire YYC Bump Murals; Check out one of the many new businesses that have opened up on the Ave this year. Despite current health restrictions, there’s no shortage of things to do on Calgary’s most famous street!
Chakalaka Now Available for Pickup and Delivery
This popular, globally-influenced tapas bar opened in early 2021, and has quickly grabbed the attention of Calgarians with its exotic menu items and distinctive cocktails – not to mention its sprawling rooftop patio. Although dine-in is currently unavailable, Chakalaka is now offering curbside pickup and delivery via Ubereats. View their mouthwatering takeout options here, or call them at 587-891-6872.
1410 17 Ave SW, chakalaka.ca
Arc’Teryx Outer Peace Challenge
From now until June 6, you can join in the Arc’Teryx Outer Peace Challenge, a Strava event encouraging people to get outside and get active. Complete four outdoor activities – think biking, running, kayaking, rock climbing, roller blading or whatever outdoor adventure floats your boat – each week, and unlock a discount code for select Arc’teryx items when you complete the challenge. Learn more about this Arc’Teryx and Strava collab, here, and find out how you can join!
815 17 Ave SW unit 150, arcteryx.com
Fjallraven Unpack Adventure
Be ready for all of your hiking and camping escapades this Summer at Fjallraven’s Unpack Adventure Event. From May 21st to May 24th, purchase any bag, and any other Fjallraven product you can fit inside is 20% off!
815 17th Av SW #130, fjallraven.com
Ten Degrees Virtual Happy Hour
We may all be growing tired of zoom meetings, but let’s be real, virtual happy hours are always something we can get on board with. This Friday and next Friday, May 28th from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., you can join Ten Degree’s chocolate makers for an hour of chocolate tasting and wine. Get more details at the link below!
818 16 Ave SW, tendegreeschocolate.ca
Passion For Glass New Exhibit
Passion For Glass has a new exhibit at their 17th Ave studio, titled “Flight.” In collaboration with local artists, Connie Geert and Leslie Row-Israelson, renowned glass artist and owner of Passion For Glass, Anna Bilek, will be showcasing a number of handmade jewellery pieces and small art installations, available for viewing in person at the gallery, and virtually starting May 29th. Email them at [email protected] to book your viewing today.
1534 17 Ave SW, passionforglass.ca
Kit and Ace Summer Moves
From now until May 31st, you can kill two birds with one stone just by popping into Kit and Ace’s Mount Royal Location, because while you’re searching for your next favourite on-the-move gear, you will also be entered to win a Lochside Cycles bike as well! We never pass up any opportunity to shop a Kit and Ace, especially when there’s prizes involved!
800 16th Ave SW, kitandace.com
KB & CO Meal & Free Cookie
The team at KB&CO wants to brighten your day during this current (and third) lockdown, so with every purchase of your favourite plant-based meal at their 16th Ave location, you will also get one of their made-in-store cookies for free! We never turn down free cookies, especially when knowing KB&CO’s reputation for delicious plant-based goodies.
926 16 Ave SW, kbandcompany.com
Have a Picnic in Tomkins Park
Located smack dab in the heart of 17th Ave, Tomkin’s Park offers Calgarians a large patch of green space, loads of seating and access to some of the Red Mile’s best bakeries, coffee shops and boutiques all within walking distance. There’s no better place to post up for an afternoon of relaxing in the Spring sunshine, and indulging in a picnic with your cohort. Check out one of our most recent blogs about where you can get some of the best picnic essentials on 17th Ave – think fresh baked bread, charcuterie, iced tea, snacks and more.
Check Out New Business on 17th Ave
From 17th Ave’s newest convenience store selling local goods to a hidden bread bakery specializing in Viennoiserie, a Japanese-inspired market to an adorable boutique selling baby and kid’s wear, check out all the different restaurants and businesses that have opened on 17th Ave this year, here!
Walk Down 17th Ave to Check Out BUMP Murals
The Beltline Urban Mural Project began in 2017, and since then has hosted their BUMP Festival each August, which acts as a showcase for the current year’s newest art installations, and as a celebration of local culture and art with a number of different activities including live music, mural tours and artist talks. Although the actual festival isn’t for several months, these BUMP murals decorate infrastructure throughout the downtown core, including 15 different murals located on our around 17th Ave. Learn more about the artists behind these murals and where to find them, here!
Order Takeout From Your Favourite 17th Ave Restaurants
The easiest way to stay socially distanced… Stay home! If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that our local businesses are resilient, and can adapt to the different restrictions and circumstances that have been thrown at them. Oh, and we also learned that we all really love takeout. Many of 17th Ave’s local restaurants and food establishments have gotten incredibly inventive with the different pickup and delivery options they’re offering – from take-home cocktail kits to bake-it-yourself essentials, check out our creative takeout kit blog see some of our favourite options you can bring home with you!
Stalk the latest and greatest on 17th Ave:
Instagram: @17thavesw
Facebook: @17thavesw
Twitter: @17thavesw
