Calgary's Market Collective: Not just for Communists

Looking for some unique furniture? Some truly original arts and crafts? How about some local music? Or maybe you just want to know where all the cool Communist kids hang out these days. Well, if you answered 'Yes' to any of those questions (except the one about Communists) then have I got a place for you to check out!

Every few months there is an event held, usually in Kensington, called “Market Collective”. But, don't worry, except for the name it has almost nothing to do with Communism. Although, there are a lot of Hipsters there...

Anyways, according to their mission statement, the Market Collective is “a community space, created to showcase the works of local artists, artisans and musicians. This space exists to promote the local arts and culture of the City of Calgary and to engage and empower our community towards the positive growth of our city. Market Collective invites he collaboration of other grassroots organizations to further support and encourage the City within a community-building structure. We strive towards creating a space where Calgarians can support local purchasing, strengthen their community ties, and be exposed to the talent and artistic drive that Calgary holds”.

Which is a somewhat lengthy statement, and is pretty much impossible to smoothly work into an article, (in my personal opinion it lacks some of the oomph of certain other mission statements, 'We Will Bury You' comes to mind) but it felt disingenuous to write an article about Market Collective without incorporating their own mission statement.

By the way, if you aren't getting my Communist jokes, you should probably click on this link. Or remember your High School Social Studies. Whichever is easiest.

The next Market Collective is the weekend of August 20^th & 21^st, the featured musician is a band called Raleigh, and the featured artist is Light and Soul Creations. This time the Collective will also be held in Kensington, the old Ant Hill building at 148 10^th St NW.

The Centro Motel is Calgary’s first, and most decidely Non-Communist Boutique Motel. Located in the Montgomery neighbourhood, just south of Calgary’s Motel Village. The Centro offers stylish, trendy rooms at competitive prices. For more information on booking, rooms and rates, check out the home page, or Contact Us.

3 Things You Need to Know About The Calgary Folk Festival

Who's Playing Where & When

There isn't just one stage at the Folk Fest, there's Seven. Keeping a schedule on hand so you know who's playing when is pretty much the only way you can be sure to find the bands you want to hear, and identify the unknown bands that you've just learned you love (or hate).

For a full schedule of all their events, click here.

What To Bring

There are a few items that make any Folk Music Festival awesome or, if you're attending against your will, a better time. Mostly it's common sense but, make sure you have

A Folding Chair

Not that Folk Music isn't good, and I'm sure there's going to be lots of dancing, but if you buy a whole day pass you;re going to want to sit down eventually. While sitting on the ground is always an option, you can up your level of enjoyment by bringing along a comfy little camp chair.

Snacks

There will of course be vendors working the Festival, but the snacks can get pretty pricey. Also, sometimes the vendors are a long ways off from the concert you want to check out.

A Blanket and/or a Sweater

This is the Prairies. It gets Cold here when the sun goes away.

Where You Can Park (Nearby)

The closest major parking lot is at Eau Claire Mall, but it gets pretty full pretty quick. There are other parking options, but they involve a short walk. You can park in some of the closer lots and parkades downtown, but who really wants to drive downtown if they don't have to? Anyone? No? Yeah, that's what I thought.

It can also be convenient to park on the other side of the river from Prince's Island. The closest parking lots are in Kensington, a 15 minute walk away, and you can also try your luck parking in the residential areas along Memorial Drive. Although, I wouldn't recommend that option due to the chance of getting a stiff parking fine, or even getting towed.

The Centro Motel is Calgary’s first Boutique Motel. Located in the Montgomery neighbourhood, just south of Calgary’s Motel Village and now on a completely unintuitive, yet direct, path from the airport. The Centro offers stylish, trendy rooms at competitive prices. For more information on booking, rooms and rates, check out the home page, or Contact Us.