VALENTINES DAY GIFTS IDEAS // Start your Valentine’s Day shopping early! Come explore Kensington and find the perfect gift for your special someone. The local shops are full of sparkly cards, flowers, jewelry and sweet treats for your Valentine.
YYC HOT CHOCOLATE FEST // This Sunday, February 1, @yychotchocolatefest kicks off and Kensington businesses are ready! Make your way through Kensington, taste the unique hot chocolates and rate your favourite on @yychotchocolatefest website. Plus by buying a cup of hot chocolate from any participating business, you are helping out @calgarymealsonwheels. $1 to $3 from every cup sold goes toward providing nutritious meals to Calgarians in need.
VALENTINE’S DAY DECORATIONS // Love is in the air in Kensington! Pink flowers are popping up in the plaza planters, with a Valentine’s ready photo frame beside @ingear_store and the phone booth by @metroelementyyc. Bring your friends, partners or four legged friends and explore these fun photo spots. Share your pictures on Instagram and tag @kensingtonyyc, we want to see your smiles!
TIMELESS TATTOOS // Did you know the oldest tattoos are over 5,000 years old? Tattooing has been around for thousands of years, showing up in all kinds of cultures and traditions. Safe to say, some things never go out of style. It all comes back to ancient markings and modern styles as forms of self-expression. That tradition continues today here in Kensington, where talented tattoo artists are ready to bring your dream designs to life. Whether you are planning your first tattoo or adding new pieces, they are here for you to try.
GLOBAL FINDS AT LOCAL SHOPS // If you are looking for unique, handmade pieces from around the world, Kensington has some great spots to explore. @mananaimports and @thehiddengemkensington offer beautiful, one-of-a-kind items perfect for gifts or home decor. The owner of @mananaimports is always on the move, travelling the world to bring back handcrafted pieces from places like Congo and Nepal. @thehiddengemkensington carries its own mix of individually made treasures from countries like Korea and Turkey. Take a stroll through Kensington and discover gems from around the world.
NIKO’S BISTRO // Did you know Kensington has been home to @nikosbistro for over 19 years? Niko, the owner, moved to Canada in search of a better life and after a few years succeeded in his dream of owning a restaurant. That dream now exists as @nikosbistro. The bistro offers dinner, wine and a dessert menu. Think Italian-style meals like pasta, bruschetta and risotto, all made with love at this family-run eatery. The friendly owners and staff make you feel right at home. Pop by and enjoy the comforting atmosphere that makes this place so special!
BLUE MONDAY // Beat the January blues and come to Kensington! Blue Monday may be known as the saddest day of the year, but here the vibes stay positive. Grab a few friends and stop by @thehexcafe for snacks and games. If you want to stretch, reset and feel your best, visit @yogaandbeyondyyc for a calming yoga session.
Fun fact: Around 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent worldwide each year!
#ValentinesDay #Earlygiftshopping #SupportLocal #Kensingtonlove #Loveisintheair
Participating locations in Kensington:
- @thehexcafe
- @vitaminboba
- @poesieco
- @oolongteahouse
- @redsdineryyc
- @highergroundcafeyyc
- @goodtradeco
- @_yummy.q
- @aggudo_coffee
- @theregalcatcafe
- @devillecoffee
- @abbeys.kensington
- @oxbow_yyc
Visit @yychotchocolatefest for more info.
#YYCHotChocolateFest #CalgaryFestivals #HotChocolateLovers
Thank you to @metroelementyyc for the amazing decorating skills.
#PhotoIdeas #Valentinesaesthetic #KensingtonLove #YYCNeighbourhoods
Kensngton tattoo shops you need to visit:
- @arthousecollectiveyyc
- @dsv.studios
- @wolvesdentattoos
- @vixey.tattoo
- @lowlife.studios
- @mockingbirdtattoos
- @kenshotattoo
Bring your designs and book your next session in Kensington!
#KensingtonYYC #Calgarytattoo #Tattooartists #YYClocal Artinspo
#KensingtonYYC #yycliving #Handmadegoodies #Uniquefinds
#Kensingtonlove #YYCEats #CalgaryRestaurants #yycliving
#Bluemonday #Beattheblues #Calgaryneighbourhoods
Welcome to Kensington
With over 250 businesses, Kensington is one of Calgary’s most vibrant communities.
Whether you want to bike along the river, stroll the neighbourhood while sipping some of Calgary’s finest coffee or spend the night listening to live music – Kensington has it all! Considered Calgary’s Urban Village, Kensington offers a unique, inner-city experience. Located just off the Sunnyside LRT Station and walking distance from downtown, it’s possible to spend an entire day exploring the shops and restaurants, or an entire weekend by staying at one of the beautiful boutique hotels.
Over 250 businesses offering
dining, shopping & services
Surrounding population of
10,000+ residents
3,000 people employed
by our member businesses
Celebrating Indigenous Arts in Kensington
Kensington is proud to host “Celebrating Indigenous Arts in Kensington,” a vibrant showcase of Indigenous arts and culture as part of Chinook Blast.
Join us on February 8, from noon to 2 p.m., for an exciting lineup of Indigenous artists and performers who will highlight traditional and contemporary expressions through art, music and storytelling. Visitors can enjoy live performances by Sorrel Rider, representing the Siksika Nation, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, who will honour the rich history and diversity of Indigenous communities. This outdoor experience offers an opportunity to connect with culture and creativity while embracing the spirit of Calgary’s winter festival.
Further Details Here