WHAT’S HAPPENING WEDNESDAY // Introducing our new weekly inside scoop on what’s happening in Kensington! Every Wednesday, we will share a roundup of can’t-miss events and fun happenings around the neighbourhood. Visit the mentioned businesses on Instagram or check out their websites for more information!
HISTORY OF THE CARSCALLEN BLOCK // Kensington is packed with history. The Carscallen Block was completed in 1911, contributing to the early development of Hillhurst and what we now know as the Kensington BIA. The hardware shop and Black’s Pharmacy made 10 Street one of the first commercial streets in the area. Originally there were three stores and ten offices with apartments above. Today, the Carscallen Block is home to @kismet_calgary, @purrpetite and @skoah where you can still see the Edwardian Commercial Style lettering at the top. It is a little part of Calgary’s history and something you can spot next time you are in Kensington.You definitely won’t find horses parked out front but you might find a cute dog in a sweater!
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY // The Super Bowl is this weekend and you know the best place to catch all the action is out in Kensington! Get together with friends at local spots where tasty food, cold drinks and a high‑energy atmosphere make every play exciting! Whether you’re celebrating big plays or just here for the halftime show, these spots are serving up the perfect game‑day vibes.
SKIJOR OUTFITS // The Greatest Show on Snow (aka SkiJor) is almost here! Happening on February 21 and 22. If you are still hunting for the perfect outfit, think furs, fringes and fashionista, Kensington has some great options, stop by @trend_calgary and @kensingtonkonsignment for unique pieces that will make you stand out!
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!
Here’s what’s coming up this week:
Live Music at @haydenblockyyc 🎶
This week’s lineup:
- Friday, February 13: @evelaceymusic
- Saturday, February 14: @kelseyflowerandthefloralnotes
Aphrodisiacs and Wine at @vinestylesyyc 🍇
Vine Styles is hosting a ticketed Valentine’s Day inspired tasting event on February 13 that celebrates indulgence, romance and a little bit of magic. Come as a couple or with your Galentines and enjoy delicious wines paired with aphrodisiac-inspired bites for $95.
Candy Grams from @gummiboutique
Send your valentine a sweet treat from our favourtie candy shop!
Wine Tastings at @kensingtonwm 🍷
Discover new favourites and treat your tastebuds to something special.
February 12 - The Winter Wine Festival - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - $50 - In Person
February 13 - A Date with Wishkey & Chocolate - 7:00 p.m. - $75 - In Person
February 14 - A Date with Bubbles & Chocolate - 5:00 p.m. - $70 - In Person
February 17 - A Smorgasbord of Signatory Whiskies - 7:00 p.m. - $80 - Virtual
Valentine’s Day menu at @blancocantina 🌮
Enjoy a delicious Valentine’s Day three-course meal for two at Blanco Cantina from February 11 until February 15. It is the perfect experience for situationships, day ones or the loves of your life.
#Kensingtonlove #YYCevents #ExploreKensington #Supportlocal #Calgaryneighbourhoods
Swipe to travel back to 1911 and see the original building.
📸Photo by Rick Thompson from Calgary Architecture & Design.
#HistoryinKensington #Calgaryheritage #Kensingtonlove
Watch the game here:
- @originaljoes
- @thekensingtonpub
- @sidestreetkensington
- @wingnitcalgary
- @haydenblockyyc
#SuperBowl #Kensingtonlove #pubs #Gameday #Localfavourites
Who’s taking the trophy!🏆
#Skijoroutfits #Shoplocally #yycevents #Winterwardarobe
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
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