Calgary’s Cultural Renaissance More than oil and office towers — this city’s got soul now Walk through Calgary today and you’ll feel something shifting. It’s not just the skyline expanding — it’s the rhythm of the city itself. What was once written off as a buttoned-up oil town has been quietly, and now undeniably, finding its creative fire. Call it a comeback, a glow-up, or a full-blown cultural renaissance. Whatever it is, it’s real — and it’s everywhere. From Stampede to Street Art Sure, the Stampede is still Calgary’s big, bold centerpiece — but now, it’s just one thread in a much bigger, more colorful tapestry. Murals are transforming blank walls into landmarks. Indie galleries like Contemporary Calgary are drawing attention beyond the usual art crowd. Even alleyways and light posts feel curated, buzzing with the kind of energy that doesn’t need a corporate sponsor to feel legit. Walk 17th Ave or Inglewood, and you’ll catch buskers, pop-ups, and poetry on café chalkboards. Culture here doesn’t sit behind velvet ropes anymore — it spills onto the street. Local Food with Real Roots Calgary’s food scene isn’t just “pretty good for Alberta” anymore. It’s excellent — and fiercely local. Restaurants like Major Tom, D.O.P., and Nupo aren’t just catching up to other cities; they’re pushing things forward in their own lane. What makes it different? Calgary chefs are telling stories. Menus now feature bison tartare, foraged prairie herbs, bannock bread, and small-batch everything. It’s regional without being gimmicky. It’s confident. And yeah — it tastes incredible. Indigenous Voices Leading the Way One of the most exciting (and overdue) parts of Calgary’s cultural rise is the amplification of Indigenous creators. From art installations and theater performances to Blackfoot language projects and land-based storytelling, Indigenous voices are not only being included — they’re leading. Take the incredible work happening at the Making Treaty 7 Cultural Society, or the increasing visibility of artists like Lauren Crazybull. This isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about a city listening, learning, and beginning to honor where it sits. Music, Film, and DIY Everything Need proof that Calgary’s cultural core is alive? Just drop into Sled Island — the annual music and arts festival that now feels more essential than ever. Or check out the indie film scene bubbling up thanks to organizations like Calgary Underground Film Festival and CIFF. Even the techy side of things is shifting. Places like Platform Calgary are becoming breeding grounds for creatives and coders alike, where innovation isn’t just profitable — it’s purposeful. There’s also a rise in DIY collectives, art markets, and small-run zines. It’s messy, passionate, grassroots — and that’s what makes it worth paying attention to. More Than a Boom-Bust Town For decades, Calgary’s identity swung with oil prices. But today, there’s something sturdier, something deeper growing. A sense of place. A sense of possibility. Is the cultural shift finished? Not even close. But that’s kind of the point. This renaissance isn’t about arriving — it’s about building. Together. With murals, menus, music, and stories that sound like home. So if you haven’t looked at Calgary lately — really looked — it might be time. There’s a new beat playing under the cowboy hat. And it’s loud.