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Hello, Calgarians!
It is officially Black Friday week. Your inbox is likely screaming at you to buy another TV you don’t need.
The roads are slick and the malls are chaotic, so why not keep it local? This weekend is stacked with incredible holiday markets: from the Inglewood Holiday Night Market to the Spruce Meadows.
It’s the perfect time to support a Calgary maker or a neighbourhood shop instead of feeding a faceless algorithm. Every local purchase keeps Calgary’s holiday spirit alive (and keeps your money in the community).
In today’s edition:
Pet promo: Adoption fees are slashed, but the deal ends in 48 hours.
Christmas Markets: The best indoor markets of the season happen this weekend.
Loud noises: Papa Roach and MGK are taking turns at the Dome.
Transit update: Snow detours are active, so check your route.
Multiple events this week & more: From light festivals to future Olympians.
Want to be in the Scoop? Got a cool story, local tip, or upcoming event? Hit reply and share.
Let’s get to it.
Adoption fees are way down (until Saturday) If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet, do it now. The City of Calgary Animal Services cut adoption fees for November, but the promo ends on Saturday. Cats are ~$85 and dogs are $100 (usually $225). Go save a life and save some cash before December hits. Find a pet
The rarest guest in town is a Barn Owl Local birdwatchers are losing their minds right now. An endangered Barn Owl was spotted in southeast Calgary this week. This is a big deal because these birds almost never come this far east (they usually stick to B.C. or Ontario). If you’re in the area, keep an eye out for a white, heart-shaped face—but give it some space. Read the story
Help solve a thrift store mystery The Calgary Genealogy Society found a "mystery box" of 1940s photos and letters at a local thrift shop. They are currently hunting for the rightful owners to return this slice of family history to the descendants. See the photos
Heads up: Snow detours hit Monday With heavy snowfall forecasted across Calgary overnight and into Monday, all Calgary Transit snow detours will be in effect for the morning commute to keep service moving safely and reliably. Check your route before you head out. See the snow detour map
The 104-year-old butcher Business: Bon Ton Meat Market
Established: 1921
Bon Ton Meat Market has fed Calgary since 1921. They moved from downtown to Crowfoot long ago, but the operation remains delightfully old-school. You cannot order online here. The big draw is the meat pies. They are still pressed on a cast-iron machine that has been running for 70 years. Owner Greg Keller keeps the recipes identical to the originals. This stubbornness works; they maintain a high 4.7-star rating on Google Reviews. It is a rare slice of history you can eat.
Where to find them: 28 Crowfoot Circle NW
Thursday (Today)
Holiday Wonder at BMO Centre | The massive indoor light festival opens today and runs through January. Expect giant sculptures and heated "winter castles." See the lights
Skate Canada Challenge | Future Olympians are competing at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex. It kicks off today and runs until Sunday. Event info
The Wizard of Oz at ATP | The holiday production runs tonight at Martha Cohen Theatre. Yes, there is a real dog playing Toto. See the show
Shawn Desman at the Jubilee | The Canadian R&B icon hits the stage tonight at 8 p.m. Get tickets
Miracle on 34th Street | StoryBook Theatre’s musical adaptation is live at Beddington Theatre Arts Centre. Catch the classic courtroom drama (where Santa proves he’s real) Thu–Sun this week Get tickets
ZOOLIGHTS (Continuing) | The lights are on nightly until Jan 4. If you skipped opening week to avoid the crush, this weekend is a great time to go. Get tickets
Friday
Papa Roach at the Dome | Take a break from the carols. Papa Roach and Rise Against take over the Saddledome tonight for a loud night out. Check tickets
The Strumbellas at Palace Theatre | Folk-pop energy perfect for a Friday night. Doors open at 6 p.m. Get tickets
Serena Ryder at Bella Concert Hall | A powerful vocal performance in one of the city's best-sounding venues (8 p.m.). Get tickets
A Christmas Carol Opening | Theatre Calgary’s tradition kicks off tonight with Doug McKeag as Scrooge at the Max Bell Theatre. Book seats
Saturday
Springbank Gingerbread Tea & Market | The Springbank Heritage Club is hosting a craft sale and tea this Saturday (1–4 p.m.). It’s proper old-school festive with free admission. Map & Details
MGK at the Dome | Machine Gun Kelly hits the Saddledome Saturday night for a spectacle you probably shouldn't miss. Check tickets
Andy C at Palace Theatre | If you want to dance late, the drum and bass legend is playing the Palace (9 p.m.). Get tickets
Sunday
Ne Obliviscaris at Palace Theatre | Finish the weekend with some progressive metal. Doors at 6 p.m. Get tickets
Friday & Saturday
Home Alone in Concert | The Calgary Phil performs the score live while the movie plays on the big screen at WinSport. (Fri @ 7:30 PM / Sat @ 2:30 PM). Get tickets
Inglewood Holiday Night Market | The cool market is back indoors at the Crossroads Quonset for two nights only. 50+ vendors and live music. (4–9 PM both nights). Check the lineup
Friday–Sunday Markets
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market | It’s the final weekend for the big one, so grab your tickets before the season ends. Get tickets
Saskatoon Farm Christmas Market | Head south for a farmhouse Christmas where the drive is worth it for the photos and donuts. Plan your trip
Bearspaw Christmas Market | Head northwest to the Lifestyle Centre for sleigh rides and fireworks away from the city chaos. See details
Want your event to be featured? Hit reply and send us the details. If it's cool, we'll share it with Calgary.
Ironwood Stage & Grill | Fri: The Hearts (8 PM) / Sat: The Lovebullies (8 PM). Reserve a table
The Blues Can | Fri & Sat: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne (9 PM) / Sun: Blues Jam (8 PM). See the schedule
Alvin’s Jazz Club | Fri: Sax in the City (8 PM) / Sat: The Way Ahead Trio (8 PM). Book a seat
King Eddy | Sat: HAIDEE Album Release (8:30 PM) / Sun: Songsmith Sundays (11:30 AM). Check the lineup
Watching someone try to get up 14th Street today like...
Have a great weekend. Stay warm, drive slow, and maybe leave the house at least once.
P.S. Forward this to someone who still thinks "winter tires" are a scam.