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Hello, Calgarians!
The final month of the year is here, which means your calendar is about to look like a game of Tetris gone wrong. It’s officially acceptable to blast holiday music, eat cookies for breakfast (we have a tip for that below), and panic about gift shopping.
Speaking of shopping, we have a quick question: we are thinking of putting together a "Local Gift Guide" featuring only Calgary businesses. If that is something you’d actually use to avoid the madness (and support a neighbour), hit reply and let me know. If enough of you say yes, we’ll make it happen.
In today’s edition:
School report: New recommendations for crowded classrooms.
Runway repair: The airport is finally back to full capacity.
Local reads: 7 indie bookstores you need to visit.
Stacked week: Dave Chappelle, Handel’s Messiah, and Zoo Lights.
Let’s get to it.
A path forward for our crowded classrooms. It has been a rough couple of months for schools (and parents), but there is finally some movement. The provincial task force released its report on "classroom complexity," recommending capped class sizes, more Educational Assistants, and clearer safety standards. For the Alberta Teachers' Association, this is another validation—the union President stated the report simply "confirms what we have been saying for years." Now, we wait to see if the budget follows the talk. Read the full report
The "Subway Soccer Centre" has a new name. After a decade, the massive indoor fields in the southeast are getting a rebrand. The City just signed a 10-year naming rights deal with MaxWell Realty, so get used to calling it the "MaxWell Soccer Centre." The sponsorship cash is strictly earmarked for maintenance and capital upgrades (like replacing the aging turf), which is a huge win for the thousands of families who spend their weekends there. Read the announcement
The airport’s "West Runway" is finally back. If you’ve been stuck circling over Airdrie recently, this is why: YYC has been operating with its longest runway closed for two years. That forced all the big jets onto the parallel runway, creating a massive bottleneck whenever the weather turned or traffic peaked. That ends now. The $200M rebuild is done, the West Runway is open, and dual-runway operations are back just in time for the holiday rush. See the details
7 Indie Bookstores You Need to Visit
I knew I needed to do a roundup of the coolest indie bookstores in town as soon as I saw this story on CBC. Honestly, nothing makes my insides sing "Hallelujah" quite like a cozy local bookstore. If you feel the same, here is where you should be browsing this weekend.
Slow Burn Books | The Romance Specialist
Located in Marda Loop, this is the city's first romance-only shop. If you want a sweet rom-com or something with serious spice, they have it sorted by trope. It’s unapologetic, fun, and the staff recommendations are top-tier. Visit them
Nocturne Books | The House of Horror
Also in Marda Loop (and featured in that CBC story), this new spot is dedicated entirely to the spooky, the gothic, and the unsettling. It proves that horror isn't just for October. Go here if you want a book that will keep you awake at night. Visit them
The Next Page | Books & Coffee
This Inglewood staple found the ultimate cheat code: put a coffee shop inside a bookstore. It’s cozy, slightly chaotic in the best way, and stays open later than most. Grab a latte, head to the basement for used gems, and pretend you’re the main character. Visit them
Shelf Life Books | The Downtown Gem
Sitting on 4th Street SW, Shelf Life is a curated paradise. They focus on high-quality literature, poetry, and small presses you won't find at the big chains. It is easily one of the most aesthetically pleasing places to kill an hour in the Beltline. Visit them
Pages on Kensington | The Neighbourhood Staple
If you have walked around Kensington, you know Pages. They have been around for over 40 years. The rule here is simple: if you see a handwritten "Staff Pick" note on a shelf, buy the book. They never miss. Visit them
Owl’s Nest Books | The Britannia Classic
This is the oldest independent bookstore in Calgary and a Britannia icon. It has a massive loyal following, a fantastic children’s section, and a very active events calendar. It feels like the kind of bookstore you grew up visiting. Visit them
Fair’s Fair Books | The Treasure Hunt
With locations in Inglewood and near Chinook, Fair’s Fair is an institution. It’s stacked floor-to-ceiling with used books. You don’t go here with a specific list; you go to get lost in the stacks and find something weird for $6. Visit them
Monday (Today)
Christmas with The Ennis Sisters | Start the week with some East Coast charm. The Juno-winning trio brings their holiday tour to the Bella Concert Hall (7:30 p.m.). Expect Irish-Newfoundland roots, harmonies, and stories. Get tickets
Zoo Lights (Ongoing) | If you haven’t visited Zoo Lights yet this year, a Monday night is the pro move to beat the crowds. The new "Festive Forest" is open until 9 p.m. Check details
Tuesday
Jake Vaadeland at Bella Concert Hall | If you like your country music with a side of rockabilly and a lot of retro style, this is it. He sounds like a young Johnny Cash and plays at 8:00 p.m. Get tickets
Dave Chappelle at the Dome | One of the biggest names in comedy is taking over the Saddledome. Expect a locked-phone policy (Yondr pouches) and a sold-out crowd. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets
Wednesday
The Global News Cookie Sale | Wake up early for a good cause. From 7–9 a.m., head to the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen to buy cookies baked by the city's top chefs. Proceeds go to The Magic of Christmas. See details
AE West Showcase at King Eddy | Catch 10 emerging artists from the Artist Entrepreneur program in a free showcase at the legendary King Eddy. Music starts at 7 p.m. Info here
Thursday
Avenue’s Cookie Market | If you work downtown, your lunch break just got sweeter. Avenue is taking over the Eau Claire Tower lobby (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) with 20+ local bakers. Stock up for the office (or just yourself). See the vendors
Handel’s Messiah at Jack Singer | It’s not officially Christmas until you hear the Hallelujah Chorus. The Calgary Phil and Chorus are back for the city's biggest holiday tradition. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets
The Weekend Lookahead (Fri–Sun)
Market Collective returns to the BMO Centre starting Friday. It is the big one—art, food, music, and very cool vibes. Check the lineup.
Highland Park Winter Market is your classic community hall gem. Head there Saturday (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) for 30+ vendors and that distinct "support local" feeling. Map it.
Santa at Lougheed House is arguably the nicest photo op in town. He’s there Saturday (11 a.m.–3 p.m.). It’s free, but you need to register and bring your own camera. Grab a spot.
Enchanted at Spruce Meadows opens this Friday. The market is done, but the lights are on. It's a massive walk-through light display with fire pits and hot chocolate in the Equi-Plex. Details here.
Want your event to be featured? Hit reply and send us the details. If it's cool, we'll share it with Calgary.
Virago | The Blues Can | Mon, 8:00 PM | Get info
Everlae | Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar | Tue, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Info
Open Mic | Ironwood Stage & Grill | Wed, 7:00 PM | Details here
Earl Morgan | Prairie Dog Brewing | Fri, 7:00 PM | Info
Me trying to get from the Core to the Bow Building in the +15s.
Have a great week.
P.S. Forward this to someone who just bought "all-season" tires and is already regretting it.