The East Village Guide to High Performance Rodeo 2020
Nope, it’s not Stampede just yet – an entirely different kind of rodeo is taking over the city from January 8-26. High Performance Rodeo by One Yellow Rabbit is back, bringing 19 days of theatre, music, dance and multidisciplinary art to the city. And since this is one of our all-time favourite festivals, we've put together a how-to guide for Rodeo-ing in East Village.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a die-hard theatre geek or first-time festival attendee – anyone can make the most of High Performance Rodeo, and everything that comes with it! Because it's not just about the shows you see, it's about the time you spend soaking up the local culture, too. Need a recommendation for brunch before the show? Let us help you with that. Looking to amp up your arts and culture quotient? We’ve got some suggestions.
Read on for our guide!
1. Get Glammed Up for Opening Night
Make a grand affair of High Performance Rodeo’s January 8th kick-off by pampering yourself before the show. Gents can book a fresh cut and shave at Barber Culture, while ladies can pop in for a trim at The East Loft, or get their nails done at Frilly Lilly.
2. Take the Scenic Route
On your way to a show, why not leave the house a little early to include St. Patrick’s Island and RiverWalk in your route? Along the way you’ll find awe-inspiring temporary and permanent art installations, a brilliantly lit Reconciliation Bridge (see it light up in red and yellow for the festival kick-off on January 8), and the animated glow of C-Square’s lights as the CTrain passes through.
3. When Hunger Strikes
If you’re checking out CBC's The Secret Life Of Canada or The Shoe Project Steps Up at the Central Library and are suddenly overcome with hanger, you need only walk over to LUKES East Village on the library’s street level along 3rd St SE. Looking for something hearty? Order one of their huge, stacked sandwiches. Or to satisfy your sweet tooth, pick up one of the locally-made pastries.
4. For the Hardcore Fan
If High Performance Rodeo is basically your idea of Christmas and you’ve booked off vacation days just to take in the whole festival, you probably want to stay close to the action. Enter Alt Hotel East Village. We can’t think of better place for a staycation – the ideally located hotel (right next to the Bow River!) offers modern design and convenience at wallet-friendly rates.
5. Pre-Show Brunch With the Crew
Fuel up for a weekend of song, dance and theatre with a hearty brunch at CHIX Eggshop. Whether you prefer healthy dishes that keep you fit and active or indulgent choices that just make you happy and fill your belly, you can find both on the menu. (French toast pie, anyone?) After brunch, you can easily walk to HPR venues like Vertigo Theatre at the Calgary Tower, or jump on the CTrain to get to shows at The GRAND.
6. The After-Party for Music Lovers
Not ready for the fun to end after you leave your seats? Recap the performance with your plus one at a spot with drinks and live music. A locale that fits the bill won’t be hard to come by if you head over to Music Mile, which stretches from East Village into Inglewood. Our recommendation? The historic King Eddy, which operates as a live music venue, restaurant and bar.
7. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
When you’re a fan of High Performance Rodeo, you’re in it for the long haul: back-to-back shows, late nights and jam-packed weekends. So your body might appreciate some TLC and pre-festival preparation. A few visits to Clinic Sport & Health will have you raring to go, ready for even the longest of acts in only marginally comfortable theatre seating. At the end of the month, after the final curtain call, wind down with a relaxing massage. After all, being a dedicated champion for the arts is hard work!
If you love the Calgary arts scene, we bet you’re as excited as we are for the 34th annual High Performance Rodeo! We’ve been a proud partner of the festival for many years, and love to support the local arts community that enriches our city. Ready to see some incredible shows?! Click here for the full lineup!