Where to eat, stay, and recharge between gigs—brought to you by Plunge Audio.
Whether you’re gigging at Calgary Stampede, tagging along on tour, or making the most of some downtime between sets, welcome to Calgary—home to one of the most passionate music communities in the country (and the team behind Plunge Audio).
Calgary in July is wild. The Stampede brings in a wave of energy, crowds, and live shows all across the city. But beyond the stages and rodeo grounds, there’s a whole scene waiting to be explored—quiet cafés to catch your breath, local eats to refuel, and green spaces to clear your head before the next performance. As musicians who live and work here, we pulled together our go-to spots to help you navigate the city with a little more ease and a lot more local insight.
Where to Stay
During Stampede or any busy show week, location is everything. Traffic can be unpredictable, and venues are spread across the downtown core, Beltline, and East Village. You’ll want to be central so you can focus on playing — not commuting.
- Alt Hotel Calgary East Village – Modern, laid-back, and super close to downtown venues. (If you’re part of the Unity Community, check your perks. 😉)
- Le Germain Hotel – Boutique vibes and surprisingly quiet, even during Stampede chaos.
- Local Airbnbs – Great for bands or crews staying a few extra days.
Pro-tip: Calgary weather is MOODY. Expect sun and sudden storms, pack accordingly.
How to Get Around
Rehearsal, soundcheck, gig, repeat. When you’re hauling instruments or cases of merch, reliable transportation matters. Calgary is pretty easy to navigate if you plan ahead.
- Rental Car – Worth it if you’ve got gear to haul or gigs outside the core.
- Uber/Lyft – Surge pricing is real, but convenient.
- Bike/Scooter Rentals – A fun option for adventures downtown.
- CTrain – If you're brave enough to take our light rail system in the heat, it stops right at Stampede Park.
Where to Eat
Restaurants
Good food = better energy for performing. Calgary’s got plenty. Whether you’re fueling up between soundcheck and set time, or grabbing something late after a show, these local favourites cover every craving.
- Native Tongues Taqueria – Killer tacos, enough said.
- Ten Foot Henry – Fresh and veggie-forward.
- Una Pizza + Wine – A go-to for late-night bites.
- D.O.P. – Some of the best Italian in town.
- Model Milk – A local staple, elevated comfort food in a cool space.
- Fortuna’s Row – If you want something chic and celebratory.
Coffee & Bakeries
From espresso shots to bakery stops, it’s the little rituals that keep touring life steady.
- Monogram Coffee – A quiet spot to gather your thoughts or lyrics.
- Mari Bakeshop – Go early. You’ll thank us.
- Black Sheep – French-owned and dangerously good.
- Canela Vegan Bakery & Café – Plant-based and delicious.
Cocktails
When the gig’s done and you want to celebrate (or unwind).
- The Wednesday Room – Retro vibes, solid drinks.
- Missy’s This That - Quirky, great music, unassuming. Absolutely stellar cocktails.
- Proof – Cozy, award-winning, never disappoints. Great happy hour.
- Betty Lou’s Library – Hidden, speakeasy-style gem.
- Shelter – Industrial and always buzzing.
And yes—if someone invites you to a pancake breakfast, you say yes. That’s the rule.
Where to Recharge
Because sometimes the best inspiration strikes in the quiet.
- Prince’s Island Park – A quiet spot in the middle of the city, ideal for slowing down between sets.
- Bow River Pathway – Scenic and peaceful, great for a walk or run.
- Calgary Central Library – Cool, quiet, and architecturally beautiful.
- Inglewood – Local shops, venues, and great people watching.
Final Note
Calgary is a city that knows how to celebrate music. Whether you’re playing a Stampede main stage or doing a stripped-back acoustic set at a dive bar, every show matters—and this city knows how to show up. We built Plunge Audio right here in Calgary because of that energy, and we’re proud to support the artists who pass through.
From our team to yours: play hard, take care of your ears, and soak up everything Calgary has to offer. And if you’re near the Coke Stage at the Stampede, we’ll be backstage—come by for a quick hang!
Want help picking IEMs for Stampede week? Unity Dynamic and Unity Stage were built for moments like this.
