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Climb & Run for Wilderness

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:23:00 +0000

Ever wanted to climb the Calgary Tower stairs? Now's your chance! Here's how it works:

Step 1: Register for our annual Climb and Run for Wilderness.

Step 2: Meet at the Calgary Tower on April 20, 2013.

Step 3: Start climbing.

Step 802: Celebrate! You made it!

Struggling Cities

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:35:16 +0000

Until March 29, 2013, in conjunction with the Japan Foundation and the Consulate General of Japan in Calgary, the Calgary Tower is hosting Struggling Cities; a unique multimedia exhibit from Tokyo that addresses the problems created by rapid urbanization in the 20^th century. The exhibit, which will be displayed on the Observation Deck, consists of diverse media including architectural scale models, photographs, animations and other audio-visuals.

Struggling Cities examines mankind’s dramatic shift from urban to rural centers over the past century. Upon surpassing ten million residents in the 1960s, Tokyo faced significant challenges to their infrastructure. Several innovative solutions were devised to deal with the issues. Struggling Cities explores these measures and illustrates how they are manifested in present day Tokyo.

Passholder Appreciation Event

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Join the Calgary Tower for its third annual Passholder Appreciation Event! Annual passholders and their families are invited to attend an afternoon of winter crafts, music, face painting, gifts from Santa and some light refreshments.

Saturday December 8, 2012
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to Katie.

Interested in becoming an annual passholder? Apply online.

First Thursday Tour

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Reconnect with your Calgary Tower this holiday season and assist the Calgary Food Bank in the process.

For December's First Thursday, we are offering a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the Calgary Tower! Explore all the hidden spaces and learn about the fortuitous series of events which led to the Tower becoming one of the city’s most cherished icons.

Tours begin sharply at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 6 and admission is by way of a donation to the Calgary Food Bank.

Registration is limited to 15 spots per guided tour.

Food Bank Drive

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:26:37 +0000

For the entire month of December, receive $2 off general admission to the Observation Deck for each non-perishable food item you bring to the Elevation Desk!

Additionally, make a monetary donation of at least $2 and receive 15% off regular priced items in our gift shop!

All proceeds will be donated to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank.

Doors Open YYC

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:05:28 +0000

Many of Calgary’s culturally and historically significant buildings will bare it all during Doors Open YYC on September 29 and 30, 2012. For these two days only, buildings in all quadrants of the city are opening their doors to the public and providing special tours and experiences designed specifically for Doors Open YYC.

Join us at the Calgary Tower for an unforgettable tour of rarely-seen spaces:

Entrance to the historical CPR train station
The “Bat Cave” – located on the third level of the Calgary Tower, this is the hollow area between the outer concrete shell of the Tower and the elevator shaft.
Stairwell leading to the Observation Deck.
Carillon – the electronic bells that chime the hour every day and can be heard several blocks away.
Mechanical level, which houses the boilers and cooling fans for the Tower.

Only 4 tours will be offered each day. Tours will be held on the hour beginning at 11:00 am. Admission is complimentary.

Art UP Calgary!

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:28:21 +0000

Join us for the 2nd annual Art UP Calgary and celebrate the creativity of 28 of Calgary's finest artists in Calgary's downtown cultural hub!

Art UP Calgary includes daytime and evening activities. The day event, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, will include family-friendly art demonstrations by local artists in various locations around the Tower.

A cocktail reception will be held in the evening from 5 pm – 9 pm. Original artwork by over 20 local artists in attendance will be on display and for sale on the Observation Deck. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will be donated to the Calgary Food Bank. Admission to the reception is free by RSVP.

Music provided by DJ Cosm of Dragon Fli Empire.

Art UP Calgary is made possible thanks to our sponsors: artsASTRAY, Sky 360, Aspen Properties, BeatRoute Magazine, PK Sound, and X92.9.

Parade Float

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:12:32 +0000

On July 6, 2012, the Calgary Tower debuted a float in the highly celebrated Stampede Parade. This prestigious opportunity was only granted to a handful of new applicants, as many local institutions sought to take part in the Stampede’s 100^th anniversary celebrations. The float was designed and manufactured locally by ArtsASTRAY and F&D Scene Changes.

The float’s contemporary design captures a likeness of the Tower all the way down to such unique characteristics as the cauldron and glass floor. Local artist Rachel Nickerson was on the float during the Parade creating a work of art that is now up for auction.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;ddodnof&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;nbsp;The float was brought to life thanks in part to sponsorship from &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.atcogas.com/our_centennial/" mce_href="http://www.atcogas.com/our_centennial/" target="_blank"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;ATCO Gas&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;, &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.burnco.com" mce_href="http://www.burnco.com"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;BURNCO Rock Products Ltd&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;, &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.ruthschris.com" mce_href="http://www.ruthschris.com"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Ruth&amp;amp;rsquo;s Chris Steak House&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;, &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.pksound.ca" mce_href="http://www.pksound.ca"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;PK Sound&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;, and &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.flagworks.com" mce_href="http://www.flagworks.com"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Flagworks&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

The float was brought to life thanks in part to sponsorship from ATCO Gas, BURNCO Rock Products Ltd, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, PK Sound, and Flagworks.

Horse at the Top!

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:29:00 +0000

On Saturday July 7th at 10:30 a.m., David Cowley of Rafter 6 Ranch visited the Observation Deck with his horse, Spencer. Each year, David and Spencer ride the elevator to the top as the Tower's official kickoff to the Calgary Stampede. This was David's 14^th annual visit.

To help celebrate, local artist Rachel Nickerson painted a portrait of Dave and Spencer. Limited edition prints signed and numbered by Rachel are now available at the Calgary Tower gift shop. Stop by and grab your own copy of this rare piece of Stampede memorabilia.

The tradition of a horse and rider traveling through Calgary businesses dates back to July 10, 1923. As legend has it, a cowboy named Eddie King was persuaded by a Calgary Herald photographer to take a ride through the Club Café on Stephen Avenue. Little did they know at the time that a Stampede tradition would be born.

Burnco 100th Anniversary

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:50:31 +0000

BURNCO was founded in Calgary in 1912, more than 50 years before construction began on the Calgary Tower. Little did they know, when they helped build the Calgary Tower in 1967, they were setting the stage for their own 100th birthday celebration. (And they did it quickly, with an unprecedented 24-day continuous pour of concrete.)

The gas-fired cauldron at the top of the Tower has been lit for many special occasions – the 1988 Winter Olympics, the Calgary Stampede and Canada Day. At 6:00 p.m. on Thursday June 21, 2012 that same fire will be lit for BURNCO’s 100th birthday.

A century ago, BURNCO began with founder James F. Burns, his horse and a gravel cart. Since then, they have grown into Canada’s largest independent supplier of ready-mix concrete, a major supplier of asphalt and aggregate products, and operator of a network of landscape centres, with over 1,000 employees across Western Canada.

Thank you to everyone across Canada for helping Burnco celebrate its 100th birthday.

THIS Dance Right NOW

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:53:11 +0000

The Calgary Tower is pleased to welcome Kimberley Cooper of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks as our Artist in Residence for Calgary 2012. Having performed around the world, Kimberly is a true cultural ambassador and a valuable asset to Calgary’s artistic community.

Kimberley will be performing in various locations around the Calgary Tower from June 11 - 15 and June 25 - 29 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The title of the presentation pretty much sums things up: Kimberley and crew will transform the Calgary Tower Observation Deck, lobby, sidewalk and even the elevators into stages for a series of performances. The ephemeral nature of dance coupled with such a unique venue is guaranteed to inspire all kinds of artistic energy and we are very excited to watch the creative process unfold. Kimberly will also be accompanied by a band periodically.

Wine & Dine in the Sky

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:34:00 +0000

Join us at 510’ feet and enjoy amazing wine, fantastic food

and fabulous views.

Join us at 510’ feet and enjoy amazing wine, fantastic food and fabulous views.

Thursday, April 12
6 pm - 9 pm

$60 all inclusive

Tickets are limited, so act fast!
Get yours at primeboxoffice.com
or call 403-532-7966

Portion of ticket sales donated to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation.

Climb for the Cup

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:35:58 +0000

What's better than holding the Grey Cup?

Holding the Grey Cup 191 metres in the air!

CFL player and native Calgarian Marco Iannuzzi is bringing the Grey Cup to the Calgary Tower. Join him on his quest to carry the cup up 802 stairs to the Observation Deck.

When: Thursday, March 22 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Calgary Tower, 101 9th Avenue SW
Cost: $25 donation
Register at the Tower upon arrival.

All proceeds will go to the Branch Out Neurological Foundation. Participants will receive a complimentary Spolumbo's sandwich and a bottle of water.

Learn more at marcoiannuzzi.com

Climb for a Cause

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:38:50 +0000

Join us Tuesday February 28th for a corporate stairclimb in support of Heart Month! The Calgary Tower stairs will be open from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Climb on your own or with a team. All proceeds will be donated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Ready to go? Here's how to sign up:

Step 1: Contact Katie at 403-781-8520 or kurness@calgarytower.com

Step 2: Submit your registration form, payment, and waiver.

Step 802: Start celebrating! You made it to the top!

Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:38:44 +0000

On Monday February 6, bells in downtown Calgary will toll to honour the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen is only the second UK monarch to mark 60 years on the throne.

To acknowledge the occasion, the Calgary Tower bells will play Land of Hope and Glory at 6:00 p.m. The bells at City Hall will also chime at this time.

Any places of worship or buildings that have bells or carillons are welcome to join us in marking this occasion.

Calgary Carillon Celebration

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:34:31 +0000

Even if you've never heard of a "carillon", you've probably heard its song. You may even have heard it being played live on January 5, 2012, by Calgary's own Honens Laureate, Katherine Chi!

A carillon is a unique keyboard instrument that, when played, sends bell voices soaring from the tops of towers. Every day at noon, the electronic carillon in the Calgary Tower plays music that can be heard throughout downtown Calgary. This January, the noontime chimes will be given new voice with a special selection of Canadian carillon music curated and performed by Katherine.

The selection includes:

Carillon for a Festal Day - Violet Archer
The Bells of Peace - Robert Evans
Panasonic #4 - Ray Twomey
Paraphrase - Émilien Allard
J'ai cueilli la belle rose - Émilien Allard
Vive la canadienne - Émilien Allard

Thank you to all the partners who made this event possible: High Performance Rodeo, Canadian Music Centre, Calgary Dutch Canadian Club, Honens International Piano Competition, and Mount Royal University Conservatory.

Site-Specific Spectacular!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:22:29 +0000

Dancers in a freight elevator? Acrobats in the boiler room?

The Calgary Tower is teaming up with High Performance Rodeo to bring you the Site-Specific Spectacular! This unique production features performances in bizarre locations all over the Calgary Tower.

Join us for two tours:

Learn more and purchase tickets here!

Electric Poetry

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:54:37 +0000

The Calgary Tower is pleased to participate in WordFest 2011!

Each year in October, WordFest presents a six-day literary festival featuring over 60 events and 70 writers from the local, national and international stage. This year, the Festival takes place from October 11–16, 2011.

As part of this premier literary festival, derek beaulieu’s Prose of the Trans-Canada will be on display, after dark, as an “illuminated light sculpture” on the façade of the Calgary Tower from October 11–14. Rising over 20 metres, the visual poem will illuminate the Calgary Tower and provide a new platform for this cutting-edge artist. beaulieu's work is consistently praised as some of the most radical and challenging contemporary Canadian writing.

Calgary Tower Art Partnership

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:18:45 +0000

After taking in the fantastic view from the Observation Deck, shop for art created by local Calgary artists!

The Calgary Tower Art Partnership is an initiative to create an ongoing relationship between the Calgary Tower and Calgary’s art community. The Tower has highly visible public spaces in its lobby and Observation Deck that are perfect to display, promote, and support local artists and artworks. We hope to help you create wonderful memories by giving you a great view of Calgary’s landscape, people, and culture.

This exhibit features original works courtesy of Arts Astray.

Check out this timelapse video of the installation:

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Calgary's Art Scene Gets Elevated

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:16:52 +0000

Join us in bringing local art to new heights!

ART UP Calgary is a celebration of local creativity in Calgary's downtown cultural hub. This event features original artwork, raw entertainment, and door prizes. Artists will be in attendance. Act fast and RSVP now! Limited tickets available.