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X-WR-CALNAME:Explore Downtown YYC
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Explore Downtown YYC
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260617T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260617T210000
DTSTAMP:20260614T045012
CREATED:20260610T160624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T140926Z
UID:10004406-1781721000-1781730000@exploredowntownyyc.com
SUMMARY:Cypher Club YYC
DESCRIPTION:Come join the vibe and freestyle with us every month at Cypher Club! Everyone is welcome – rappers\, producers\, singers\, poets and artists – to share your voice on the mic at our open Cypher featuring local DJs on the decks.BEATS. BARS. COMMUNITY. \n-This event is put on by Cypher Club YYC. For any inquiries\, please contact Zoe.– Drop-in\, no registration. All ages.– Free to attend! Donations accepted to support Cypher Club.
URL:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/event-calendar/aw4qqjdtx-cypher-club-yyc/
LOCATION:Alcove Centre for the Arts\, 244 7 Ave Sw\, Calgary\, T2P 0X4
CATEGORIES:Festivals & events,Music & concerts,Theatre & performing arts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/cdb0145e-32be-4c6b-8e9b-73c40ca9d8f1-1400.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260617T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260617T230000
DTSTAMP:20260614T045012
CREATED:20260529T133820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T140927Z
UID:10003864-1781722800-1781737200@exploredowntownyyc.com
SUMMARY:Sled Island presents: Horse Rider\, Bluffing\, Aladean Kheroufi and Lushings
DESCRIPTION:Horse RiderIf you squint hard enough\, you can try to slot them into the “emo” label\, but Horse Rider plays neither the stoned math rock nor the emotionally volatile pop-punk that’s been associated with the term in recent years. Instead\, the four-piece creates an intensely melancholic brand of melodic indie rock\, with influences of slowcore\, power pop and more. \nBluffing \nAlways evolving and (contrary to their name) always wearing their heart on their sleeves\, Bluffing is a Calgary three-piece forging introspective indie rock with post-punk\, emo\, and shoegazey influences. Their contemplative sound blends slacker rock grit with hypnotic grooves and candid lyricism. Check out their two self-released EPs and get hyped for their upcoming full-length.\n  Aladean KheroufiA veteran of the “making it work” school of music making\, Aladean Kheroufi records in improvised spaces with borrowed microphones and a minimalist\, low-volume sound that will be instantly familiar to fans of Vulfpeck. He writes songs that are idiosyncratic\, soulful and devastating\, with a glass half-full optimism that turns heartbreak into melancholy party anthems.\n  Lushings\nChanneling ’90s alternative rock into layered soundscapes that feel both intimate and expansive\, Lushings was initially shaped by their shared influence within Calgary’s music scene and have since become a familiar presence at Sled Island. Weaving hazy melodies through walls of heavy guitar\, their live sets are immersive and unfiltered. \n\nImportant info: Start and running times are subject to change. Please check the Sled Island schedule in June for exact set times. Upon entering a festival venue\, the passholder agrees to being photographed\, filmed or recorded in that venue\, and agrees to the publication\, reproduction\, distribution and broadcast of all photographs\, video or other recordings of the passholder’s voice or likeness without further notice or compensation in any publicity\, advertisement or other publication carried-out by\, or on behalf of\, Sled Island and in perpetuity in any manner and media whatsoever\, including print\, broadcast or internet.\nEveryone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees must abide by Sled Island’s safer spaces and inclusion policy and agree to the code of conduct\, which can be found at SledIsland.com/SaferSpaces.All passes and tickets are non-refundable. \nAbout Sled Island:Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary\, Alberta that brings together a community of music\, comedy and art with over 25\,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city. For more information\, visit SledIsland.com.\nSled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta\, which includes the Siksika\, the Piikani\, the Kainai\, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations\, including the Chiniki\, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
URL:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/event-calendar/6mrd6q3wt-sled-island-presents-horse-rider-bluffing-aladean-kheroufi-and-lushings/
LOCATION:GULBAR\, 636 10 Ave Sw\, Calgary\, T2R 1C3
CATEGORIES:Music & concerts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/7bb58c5e-ece2-42cc-9ab2-1884180aa8a4-1400.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260617T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260617T223000
DTSTAMP:20260614T045012
CREATED:20260529T133824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T140929Z
UID:10003866-1781724600-1781735400@exploredowntownyyc.com
SUMMARY:Sled Island and Absolute Underground present: Suffering Hour\, Milkmaid and Old Mound
DESCRIPTION:Suffering HourPitch-black metal trio Suffering Hour plumb the depths of depravity for an avant-garde take on extreme music. Their sound features goth intonations\, primal howls\, and even touches of thrash metal on their latest EP\, Impending Rebirth. With thunderous riffs born in the pits of hell\, Suffering Hour is one of the heaviest shows at Sled Island this year. \n\nMilkmaid\nExisting at the edges of heaviness and restraint\, Milkmaid is an all-female doom/sludge trio inspired by the isolation of the prairies. After witnessing the sheer power of Seattle sludge band MUÑECA at Sled Island last year\, Milkmaid found new motivation to represent the genre in 2026\, with hopes of encouraging more women to explore their metal side.\n\nOld Mound\nStream-of-consciousness lyrics\, gliding freak vocals and fuzzed out minimalist bass riffs rule the psychic landscape of Old Mound\, a witchy post-metal project fronted by Wes Christiansen. Meditative and uncanny\, this solo endeavour plies the queer trauma prairie landscapes of Southern Alberta with old haunts to emerge supreme with new wisdom and oracular vision. Important info: Start and running times are subject to change. Please check the Sled Island schedule in June for exact set times. Upon entering a festival venue\, the passholder agrees to being photographed\, filmed or recorded in that venue\, and agrees to the publication\, reproduction\, distribution and broadcast of all photographs\, video or other recordings of the passholder’s voice or likeness without further notice or compensation in any publicity\, advertisement or other publication carried-out by\, or on behalf of\, Sled Island and in perpetuity in any manner and media whatsoever\, including print\, broadcast or internet.\nEveryone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees must abide by Sled Island’s safer spaces and inclusion policy and agree to the code of conduct\, which can be found at SledIsland.com/SaferSpaces.All passes and tickets are non-refundable. \nAbout Sled Island:Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary\, Alberta that brings together a community of music\, comedy and art with over 25\,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city. For more information\, visit SledIsland.com.\nSled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta\, which includes the Siksika\, the Piikani\, the Kainai\, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations\, including the Chiniki\, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
URL:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/event-calendar/pho-3etf2-sled-island-and-absolute-underground-present-suffering-hour-milkmaid-and-old-mound/
LOCATION:BLOX Arts Centre\, 834 11 Ave Sw\, Calgary\, T2R 0E5
CATEGORIES:Music & concerts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1c5f2505-1332-4b31-9d41-720c73d22cfd-1400.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260617T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260617T233000
DTSTAMP:20260614T045012
CREATED:20260529T133826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T140929Z
UID:10003867-1781724600-1781739000@exploredowntownyyc.com
SUMMARY:Sled Island presents: Spank Williams\, Forest Ray\, Virgo Rising and more
DESCRIPTION:Spank WilliamsA high-energy cow-punk five-piece originally from Merritt\, BC\, Spank Williams pulls as much from James Brown and Tom Waits as they do from Hank Williams and George Jones. The group claims to lack capabilities in singing and songwriting\, but this is easily disputed by their impressive musicianship\, good-time inducing performances and knee-slapping shenanigans. \nForest RaySeattle-based folk n’ roll group Forest Ray has been described as “spaced-out\, down to earth” and “Brit-pop gone country\,” and through a consistent touring and recording schedule\, they have become one of Seattle’s most known active bands. Their sixth studio album\, Windfucker (Jebivjetar)\, was released in January 2024.\nVirgo Rising\nShimmering with knotty arrangements\, heartfelt storytelling and a luminous sense of depth\, Virgo Rising blends intimate bedroom pop with electrifying indie rock. With their EPs Sixteenth Sapphire and Vampyre Year earning critical praise\, stay tuned for their debut full-length album slated for release in the fall of 2026.\nThe Rifle County PlayersEmerging as an experiment to indulge in a genre outside of their musical comfort zones\, The Rifle County Players cut their teeth with country classic covers and have since transformed into a Calgary mainstay with a growing original catalogue. Check out their latest release “22-X Rated” – the first single off their upcoming album expected in 2026.\nImportant info: Start and running times are subject to change. Please check the Sled Island schedule in June for exact set times.\nUpon entering a festival venue\, the passholder agrees to being photographed\, filmed or recorded in that venue\, and agrees to the publication\, reproduction\, distribution and broadcast of all photographs\, video or other recordings of the passholder’s voice or likeness without further notice or compensation in any publicity\, advertisement or other publication carried-out by\, or on behalf of\, Sled Island and in perpetuity in any manner and media whatsoever\, including print\, broadcast or internet.\nEveryone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees must abide by Sled Island’s safer spaces and inclusion policy and agree to the code of conduct\, which can be found at SledIsland.com/SaferSpaces.All passes and tickets are non-refundable. \nAbout Sled Island:Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary\, Alberta that brings together a community of music\, comedy and art with over 25\,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city. For more information\, visit SledIsland.com.\nSled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta\, which includes the Siksika\, the Piikani\, the Kainai\, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations\, including the Chiniki\, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
URL:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/event-calendar/vmviajrjm-sled-island-presents-spank-williams-forest-ray-virgo-rising-and-more/
LOCATION:Pin-Bar\, 501 17 Ave Sw\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2S 0A9
CATEGORIES:Music & concerts
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260617T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260617T233000
DTSTAMP:20260614T045012
CREATED:20260529T133828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T140928Z
UID:10003868-1781724600-1781739000@exploredowntownyyc.com
SUMMARY:Sled Island and CKXU present: Julius Sumner Miller\, Astrology Girl\, VIBES and more
DESCRIPTION:Julius Sumner Miller\nBlazing their own path in the punk rock world since 2013\, Julius Sumner Miller is a raucous five-piece with five albums under their belt\, and a high adrenaline show that needs to be experienced live. JSM covers the mundane to the arcane; sometimes personal\, sometimes partying\, sometimes political\, it’s all on the table.\n\nAstrology Girl\nBridging the gap between Midwest emo and the Warped Tour punk scene\, Astrology Girl delivers a nostalgic\, diverse selection of songs on their 2024 self-titled EP. Their Sled appearance that same year was a banger\, so strap in for an abundance of sad chords for pit villains this year. \n\nVIBES\nFormed in 2014\, VIBES has become a staple of Alberta’s hardcore scene. The group blends skate-punk and metal influences with five-part vocal attacks\, thunderous drums\, and rapid-fire lyrics tackling political injustice\, harm reduction and personal growth. Start with their latest album\, Baseball Bat to the Worlds End.\n\nRebel Grrrlz\nEmerging from Calgary’s all‑ages underground\, this five‑piece riot punk outfit delivers loud\, fast bursts of teenage angst and socially charged lyrics. Their 2025 included appearances at Purple City\, SoundOff Summit\, and on the Coca-Cola Stage at the Calgary Stampede. Plus\, the release of their snarling debut EP We’re Gonna Eat Your Soul.\n \nImportant info: Start and running times are subject to change. Please check the Sled Island schedule in June for exact set times.\n\nUpon entering a festival venue\, the passholder agrees to being photographed\, filmed or recorded in that venue\, and agrees to the publication\, reproduction\, distribution and broadcast of all photographs\, video or other recordings of the passholder’s voice or likeness without further notice or compensation in any publicity\, advertisement or other publication carried-out by\, or on behalf of\, Sled Island and in perpetuity in any manner and media whatsoever\, including print\, broadcast or internet.\n\nEveryone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees must abide by Sled Island’s safer spaces and inclusion policy and agree to the code of conduct\, which can be found at SledIsland.com/SaferSpaces.\nAll passes and tickets are non-refundable. \n\nAbout Sled Island:\nSled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary\, Alberta that brings together a community of music\, comedy and art with over 25\,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city. For more information\, visit SledIsland.com.\n\nSled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta\, which includes the Siksika\, the Piikani\, the Kainai\, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations\, including the Chiniki\, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
URL:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/event-calendar/ztsfwv_eg-sled-island-and-ckxu-present-julius-sumner-miller-astrology-girl-vibes-and-more/
LOCATION:Loophole Coffee Bar\, 1040 8 Ave Sw\, Calgary\, T2P 1J2
CATEGORIES:Music & concerts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/16b212b5-ec30-4062-a701-cdc5961dcb07-1400.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260617T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260617T230000
DTSTAMP:20260614T045012
CREATED:20260529T145424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T140930Z
UID:10003879-1781726400-1781737200@exploredowntownyyc.com
SUMMARY:Sled Island and The Gauntlet present: Lil Mariko\, Tanajah\, Sloosh and more
DESCRIPTION:Lil MarikoKatherine “Lil Mariko” Zhang is a Chinese‑Japanese‑American rapper who turns hyperpop\, trap metal\, and electronic chaos into unhinged anthems. After screaming her way to virality with the song “Where’s My Juul??\,” she’s refined her razor‑sharp aesthetic and meme‑born energy into potent sonic whiplash. Don’t miss her debut Canadian performance at Sled Island.  \nSlooshThe combination of two longstanding solo projects (BOOSH and SlowScan)\, Sloosh has 25 years of experience making electronic music on Gameboys and tiny machines. With the addition of Metro Kit on vocals and Jordin on drums\, this experimental four-piece is a re-imagination of over a decade’s worth of combined effort to make something truly unique.\nTanajahInitially hailing from Maryland and building a loyal fanbase in Denmark\, hip-hop artist Tanajah has developed a unique cross-cultural sound with depth and edge. Her performances are dynamic\, immersive\, and rooted in connection\, inviting listeners into her world with authenticity and purpose. Whether backed by hard-hitting production or more melodic textures\, she delivers each song with intention and emotional clarity.\n\nTheiaAward-winning Māori artist Theia makes trailblazing alternative music with ethereal folk\, Indigenous soul\, art rock and pop influences. A fierce proponent for Indigenous rights\, she is celebrated for using music as a vehicle to ignite change. Onstage\, she’s magnetic; challenging you to feel\, think and let go all at once.\nSunflower MedicineCombining the powers of two incredible and distinct DJs\, this Two-Spirit duo is the definition of synergy. Featuring the electronic\, dubstep\, UKG and DnB contributions of bass producer Skye Pinay (AKA Sunflower Dreams) alongside the old school hip-hop and electric powwow of DJ/emcee Sarah Good Medicine\, these two sisters come together to command any crowd as Sunflower Medicine.\nImportant info: Start and running times are subject to change. Please check the Sled Island schedule in June for exact set times.\nUpon entering a festival venue\, the passholder agrees to being photographed\, filmed or recorded in that venue\, and agrees to the publication\, reproduction\, distribution and broadcast of all photographs\, video or other recordings of the passholder’s voice or likeness without further notice or compensation in any publicity\, advertisement or other publication carried-out by\, or on behalf of\, Sled Island and in perpetuity in any manner and media whatsoever\, including print\, broadcast or internet.\nEveryone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees must abide by Sled Island’s safer spaces and inclusion policy and agree to the code of conduct\, which can be found at SledIsland.com/SaferSpaces.All passes and tickets are non-refundable. \nAbout Sled Island:Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary\, Alberta that brings together a community of music\, comedy and art with over 25\,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city. For more information\, visit SledIsland.com.\nSled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta\, which includes the Siksika\, the Piikani\, the Kainai\, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations\, including the Chiniki\, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
URL:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/event-calendar/5ixmfxzxx-sled-island-and-the-gauntlet-present-lil-mariko-tanajah-sloosh-and-more/
LOCATION:Commonwealth Bar and Stage\, 731 10 Ave SW\, Calgary\, Alberta\, T2P 2M1
CATEGORIES:Music & concerts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://exploredowntownyyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/071ca999-0053-4aea-b029-fea791b7fe43-1400.jpg
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