Things to do in Calgary this week: June 21–27
John Butler Trio and the soul power of St. Paul and The Broken Bones anchor a week split between live music and cozy indoor time as Calgary weathers a soggy stretch.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
This week splits clean: Sunday and Thursday deliver the live music, and rain moves in hard by Friday. Plan accordingly.
Start Sunday at The Palace Theatre with John Butler Trio, the Australian roots rock outfit led by guitarist and vocalist John Butler. They formed in Fremantle in 1998 and have built their reputation on the kind of folk-rock that actually moves—stride, electric roots, the whole range. The show runs at 7 p.m., and if you can catch it before the week tilts toward wet, take it. It's also the same night Come From Away plays at Theatre Calgary's Max Bell Theatre at 2 p.m., so if musicals and live rock both appeal, you have options.
Thursday brings two strong picks. Hiromi's Sonicwonder plays Bella Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m.—Hiromi Uehara is a Japanese jazz composer and pianist known for virtuosic technique and the kind of energetic live performance that justifies the ticket. The set blends stride, post-bop, progressive rock, and fusion in ways that sound effortless when she plays them. Earlier that evening, at Commonwealth Bar, Jack Botts brings Brisbane surf folk at 7 p.m.; he's worth an earlier stop if your night can stretch. Northcote's "To Cherish" Canadian Tour with guest Lauren Dillen happens the same night at Modern Love, starting at 8 p.m. and running from $24 CAD—a more intimate option if you want room to breathe.
Friday, St. Paul and The Broken Bones play Spruce Meadows at 7 p.m., about 18 kilometres outside the city. The Birmingham soul band has eight members and the kind of horns-and-swagger appeal that justifies the drive. Rain peaks Friday at 58 percent, so dress accordingly.
Beyond the stage: the week's new openings matter more than the weather. An Sang, a Vietnamese breakfast spot, opens by month's end at 843 17th Ave. S.W. in the Red Mile—pho, Bun Bo Hue, sizzling beef plates—exactly the kind of spot that feels essential once you know it exists. Wingstop opened its first Alberta location this week at Deerfoot Meadows, if chicken wings and signature flavours call to you. Hunter, the wood-fired Josper-grill from Concorde Entertainment, debuts Friday in Canmore—a short drive up if you want to pair dinner with Friday's clearer weather before the rain sets in.
If the drizzle gets to you, Gogi Korean Kitchen works any damp evening, fast and warming. For something heavier after a show, CHARCUT or Vintage Chophouse anchor a night out properly.
Saturday ends the week with Halifax Tides FC at Calgary Wild FC at McMahon Stadium at 5 p.m., though rain spikes to 77 percent by then—bring layers.
If you had one night this week, make it Thursday for Hiromi's Sonicwonder: she's the kind of pianist who reminds you why live jazz still matters.