What’s the best thing since sliced artisan bread? Freshly baked artisan bread, of course. The good news for Calgary’s Inglewood residents is that the Wilde Grainz Artisan Bakery has set up shop in their neighbourhood. And who wouldn’t want a bite of the bakery’s wholesome loaves, which include seasonal ingredients and take three days to make from start to finish? Wilde Grainz also sells tortes, tarts and other treats – for those with a sweet tooth.

1218c 9 Ave. S.E., 403-767-9006, wildegrainz.com

PHOTO: CC

One day the Beltline hipsters woke up to a hip new pub called Local 510 on on 17th Avenue. Then came a Local 522 that looked oddly familiar but catered to the downtown business crowd. Now, just when things seemed quiet, Local 002 pops up in the city’s southwest to vie for the attention of Mount Royal University students.

The Locals were started by club and restaurant heavyweight Victor Choy’s Concorde Group Entertainment. Beer snobs will be disappointed by the selection, but the food is remarkably good and the cocktail list is tasty.

2 Richard Way S.W., 403-240-3619

PHOTO: ASTON FENBY

Chef Michael Noble is a household name (amongst Calgarian foodie households) and the man responsible for upgrading the menu at the Earl’s chain. Now he’s opened NOtaBLE in an area of Calgary not known for upscale casual dining. The restaurant is the first to bear his name. Sort of. Noble, NOtaBLE—close enough. If you’re in the mood for seafood, try out the Dungeness crab and shrimp bake or the Fanny Bay scallops. For those who prefer sweet to savoury, chow down on the Stilton cheesecake.

4611 Bowness Road N.W., 403-288-4372, notablerestaurantworks.ca

PHOTO: JASON DZIVER

Subversive and often humorous, John Will is a fixture on Calgary’s art scene with a devilish reputation. Often playful, sometimes mean, his work focuses on painting and printmaking, but he occasionally delves into performance and video work. In this exhibition, Glenbow will present some of Will’s prints, mostly lithographs, from its extensive collection.

August 21 to November 14, Glenbow Museum, 130 9th Ave. S.E., 403-268-4100, glenbow.org 

PHOTO: GLENBOW MUSEUM

Riva’s isn’t new, but it’s spiffy new location is. Previously tucked into a corner of 17th Avenue, the new location is right in the middle of the funky Inglewood strip. The windows fill this larger space with light—in addition to the clothing, housewares, makeup, linens and home renovation goods. The items are eco-friendly and high-end. Non-toxic paints, eco-friendly hardwood, and speakers made from recycled cardboard? Just don’t expect to pay hemp store prices.

1237 9th Ave. S.E., 403-452-1001, rivasecostore.com

Don’t be fooled by appearances at Holy Smoke. The new barbeque and smoke pit, tucked away in the middle of an industrial park in southeast Calgary, is a hidden gem. The servers sport ironic trailer trash shirts with nametags while slinging traditional southern barbecue fare. The dry-smoked ribs go for $1 a pop along with a delicious array of sauces. Homemade cornbread and brown beans make great sides, too. Or just dive straight into a traditional pulled-pork sandwich or beef brisket. Holy cow indeed.

4-4640 Manhattan Rd. S.E., 403-605-9365, holysmokebbq.ca

First Street S.W. has been transformed from a street full of dive bars to a condo-lined coffee shop mecca, with bistros and and a few bars to boot. Songkla has taken over the Artlife Gallery’s old space and given it, well, new life. The design studio and store sells handcrafted leather and fabric clothing. Look here for T-shirts, button-ups and hoodies from local designers.

1314 First St. S.W., 403-455-2275, songkla.ca  

A Calgary institution has some fancy new digs. The Ironwood is one of the best live venues for folk and blues in town. Its old location was hidden away in a quaint hanger-style shed. Now housed in the former Garry Theatre in the heart of Inglewood, the Ironwood has more than enough room onstage and at the bar. When the bands aren’t playing, the beer and eats (think halibut with chips and bison meatball pasta) make up for the silence.

1229 Ninth Ave. S.E., 403-269-5581, ironwoodstage.ca     

Bike Bike is, as the name suggests, a bike shop. What’s different about this one is that it caters to those who want more out of their ride than a spin on the pathways. Daily commuters, folks who haul their groceries, their gear or even their children are the focus of this new operation. They also do repairs, run workshops and can convert your mountain bike into a city one. The store hosts regular nighttime group rides and an upcoming ice cream ride, which is an ice cream social on wheels. 

1501 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-2453, bikebike.ca

The Calgary Folk Music Festival is a staple of Calgary’s blossoming summer festival scene. The 31^st edition of the festival starts today and takes place on multiple stages on Prince’s Island, a tree-shaded oasis in the city. Folk fest is a time when old hippies, young hipsters, families and old-fashioned music lovers take over the park. Performers like The Swell Season, Natacha Atlas and Cat Empire will be among the acts gently rocking the island this year.

July 22 to 25, Prince’s Island Park, calgaryfolkfest.com

PHOTO: DOUG CALLOW