Food, Wine, and Community Spirit Celebrating Kensington's 40th

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Kensington Business Improvement Area (BIA), the third one ever created in Calgary. For four decades, the BIA has been the heartbeat of this neighbourhood, helping it stay lively, welcoming, and supportive of small businesses. Their work on beautification, accessibility, and promoting local shops has made Kensington one of the city’s most loved destinations.

As a small business in Kensington, we feel this milestone deeply. We know first-hand how much this community contributes to our success, and we want to raise a glass in gratitude. To the BIA, to our neighbours, and to you our customers, thank you for making this neighbourhood what it is.

Collaboration Culture

Being in Kensington means we are never alone in what we do. Collaboration is part of the culture here, and we have been fortunate to work with so many incredible businesses.

Our Take Out Tuesday series has brought wine and food lovers together with restaurants just steps from our door. We’ve worked with Satsuki, YYC PB&J, Pulcinella, Hayden Block, Peppino, Kensington Wine Bar, Flirty Bird, Mestizo Taqueria, Alo Viet Kitchen, Bombay Tiger, and Flippin Burgers. Each week gave us the chance to highlight a new pairing and celebrate what our neighbourhood chefs do so well.

Of course, our closest neighbour by distance is The Continental YYC. We have partnered with them on some truly memorable wine dinners. Chef Dawn is incredibly talented, and her thoughtful menus always bring out the best in the wines we feature. Her creativity in the kitchen makes each course feel both comforting and exciting.

We also work closely with Peasant Cheese during our regular public ticketed tastings, pairing their beautiful cheese and charcuterie platters with our wines. The combination of artisanal cheese, carefully chosen charcuterie, and interesting wines always creates the kind of experience people want to linger over. These events have become a highlight for many of our customers and one of the best ways to enjoy an evening out in Kensington.

Kensington's Halloween Pup Crawl

Partnerships in Kensington don’t stop at food and drink. Together with Pet Planet Kensington, we kicked off the very first Halloween Pup Crawl. Since then, the event has grown bigger every year, with more businesses joining in. It has become one of the most anticipated events of the fall, and one of the most joyful days in the neighbourhood.

There is nothing quite like the sight of dogs parading through Kensington in hilarious costumes, bananas, superheroes, witches, and everything in between. Add in treats for both humans and pets, a photo booth, caricature artists, and plenty of laughter, and you have an event that captures the fun, quirky spirit of this neighbourhood. This year the Pup Crawl is set for Sunday October 26th, and we’ll share more details soon, including a map of participating businesses.

Halloween is not the only time the neighbourhood comes alive. As the seasons change, Kensington keeps the energy going with Late Night Shopping and Christmas in Kensington. These events invite everyone to come down, enjoy the festive lights, explore the shops after hours, and soak in the holiday spirit. It is another way the community gathers to celebrate, and it makes Kensington feel especially magical at the end of the year... almost like being a Who straight out of Dr. Seuss’ imagination.

A Saturday Day Date for under $50

If you’re looking for a way to experience all of this, there is no better time than a Saturday afternoon in Kensington. Between 2 and 5 pm, we host our free Discover Your Style Day tasting, where you can sample six wines. It is casual, welcoming, and always fun, whether you’re learning about each wine or simply enjoying them with good company.

Afterwards, you can make a whole day of it. Pick up a bottle for around $20 to $25 to enjoy later. Stop into Peasant Cheese for bread, cheese, and maybe pâté for about $20. Wander to YYC PB&J and grab a couple of sweet treats for $10. Then, with your picnic basket filled, take a short walk to the Bow River or head over to Riley Park. Spread out a blanket, pour a glass, and enjoy a Kensington date day for under $50.

As we celebrate 40 years of the Kensington BIA, we are reminded how much this neighbourhood has given us. From the businesses who collaborate, to the customers who have become friends, to the events that make us laugh and connect, Kensington is more than just a place. It is a community, and one we are proud to call home.

So here’s to 40 years of Kensington, and to many more. We cannot wait to see what the future holds, and we are grateful to share it with you.

Bon Appetit