Alcove February 2026 Newsletter

We are open!

We are now open for 2026! We’re so excited to be back open with a fantastic February event lineup. We’d love to see you - come warm up at both our Alcove Core and Alcove Beltline locations.

The cold weather makes it the perfect time to get cozy in our space, hang out with new & old friends, and take time for your creativity.

Click the button below to view our programs calendar!

Cypher Club

• All Ages

• Drop-in, no registration!

• Donations encouraged to support Cypher Club!

February Creatives Mixer

Our Creatives Mixer is a quarterly networking event that brings together people that Alcove collaborates with, local creatives, individuals who work in the sector, and supporters! Come out to our very first mixer of the year!

Whether you are an artist, creator, arts administrator, an art enthusiast or just want to support the arts, here is your chance to get connected with others like yourself!

• RSVP here! You also need a 2026 Alcove Community Card to attend (available at the door for $30).

• Raffle prizes to be won!

• Ages: 16+

• Dress Code: Dress to express! Anything that showcases who you are.

• Snacks & Refreshments are complimentary.

• Alcohol beverages will be sold.

This event is in partnership with Art for Social Change Network: Calgary Hub. (ASCN).

ATC Trading Cards Session

Come trade artist trading cards in February!

A trading card can be a drawing, a painting, a collage, a print, sewn fabric, knotwork, photographs, digital prints, photocopies. In short, whatever your creative juices can conjure upon this tiny little area.

Sign, date on the back & TRADE them with others. Artist Trading Cards (ATC) meets happen all over the world and the longest running one in Canada is right here in Calgary!

• Drop-in session, no registration required.

• Free admission

• Family-Friendly/All-ages

What’s on at Alcove Beltline (1040 8 ST SW)

We have some cool pop up events being held in our Beltline space this month!

Note that our Beltline space is not open for drop ins - this space is open for private events and workshops only, so be sure to check out our calendar to see what’s on.

It’s the perfect space for cozy & intimate get togethers!

Beginners Punch Needle Workshop - Galentine's/Valentine's Edition

Discover the art of punch needle embroidery in this hands-on workshop designed for beginners! In this fun, creative class, you’ll learn how to make your very own punch needle coaster. We will have Valentine's themed stencils!

What You’ll Learn:

• Introduction to the punch needle tool and materials

• Basics of punch needle and techniques to create a simple design

• Punch needle troubleshooting

• Tips for finishing your project

• Admission is $28.07 (early bird price)

• All ages

• *Please note Alcove Beltline is not wheelchair accessible, and has a few steps to enter

Yes, Let's Learn Improv!

Yes, Let's Learn Improv! is an improv workshop designed to help beginner and intermediate improvisers practice their skills in a welcoming environment. Bryan Sandberg and Ciorstaidh Reid from the Kinkonauts Conservatory will lead attendees through a series of games and exercises which will build confidence and improvisation skills. If you are interested in growing as an improviser or even if you haven't tried improv before and you want to check it out, this workshop is for you!

• For ages 18+

• The workshop is pay what you can! Suggested $20 - $30 to support facilitator fees and supplies.

• *Please note Alcove Beltline is not wheelchair accessible, and has a few steps to enter

2026 Alcove Community Card is Here!

Your go-to way to support local arts while enjoying great perks across the city.

For just $30, the Community Card unlocks exclusive discounts at 63+ local businesses — including cafés, bookstores, studios, breweries, galleries, and more — all while supporting the creative community you love.

Your card includes:

• Special discounts and offers at 63+ local partners

• Access to Alcove’s quarterly Creatives Mixer (card required)

• Quarterly Insider podcasts with behind-the-scenes stories

• Year-round perks and creative experiences

Each card purchased directly supports Alcove’s work, from free and by-donation workshops to accessible all-ages programming, and helps sustain Western Canada’s first recreational arts space, welcoming over 1,000 visitors each month. It also helps fund 100+ paid artist opportunities annually.

A meaningful, local, and impact-driven gift… for others or yourself.

Take a look at our amazing sponsors below!

We also have discounted Team Packages available! Email [email protected] for details.

Valid January 1–December 31, 2026.

Buy yours at our front desk during regular hours!

Want to support Alcove? Here’s how!

• If you’re able, consider making a donation! Donations help fuel our mission to provide a full-time space where people can cultivate their creativity and build meaningful connections within our community. Donations over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt. 

• Snag a 2026 Community Card — Treat yourself or a friend to an all-access pass to special offers and creative experiences in Calgary for $30! Every purchase helps support local businesses AND accessible arts programming in Calgary!

• Bring Alcove to Work — Does your workplace support local arts and culture? Whether it’s through an employee giving campaign or a corporate donation, your workplace can help fuel creativity in Calgary. Email [email protected] and let’s chat!

• Show Up & Get Creative — Swing by during drop-in hours, join a workshop, or check out one of our events. When you show up, you support local artists and help build community. Click here for our program schedule. 

Alcove belongs to all of us — thanks for being part of it!

*Friendly reminder to guests that hot food is not permitted in the space, with exceptions during special events. This is to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the recreational art space.

*Parking in the loading zone by the back door is not permitted, except for staff and facilitators/performers who have a workshop or performance at Alcove. Please do not park there otherwise.

About Us
The Alcove Centre for the Arts is a charity located in Calgary (Alcove Core - 244 7th Avenue SW & Alcove Beltline - 1040 8 St SW). Our aim is to make the arts accessible through pay-what-you-can events and art workshops. We believe that art and creativity are integral to the human experience and in building vibrant and dynamic communities.

Visiting Us
Affordable parking for Alcove Core is located at: TD Core’s Underground Parkade (745 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4K9). It has free 3-hour parking after 3pm on Weekdays, and a flat rate of $2 for longer. There is free 3-hour parking all day on Weekends, with a $2 flat rate for longer. If you are taking Calgary Transit, we are just across the street from 3rd Street Station.