The Plaza Theatre

Monday: 18:00 - 23:00
Tuesday: 18:00 - 23:00
Wednesday: 18:00 - 22:30
Thursday: 18:00 - 23:00
Friday: 18:00 - 23:00
Saturday: 13:00 - 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 - 22:30

About The Plaza Theatre

For show times and other info, head over to www. theplaza. ca

For booking inquiries please email mike@theplaza. ca

The Plaza Theatre Description

A nostalgic glimpse of The Plaza's beginning. Courtesy of the City of Calgary's Heritage Sites archive. . .

"Hillhurst was subdivided in 1906, annexed to the City in 1907, and grew as Calgary's population boomed prior to World War I. Many services were needed in the working class suburb and businesses sprang up to meet the demand. One such establishment, a garage, opened for business in 1929. In the mid-thirties, the original use changed. Jim Finney, who had recently moved to the area, recalled the transformation:

"'I watched the Plaza Theatre being built in the early thirties. It was renovated from an old garage. We used to spend all our Saturdays there. The cost of a show was 10 cents. Half the time we'd sneak into the place. The first guy had the dime and he'd have to go in and open the back door and let the rest of us in because we didn't have the money. '

"The rejuvenated garage opened as a theatre in 1935 and is a good example of a building which has responded to the emerging demands of a community. A full house is common in this theatre which often screens old film classics. The building features stucco cladding in a facade treatment which owes as much stylistically to the western 'false front' tradition as the Modern movement, with its moulded parapet and taut plastic use of the building skin.

"The Plaza Theatre's long and varied life adds a special dimension to the atmosphere of the vibrant Kensington area of northwest Calgary. "

Reviews

User

is this the indie theatre with the real butter or no? either way im gonna give you five stars because im such a hip cinephile who loves an underdog. ohhh i remember now. kensington. for the record i dont care if you play it or not, i just hate the haphazard nature of mob justice.

User

The plaza was one of the first places I went to when I moved to Calgary, knowing no one, I went by myself to a screening of 'worlds best commercials.' Since then I've gone to many screenings and have always had a great time.

User

The Plaza is such a beautiful place. The staff is kind, the theatre is classic, old and full of character. They hold viewings of regular movies but also have fun events such as late night at the plaza, fifth reel events which host movies and local musicians and screenings of local work. The plaza is an important place in Calgary it will always hold a special place in my heart

User

Plaza is the best! great Lil independent theatre. it feels good going there for numerous reasons... 2 main ones = supporting local small business and the popcorn is the best!

User

Lots of people who have never been to The Plaza are now giving it 1 star because The Plaza listened to it's customers and cancelled a controversial screening. The Plaza knows who it's customers are and I am sure they will not lose any sleep, or money over this choice.

User

If you're commenting on the theatre for their decision to show a movie or not then you're not giving a real review. A real review would be something like: This theatre shows get older movies and has awesome events. The seats are old and not super comfy but it doesn't matter because the theatre is great. The popcorn is delicious.

User

I love the Plaza! The physical venue is lovely, old style and funky as well as comfortable. But the best is the home it provides for all kinds of fun and alternative type events. Attended the sing-a-long version of Mama Mia most recently -sheer community joy!

User

I have been going to Plaza since the late 70's, sometimes every second night and it always was a great experience. I remember seeing some of the best Italian and other European movies there.

I hope Plaza continues to prosper and isn't forced to shut down.

"Rebel In The Rye" was super, much better than I had imagined.

User

Calgary Indie royalty. Worth finding parking for!



You will see a lot of reviews on here trying to sink this business because the Plaza decided not to screen ONE film. Imagine a group of people so vicious they would try to destroy your entire business over such a trivial thing!

Anyway, while this is political, this theatre is old fashioned, beautiful, and one of a kind. Truly a local gem.

User

As a proud feminist, it really hurts my heart that so many people are posting negative reviews about the iconic treasure that is the Plaza Theatre because they are allowing a film ("The Red Pill") to be screened that expresses viewpoints many people –including myself– find abhorrent. If I was still living in Calgary, I would proudly stand outside and PROTEST THE FILM so that people thinking about going inside know that the film's misogynist point of view promotes hatred and violence towards women.



Calgarians should be proud that the Plaza is a place where diverse opinions can be shared, even ones we disagree with and find unacceptable. Silencing free expression is a terrible road to go down. As Evelyn Beatrice Hall said (though often attributed to Voltaire), "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

User

5 star review for the venue standing up against intolerance and bigotry. Free speech is vital, and no one should have the power to stop people expanding their minds and learning more about the world in which we live. Don't give into hate - don't give into the bullies trying to shut these screenings down :)

User

Great place to see non standard movies.

User

It’s an iconic theatre and I’ve got lots of good memories from over the years. The films they play are always fabulous, outside the box and leave you in contemplation. The theatre....Sadly, she is just worn out. It would be nice to see a little revamp. Not modernized, just a bit off polish. And for the love of God! Turn on some heat!

I will go back, I always do.

User

I've been to the plaza many times for many different types of shows. I've been to classic screenings, private videos promoted by friends, indie films, documentaries, Hollywood hits. I was really excited to see the screening of "The Red Pill" tomorrow. Although it is a difficult decision to have to make when dealing with hate speech and complaints from different groups, I ultimately believe that the plaza made a terrible decision that suppressed free speech in choosing not to screen the film tomorrow. It's upsetting as a female to see other women (and people in general) acting in such a horrible manner especially under circumstances where there was no education within or beyond the complaint. The film is not an anti feminist or anti women's rights film. It's an educational film about men's issues. It is so sad that new age feminists act so quick and without a care for anyone else's feelings, interests, beliefs or opinions. And it's awful that these people who complained without any education were able to put the plaza in such a difficult position. Shame �

User

Mike. You are clearly just kow-towing to the latest, loudest voice in your ear with no understanding of the underlying issues. You would've clocked this in a heartbeat if it was the Sons of Odin asking you to screen "Triumph of the Will," but now the MRAs -- who are directly connected to all that neo-Nazi shite -- manage to fool you with their Sea Lion routine? This was a test of who you really are as a person, and you failed. It comes at a massive expense of credibility and goodwill for you. I can only hope you really needed the money.

User

I've been going to the Plaza for years. It used to be a fun inclusive space with great staff and owners. As time has gone on, it has become clear that is no longer the case. I'm sorry to say goodbye to a space that I have such fond memories of, but in the end you have to leave toxic things, places, and people behind. It's been fun Plaza, I truly hope you can turn things around.

User

I've always had great experiences at the Plaza Theatre. I've been here for festival and regular screening and have always had a pleasant to awesome time. I really appreciated seeing "The Lesser Blessed" here, a Canadian film I wasn't able to see screened elsewhere in Calgary. I was also very grateful to see "Moonlight" before it's Oscar win, when I wasn't sure I'd get the chance to see it in theatre. Keep up the great work. I love you and your staff!!



Unfortunately, I have no respect for a venue or business that hosts hate speech. Hosting a screening of MRA hate propaganda "The Red Pill" gives a forum and support to anti-women groups who have called for the rape of women. I'm disappointed that the Plaza stands is support of this hate, and I will never again visit this venue. Thank you for the good times.

User

EDIT: apparently this screening has been uncanceled due to backlash from fans and a very well written letter filled with misinformation and Men's Rights propaganda. By doing so, the Plaza has chosen its audience, and I will no longer be a part of it.



The Plaza (was) a great supporter of the Arts and (stood) as a positive force in our local culture. Recent events (had) proven that - (I was) happy to see that the Plaza will not be platform for hate.

User

Airing hate-group propaganda and failing to stand up for vulnerable members of the community is reprehensible. As someone who was originally so proud of Plaza management for standing up against hate groups, I am hugely disappointed and will be taking my business elsewhere in the future.

More about The Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre is located at 1133 Kensington Road N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 3P4
403-283-3636 (info hotline) and 403-283-2222 (box office)
Monday: 18:00 - 23:00
Tuesday: 18:00 - 23:00
Wednesday: 18:00 - 22:30
Thursday: 18:00 - 23:00
Friday: 18:00 - 23:00
Saturday: 13:00 - 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 - 22:30
http://www.theplaza.ca