Why Entertainment Habits in Alberta Are Changing
A night out in Alberta looks a little different than it did a few years ago: the province has a busy calendar of events throughout the year, with everything from arena concerts to festivals and smaller community events. But with everyday costs taking a larger share of household budgets, people are thinking far more carefully about which plans they’re willing to step outside the comfort (and affordability) of home for.
People Are Choosing More Carefully
Higher day-to-day costs have greatly changed the calculation around entertainment, since attending an event usually has “hidden” costs attached. A ticket price might seem reasonable on its own, but things can become considerably more expensive once you factor in petrol or e-hailing costs in getting across the city, finding somewhere to park, and perhaps eating out. (Not to mention getting back after the event.)
That’s not to say that people have lost interest in going out, which isn’t the case at all; it’s rather that they’re becoming more selective. Where a household might once have made several spontaneous plans in a month, they might now choose only two or three occasions they really want to attend, and leave room in the month for quieter weekends indoors.
Staying Home Has Become Real Competition
Of course, spending habits aren’t all that’s changed in the last few years. Home entertainment technology has improved considerably, so a pricey night out now has to compete with an evening that requires almost no planning (and significantly less spending).
Streaming and gaming are easy to fit around work and changing schedules, while friends and family can sit down to watch a big Oilers game from the couch without worrying about getting home afterwards. Digital choices are much broader now, too: some adults might spend time watching series on streaming services like Netflix, others may spend some leisure time at an online casino in Alberta, and yet others might just catch up with friends online via a platform like Discord or Reddit.
Whichever home entertainment option people go with, it changes the marketing and sales strategies that local venues and organizers employ, since they’re not just competing against each other. They also need to give people a good enough reason to go out in the first place.
The Biggest Local Events Still Draw Crowds
Live events are still hugely in demand, even with people preferring to stay in most of the time. The schedule of upcoming concerts includes major touring acts at Rogers Place and Commonwealth Stadium. Foo Fighters are scheduled to play Commonwealth Stadium in September, showing the scale of live entertainment that still has the capability to turn an ordinary night into a fun gathering.
Then there are established events like K-Days, where the appeal goes beyond a single performance. These are great for families in particular, since a day at the fair can become part of the summer calendar (and therefore part of the annual routine).
Even those on a tight budget might still be able to attend certain events, especially if they’ve booked a major concert months ahead or set aside a weekend for a favourite annual event.
The City Itself Is Part of the Decision
There’s also the reality of logistics, which is usually the biggest detractor when it comes to planning nights out. The weather can change plans quickly, particularly when an outing involves spending time outside. And depending on where you live, a simple evening out might need to start with a long drive.
These kinds of practical considerations are important, especially since it can be difficult to line up multiple schedules (and bedtimes). For example, families have to think about whether an event works around children's school activities, and friends might decide that crossing the city for a few drinks after work isn’t worth the commute. Of course, this can also work in favour of neighbourhood events and venues closer to home.
What’s Still Worth the Money Has Changed
A cheap ticket isn't necessarily good value if attending becomes a hassle and adds on more costs. But an expensive occasion may feel worthwhile for someone who has been looking forward to the event for months.
You can see why very different types of entertainment still find an audience, since they serve different kinds of nights out. A comedy night doesn't need to compete with a Rogers Place concert on scale, just as a local community event doesn't have to recreate K-Days. This is why it’s important that organizers understand what makes their particular experience worth choosing.
Choosing Your Next Weekend Out
Having a lot of options for a night or day out may not necessarily make it easier to decide what to do. After all, when you’re spoiled for choice, it’s harder to choose.
Some weekends, you might opt for a major show that has been on the calendar for months. Other times, something closer to home may make far more sense… and sometimes, particularly when the weather turns, staying home is difficult to beat.
People’s entertainment habits may be changing, but Alberta residents’ appetites for going out hasn't disappeared; they’re simply thinking a little harder about where they spend their time and money. So for the people working the events scene, it’s more important than ever to give people a good reason to show up.
