Our Initiatives
At BLOX, we’re dedicated to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community through a variety of public programs, partnerships, and events. From supporting local businesses and artists to enhancing public spaces and fostering community engagement, our initiatives help shape BLOX into a dynamic and welcoming destination for all.
Community & Business Engagement
Engaging Vulnerable Persons Workshop
Our Engaging Vulnerable Persons (EVP) Workshop is a free, monthly session designed to help BLOX businesses and community members gain a better understanding of how to interact with and support the vulnerable population. Through education and open discussion, we provide practical strategies to foster compassionate, effective, and community-minded approaches to engagement. By working together, we create a more inclusive and supportive neighborhood for all.
(Summer) Free Naloxone Training
Each summer, BLOX partners with RadiCare Ventures to offer free monthly Naloxone training, equipping businesses and community members with the skills to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses. This hands-on workshop helps participants better understand the opioid crisis and learn how to use Naloxone to save lives in emergency situations. By increasing awareness and preparedness, we’re building a safer, more supportive community for everyone.
Bump Mural Tours
BLOX hosts BUMP Mural Tours throughout the year, giving community members and visitors the chance to explore the city’s stunning street art. These guided tours dive into the history, meaning, and artists behind the murals, while also highlighting local BLOX businesses along the way. Whether you're an art lover, a tourist, or just looking to see the city in a new light, this is the perfect way to experience Calgary’s vibrant public art scene!
SLED Island
Each year, BLOX partners with Sled Island to activate multiple businesses during the festival through live shows and promotional collaborations. This partnership brings increased foot traffic to the area while giving BLOX businesses the chance to engage with festival-goers and showcase what they have to offer.
Advocacy
Navigating City approvals can be complex, but we're here to help. BLOX acts as a liaison between businesses and the City of Calgary, advocating for approvals and policy changes that benefit businesses within our zone. Whether it's permits, zoning adjustments, or public space improvements, we ensure your needs are heard and supported.
Recurring Events
Annual Fundraiser
Our BLOX Annual Fundraiser is a celebration of community, creativity, and giving back. Each year, we collaborate with local artists, musicians, and entertainers to host an exciting show, with 100% of door proceeds supporting a charity that aligns with our values. This event not only showcases incredible local talent but also makes a meaningful impact by supporting causes that matter to our community.
Free Meal Pop-up
BLOX partners with Alpha House to host a Free Meal Pop-Up, providing a warm and welcoming space where anyone and everyone can enjoy a free hot meal. This outdoor community event fosters connection, inclusivity, and support, ensuring that no one in our neighborhood goes hungry.
Free Bike Tune-ups
BLOX hosts Free Bike Tune-Ups at The Bike Shop, offering complimentary bike maintenance to keep our community rolling smoothly. This event is more than just a tune-up—it's a gathering with music, light snacks, and great company, making it the perfect way to celebrate cycling culture while supporting local businesses. Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend rider, stop by for a quick check-up and enjoy the vibrant BLOX atmosphere!
Party in the Park
Party in the Park is BLOX’s all-ages, pet-friendly outdoor festival hosted at Lougheed House every early September! Expect a day filled with live music, beer tents, lawn games, delicious food, and local vendors, all set in a beautiful green space. With free entry, this event is the perfect way to enjoy the community, a last hurrah to soak up the end of summer vibes, and celebrate everything BLOX has to offer!
Halloween Howler
Halloween Howler is a free, all-ages trick-or-treating adventure through BLOX! We partner with local businesses to hand out candy, host activities, and offer special treats curated by our community. The event kicks off at the BLOX Arts Centre, where guests receive a map of trick-or-treating stops at participating BLOX businesses.
BLOXING Day
BLOXING Day is a limited-ticket event where every guest receives a surprise gift valued at $50 or more, featuring a product or service from a BLOX business. The tickets also come with complimentary drinks upon arrival. Each year, we host this exclusive celebration at a different BLOX business, making it a unique experience every time! It’s our way of supporting local, giving back, and bringing the community together in a fun and exciting way
Street Safety & Beautification
Planter Programme
The BLOX Planter Programme brings art and greenery together to enhance our streetscape. In collaboration with over a dozen local artists, we’ve transformed planters into vibrant public art pieces. This spring, we’re partnering with a Beltline-based business to fill them with lush, sustainable greenery—creating a more welcoming and dynamic public space for everyone to enjoy.
Cigarette Disposals
The BLOX Cigarette Disposal Program helps keep our streets clean by providing designated disposal units in high-traffic areas. Painted in vibrant BLOX colors in-house, these receptacles will be placed in key locations identified by our street cleaning team as high-need areas. By making proper disposal convenient and visible, we're reducing litter and keeping our community cleaner and more sustainable.
Street Flags
The BLOX Street Flags project is designed to make our district brighter, more colorful, and easily identifiable. As part of our ongoing expansion, these vibrant flags will line the streets, adding a bold visual identity to the area. This initiative enhances wayfinding, placemaking, and neighborhood pride, making BLOX a more engaging and welcoming space for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
City Bins
The BLOX City Bins initiative is bringing more waste bins to the streets to keep our neighborhood cleaner and more accessible.
Street Cleaning & Grafitti Removal
BLOX has partnered with RadiCare Ventures to keep our streets clean and welcoming every day. Their dedicated team provides daily street cleaning, ensuring our sidewalks and public spaces remain tidy and inviting. In addition, they offer free graffiti removal and window washing for all street-level businesses within the BLOX, helping maintain a polished and professional look throughout the district.
Alpha House Outreach
BLOX has partnered with Alpha House to support a Street Outreach Ambassador Program, ensuring a compassionate and effective approach to community care. Their team connects with individuals in need while also working closely with BLOX businesses to develop thoughtful strategies for responding to our vulnerable population. This partnership fosters a safer, more inclusive neighborhood while supporting business operations in a way that benefits everyone.
Bike Racks
As part of our commitment to a more bike-friendly and vibrant community, BLOX installs custom-designed bike racks throughout the district! These racks not only provide secure parking for cyclists but also add a unique artistic touch to our streetscape. By blending functionality with design, we’re making BLOX more accessible, sustainable, and visually engaging for everyone.