International Avenue plays host to East Down Get Down as Calgarians flock to Forest Lawn for food, music -- and bowling

17 Avenue SE comes alive with independent music and authentic, international food.

East Town Get Down took over Forest Lawn Saturday, offering music and the food that International Avenue is famous for to festival goers.

The music fest featured over 50 bands from all over North America as well as numerous local acts. Among them were Mariel Buckley, Sea of Lettuce, Kiwi Jr., Hot Garbage and Jackson and the Janks.

Music was offered at a variety of eclectic venues, said organizer Alison Karim-McSwiney, who is also the executive director of the International Avenue BRZ (Business Revitalization Zone).

“People get to go to a number of really unique venues that are in a number of different locations, so they can pop into the bowling alley, do some bowling -- and also take in some post-punk bands,” said Karim-McSwiney.

She said the music festival is a great showcase for the restaurants and merchants of International Avenue, and that festivalgoers discover hidden gems that generate return visits to the neighbourhood throughout the year.

“You can walk into an Eritrean restaurant and you’re going to see some alternative music bands and you’re also going to enjoy Eritrean food, so it really sort of opens up the whole experience of International Avenue,” she said.

“It’s just a really interesting event for people to learn more about the culture of International Avenue as well as enjoy some top-notch music.”

For more about International Avenue, go here.

For more about East Town Get Down, go here.