artsScene Edmonton’s latest sold out event took place tonight at the historic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. The Summer Patio Party + Behind the Scenes was another great opportunity to catch up with old friends and to meet some new ones too! Here’s what the event was all about:

Steeped in history, The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald opened its doors in 1915 and has continued to be the centre of Edmonton’s social life. Join fellow young professionals (ages 18-40) and discover the building’s history and architecture, combined with a summer patio party with DJs, drinks and more overlooking the city’s river valley. It’ll be an artsScene Behind the Scenes event like no other!

Tonight’s event was a unique chance to learn more about Hotel Mac, as it is known here in Edmonton. The smoke outside meant that most people stayed indoors, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and a few of us ventured onto the patio anyway.

Here are some highlights from the tour:

This is the Empire Ballroom, which is where the famous Sunday brunch takes place. During World War II, the space was used to make jeans!

This is the Drawing Room, which used to be for ladies only. It even featured a separate entrance (which now serves only as an emergency exit).

Right next door is the Jasper Room, which was for men. The most striking feature are the windows, which are seem too close to the floor – they’re level when you’re seated.

Apparently this mural was “photoshopped” – it features John A. Macdonald at the centre, but not everyone pictured was actually there.

The staircase was my favorite part of the tour. Marble steps and some incredible views on the way down.

We also got to see one of the rooms on the 8th floor. The one we saw was two levels, and goes for about $1000 per night. Apparently the one Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stayed in is much larger and is more like $3000 per night!

After the tour we checked out the patio, which tonight offered a clear view of the smoke:

Tonight’s event also featured music from the Jerrold Dubyk Trio, Mindy Cooper (DJ Sweetz), and a really intriguing art project called “Angles of Love” by Sarah Jackson. You can see the rest of my photos here.

If you haven’t checked out an artsScene event yet, what are you waiting for? Stay tuned to their blog and Twitter for updates. See you at the next one!