63 things to do in Calgary this April

Mar 30 2017, 7:20 pm

Aside from the annual April fools day shenanigans, April is one of those great seasonal transition months that allows for tying up loose ends in preparation for the next wonderful season.

This is a great month to dive into your spring-cleaning, head up to the mountains or just spending some quality time with your friends before the craziness of summer hits.

Between celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday, April being International Jazz Month and the celebration of Easter, there is no shortage of things to this April.

Here are 63 fun adventures and events to check out in and around Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise this month!

Get Outdoors

Image: Biking / Shutterstock

Coors Light’s Apres Ski Party Featuring Classified

  • What: Celebrate spring skiing with Coors Light and Classified at Sunshine Village on the weekend of April 1st. Spend the morning skiing and then head to the Mad Trappers Stage for an unbelievable performance by Classified and you will have the chance to win a trip for 2 to the Coors Light Snowbombing on April 6 to 10!
  • Where: Sunshine Village
  • When: April 1 and 2
  • Cost: Free for all mountain guests

Bozo Cup

  • What: Come celebrate the life of Alberta’s legendary alpine ski racer, Rob Bosinger (aka Bozo) at the 12th annual Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend at Mt. Norquay in Banff. Continue his incredible legacy by participating in two races, the Bozocup and Kindercup to win $10,000 in cash and prizes. Don’t miss this day filled with wacky costumes, great views and a famous after party, featuring beer and an incredible silent auction!
  • Where: Mt. Norquay
  • When: April 1

Dust off your road bike

  • It looks like Calgary has seen the last of the snow, for the next 5 months at least – fingers crossed! So it’s the perfect time to get out your road bike and head down to the river for some beautiful views and a great afternoon of adventures, exploring Calgary’s bike paths.

Free Things To Do

Ballet Barre Class in the CORE

  • What: Courtesy of Lolë Calgary, the Core will be hosting free ballet barre classes every Sunday in April at 11am, taught by H/W School of Ballet. Bring your water bottle, yoga mat and towel, and prepare to sculpt and tone that beach bod for summer!
  • Where: COREshopping – 317 7 Avenue SW
  • When: Every Sunday in April beginning April 2
  • Cost: FREE

Vintage Antique Sale

  • What: Find yourself a coveted, one-of-a-kind treasure vintage sale put on by the Heirloom Program at Heritage Park. Twice a year they clean out their storage room and sell the unique items that are no longer needed for programming to help raise funds for other park initiatives. Antique furniture, old fashioned toys, classic jewelry and precious china, you never know what sort of gem you may just stumble upon from the past!
  • When: April 1 to 9
  • Where: Heritage Park, Celebration Tent – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
  • Cost: suggested donation of $2

Spring Music Series: Aaron Pollock

  • What: Aaron Pollock picked up a violin at age 6 and has never looked back! A native Calgarian, Aaron is currently working on his passion for music in the country music industry with John Mayer influenced guitar riffs and a baritone voice such as Josh Turner’s. See him perform at the Kokanee Kabin at Lake Louise, while celebrating the last few runs of the season.
  • Where: Lake Louise – 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise Alberta
  • When: April 8 and 9
  • Cost: Included in lift ticket

Spring Music – Smalltown DJs

  • What: Welcome Canada’s duo, Smalltown DJ’s to the stage as you celebrate spring, enjoy the great outdoors and take in the last few runs of the season.
  • Where: Lake Louise Ski Resort – 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise
  • Alberta
  • When: April 22 and 23
  • Cost: FREE

$5 Class Week At Decidedly Jazz Danceworks

  • What: are you looking to try something new or just switch up your workout routine? Try a variety of different dance styles for only $5 during DJD’s $5 class week and decipher which styles you may want to pursue during their next dance season.
  • Where: DJD Dance Centre – 111 12 Avenue SE
  • When: April 24-28
  • Cost: $5

Concert at the Cave

  • What: Help continue the celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday with this concert series at the birthplace of Canada’s National Parks, the Cave and Basin. This is a free family-friendly event, where you will have the opportunity to see the Great Lake Swimmers and Jill barber in a quaint and intimate performance. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your tickets online before the event.
  • Where: Cave and Basin National Historic Site – 311 Cave Avenue, Banff, AB
  • When: April 28 to 29
  • Cost: FREE

YYC Alternative Market

  • What: Shop local art and fashion from 10am to 5pm at this market presented by X92.9 held at Studio Bell, home to the National Music Centre.
  • Where: National Music Centre – 850 4 Street SE
  • When: April 30
  • Cost: FREE

Arts and Theatre

Image: Courtesy Broadway Across Canada

An Evening with Jonathan Goldstein

  • What: A frequent contributor to This American Life, a columnist for the National Post and found of the podcast with Gimlet Media, “Heavyweight,” Jonathan Goldstein is nothing short of great stories, unique perspectives, and awkward humor.
  • Where: The Banff Centre, The Margaret Greenham Theater – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff AB
  • When: April 1
  • Cost: $32

Film Screening: Arctic Defenders

  • What: Looking for a unique date night idea? Come see the Arctic defenders, a unique, real-life story behind the 1968 radical Inuit movement in Canada that led to the largest land claim in western civilization – Nunavut.
  • Where: The Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Ave SW
  • When: April 5
  • Cost: $10

1979

  • What: It’s not common to see political and hilarious used to describe something in the same sentence, but in this instance, it’s more than appropriate. Laugh until you cry as 1979 Prime Minister Joe Clark, decides whether or not he should put his first budget before parliament, as everyone, including his wife, Brian Mulroney, Pierre Trudeau advise him not too, in this riveting, hilarious political comedy.
  • Where: Martha Cohen Theatre – 215 8 Avenue SE
  • When: April 4 to 22
  • Cost: $25 -$72

Deep Sea Adventures of Alvin Sputnik

  • What: Join Tim Watts in his multi-award winning, micro-epic puppet show that explores the next and oldest frontier, the deep blue sea, in a touching story of enduring love and the end of the world.
  • Where: The Banff Centre, The Margaret Greenham Theater – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff AB
  • When: April 15
  • Cost: $12

National Canadian Film Day: Angry Inuk

  • What: April 19th is National Canadian Film day, and to celebrate the Glenbow is inviting you to join them in a free screening of the Angry Inuk. Directed by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, this film features the journey of a tech-savy generation armed with social media, as they campaign and challenge the long-established perceptions of seal hunting.
  • Where: The Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Ave SW
  • When: April 19
  • Cost: FREE

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra: A Tribute to Bowie

  • What: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is keeping David Bowie’s memory alive with this tribute to the legend himself. Join them for an evening of symphonic rock that outlines five decades of Bowie’s iconic classics, such as Space Oddity, Let’s Dance, Rebel Rebel and many many more.
  • Where: Jacksinger Concert Hall
  • When: April 22
  • Cost: $25.00 – $85.00

Beacon Original Art Spring Show & Sale

  • What: Shop 25 of Alberta’s most talented artists at this annual, 1-day only art show, presented by Beacon Original Art. Support local while finding a unique one-of-a-kind piece that will be a beautiful vocal point in any room in your home.
  • Where: Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association – 917 Centre Ave NE, Calgary
  • When: April 22
  • Cost: FREE

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

  • What: As Cinderella always said, ‘if you keep believing, the dream you wish will come true.” Well, wish no longer, as Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is coming to town! Be swept away in this enchanting Broadway musical that features an incredible orchestra, a pumpkin, a glass slipper and a twist that will leave you in awe.
  • Where: Sait Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
  • When: April 25 to 30
  • Cost: $30-$120

Rockies 2.0: Magazine Launch

  • What: Celebrate the launch of volume 2 of the Canadian Rockies Annual Magazine with a live performance from Shred Kelly and brews from the Banff Avenue Brewing Co. Be sure to be on time, as the first 100 people through the door will receive a very exciting swag bag and a free copy of the magazine!
  • Where: Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar
  • When: April 30
  • Cost: $15 online or $20 at the door

April Markets

Cinder and Sage Pop-up at Greater Goods

  • What: The mission at Greater Goods is to support and showcase the amazing local artists, designers, makers and brands that we have in our city, within the four walls of their beautiful heritage space in Bridgeland. Sip on a coffee, treat yourself to a delectable treat by Pretty Sweet and shop the beautiful vintage inspired jewelry featured in this month’s pop-up by Cinder and Sage.
  • Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
  • When: the entire month of April

Salty Sea Dog Designs & Becky Warren Draws Spring Cleaning Pop-Up Shop

  • What: Shop the quirky nautical ceramic designs from Salty Sea Dog and the hilarious and satirical stationery created by Becky Warren Draws at this Spring Cleaning pop up shop. Be sure to stop by, as they will be selling discontinued designs and products!
  • Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10 Avenue SE
  • When: April 5

Make It Show Calgary 

  • What: Make It Calgary is back and better than ever! Grab a friend and come stroll the 175 local makers and artists being showcased at this exhibition. From clothing, accessories, art, home decor, delectable eats, baby and kids items and more, you’ll be sure to come home with some beautiful treasures that are unique and one-of-a-kind. Support the makers of our community and help our local economy continue to boom!
  • Where: Big Four Building – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: April 7 to 9
  • Cost: $5

Needle + Pine Pop up shop

  • What: Have you been desperately trying to get your hands on one of these beauties, but find they are always sold out? Popular doesn’t even begin to describe these stunning mountain shelves created by Needle and Pine right here in Calgary. Go early and shop their entire collection on April 8th at Outside the Shape.
  • Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10 Avenue SE
  • When: April 8

April Workshops

Hanging Geo Airplant Workshop by Treena Warawa

  • Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10 Avenue SE
  • When: April 1
  • Cost: $55

Geometric Terrariums

  • Where: Roosevelt – 933 17 Avenue SW
  • When: April 5
  • Cost: $80

Terrarium Workshop Evening: By Forage + Design Creations

  • Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10 Avenue SE
  • When: April 6
  • Cost: $60

Wire Wrapped Crystal Jewelry

  • Where: The Bourbon Room – National on Tenth – 341 10 Avenue SW
  • When: April 12
  • Cost: $60

Intro to Watercolour Workshop at Greater Goods

  • Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
  • When: April 19
  • Cost: $80/ person

Heart and Swirl Painting Workshops

  • Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10 Avenue SE
  • When:
  • April 12 – “Bloom” with Kyla Alty
  • April 19 – Abstract Stripes with Jill Paddock
  • April 26 – “Bloom” with Kyla Alty
  • Cost: $100

Organic Dreamcatchers

  • Where: Wurst – 2437 4 Street SW
  • When: April 19
  • Cost: $50

Macrame Herb Garden Workshop at Greater Goods

  • Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
  • When: April 21
  • Cost: $85/ person

Henna Workshop

  • Where: Sonoma – 120, 801 6 Street SW
  • When: April 24
  • Cost: $70

Food and Drink Festivities

Dinner and A Movie

  • What: This classic date night standby just got a whole lot more fun, with Heritage Park’s Dinner and a Movie series. Munch on a tasty 3-course meal at the Selkirk Grille Restaurant before heading over to Gasoline Alley for a timeless classic film. There you will find a cash bar and old-fashioned popcorn to snack on during the movie!
  • Where: Heritage Park, Celebration Tent – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
  • When:
    • April 4 – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
    • April 19 – Canadian Fan Favourite
  • Cost: $42.95/ per person or $8 for film only

Big Rock Craft Beer Calgary Brewing Course

  • What: Calling all beer lovers! With the guidance and assistance from professional brewmasters, Alan Yule and Neil Bamford, you will get an opportunity to learn and participate in the beer brewing process from start to finish in this 2.5-hour workshop. Eight weeks later you are invited to return to pick up your craft beer creation!
  • Where: Heritage Park, Celebration Tent – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
  • When: April 6
  • Cost: $95

Taste of Jamaica

  • What: Transport into the world of truly authentic Jamaican culture for a night at this event brought to you by the Jamaican Canadian Association of Alberta. Taste classic Jamaican dishes, while watching live entertainment by local artists and performers, while learning about the rich culture that produced Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and other notable figures throughout history. If you haven’t tried it before, be sure to try the Grapenut ice cream – you won’t regret it!
  • Where: Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association – 5600 Centre Street N
  • When: April 15
  • Cost: $5

Beats. Brunch. Charity

  • What: Brunching for a good cause, there is no better way to spend your Saturday! Try a variety of delicious brunch dishes (yes, they have benny), as DJ Geoff Brown spins old hip hop and soul music in the background at this charity event in support of the Pet Access League Society (PALS) Calgary. There will also be an exciting silent auction featuring a variety of local YYC products and brands, such as Rumble Boxing, Local Laundry, Lace Brick Design, Bark Shop and more.
  • Where: Roosevelt Eatery – 933 17th Avenue SW
  • When: April 22
  • Cost: $33 – includes brunch, 1 mimosa and up to $15 off your first Uber ride

Spring Frenzy 2017

  • What: If you’re a foodie, this is an event you will want to write down on your calendar. Join YYCFoodTrucks for their first event of the year, kicking off yet another summer full of great food, music, community and fun-filled events.
  • Where: Riverwalk Plaza East Village
  • When: April 22 to 23
  • Cost: $5 Entry

Calgary Poutine Week

  • What: It’s baaaaack! Calgary Poutine week takes over the minds, hearts, and stomachs of YYC from April 21 to 29 this year, and the best part is, when you eat poutine sold as part of Calgary Poutine Week, you are helping get a meal to someone in need. Poutine Week is partnered with Mealshare, the non-profit that basically is a one-for-one donation based model that lets restaurants feed customers and kids in need.
  • Where: Various restaurants around town
  • When: April 21 to 29

Wine Maker’s Dinner at the Selkirk Grille

  • What: Chaim Gur-Arie, helped coin some of the great American food favourites, such as Cap’n Crunch and Hidden Valley Ranch and possesses a Ph.D. in food science. Needless to say, the man knows his stuff and he has some unreal stories to tell! Join him for an evening of quality wine paired with a delectable 3-course meal prepared by the Selkirk Grille.
  • Where: Heritage Park, Selkirk Grille – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
  • When: April 26
  • Cost: $84.95

YYC Taco Fiesta

  • What: YYC Taco Fiesta is a new taco festival that runs at the end of April and into May. Participating eateries (which are to be announced) will offer either individual tacos for $4 to $6, or a larger taco platter that will be anywhere from $12 to $18. YYC Taco Fiesta aims to mobilize the taco-loving community and get people into restaurants to purchase these special dishes. Partial proceeds from the taco sales (15%) will be donated to the Calgary Homeless Foundation and Kids Up Front.
  • Where: Over 30 participating restaurant in Calgary and the surrounding area
  • When: Friday, April 28 to Friday, May 5

8th Annual Calgary Vegan Bake Sale

  • What: Try some amazing vegan treats, while supporting two amazing charities making a huge different here in Calgary, the Free Spirit Sanctuary and the Alice Sanctuary. 100% of the proceeds will be given to both of these charities.
  • Where: Community Natural Foods – Chinook Station Market, 202 – 61st Avenue SW
  • When: April 29
  • Cost: 100% of proceeds will be donated to Free Spirit Sanctuary and The Alice Sanctuary.

Festivals and Other Events

The Calgary Woman’s Show

  • What: Grab the ladies and head to the BMO Centre for another year of The Calgary Women’s Show, aka the ultimate girls day out! The show will feature two days of special appearances from Jason Thompson and Gina Tognoni, along with two fashion shows, drink samples in the Wine Garden, boutique shopping, educational seminars and so much more! Proceeds from the event will be going to support Alberta Guide Dogs, as they are this year’s charity of choice.
  • Where: The BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SW
  • When: April 8 to 9
  • Cost: Day Pass – $40, 2-day Pass – $20

Paint Party

  • What: Eat, drink and paint with Christi Tims, as you learn how to paint the iconic ‘sugar bull.’ Christi will guide you in the initial outline and then it is up to your creativity as to how you decorate your masterpiece.
  • Where: Blanco – 723 17 Avenue SW
  • When: April 10
  • Cost: $40 – includes a complimentary drink and all supplies.

Adults Only Nights: The Final Frontier

  • What: In honour of the Comic Expo beginning soon, Telus Spark has an unreal experience planned for this month’s Adults Only Night! Celebrate the cultural impact of Star Trek as part of their Starfleet Academy Experience. This popular TV show inspired many people to look up in wonder what was beyond our vast universe and that in it’s self is an impact worth celebrating.
  • Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
  • When: April 13
  • Cost: $35

The 17th Annual Underground Film Festival

  • What: Come support your local independent filmmakers as they defy convention in all genres, at the 14th annual Calgary Underground Film Festival.
  • Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8 Avenue SW
  • When: April 17 – 23
  • Cost: $120

35th Annual Law Day

  • What: Celebrate this national event that commemorates the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Go through mock trials, courthouse tours public speaking and trail contests in order to learn and educate everyone more about the legal profession.
  • Where: Calgary Courts Centre – 601- 5 Street SW
  • When: April 22
  • Cost: FREE

Bikinis for Breast Cancer

  • What: Ski in your bikini top in an “S” formation down the hill as you raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. There are some very exciting prizes to be won, so competition to raise the most amount of money will be high!
  • Where: Lake Louise Ski Resort – 1 Whitehorn Road, Lake Louise
  • Alberta
  • When: April 29
  • Cost: All participants will be eligible for 20% off lift passes

International Jazz Day

  • What: April is Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), so be prepared to enjoy a variety events happening around Calgary throughout the month. April 30th is International Jazz Day, that also marks the official end to JAM. Check out the many FREE events happening around the city celebrating this fun and wonderful music genre!
  • Where: Various Locations
  • When: April 30
  • Cost: FREE

Sports Entertainment

Image: Calgary Flames / Twitter

The Masters

  • What: Masters Sunday, every sport’s fan favourite day of the year will be airing on April 9th and Home and Away is inviting you to join them in the festivities. Who will be the next to wear the Green Jacket in Butler Cabin?
  • Be sure to make a reservation to ensure you get a table!
  • Where: Home and Away 1331 17th Avenue SW
  • When: April 9

Rage Fundraiser

  • What: Support Women’s Tackle Football at the 6th Annual Calgary Rage Fundraiser. Consume delicious food and drinks, while socializing with good company and bidding on an exciting silent auction!
  • Where: Home and Away 1331 17th Avenue SW
  • When: April 6
  • Cost: $10

The Masters at the Pint

  • What: Come watch the Masters at the Pint, during which they will be offering a variety of great specials, plus the opportunity to win some fun golf related prizes throughout the day!
  • Where: The Pint – 1428 17 Avenue SW
  • When: April 9

Cheer on the Flames

  • What: The Flames need your support now more than ever, as they play the last few games of the season and waiver on the cusp of the playoffs. Let’s bring on the red mile shall we!
  • Where: The Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
  • When: Sunday, April 2 at 7:30 pm vs. Anaheim

Cheer on the Roughnecks

  • What: It’s been a good season for the Calgary Roughnecks, so come and join them for their last few games of the season!
  • When:
    • Saturday, April 8 at 7 pm vs. Buffalo
    • Saturday, April 29 at 7 pm vs. Saskatchewan
  • Where: The Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise

Concerts and Performances

CJAY 92 Melt Down Featuring Weezer

  • What: Join Weezer, The Trews and The Flatliners for an unforgettable night presented by CJAY 92!
  • Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
  • When: April 5
  • Cost: $70

Mayday Parade – A Lesson In Romantics – 10th Anniversary Tour

  • What: Mayday Parade is an American Rockband from Tallahassee, Florida. If you grew up in the 90’s you may remember their famous album A Lesson in Romantics, and their most recent release, ‘Monsters in the Closet.’ Join them as they rock the stage at Mac Hall and play all of their classics!
  • Where: MacEwan Ballroom – 2500 University Drive NW
  • When: April 15
  • Cost: $30

An Evening With Jackson Browne

  • What: Since beginning his Career in the mid-60’s, launching 14 albums and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, Jackson Browne has had one unbelievable career. Join him and Greg Leisz for an evening oh good ol’ Rock and Roll on the Jack Singer Concert Stage, as he reminisces all of his favourite hits!
  • Where: Jacksinger Concert Hall at Arts Commons – 208 8 Avenue SW
  • When: April 25
  • Cost: $52.75 – $102.75

The Gospel Side of Elvis

  • What: Little do people know, but Elvis loved to jam out to more than just Rock and Roll in his day. He idolized The Blackwood Family, the first family of Gospel Music, and aspired to sing with them someday. Although he didn’t get the opportunity, The Blackwood Quartet did play at Elvis’s funeral and is keeping his memory alive by putting on this tour honouring the king of Rock and Roll himself.
  • Where: Martha Cohen Theatre – 215 * Avenue SE
  • When: April 25
  • Cost: $47.75

Jimmy Eat World

  • What: Come see another legend from the 90’s, Jimmy Eat World, as they make their way around the globe on their tour to promote their most recent album, Integrity Blues!
  • Where: The Palace Theater – 219 – 8th Avenue SW
  • When: April 28
  • Cost: $35

Easter Festivities

#CoreEaster

  • What: This is no ordinary Easter egg hunt! For two weeks, the CORE will be hosting a mall-wide Easter egg hunt, for Adults. Inside each egg, you will find exciting vouchers for gift cards, baskets, and swag from the CORE retailers. Stay tuned on Instagram and Twitter to find clues as to where the Easter Bunny is hiding the eggs!
  • Where: COREShopping – 333 7 Avenue SW
  • When: April 3 to 15

Legendary Easter Hunt

  • What: This is an event that kids look forward too, year after year! The Children will have the opportunity to hear the Easter Bunny tell his magical tale and then the children will be off to hunt down their eggs. There will be a variety of different stations and activities for kids to interact with, including a photo-shoot area where you could win $100 credit towards your day camp fees when you post your photo on Facebook!
  • Where: Butterfield Acres – 254077 Rocky Ridge Road NW
  • When: April 8,9,14,15
  • Cost: Adult – $15, Children – $13

Easter Eggstravaganza at Azuridge

  • What: Spend Easter with your family at the beautiful Azuridge Estate! Enjoy an “everything spring breakfast buffet,” along with face painting for the kids and a magical Easter egg hunt throughout the stunning gardens at the Estate.
  • Where: Azuridge Estate Hotel – 178057 – 272 Street W, Priddis, AB
  • When: April 16
  • Cost: $65/ Person, $35/ Child (3-12)

Easter Perogy Party

  • What: 10 cent perogies and $5 pints of beer – need we say more! There will also be an opportunity to win free perogies for a year.
  • Where: The Pint – 1428 17 Avenue SW
  • When: April 13

Easter Egg Hunt at the Gondola

  • What: Search for Easter Eggs with a stunning view in the new mountain top building at the top of the Banff Gondola!
  • When: April 16
  • Where: Banff Gondola
  • Cost: Free with Gondola Admission
Kristy ArchibaldKristy Archibald

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