28 things to do in Calgary over Family Day weekend: February 16 to 19

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Congratulations, Calgary! You made it through the work week, and now you can finally enjoy the weekend – and an extra long one at that.

Thanks to Family Day falling on Monday, February 19, you’re looking at three solid days off before heading back to work… depending on where you work, of course.

Even so, there’s plenty to do around the city each and every day this weekend, so we’re sure you’ll find the time to try out something new.

Don’t know where to begin? Check out our list!

Friday, February 16

Celebrate Chinese New Year at the CORE

What: From Chinese Lion Dancers to exciting pop-ups, traditional tea demonstrations to cultural performances, there are a ton of New Year’s festivities happening all weekend long at the downtown CORE.
When: February 16 to 18
Time: Varies on the day
Where: Dome Tower – 333 7th Avenue SW
Admission: Suggested $10 donation to the Calgary Zoo’s Panda Exhibit

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Two Penny Chinese

What: Between February 16 and March 2 you will receive a little red envelope every time you dine at Two Penny. Every envelope will contain a a little treat, but every day there will also be a larger prize to be won. A few prizes that up for grabs are gift certificates from Village Ice Cream, a mani + pedi from Beach Beauty, the 5-tree patch from TreeEra, a staycation at Hotel Arts, Calgary Flames Tickets, and more!
When: February 16 to March 2
Where: Two Penny Restaurant and Bar – 1213 1st Street SW

Stroll through a frozen waterfall

week

Johnston Canyon (camm_eng/Instagram)

What: Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most famous areas for a reason! Walk hand-in-hand through a winter wonderland with your love and bask in the surreal frozen views. It’s a moment that will feel frozen in time!
Where: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB

Love and Chocolate Festival

What: This festival will showcase over 40 booths of chocolate, cheese, and wine. Need we say more?
When: February 16 to 17
Where: Winsport – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Tickets: Online, $36

Watch the Calgary Roughnecks play Vancouver Stealth

What: Come see the Calgary Roughnecks kill it on the field this year.
When: Friday, February 16
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $23 to $64

Exposure

What: This is Alberta’s only photography festival and it’s coming to Calgary for the month of February. Check out over 40 photography exhibitions at galleries around the city, get your portfolio reviewed by professionals, and participate in exciting workshops as you let your inner photographer become instantly inspired!
When: February 1 to 28
Where: Various locations around the city
Tickets: Varies per event, many are free

Saturday, February 17

Whales Tohora

What: Travelling all the way from the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, this exciting exhibition has been travelling North America for the last 10 years and Calgary marks it’s final destination. Excite your senses with this unique cultural experience that will show you everything you need to know about the king of the ocean; the whale. The exhibit shows everything from life-size whale skeletons to the evolution of these creatures and understanding how they communicate. There is so much to know about these beautiful beings.
When: January 20 to June 20
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Online, $26

Build a Terrarium with Legend 7 Brewing

Air plant terrarium/ETSY

What: Calgary’s newest brewery, Legend 7, is giving you and the whole family the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and create your very own terrarium. Brunch will also be offered, along with $5 sleeves of Legend 7 beer so you can tantalize your taste buds with the newest addition to Calgary’s craft brewing community.
When: Saturday, February 17
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: 550 17 Avenue SW
Admission: FREE

What the Calgary Flames play the Florida Panthers

What: Let’s see how quickly the Panther’s can adjust to a Calgary winter!
When: Saturday, February 17
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $32 to $182

Rockies Run Collective

What: Join Lululemon every Saturday morning for a fun morning run through iconic mountain landscapes and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy town streets!
When: Every Saturday morning
Time: 9 am
Where: Lululemon Banff – 121 Banff Avenue, Banff
Admission: Free!

All Day Happy Hour on Daily at Featured Breweries

Friends at the pub for trivia (Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

What: February has been declared as “FeBREWary.” Essentially, it’s a month long celebration of craft brewers, craft beer lovers, the craft beer community, and, really, just about everything to do with craft beer! Each day in February will have an all-day happy hour at each corresponding brewery – see full calendar here.
When: February 1 to 28
Where: All national locations

Pink Shirt Day

What: Pink Shirt day aims to bring awareness to bullying. Join National on 17 Avenue for pink beers (all month long) and $1 from each drink purchase will go towards the initiative. Remember, on Wednesdays (and February 28) we wear pink!
When: February 1 to 28 (day of the celebrations)
Where: All national locations

Fish-tival at Bow Habitat Station

What: If you’re eager to pick up some new fishing tips and tricks, head over to the Bow Habitat Station for their yearly “fish-tival” event. You can feed the fish while expanding your fishy knowledge for $5, and, the best part, you can end the day by roasting some marshmallows over the fire – perfect!
When: Saturday, February 17
Where: Bow Habitat Station – 1440 17A Street SE, Calgary
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday, February 18

Brunch at Calcutta Cricket Club

What: As if we needed yet another reason to visit this beautiful space! The turquoise castle that adorns 17th Avenue is now serving brunch, and of course they have killed it yet again with their take on traditional Indian infused dishes. From chips and curry to Chai Pancakes and Parsi Akuri, your taste buds be doing a happy dance as you try each uniquely flavoured dish – paired with a pineapple mimosa, of course!
When: Weekends
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Calcutta Cricket Club – 340 17th Avenue SW

Serena Ryder

When: Sunday, February 18
Time: 8 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 208 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $43 to $57

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story

What: Come see the famous musical that tells the true story of Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise to fame. From his first hit in 1957 (That’ll Be the Day) to his tragic death two years later, this performance will have you tapping your toes and singing as you relive the hits of this rock and roll legend.
When: Sunday, February 18
Time: 7 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $65 to $85

Watch the Calgary Hitmen play the Saskatoon Blades

Image: Calgary Hitmen / Twitter

What: Come show the Hitmen some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
When: Sunday, February 18
Time: 2 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $9 to $26

Head out on an Urban Snowshoeing Adventure

What: Grab your partner and a pair of snowshoes and head out into the crisp winter air. Take in the picturesque views as you march your way through the many trails in and around the Calgary area, while getting a great cardio workout in at the same time. Couples who workout together stay together, right?
Where:
- If your are an inner city roamer, check out Fish Creek Park or Nose Hill for some fantastic trails close to home.
- If you’re interested in taking a drive out to the Rockies, Canmore, Bragg Creek and Banff all boast unreal trail paths that lead to some magical destinations.
Be sure to check trail reports before heading out and dress for the weather.

Go Tubing at Canada Olympic Park

What: Calgary’s only tube park is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and now boasts 12 lanes, a four person tube option, and a dedicated magic carpet. A village including a food trailer, a deck with heaters, a fire pit, and washrooms have also been added for the 2017-18 season.
When: During the winter season
Where: WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, The Acura Tube Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Admission: Tickets cost $28 for an adult to slide for two hours, and senior, youth, and family discounts are available.

Monday, February 19

Twelfth Night

What: Join Theatre Calgary for this romantic, hilarious misadventure of two twins as they are forced to find their way through a foreign land after a tragic shipwreck.
When: January 30 to February 24
Time: 2 pm or 7:30 pm
Where: Theatre Calgary – 220 90th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $35 to $124

Frida Kahlo: Her Photos

What: Get inspired as you stroll through beautiful photographs taken by the famous and fascinating Frida Kahlo. There are more than 240 pieces that were kept in her home, ‘The Blue House,” for over 50 years under her estate. Visitors will have the opportunity to better understand the woman behind the artist; her origins, her roots, her friendships and romantic relationships, her fragile health, her political tendencies, and her special relationship with photography. This is the first time this exhibition has ever been presented in Canada!
When: February 3 to May 21, 2018
Where: The Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Regular admission

Play a Round of Monster Mini Golf

What: Get some healthy competition going as you play each other in a heated game of glow-in-the-dark Monster Mini Golf. Play among cool monster decor with freaky animated props that pop up around every corner, and be entertained by their in-house DJ. No matter how many times you go, this is one activity that will never get old!
Where: 2020 – 32nd Avenue NE, Calgary

Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Royal Tyrrell Museum / Facebook

What: Travel back in time by checking out Canada’s largest collection of dinosaur bones for free this Family Day!
When: Monday, February 19
Where: 1500 N Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

What: Attend the “Full Moon of the Eagle” event from 10 am to 4 pm. You’ll get to see Alberta birds of prey, a simulated archaeological dig, guided building tours, artifact demonstrations, and storytelling. You can even participate in a hunt re-enactment.
When: Monday, February 19
Where: 8 kilometres (15 minutes) north and west of Fort Macleod on secondary Highway #785
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

Uncommon Blends

What: Are you a coffee or a tea person? Regardless of your personal preference, these warm and cozy beverages play an important role in both our social and individual lives. This art exhibit will examine these various routines, rituals, and relationships centred around coffee and tea, while showcasing beautiful ceramics made by five Alberta-based artists.
When: January 20 to March 17
Time:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
- Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW

Free Swimming

On February 19 there will be free public swimming at select City pools from 1 to 2:30 pm and 3 to 4:30 pm, though there may be no break if capacity permits.

Free Skating

The following arenas will have free skating from 1 to 2:30 pm on February 19. Bring your own skates and helmet to participate.