57 things to do in Calgary this month: April 2018

When you begin a month off with a holiday as dramatic as April Fools, you know it’s going to be a good one!

Get your prankster hats on and be prepared for anything heading into this month – that includes the weather. As much as we would like to think that it’s going to be a beautiful spring, you never know what Mother Nature’s plans are for our city!

Nonetheless, that won’t stop us from having a ton of fun! 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 summer truly hits.

With motivating workouts, spring markets, and foodie festivals, this month has no shortage of exciting events happening in and around the city.

Check them out!

Get Outdoors

A post shared by Holly Johnson (@missholldoll) on Jan 13, 2018 at 9:18am PST

Hit the slopes for spring skiing

What: Our mountainous backyard is just waiting for us with a fluffy layer of the white stuff, perfect for winter sports and activities. Take advantage and get some spring shredding in, or take your snowshoes for an adventure around one of the many picturesque lakes that the Rockies have to offer.
Check the websites for Sunshine, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise to find the hours of operation and trail conditions

Bozo Cup

What: Come celebrate the life of Alberta’s legendary alpine ski racer, Rob Bosinger (aka Bozo) at the twelfth annual Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend at Mt. Norquay. 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!
When: Sunday, April 1
Where: Mt. Norquay – Mount Norquay Road, Banff
Register:
- Bozo Cup, $90
- KinderCup, $75

Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola

What: Head to the summit for a beautiful snowy view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Adult $62, child $31

Dust off your road bike

It looks like Calgary has seen the last of the snow, for the next five 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.

Head to the new Kananaskis Nordic Spa

What: Looking for a quick escape from the every day grind? This brand new spa combines the tranquil rejuvenation of a traditional Nordic Spa and the Alpine stillness of the Canadian Rockies. This spa is meant to provide relaxation and give you the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.
Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis

Get Active

A post shared by Barre West YYC (@barrewestyyc) on Mar 21, 2018 at 9:00am PDT

Free fitness classes at the CORE: Yoga

What: For the month of March get re-balanced and start your Sunday off right with a free bootcamp class curtesy of Caron Anderson at the CORE. Time to get your summer bod started!
When: Every Sunday in April
Time: 11 am
Where: Dome Tower – 333, 7th Avenue SW
Cost: FREE

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!

Strongest Self Challenge

What: Kick-start spring by getting into a solid fitness routine, AKA: Let’s get that beach bod ready! Take five classes in a week or 20 class in April and be entered to win some very exciting prizes.
When: April 1 to 30
Where: Barre West – 420, 7337 Macleod Trail SW
Cost: Online, $69

Ride, Restore, Refresh

What: Hit the bike for spin, reconnect with a yoga class, then reward yourself with a post-sweat brew from Wild Rose Brewery.
When: Wednesday, April 4
Time: 7 pm
Where: Movement U – 16 4th Street NE, Calgary
Admission: Regular drop-in, $23

April Markets

A post shared by Little Modern Market | YYC (@littlemodernmarket) on Mar 18, 2018 at 1:40pm PDT

Make It!

What: Shop over 135 of your favourite local artists, makers, and more at Make It’s spring show. Arrive home with a one-of-a-kind treasure that was made by a small business and holds the memories of an amazing afternoon at the market. Shopping local is a two-way street!
When: April 6 to 8
Time:
- Friday: 11 am to 9 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Big Four Building – 1901 Big Four Trail SE
Admission: $6 at the door, kids 12 and under are FREE

Little Modern Pop Up

What: One of the city’s favourite markets is bringing some of the very best small businesses to you – in the suburbs! Join them for a day of craft beer, food trucks, live music, and some of the best shopping you’ll find in Calgary. !
When: Saturday, April 7
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Caravel Craft Brewery – 12, 10221 15th Street NE
Admission: $5 per person, kids 14 and under are FREE

Curated Market

What: Grab your date or a group of friends and head on down for a day at the market! Delicious eats, exciting shopping and of course good memories – you’ll find it all at the spring edition of Curated.
When: April 12 to 14
Time:
- Friday: 5 to 9 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Bowness Community Hall – 7904 43rd Avenue NW
Admission: $4 at the door

Market Collective

What: Join the locals for Market Collective’s first market of 2018! Come ready to consume some delicious eats, drink all the yummy drinks, and shop a whole variety of products. Our city is filled with local talent, so come down and support all of these small businesses and take home some quality, handmade gems.
When: April 27 to 29
Time:
- Friday: 4 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 1st Street SW
Admission: $5 for the weekend, kids 12 and under are FREE

April Workshops

A post shared by G R E A T E R G O O D S ™ (@greatergoodsyyc) on Mar 27, 2018 at 3:08pm PDT

Macaron 101

What: Ever wondered how to make a French macaron? Look no further. Everyone’s favourite macaron shop, Ollia, hosts Macaron Baking Classes, offering exclusive lessons on how to properly engage in some macaronage, get the perfect shell, and create a variety of flavours. Bon appetite!
When: April 3, 10, 11, 18, 24, 25
Time: 6 pm
Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW
Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100

Bundle Dyeing

When: Sunday, April 22
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: 924 17th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $110

Introduction to Hand Lettering with Alison Martin

When: Wednesday, April 11 and 25
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – #8, 606 Meredith Road
Tickets: Online, $70

Art of the European Hand-Tie

When: Thursday, April 12
Time: 7 pm
Where: 924 17th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $75

Pressed Flower Art with Oxeye Floral Co.

When: Wednesday, April 18
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – #8, 606 Meredith Road
Tickets: Online, $90

Create to Meditate

When: Friday, April 20
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Wild Flour Bakery – 201b, 212 Bear Street. Banff
Tickets: Online, $40

Festivals and Other Events

A post shared by Calgary Expo (@calgaryexpo) on Mar 2, 2018 at 2:02pm PST

Whales Tohora

What: Coming 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

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

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 three-course meal at the Selkirk Grille Restaurant before heading over to Gasoline Alley for a 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 3: Slumdog Millionaire
- April 17: Titanic
Cost: $44.95/ per person or $8 for film only

Adults Only Night: The Science Behind Science Fiction

What: Larger-than-life superheroes and gravity-defying space vessels – how do they do it! Get a behind-the-scenes pass to the movies and see what goes into making your favourite aliens come to life in this month’s Adults Only Night at Telus Spark.
When: Thursday, April 12
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Online, $26

The Price is Right Life – Stage Show

What: Everyone’s favourite game show is coming to Calgary, providing the chance to with $10 million in cash, along with other fabulous prizes!
When: Saturday, April 14
Time: 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $39 to $45

Supertrain 2018

What: Canada’s largest model train show is back for another year! This year’s event features 70,000 sq. ft. of operating layout, exhibitions, railroad artists, hobby shops, model manufactures, demonstrations, a Thomas Play Area, ride-on trains, and so much more!
When: April 14 to 15
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Genesis Centre – 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE
Tickets: Online, $14 to $22

The Calgary Women’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! This year’s show will feature a fashion show, PowHERtalks panel, shopping spree giveaway, over 300 exhibitors, and non-stop entertainment.
When: April 14 to 15
Time:
- Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: The BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SW
Tickets: Online, $20

Calgary Underground Film Festival

What: Come support your local independent filmmakers as they defy convention at the 15th annual Calgary Underground Film Festival.
Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8th Avenue SW
When: April 16 to 22
Time: Varies depending on the day
Tickets: Online, $99 to $120

The 420 Music and Arts Festival

What: Enjoy a Three-day celebration featuring performers and Rock n’ Roll Bands surrounding the culture that is 420, along with eclectic art, makers, and many other local vendors and enthusiasts.
When: April 20 to 22
Where: Distortion – 3828 Macleod Trail SW
Tickets: Online, $69

National Geographic Live: Standing at the Water’s Edge with marine biologist and photographer Cristina Mittermeier

What: Photojournalist Cristina Mittermeier documented a society that relied on their local water way to survive during her time with the Kayapoo people in the Amazon. If anyone knows the the power of water, it’s her! Join her for an afternoon as she shares her unreal photography, tells some powerful stories, and explores the concept of “enoughness,” AKA taking only what you need.
When: April 22 and 23
Time:
- Sunday: 2 pm
- Monday: 7 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $32 to $83

Law Day 2018

What: Have you ever been curious about what happens behind the scenes at the Calgary Courts Centre? On Law Day you’ll have the opportunity to experience live mock trails, get a free 20-minute legal consultation, take a courthouse tour, look at a display of confiscated items, and more! Law day is held every spring across Canada to commemorate the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
When: Saturday, April 21
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Calgary Courts Centre – 601, 5th Street SW
Admission: FREE for all ages

DJD Spring Gala

What: Enjoy drinks, food and the opportunity to mingle with the cast of DJD’s ‘Mimic’ show as you enjoy the performance from the best seats in the house!
When: Thursday, April 26
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Decidedly Jazz Dance Centre – 111 12th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $125

Calgary Comic Expo

What: Calling all comic fanatics! This is a weekend you’ll want to make sure you’re free. If Jeff Goldblum, Jason Momoa, and the Back to the Future crew doesn’t make you want to clear the weekend, then are you really a true comic fan? From celebrity sighting, pop culture, cosplay, and more, this weekend will be packed full of nerdy fun!
When: April 26 to 29
Time:
- Thursday: 4 to 9 pm
- Friday: 12 to 8 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: The BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SW
Tickets: Online, $25 to $110

Turning Points Fundraising Gala

What: Join The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter for the 24th annual Turning Points Gala. Celebrate the courage it takes to break the cycle of abuse and live without family violence as they raise awareness around this huge issue in our city. Help take a stand against family violence!
When: Sunday, April 27
Time: 6 pm
Where: Telus Convention Centre – 120 9th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $300

Food and Drink Festivities

Poutine Fest

Easter Tea

What: Enjoy a delicious high tea experience in the stunning dining room of the home now known as the “Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women.” From clotted cream and buttermilk scones to ham, brie, and apple finger sandwiches, prepare to leave full from these tasty bites.
When: March 31, April 1 and 2
Time: 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Call (403) 268-8500 to reserve your spot, $28.95 for Adults, $20.95 for Children (under 12)

Easter Brunch

What: Make a reservation for the whole family and celebrate Easter with a delicious culinary adventure at one of the many Easter Brunches happening throughout the city!
When: Sunday, April 1
Where:
- Fairmont Palliser – 133 9th Avenue SW
- Thompson Restaurant, The Hyatt – 700 Centre Street S
- Azuridge Estate Hotel – Foothills No. 31
- The Calgary Zoo – 1300 Zoo Road NE
- Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
- Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant – 15070 Bow Bottom Trail SE
- The Post Hotel and Spa – 200 Pipestone Road, Lake Louise
- Calcutta Cricket Club – 340 17th Avenue SW
- Mount Engadine – 1 Mount Shark Road, Canmore

Check out Calgary’s Newest Ice Creamery

What: XO is located in the heart of one of Calgary’s newest communities, Auburn Bay. Paying tribute to the old fashioned ice cream parlours and mom-and-pop shops, they have aimed to create an ice cream experience with flavours that are both nostalgic and creative, sparking memories across generations – past, present, and future!
Where: 808, 100 Auburn Meadows Drive SE

YYC Poutine Week

What: It’s baaaaack! Calgary Poutine week takes over the minds, hearts, and stomachs of YYC for seven days of the year every April. During this week you can indulge in your favourite all Canadian fry and gravy combination guilt free, as each poutine sold will provide a free meal to someone in need through Mealshare. In 2017, 8,000 poutines were consumed, which resulted in 8,000 youth that received a free meal. Doubling that shouldn’t be a problem, right Calgary?
When: April 20 to 28
Where: See participating restaurants here!

Spring Food Truck Frenzy 2018

What: Spring is back and so are the food trucks! Join YYCFoodTrucks for their first event of the year, kicking off yet another summer full of great food, music, community, and fun-filled events.
When: April 21 to 22
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: East Village C-Square
Admission: $5, Kids under 12 FREE

YYC Taco Fiesta

What: Eating tacos for a good cause… now that’s a challenge we’re up for! 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. 15% of every taco sold will be donated to the Calgary Homeless Foundation and Kids Up Front.
When: April 27 to May 6
Where: See participating resultants here!

Cochon555: 5 Chefs, 5 Pigs, 5 Winemakers

What: This is North America’s most talked about culinary events, and it’s headed to Banff this April. This event will literally change the way you look at food as you help choose the best bite from top local chefs. It’s a friendly competition for a good cause – it’s as simple as that!
When: Thursday, April 28
Where: Fairmont Banff Springs – 405 Spray Avenue, Banff
Admission: Online, $129

Concerts and Performances

Trailer Park Boy – A F#cked Up Evening With

When: Tuesday, April 3
Time: 8 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $39 to $130

Rod Stewart

When: Sunday, April 8
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $249

Air Supply

When: Thursday, April 12
Tickets: 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $147

Electric Six

When: Thursday, April 12
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Gateway (SAIT) – 1301 16th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $17.50

Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton

When: Friday, April 20
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $29 to $141

Vince Neil the Voice of Motley Crue

When: Friday, April 20
Time: 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $69

A Conversation with Ellen Degeneres

What: She’s the funniest, kindest, most genuine person on TV and she’s coming to Calgary! Put on you dancing shoes and prepare to laugh harder than you have in your entire life.
When: Saturday, April 21
Time: 6 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $157 to $314

Clay Walker

When: Thursday, April 26
Time: 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $59

Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton

When: Thursday, April 26
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $50 to $80

Gerry Dee Live!

When: Friday, April 27
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $89

Art and Culture

A post shared by Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (@decidedlyjazz) on Mar 28, 2018 at 3:10pm PDT

Reel Time Film Screening: Faces Places

What: Faces Places is a film written by an 80-year-old and a 34-year-old as a visual record of their road trip and everyone they meet along the way.
When: Monday, April 2
Time: 7 pm
Where: Lux Cinema Banff – 229 Bear Street
Tickets: Online, $12

First Free Thursday at the Glenbow

What: Grab your crew and stroll through your favourite downtown art expo for FREE on the first Thursday of every month. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the latest exciting exhibits that are currently set up at the Glenbow, like Frida Kahlo: Her Photos, Black Gold Tapestry, Eye of the Needle, and more!
When: Thursday, April 5
Time: 5 to 9 pm
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: FREE

My Favourite Things! Celebrating the Music of Julie Andrews

What: This enchanting performance brings to life one of the most beloved actresses in film and broadway history! Relive the special moments of The Sounds of Music, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady, Cinderella, and more.
When: April 6 and 7
Time: 8 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $25 to $85

The Secret Garden

What: See this beloved classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett come to life on stage in this beautifully composed Broadway musical! See how a young girl used a magical key and a secret garden to warm the hearts of her uncle, family, and the audience during the show.
When: April 17 to May 19
Where: Max Bell Theatre – 220 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $35 to $103

Mimic

What: If DJD is known for anything, it’s their ability to come up with the unthinkable! For this year’s spring performance they have collaborated with Peter Balkwill of the Old Trout Puppet Workshop to bring you a performance that features both dancers and puppets, two highly physical, wordless art forms, in all their glory. It’s cheeky, it’s carnal, and it’s nothing you have ever seen before. Come see what happens when dancers and puppets share the stage!
When: April 19 to May 5
Time:
- Evening performances: 8 pm
- Matinee performances: 2 pm
Where: The DJD Dance Centre – 111 12th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $34 to $69

Dover and Pacifica Quartets

What: After sweeping the 2014 Banff International String Quartet Competition, these guys have blown up! The New Yorker has even announced that they are “the young American string quartet of the moment!”
When: April 29 to 30
Time:
- Tuesday: 7 pm
- Wednesday: 8 pm
Where: Macewan Hall – 402 Collegiate Boulevard NW
Tickets: Online, $35 to $45

Sporting Events

Image: Calgary Roughnecks / Twitter

Cheer on the Calgary Flames

What: Cheer on the Flames in their last few games of the season!
When:
- Tuesday, April 3 at 7 pm vs Arizona Coyotes
- Saturday, April 7 at 8 pm vs the Vegas Golden Knights
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster

Cheer on the Calgary Roughnecks

What: Come see the Calgary roughnecks kill it on the field this year.
When:
- Saturday, April 14 at 7 pm vs the Buffalo Bandits
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary

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Kristy Archibald

Kristy is a creative Communications and PR strategist, freelance writer, coffee enthusiast and wine connoisseur who has a strong passion for travelling, art, style and fashion. Check out her blog (FloralandBows.com) for a taste of YYC through the lens of a refined, sassy, PR girl working on being a successful #girlboss.