60 things to do in Calgary this November

Calgary skyline (lizouyyc/Instagram)

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It’s November already… where has the year gone!

As we enter into the final stretch of 2017 there’s a ton of exciting fun to be had in and around the city.

From holiday markets to festive performances, via foodie endeavours and Christmas- themed workouts, there’s plenty to keep you and the family busy this month!

Dust off those sweaters and get ready for a month of chilly celebrations. Here are 60 events coming at you in YYC this November!

Get Outdoors

Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola

What: Head to the summit for an unreal 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 Mountian Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Online, Adult – $62, Child – $31

Festive Wagon Rides

What: Spend the afternoon sipping on a mug of hot cocoa as you tour around Banff in a snowy wagon ride with Banff Trail Riders! Be sure to dress accordingly.
When: Every Sunday between November 19 to December 17
Time: Noon to 4 pm
Where: The wagon leaves from the parking lot of the Whyte Museum – 111 Bear St, Banff
Admission: Free!

Kananaskis After Dark: Stargazing and Photography Tour

What: With an interpretive guide, take a moonlit walk through the forest and feast your eyes on the beauty of the Northern Lights and a sky full of stars, while sipping on steamy hot chocolate – it really doesn’t get much better than that. All photography levels welcome.
When: See the schedule here!
Where: Kananaskis Village Center – 1 Mt. Sparrowhawk Cresent
Tickets: Online, $69

Hit the Slopes

@lm_little / Instagram

What: Getting snow early this year means that our mountainous backyard is waiting for us with a fluffy layer of the white stuff, perfect for winter sports and activities. Take advantage and get some shredding in during this great pre-season, or take your snowshoes for an adventure around one of the many picturesque lakes that the Rockies have to offer – don’t forget to bring your camera!

Check the websites for Sunshine, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise to check hours of operation and see which trails are open!

Canmore Cave Tours: Unearthed

What: The caves have a story to tell! Scoot, wiggle, crawl and slide into the heart of a mountain and enjoy a private, exclusive performance by The Raven and the Fox with 23 others. This is a raw, unplugged, sensory experience that you won’t ever forget!
When: Saturday, November 18
Where: Meet at Canmore Cave Tours office (129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore). Event is held in Rat’s Nest Cave in Grotto Mountain, five minutes from Canmore.
Tickets: Online, $130

Get Active

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!

Barre and Brunch

What: Sweat it out in a 50 minute Barre class and then chow down, guilt-free on a delicious brunch buffet provided by Trolley. There will even be a $6 mimosa bar – we’re in!
When: Sunday, November 19
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 728 17 Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $30

YYC Girl Gang + Yor Mindful Collective Present: Relaxation Techniques for Busy Boss Babes

What: Calling all boss babes! Running into the busy season as a small business owner can only lead to a dreadful amount of stress. YYC Girl Gang has partnered up Your Mindful Collective to bring a workshop entirely dedicated to relaxation techniques. Kristen Layton will walk you through yoga asanas, breathing sequences, meditation, and more!
When: Sunday, November 19
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Abbatoir Studio – cSPACE Projects #135 – 1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $28

Yoga Mountain Adventure Retreat

What: Breath, restore and rebalance at this three-day yoga retreat at Mount Engadine Lodge. You will enjoy both Asana & Nidra Yoga, along with Pranayama Meditation, self-guided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the breathtaking serenity of the Rocky Mountains.
When: November 23 to 26
Where: 1 Mount Shark Road, Canmore
Tickets: Online, $935-$1375

The Great Sweater Run

What: Grab the ugliest of Christmas sweaters and get ready to run the Tacky 10 km, the Festive 5 km or the Shih tZu 2 km, all while supporting the Calgary Food Bank.
When: Saturday, November 25
Where: South Glenmore Park, Calgary
Registration: Online

Movement U Turns 1!

What: On November 26 Movement U, one of Calgary’s favourite fitness studios is turning 1! Celebrate with them on the day of and the weeks leading up to the date with themed rides, deals and one big exciting bash! Follow them on social media for more information.
When: Leading up to and including Sunday, November 26
Where: Movement U – #16 4 Street NE, Calgary

Holiday Shopping

Holiday Markets

Christmas Market/Shutterstock

Finding the perfect gift for that special someone can prove to be a challenge, however if you start early enough you can beat the rush and snag some great finds before everything is either picked over or out of stock. Support our local economy and check out these holiday markets on throughout November and find a unique gift that gives in more ways than one!

The Alberta Dames Holiday Market – Saturday, November 4
Hillhurst & Sunnyside Christmas Market – Saturday, November 4
Peace by Piece Christmas Market – Saturday, November 4
Remembrance Day Service and Holiday Artisan’s Fair – Saturday, November 11
ACAD Show & Sale – Thursday, November 16-18
Bragg Creek Artisans Christmas Sale – Saturday, November 18-19
Cochrane Christmas Market – Sunday. November 19
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market – November 17 – 19, 24-26
Marda Loop Christmas Market – Saturday, November 25
Little Modern Market: Holiday Edition – Saturday, November 25
Calgary Expo Holiday Market – Saturday, November 25 – 26
Canmore Christmas Artisans’ Market – Saturday, November 25-26
Artisan Winter Market – Saturday, November 25

Shop Flannel Foxes at Greater Goods

What: This month’s pop up begins today and it’s insanely cozy! Flannel Foxes is a local brand that pride’s itself in producing clothing that is reminiscent of our home and native land, while also ensuring that all their products are designed, printed, sewn and snit on Canadain soil.
When: Wednesday, November 1 to 30
Time: 11 am to 6 pm (weekdays), 11 am to 5 pm (weekends)
Where: Greater Goods – 606 Merideth Road NE, Calgary

Calgary Night Market: Holiday Market 2017

What: On each Friday of November, shop for the perfect gift at this Holiday Night Market!
When: November 3, 10, 17, 24
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Admission: Free

Holiday Pop Up Series at Greater Goods

What: Sip on a Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte as you shop and get your loved ones a unique and local treasure this Christmas!
When: Saturday, November 4: Knitatude, and Saturday, November 25: Mini Way Co.
Time: 11 am to 5 pm

Get Started on your Christmas Shopping at Make It!

What: This famous handmade market is back for its biannual show this year. Shop all of your favourite local makers, artists, and vendors during this four day market, while supporting Calgary’s talented small business community!
When: November 2 to 5
Time:
- Thursday, November 2, 11 am to 9 pm
- Friday, November 3, 11 am to 9 pm
- Saturday, November 4, 10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday, November 5, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Big Four Building – 1898 Maclous Trail SE
Tickets: $8 at the door. Free for kids 12 and under

Chestermere Christmas Craft Show

What: Shop local this Christmas at the 24th Annual Chestermere Christmas Artisan Show.
When: Saturday, November 4
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: 201 West Chestermere Drive, Chestermere
Admission: Free

Millarville Christmas Market

What: Established in 1988, this annual market is one you’ll want to make the trek out for! You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy four exciting days of lights, food, hay rides, photos with Santa and his reindeer, roast chestnuts, and a live nativity while picking up treasures from your favourite local seasonal vendors.
When: Thursday, November 9 to 12
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society – Box 68 Millarville
Tickets: $5

31st Annual Art Market

What: Featuring over 200 professional artists from across Canada, this market features everything from vibrant jewellery, timeless home furnishing, seasonal decor, custom clothing and so much more!
When: Thursday, November 16 to 19
Time:
- Thursday, November 16: 10 am – 9pm
- Friday, November 17: 10 am – 9pm
- Saturday, November 18: 10 am – 6pm
- Sunday, November 19: 10 am – 5pm
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre – 136 8 Avenue SE

Curated. Holiday Market

What: Shop over 85 different vendors for four weekends leading up to the Christmas season. Come get your photo with Santa, while enjoying live entertainment, childrens workshops and more!
When:
- Market 1: November 24-26
- Market 2: December 1-3
- Market 3: December 8-10
- Market 4: December 15-17
Time: Hours vary, check the schedule
Where: Deerfoot City – 901 64 Avenue NE
Tickets:$5

Banff Christmas Market

What: Head to Banff for a unique holiday shopping experience, featuring goods inspired by the Rocky Mountains.
When: Friday, November 24 to 26
Time:
- Friday from 10 am – 8 pm
- Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm
- Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm
Where: Warner Stables – 1 Sundance Road, Banff
Tickets: $5 Adults, Children 10 and under are FREE

Workshops

Embroidery workshop/Eventbrite

Learn how to create pressed flower art with Gypsy Skulls

What: Crafting your Christmas presents this year? This is the perfect opportunity to create something unique and original.
When: Wednesday, November 1
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Greater Goods – 606 Merideth Road NE
Cost: Online, $90

Date Night at Workshop – Throw Clay like Swayze & Moore

What: Grab your significant other and join Anna-Lise Schmidt for a night of music, wine and, of course, clay throwing.
When: Friday, November, 17
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: 2501 Alyth Road SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $92 per person

Food and Drink Festivities

Willow Park Wines & Spirits’ 24th Charity Wine Auction

What: Head to the 24th annual Willow Park Wines & Spirits Charity Wine Auction and find 20 food station and 75 famous wines from around the world. After a fast-paced and thrilling live auction the floor will be cleared so people can dance the night away. This year the theme for this annual auction is ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, so dress accordingly.
When: Saturday, November 4
Time: 7 pm to midnight
Where: Willow Park Wines & Spirits – 10801 Bonaventure Drive SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $225

Borscht Bash!

What: Come grab an authentic taste of the Ukraine on your trip to the market this weekend. The first 400 people in the door will receive a free bowl of homemade borscht. Hurry, it’s first come first served!
When: Saturday, November 4
Time: While supplies last
Where: The Market on Macloud – 7711 Macloud Trail SW
Admission: Free

Sunday Brunch and Market Tour

What: Join the Calgary Farmers’ Market and Calgary Food Tours as they bring to you a very special Sunday brunch. You will have the opportunity to listen to 10 various Alberta ranchers as they explain what it takes to bring their products to the market, sample their produce and leave feeling inspired to fill your shopping bag with fresh goodies.
When: Every Sunday
Where: 510, 77 Street SE – off Blackfoot Trail and close to Heritage Drive SE
Tickets: Online, $45

Taste for Adventure

What: What do drool-worthy menus created by award-winning chefs, appetizing special events, and one of a kind culinary experiences have in common? They will all be featured during an epic food fest called Taste for Adventure.
When: October 25 to November 9
Where: Multiple venues in Banff and Lake Louise
Cost: Prices vary

Canadian Maple Shack: Make your own Maple Taffy

Maple Syrup/Shutterstock

What: Eating maple taffy on snow is a Canadian culinary tradition and you can pour your own tire sur la neige at the Calgary Christmas Market!
When: Thursday to Sunday from November 16 to December 23 with the exception of November 23 to 26.
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77 Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Festivals and other events

Celebrate Remembrance Day with 11 Days of Remembrance

What: Beginning on November 1, over 3,400 white crosses will be placed along memorial drive as part of the Field of Crosses Memorial Project. Stop by over the next 11 days to pause, reflect and remember the many Southern Alberta soldiers who have sacrificed their lives during various wars and missions. You can visit the site anytime during the day, or catch their flag raising and lowering ceremonies at both sunrise and sunset.
When: From Wednesday, November 1 to Saturday, November 11
Time: All day. Flag raising and lowering ceremonies vary depending on sunrise and sunset. See the schedule here.
Where: Memorial Drive between 3 Street and Centre Street, Calgary
Admission: Free.

Games Night

What: Need a new date night idea? How about board games and waffles!
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Buttermilk Fine Waffles – 330 17 Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: $5 waffles, games are free to play

#LoveYYC Day

What: Tourism Calgary is urging everyone to get social and share why you #LoveYYC as they gear up for #LoveYYC Day on November 5. During this day various businesses around YYC will be hosting events and special offers, such as beer tastings, free admission to some of Calgary’s iconic historical spots and discounts on food at different spots around the city. Let’s celebrate how remarkable it is to be Calgarian!
When: Saturday, November 4
Where: Various spots around YYC
Admission: Free

Pink Boots and a Machete with primatologist and TV correspondent Mireya Mayor

What: Come experience some of the unreal adventures of Mireya Mayor, hailed the “female Indiana Jones” as part of the Nat Geo WILD series.
When: Sunday, November 5 to 6
Time: 10 am
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $37 – $88

Fashion Portrait Campaign Gala 2017

What: Join 25 of Calgary’s top 25 ambassadors who are helping to shape the cultural scene in our city for a night of delicious food, drinks and fashion all in support of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta.
When: Thursday, November 9
Time: 7 pm
Where: Courtyard by Marriott Calgary South – 3750 Market Street SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $100-$125

Dinner + A Movie at Heritage Park

What: Date night just got turned up a notch!
Where: Gasoline Alley – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
When:
- Tuesday, November 7 – Little Shop of Horrors (1960)
- Friday, November 17 – Forrest Gump
- Friday, November 24 – Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Time: 7:45 pm
Tickets: Online, $44.95 + GST per person (includes dinner + film), $8 (Film only)

Adults Only Night at Telus Spark: Food and Chemistry

What: The second Thursday of every month, mark it in your calendar. Don’t worry, there will also be a fully licensed bar so you can start the night off with an ice cold bevy. This month is all about getting hands-on with food and chemistry.
When: Thursday, November 9
Time: 6 pm
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, Regular admission to the centre

Kate Hewko A/W Runway Show

What: In lieu of Kate’s recent trip to Shanghai Fashion Week, she is transforming the entire first floor of the Devenish to feature a high fashion runway, themed rooms, cocktail lounges and tons of shopping.
When: Thursday, November 9
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Devenish Building – 908 17 Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $25-$80

HBC Holiday Shopping Event and Cosmetic Gala

What: Take advantage of some unreal sales and get your Christmas shopping out of the way with a full day of shopping and special events. Join them in the evening for a VIP Cosmetic Gala and enjoy complementary music, refreshments, appies and other holiday surprises.
When: Wednesday, November 15
Time: 9:30 am to 9 pm
Where: Hudsons Bay – 200 8 Avenue Southwest
Admission: Free

Alora Boutique Holiday Party In Support of the Mustard Seed

What: Join local jewellery maker, Alora Boutique for an evening of holiday-themed drinks, jewelry, shopping and giving back to our community. Each ticket includes one free drink, a chance to create your own gratitude piece and the chance to shop the limited “Diane Collection.” 50% of the proceeds from each ticket will go towards supporting the Mustard Seed.
When: Saturday, November 18
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: Raw Canvas – 100-1130 Kensington Road, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $30

Santa Claus Parade of Lights

Santa Claus Parade / Shutterstock

What: There is no better way to kick off the holiday season then with a special appearance from Kris Kringle himself, aka Santa Claus. Come down early in the day for the opportunity to get your picture taken with Santa, verify your spot on the naughty or nice list, and make a Christmas wish. Then stick around for dusk, when Banff avenue magically lights up with a procession of lively performers, colourful floats and, of course, the jolly ol’ man himself!
When: Saturday, November 18
Time: 10 am to 6:30 pm
Where: Banff Avenue
Admission: Free

Disney On Ice Presents: Follow Your Heart

What: Come for a truly magical evening that the whole family will enjoy.
When: Wednesday, November 15 to Sunday, November 19
Time: 7 pm
Where: Stampede Corral – 10 Corral Trail SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $21-$100

Zoolights

What: See the Calgary Zoo light up for seven weeks straight and help celebrate the 20th anniversary of everyone’s favourite holiday experience.
When: Friday, November 24 to January 6
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 ST. Georges Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: General (16+) $14.95, Child (3-15) – $11.95

Arts and Culture

To the Light

What: This exciting and lively theatrical experience was based on Virgina Wolfe’s classic, To the Lighthouse and directed by Oscar-nominated writer Evelyne de la Chenelière.
When: Saturday, November 4 (last performance)
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Martha Cohen Theatre – 215 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $26.00 – $75.00

Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival

What: Satisfy your inner craving for adventure by enjoying exciting and thrilling tales of ground-breaking exhibitions as told by authors, photographers, adventurers and filmmakers from around the world at this 10-day festival held in the heart of Banff.
When: Saturday, October 28 to Sunday, November 5
Time: Varies per event
Where: Various locations in and around the Banff area
Tickets: Available online

Calgary European Film Festival

What: Celebrate European cinema at the 6th edition of this exciting and worldly film festival. See films from over 18 various countries with a mix of all genres (with subtitles of course) and get more than your typical Hollywood fare at the cinema.
When: Sunday, November 5 to Sunday, November 12
Time: See the full schedule here.
Where: Eau Claire Cinema – 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $50 – $125

The 39 Steps

What: A murdered spy, a jealous husband and an on-stage plane crash, missing fingers and good ol’ fashioned romance. This two-time Tony Award-winning play will have you clutching the edges of your seats in both laugher and suspense all night long.
When: Saturday, November 11 to December 16
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: The Playhouse – 115 9 Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $63

DJD Presents: Velocity

What: A raw, never been seen before, production choreographed by the DJD company on creating movement. Come get to know another side of the dancers that make up DJD.
When: Thursday, November 16 to Sunday, November 26
Time: 8 pm
Where: DJD Dance Centre – 111 12 Avenue SE
Cost: Online, Adults- $27-$45, Seniors – $23-$38, Students – $19-$31

The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas

What: This beautiful Christmas concert will be sure to blow you away with seasonal melodies, entertaining stories, lush harmonies and classic favourites done with a twist.
When: Saturday, November 25
Time 7:30 pm
Where: Eric Harvie Theatre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
Tickets: Available online: Adult $25, Senior/ Student $30

A Christmas Carol

What: It’s not the Christmas season without Scrooge and this annual production of Dickens’ classic tale.
When: Thursday, November 23 to December 24
Time: 7:30 pm or 2 pm
Where: Theatre Calgary – 220 9 Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $71-$135

Concerts and Performances

Calgary / Shutterstock

Corb Lund with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

What: Grab your cowboy boots and enjoy a night with one of Canada’s most decorated country artists, Corb Lund and Calgary’s Philharmonic Orchestra.
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
When: Thursday, November 2
Time: 8 pm
Cost: Online, $25-$85

An Evening with Michael Bernard Fitzgerald

What: The Calgary Philharmonic and MBF are getting together for an unforgettable night of hope-lined pop songs and pitch-perfect melodies.
When: Friday, November 3
Time: 8 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $25-$85

Let it Be

What: Relive the classics of the world’s favourite boy band with many of the Beatles’ greatest hits.
When: Saturday, November 4
Time: 8 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $57.75 – $77.75

Jersey Boys!

What: Sing along with Frankie Valli and his crew as they blow you away with some of the Jersey Boy classics, such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Oh What a Night.”
When: Friday, November 3 to Sunday, November 5
Time: Varies depending on date
Tickets: Ticketmaster $35-$120

Scott Helman & Rita Mae

When: Friday, November 3
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Gateway (SAIT) – 1301 – 16 Avenue NW (Campus Centre), Calgary
Cost: Ticketmaster, $22

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

When: Tuesday, November 7
Time: 7:30
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $39-$66

Dallas Smith – Side Effects Tour

When: Saturday, November 11
Time: 7 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW, Calgary
Cost: Ticketmaster, $59-$75

Barenaked Ladies – Fake Nudes Tour

When: Monday, November 20
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE, Calgary
Cost: Online, $47-$307.25

Sporting Events

2017 Major Midget Series

What: Come cheer on team Canada.
Where: Winsport Arena A, Canada Olympic Park
When:
- Thursday, November 2 vs. Lethbridge at 7 pm
- Monday, November 20 vs. Okotoks at 7 pm

Cheer on the Calgary Flames

Image: Calgary Flames / Twitter

What: Two words – Red Mile! Let’s do this.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When:
- November 2 vs Pittsburg at 7 pm
- November 5 vs New Jersey at 7 pm
- November 7 vs Vancouver at 7 pm
- November 9 vs Detroit at 7 pm
- November 13 vs St. Louis at 7 pm
- November 28 vs Toronto at 7 pm
- November 30 vs Arizona at 7 pm
- December 2 vs Edmonton at 8 pm
- December 4 vs Philadelphia at 7 pm
- December 9 vs Vancouver at 8 pm
- December 14 vs San Jose at 7 pm
- December 16 vs Nashville at 8 pm

Cheer on the Calgary Hitmen

What: The Hitmen are officially in their regular season, come show them some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When:
- November 4 vs Lethbridge at 7 pm
- November 10 vs Medicine Hat at 7 pm
- November 22 vs Portland at 7 pm
- November 25 vs Red Deer at 7 pm

Cheer on the Calgary Stampeders

What: Cheer on our Stamps as they make their way to the Grey Cup (fingers crossed).
Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary
When:
- November 3 vs Winnipeg at 7:30 pm
- November 19 vs TBD at 2:30 pm (Western Final)

See also