29 things to do in Calgary this week: April 16 to 22

With the third week of April already upon us, we are pretty excited over here with the blue skies that seem to be peaking through more often! Fingers crossed we haven’t spoken to soon, but warmer weather is on the horizon.

This week, enjoy the sunny days by heading outside with your friends and family to soak up all the vitamin D. Head to the mountains for some spring skiing, hop on your bike or even just take a walk along the block – the warmth won’t last forever so take advantage while you can!

There are also some very exciting events that will keep you calendar healthy and robust. From film festivals to fitness classes to exciting performances featuring amazing local talent, this week will be nowhere close to boring. We hear the YYC Food Trucks may even make an appearance on the weekend!

Here is our list of 29 things happening in and around Calgary this week that you simply can’t miss out on.

See also

• Upcoming Alberta bill could drive BC's gas prices even higher
• Three Calgary writers shortlisted for prestigious literature award
• You can fly between Calgary and Vancouver for $79 this summer

Monday, April 16

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

Happy Mondays 

• What: We all know that the struggle is truly real on Mondays! Luckily, National wants to make them a bit better with 25 cent Happy Hour offered all day long. Yes, you read that correctly! Grab a drink and make Monday’s your new favourite day of the week.
• When: Mondays
• Time: 11 am to close
• Where: National on 17 – 550 17th Avenue SW

Tuesday, April 17

Dinner and a Movie: Titanic

• What: Come see Leo in all his glory! 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 – bring tissues!
• Where: Heritage Park, Celebration Tent – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
• When: Tuesday, April 17
• Cost: $44.95/ per person or $8 for film only

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

Wednesday, April 18

Dream, Girl Screening + Panel Discussion 

• What: Join the Ace Class and Date Night for a screening of Dream, Girl, an empowering documentary that features stories of inspiring female boss babes who are killing it. After the screening indulge in a light libation and enjoy an impactful discussion lead by five of Calgary’s leading women. See the list of panel speakers here. This event is open to women of all generations and all proceeds will go to benefit the Women in Need Society (WINS).
• When: Wednesday, April 18
• Time: 5:30 pm
• Where: National Music Centre – 850, 4th Street SE
• Tickets: Online, $30 to $100

Vegan Wing Night 

• What: Who said wing night had to include meat? Join Ceili’s on 8th every Wednesday for their first ever Vegan Wing night with your choice of vegan sauces and $5 vegan beer specials all night long. Sounds delicious!
• When: Wednesday, April 18 and onwards
• Time: 5 pm
• Where: Ceili’s on 8 – 803 8th Avenue SW

Pressed Flower Art with Oxeye Floral Co. 

• What: Find out how Oxeye Floral creates her beautiful floral masterpieces and bring home your own artwork to adorn the walls of your home!
• When: Wednesday, April 18
• Time: 6:30 pm
• Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – #8, 606 Meredith Road
• Tickets: Online, $90

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: Wednesday,  April 18
• Time: 6 pm
• Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW
• Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100

Thursday, April 19

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

Miss Caledonia 

• What: She can sing, twirl, and pivot the way into anyone’s heart, but is she good enough to win the Miss Caledonia tiara? Set in the 1950s, follow along on the adventures of Peggy Ann Douglas as she pursues her dream of becoming a Hollywood movie star, one step at a time!
• When: April 12 to 21
• Time:
  • Monday to Saturday: Noon to 1 pm
  • Thursday to Friday: 6 to 7 pm
• Where: Lunchbox Theatre – 160 115 9th Avenue SE
• Tickets: Online, $26

Friday, April 20

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 receiving a free meal. Doubling that shouldn’t be a problem, right Calgary?
• When: April 20 to 28
• Where: See participating restaurants here!

Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton 

• What: Take this Friday night back to the ’70s and enjoy some classic rock tunes by this classic band.
• 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 

• What: A fan of Motley Crue? This is a concert you won’t want to miss!
• When: Friday, April 20
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $69d

Create to Meditate 

• What: Experience the relaxing flow of putting your brush to paper and become immersed in the details and the colours of your masterpiece.
• When: Friday, April 20
• Time: 7 to 9 pm
• Where: Wild Flour Bakery – 201b, 212 Bear Street, Banff
• Tickets: Online, $40

The 420 Music and Arts Festival

• What: Enjoy a three-day celebration featuring performers and Rock n’ Roll Bands surrounding the culture that is 4/20, 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

Saturday, April 21

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

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

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

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!

Sunday, April 22

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

Bundle Dyeing 

• What: Learn how to create beautiful patterns on fabric using flowers and natural colour. You will bring home a trendy, one-of-a-kind scarf that is personalized, designed, and created by you!
• When: Sunday, April 22
• Time: 1 to 5 pm
• Where: 924 17th Avenue SW
• Tickets: Online, $110

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

Any Day of the Week

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

Dust off your road bike

• It looks like Calgary may be seeing 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.

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

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

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

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

See also

• Upcoming Alberta bill could drive BC's gas prices even higher
• Three Calgary writers shortlisted for prestigious literature award
• You can fly between Calgary and Vancouver for $79 this summer