23 things to do in Calgary this long weekend: February 18 to 20

A long weekend meant to hang out with your family and friends, what could be better to break up the winter!

Apart from our fun Family Day long weekend events, there are lots of things happening this weekend around town.

See also

• 67 things to do in Calgary this February
• Free admission to provincial parks and city facilities on Family Day

GLOW – Downtown Winter Light Festival

• What: In honor of Canada’s 150^th birthday Downtown Calgary is hosting a FREE all ages interactive light festival to kick off this special year. There will be a variety of art installations created by local artists, along with family-friendly activities and workshops all located at various locations throughout downtown.
• Where: Downtown Calgary: see website for exact locations
• When: February 17 and 20
• Cost: FREE

 The Audience

• What: If you saw the Netflix Original, “The Crown” you’ll be familiar with the Queen’s famous weekly meeting with the Prime Minister, called an audience. This spectacular performance will replay some of the most famous audience’s throughout Queen Elizabeth’s reign, with many familiar political faces making an appearance, such as Churchill, Thatcher, Cameron and more. Take a peak at the woman behind the crown, the most famous and influential yet private woman in the world.
• Where:Theatre Calgary – 220 9th Avenue SE
• When: January 24 to February 18
• Cost: $45-$64

Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy

• What: Calling all Treckkies! Having opened on February 4, Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience will be at TELUS Spark until June 4, 2017. Upon entering the exhibit, you’ll become a Starfleet Academy cadet recruit.
• Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
• When: Now until June 4, 2017
• Cost: Adults $29.95

Asian Night Market

• What: The 3rd annual Asian Night Market will be held this weekend at the Marda Loop Community Association Hall. This event will be co-hosted by the Chinese Students Society and the Vietnamese Students Association from the University of Calgary. At this event, each club will be preparing different authentic snacks and dishes that the general public will be able to try.
• Where: Marda Loop Community Association Hall – 3130 16 Street SW
• When: Saturday, February 18 from 6 to 9pm
• Cost: 1 ticket for $2, 3 tickets for $5, 10 tickets for $10.

Go skating outdoors

• What: Now that winter seems to have finally settled in for the long haul, it’s time for the winter activities to commence. Grab a few friends, some hot chocolate and bundle up in your warmest, yet stylish winter attire and go skating on one of Calgary’s many outdoor rinks that are well maintained by either the city or volunteers within the community. Don’t own a pair of skates? Rent a pair at your nearest outdoor center or at specific rinks around the city – see website more for details!
• Where: Various rinks throughout Calgary
• Cost: FREE

Check out WinSport’s Acura Tube Park

• What: Calgary’s only tube park is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and it opens for the season on Saturday, December 17. The park is located on the main hill, which allows tubers to take advantage of the washrooms, eateries, retail store and other amenities located in the Frank King Day Lodge. It features 10 lanes, each of which are 200 metres in length.
• Where: WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

• What: Calgary’s favourite, cozy and delicious foodie festival is back for the 6^th year in a row! During the entire month of February, be sure to warm up by checking out your favourite cafes, sweet shops and restaurants for their unique spin on everyone’s beloved winter drink. The best part is that a portion of every drink will go towards supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels, an even better reason to indulge in some warm chocolate goodness!
• Where: At participating locations
• When: The entire month of February
• Cost: Price of the Hot Chocolate + $1 will be donated to Meals on Wheels

Seities Studio: The Photographic Blue

• What: Take a stroll through the Window Galleries of the Arts Commons and see this beautiful exhibit that includes works by Jaime Erin Johnson, Emma Powell, and Juilee Pryor. The gallery brings together the aesthetics of the traditional photographic process of Cyanotype photography, also called blue print, and the different views of the female identity, body and spirit.
• Where: Window Galleries (across from Max Bell Theatre in Arts Commons)
• When: December 5 to February 27
• Cost: FREE

Cheer on the Calgary Hitmen

• What: The Hitmen have made some interesting moves recently at the trade deadline. Hopefully, it will be in their favour? Regardless, come show them some love this month at one of their 8 home games!
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SW
• When: Sunday, February 19 at 4pm vs Saskatoon

Dog Sledding in Canmore

One of the most ancient, and still very practical, means of transportation in frigid climates, dog sledding is an activity Canada is famous for. Luckily for us, a short drive away in Canmore there are three different companies that offer dog sledding tours in the scenic Rocky Mountains.

Howling Dog Tours, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions, and Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours all offer incredible, personalized experiences. Try out a tour this winter and take part in a long standing Canadian tradition.

They can be reached by phone at:

• Howling Dog Tours – (403) 678-9588
• Mad Dogs and Englishmen Expeditions – (403) 609-3670
• Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours – (403) 678-4369

Life by BalletBoyz

• What: Come see this all-male company that has been named one of the hottest dance companies in the world. They will be performing “Life,” choreographed by internationally acclaimed choreographers Javier de Frutos and Pontus Lidberg, a performance that will explore the world around us with a dynamic energy and cultural artery in their distinguished style of contemporary dance.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
• When: February 16 to 18
• Cost: $19.50-$124

Hit the Slopes

• Begin your New Year by crossing off that pesky “get in shape” goal that seems to weasel it’s way onto your list of resolution’s every year, by hitting the slopes and spending some time in the good ol’ outdoors. There is no better feeling then coming home with rosy cheeks and lungs filled with fresh mountain air as you spend quality time with friends and family. Take a road trip and spend the day skiing or snowboarding at one of Alberta’s best hills, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Nakiska or Mount Norquay, or make a weekend out of it by renting a cabin in the heart of the mountains. Be sure to check the websites to see what exciting events are happening on each hill throughout the month.

Cheer on the Calgary Roughnecks

• What: The Roughnecks just recently unveiled their Star Wars themed Jersey’s to play at a game earlier this year, how sweet is that! In all seriousness the Roughnecks are killing it this season and could use your support during their 3 home games this month!
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SW
• When: Saturday, February 18 at 7pm vs Vancouver

Greater Goods Boutique + Tea Bar Turns 1!

• What: This beautiful boutique, located in the historic Dewall Block, has become a local favorite over the past year and on February 18^th they are inviting you to celebrate with them! There will be an all-day candy bar, along with $1 coffee from Calgary Heritage Roasting Co & tea from Tearrific. You will get the opportunity to shop some of your favorite local artists and there may even be a surprise pop-up shop throughout the day. Stay tuned on social for more details!
• Candy Bar + $1 drinks all day
• Where: #8, 606 Meredith Road NE
• When: February 18 from 11am to 5pm
• Cost: Free

Go sledding!

There are a number of hills around Calgary that are perfect for sledding! Grab your crazy carpet, (or the more intense, GT racer) some friends, and head to a hill for some fun!

Where: Check out a hill close to you or go to a local City Maintained hill
Things to remember: Tobogganing is an activity that you do at your own risk, and helmets are always recommended!

Kombucha Cocktails & Yoga

• What: Kombucha mixed with cocktails and yoga is a unique combination for an unforgettable Saturday night! Your ticket also includes an option tour and tasting of the distillery at 6:30 pm.
• Where: Eau Claire Distillery – 113 Sunset Boulevard NW
• When: February 18
• Cost: $50 – must be 18 years of age with a photo ID to attend. 

Family FISH-tival

• What: Fishing is a great Winter and Summer activity that is perfect for the whole family. Kick-off your long weekend by learning the basics of fishing through games, fun activities and various workshops happening throughout the day so you can be a pro next time you venture out on the water.
• Where: Bow Habitat Station – 1440 17A Street SE
• When: Saturday, February 18
• Cost: Indoor activities: $5/person (Children 3 and under – FREE), Outdoor Activities FREE

Go Curling outside

• Where: St Patricks Island has set up a curling lane for public use so everyone can try their hand at the game. You can play in teams, as pairs, or even make up your own rules (just don’t tell anyone)
• Where: St Patricks Island – 430 8th Avenue SE
• When: Daily 9am to 7pm until the end of March

Billy Talent – Afraid of Heights Tour

• What: For all those 90’s babies out there, this concert should bring back vivid memories for you! Their new album “Afraid of Heights” is the band’s fifth studio album and the most recent work that they have produced in 4 years. Come see them perform in a rocking concert as they come back better than ever before!
• Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive S.W.
• When: Saturday, February 18
• Cost: $60

Spruce Meadows February Classic 1

• What: Have a horse lover in the family? Bring them down to Spruce Meadows and watch this competition for FREE in the comforts of the Equi-Plex. Who doesn’t love a little horse charade?
• Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way S.W.
• When: February 18 and 19
• Cost: No Ticket is Required

Family Fun Day at Eau Claire Market

• What: This free event may be just what the whole family needs this Family Day weekend. With musicians, magicians, face painting, carnival games, ice carving and an artisan market – there’s no such thing as a dull moment.
• Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
• When: Monday, February 20

Fort Calgary WinterFest

• What: Museums, local history, horse-drawn carriage rides, snacks and musical performances – what more could you want? Celebrating the history of Calgary at Fort Calgary is a great reminder of how lucky we all are to be Canadian, and everyone should get to experience that!
• Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SE
• When: February 20 from 10am to 4pm

Go for brunch!

• You can never go wrong with Sunday brunch, or rather brunch on any day of the week! It makes for a great date or if you looking for a place to catch up with old friends that won’t break the bank after the holidays. Bonding over benny is a real thing! Here are a few spots that are either new to Calgary’s brunch scene or are not your classic brunch spots that you have been to millions of times before.
• Ten Foot Henry
• Alforno Bakery and Café
• Phil and Sebastians on 8^th Avenue SW
• OEB Breakfat Co. on 5^th Avenue SW
• Bridgette Bar
• Starbelly Open Kitchen + Lounge
• Vendome
• Monki
• Anju
• Charbar
• Native Tongues Taqueria

See also

• 67 things to do in Calgary this February
• Free admission to provincial parks and city facilities on Family Day