21 things to do in Calgary this week January 9 to 15

Yes it’s cold, but no that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do around town to cheer you up.

The Wedding Fair is in town for those tying the knot, Flames are playing at the dome, Banff kicks off its Snow Days festival and more!

High Performance Rodeo

What: One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts, is the largest festival of its kind in Western Canada, featuring theatre, music, dance and more.
Where: Various locations around town
When: January 5 to February 2

Dirty Laundry presents: Monday Night Lights

What: “Strong Arms. Big Hair. Can’t Loose.” If you loved Friday Night Lights, then you will be sure to love this hilarious, improvised spin off of the 2000’s TV series. Each Monday night there is a new episode that will transport you into small Town America’s Football fandom that includes harsh coaches, scatterbrained cheerleaders, stressed out quarterbacks and teenage love.
Where: 160 115 9 Avenue SE
When: Every Monday Night
Cost: Adult – $16, Student + Senior $10

6 Guitars

What: See the critically acclaimed professional actor and musician, Chase Padgett perform his award winning solo show, ‘6 Guitars.’ He initially performed this show in 2010 and it quickly became the most successful show in the history of the North American Fringe Festival circuit. During this 85-minute show Padgett will become 6 different guitar players, ranging from a 19-year-old rock prodigy to an 87 year old blues man, all with their own unique voices, views and musical styles. You will leave feeling so in love with music!
Where: Lunchbox Theatre – 160 115 9 Avenue SE
When: January 9 to 28
Cost: Adult – $25, Student + Senior – $20

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

Winter Workshops with MakerYYC

Take the opportunity to learn something new this January while bonding with old friends and making new ones. Choose from a variety of different workshops happening around the city this month that will either tantalize your taste buds or give you something fun to take home that can represent the beginning of a fabulous year.

Macaron 101 Baking Class
- Where: Ollia Macarons & Tea – 810C 16th Avenue SW
- When: January, 11, 17, 24 and 31
- Cost: $100/ person
Wire Wrapped Crystal Jewelry
- Where: The Bourbon Room, National On Tenth – 341 10th Avenue SW
- When: Wednesday, January 11
- Cost: $50

Cheer on the Calgary Flames

What: Wear your new jersey that you got for Christmas and help the Flames make it to the playoffs by cheering them on at the dome this January!
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SW
When:
- Wednesday, January 11 at 7:30pm vs. San Jose
- Friday, January 13 at 7pm vs. New Jersey

Adults Only Night: Off the Grid

What: at Telus Spark’s January version of Adult’s Only Night, explore what it means to be “off the grid” from modern technology and conveniences in different ways.
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
When: Thursday, January 12
Cost: Included in the price of admission to Telus Spark

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

What: This is not your typical ballet, as you will leave feeling thoroughly entertained and full of laughter! The Trockadero is an all-male ballet company that has toured all over the world and even cracked a smile on the Queen. In this performance they will dance on point, in beautiful costumes and large wigs, to a satirical and cleverly choreographed show that takes a humorous point of view on many of the most popular ballets of all time.
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium 1415 – 14 Ave NW
When: January 12 to 14
Cost: $24-$124

The Wedding Fair

What: The Wedding Fair brings you the latest trends and gives you the opportunity of connecting with the service providers you need to create your special day. You will also experience a professionally choreographed fashion show displaying the latest wedding fashions. Bring your girlfriends, mom, and even your fiancé and enjoy the day. Each bride will receive a complimentary copy of Calgary Bridal Guide & WeddingBells Magazine and have the option to purchase the latest edition of Luxe by Calgary Bride for only $2!
Where: BMO Centre (Halls A, B & C) – Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SW
When: Sunday, January 15 from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door

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

Full Moon Snowshoe Tour

What: Looking for the perfect date night in the great outdoors? Grab your special someone and head out on a snowshoeing adventure through the Rocky Mountains lit by the moon and sparkling starts. It doesn’t get more romantic than that! A certified guide will lead your journey and provide you with a headlamp and snowshoes that is included in the cost of the tour.
Where: Kananaskis Village Center – 1 Mt. Sparrowhawk Crescent
When: Friday, January 13
Cost: $69

Banff + Lake Louise: Snowdays Kick-Off Street Party

What: Help kick-off of the month-long winter celebration, Snowdays, with a fun and eventful street party held in the heart of Downtown Banff. Come enjoy cultural, historical and adventurous activities for the whole family to enjoy, along with all things ice – ice carving demo, an ice bar, an ice fire pit ice-skating and an ice playground. If you come sans children enjoy a fun beer garden with tasty food vendors and a Canadian DJ and live band playing all evening long.
Where: The heart of Downtown Banff
When: January 13 from 6 to 10pm
Cost: FREE

Tim Hicks and Chad Brownlee

What: Join these two Canadian Juno Award nominees, CCMA Award winners and Country heartthrobs, Tim Hicks and Chad Brownlee, as their two separate tours ‘Shake These Walls Tour’ and ‘Hearts on Fire Tour’ collide into one unforgettable performance.
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
When: Friday, January 13
Cost: $40-$120

Soul Unlimited: Stevie Wonder to Ray Charles

What: If you love R&B and want to hear music from some of the genre’s greatest legends, then this show is something you wont want to miss. Watch Ellis hall, a master of classic R&B and hear hits from Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations Earth, Wind and Fire and more of your soulful favorites through the ages!
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 – 8 Avenue SE
When: January 13 and 14
Cost: $25-$85

Cheer on the Calgary Hitmen

What: Give the Calgary Hitmen some love this season and come cheer them on in their 8 home games this month!
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SW
When:
- Saturday, January 14 at 7pm vs. Prince George
- Sunday, January 15 at 4pm vs. Lethbridge

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

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.

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

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!

Go Curling outside

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