19 things to do in Calgary this weekend: March 4 and 5

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No matter what you’re in the mood for, there are lots of things happening around Calgary this weekend.

From the Home and Garden show to brunch places worth checking out.

Granville Winter Mingler Weekend: Maple Shack Cream Ale and Maple Toffee

What: As a part of the weekly Bourgeau Bonfire Bash at Sunshine Village, you will have the opportunity to try Grandville Island Brewing’s delicious Maple Shack Cream Ale and Maple Syrup Toffee. With hints of Canadian maple syrup this brewski, along with a bonfire, BBQ, music and beer gardens, is the perfect way to end a beautiful day on the slopes.
Where: The Bourgeau Base Area – Sunshine Village – 1 Sunshine access Rd, Banff
When: March 4 and 5

Friday Sock Co. Pop-Up Shop at Greater Goods

What: On March 4, Adam, the creator of Calgary’s famous mis-matched sock company, Friday Sock Co. will be doing a pop-up at Greater Goods and launching his new line of socks. Be the first to shop the new line and show off the new designs on your Instagram before everyone else does. Rumor has it he will be introducing 12 new sock designs!
Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
When: Saturday, March 4

Calgary Home + Garden Show

What: The Calgary Home + Garden Show is here this weekend featuring more than 650 vendors in its exhibition area, a number of local speakers, and four celebrity guests.
When: March 2 and 3 from 12 to 9 pm, March 4, from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday, March 5 from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SE
Cost:: $16. Save $3 when you buy tickets online

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

The Big Taste Foodie Festival

What: Foodie’s rejoice! YYC’s favourite foodie festival is back for another year! Between March 3 and 12 some of Calgary’s best restaurants will be offering up three and five-course fix price menus for every meal of the day. Restaurants are sorted by price point, so you can be sure to expect more than a few options no matter what your budget may be. At the same time, there will also be various one-time only, signature events happening around the city, such as Canada’s tribute Dinner at The Guild, The Winemaker’s Dinner at the Deane House, the Reunion Dinner at Catch and more!
Where: Various locations around Calgary. See participating restaurants here.
When: March 3 to 12
Cost: Varies depending on the location and menu. See website for more details!

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

Cheer on the Calgary Roughnecks

What: Looking for something different to do on a Saturday night? Come cheer on the Calgary Roughnecks and show them your support!
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
When: Saturday, March 4 at 7:30pm vs. Georgia

Reel Fun Film Festival

What: Founded in 2007, The Reel Fun Film Festival is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing film and the filmmaking experience to youth and families in southern Alberta. Experience cultural diversity by seeing exceptional stories of the human experience, promoting emotional intelligence and developing media literacy among youth in the community.
Where: Cité des Rocheuses – 4800 Richard Road SW
When: February 27 to March 05
Cost: Varies, Festival Pass $50, Adult single ticket $12, Student single ticket $5

Calgary Maple Festival Des Sucres

What: Celebrate traditional French Canadian culture, history and traditions at this annual 2-day festival at Heritage Park. Enjoy dancing, traditional music, outdoor activities, a magic show, wagon rides and so much more, while indulging in a little maple syrup goodness from the sugar shack!
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
When: March 4 and 5
Cost: Youth: $10, Seniors/ Adults: $14, Free for children under 6

Learn to Ski/Snowboard at Never Ever Days

What: Is learning to ski/ snowboard something that has always been on your bucket list, but never gets ticked off? Skiing/ snowboarding can be a large investment and be a bit intimidating for those who haven’t been shredding POW since you were 5 years old. For only in the Never Ever Day’s ultimate beginners package you can rent all the equipment that you need, along with a beginner lift ticket and a lesson all included for only $25 on select days at resorts across Canada. This is the perfect opportunity to see if the sport is right for you!
Where: Over 70 participating resorts across Canada
When: Throughout the 2016/17 Season
Cost: $25

International Women’s Day Celebration

What: Celebrate and praise the empowerment of women at this fun filled all day event. There will be several performances, some serious and some humorous, both of which will have an impactful message, along with a fashion shop featuring locally owned high-end boutiques and designers. Come celebrate the love, beauty, and achievement of women!
Where: Calgary JCC – 1607 9th Avenue SW
When: March 5
Cost: $15

Johnston Canyon Ice Walk

What: The National Geographic Traveller Magazine named Banff one of it’s “Best of the World” destinations for 2017, making us Albertans very proud of our hidden little secret, that is no longer very hidden. With your free 2017 Park Pass, head up to Banff for a day trip or a weekend get away and check out some of the beauty it has to offer. This Ice Walk is located only a few minutes away from the Town of Banff, and will take you take you through the frozen waterfalls of Johnston’s Canyon and is a breathtaking experience that you that will leave you in awe of nature’s capacities. Be sure to dress in proper winter gear – it will be a bit chilly!
Where: Hotel pick up and drop off provided from Banff
Cost: Adult (13 and up) $68, Child (8-12) $42

Cheer on the Calgary Flames

What: Will we make it to the playoff’s or not? Who knows! Regardless, come cheer on the Flames in a sea of red, while consuming dome beers and delicious pizza, nachos, and hotdogs. Cheat weekend!
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
When: Sunday, March 5 at 2:00pm vs. New York Islanders

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.

Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy

What: Calling all Trekkies! 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

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

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

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 Breakfast Co. on 5^th Avenue SW
Bridgette Bar
Starbelly Open Kitchen + Lounge
Vendome
Monki
Anju
Charbar
Native Tongues Taqueria