50 things to do in Calgary this February

Planing ahead? Here is our list of the top events happening in Calgary this February.

For a complete list of events, check out our Calgary Buzz events calendar.

Free things to do

Experts in Education

• What: Listen to Future of Education and Learning Expert, and award-winning author Michael Horn.
• Where: Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School – 306 Avenue W
• When: Wednesday, February 10 at 7 p.m.
• Cost: Free; register here.

Family Valentine’s Day Crafts and Cookies

• What: Celebrate family month and Valentine’s Day by making crafts and enjoying refreshments.
• Where: Southland Leisure Centre – 2000 Southland Drive
• When: Wednesday, February 10

An Evening with Zadie Smith

• What: Presented by the Calgary Distinguished Writers Program, British writer Zadie Smith will be coming to the University of Calgary to do a reading and book signing.
• Where: MacEwan Hall, University of Calgary
• When: Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Funtastic Family Fair

• What: Come with your whole family, participate in games, face painting, get creative with crafts and sit back, relax, and be entertained.
• Where: Village Square Leisure Centre – 2623 56 Street NE
• When: Wednesday, February 17 6 to 8 p.m.

View 5 visible planets in Calgary

• What: Over the next month, for the first time in approximately a decade, five planets will be bright enough to see with the naked eye.
• Where: Out of the city for the best views.
• When: Now until February 20

Fish Creek CommUnity Fair

• What: Get the chance to learn about the different volunteer opportunities that Fish Creek Park has to offer in 2016.
• Where: Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre – 13931 Woodpath Road SW
• When: Saturday, February 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Art!Flicks: The Peel

• What: Join Arts Commons for Art!Flicks, where there will be free screenings of art appreciation. In February, they will be presenting The Peel.
• Where:  Engineered Air Theatre, Arts Commons – 205 8th Avenue SE
• When: Monday, February 29 at  7:30 p.m.

Food and drink festivals

Soup for Syrians

• What: This soup-a-thon is set to provide over 5,000 servings of soup for the Syrian families arriving in Calgary. Help welcome our new friends by making them a warm meal.
• Where: Bow Valley College – 332 6 Avenue SE
• When: Sunday, February 7
• Cost: $25

The Perfect Pair Brewmasters Dinner with Wild Rose Brewery

• What: Feast on a five-course meal prepared by Chef Mel Lafleur, paired with five beers from Calgary’s Wild Rose Brewery.
• Where: The Libertine Public House – 223 8 Avenue SW
• When: Saturday, February 13 at 6 p.m.
• Cost: $55

Checkmate, My Sweet Valentine

• What: Come enjoy as a Check Mate Dating Service client during this dinner theatre play, and find out a surprise to someone’s “happily ever after” fairy tale.
• Where: The Barracks at Fort Calgary – 750 9 Avenue SE
• When: Sunday, February 14 at 6 p.m.
• Cost: $90

Winefest Calgary

• What: Presented by Sobeys Liquor and Safeway Wine & Spirits, Winefest is an all-inclusive event meaning that every sip and sample is included in the ticket price, allowing you to try before you buy. Wine experts are available during the event to educate and give suggestions.
• Where: Stampede Park BMO Centre, Hall E
• When: Friday, February 19 from 7 to 10 p.m.
  Saturday, February 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $75 to $85

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

• What: During February participating Calgary cafes and restaurants craft some of the best and unique Hot Chocolates to support Calgary Meals on Wheels.
• Where: Various venues
• When: Monday, February 1 to Tuesday, February 29
• Cost: Prices Vary

Visit Winter Markets

Calgary Farmers’ Market

• What: Full of fresh food and free entertainment as well as many different vendors to visit this little market is the perfect spot to visit during the winter.
• Where: 510 77 Avenue SE, Calgary
• When: Thursday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crossroads Market

• What: Posses farm-fresh produce and tasty treats plus lost of unique finds from the large variety of vendors.
• Where: Cross Roads Market – 1235 26 Avenue SE, Calgary
• When: Friday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Symons Valley Ranch

• What: Visit the many different vendors and explore what the Symons Valley ranch has to offer. There is also a special Friday customer discount of every Friday this winter from now until March 18, be sure to ask the vendors about their deals.
• Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road
• When: Tuesday to Sunday, various times (opens January 8)

Market Collective: February 2016 dates

• What: Market Collective will be showcasing a roster of artists and musicians during the weekend. Follow them along on social media to keep up with the newest events.
• Where: Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 1 Street SW
• When: Friday, February 12 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.,
  Saturday, February 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Sunday, February 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $5 and Free for kids

Festivals and other events

Canada’s Top Ten Film Festival

• What: For a second year in a row Canada’s Top Ten Film Festival is coming to Calgary thanks to the Calgary International Film Festival, TIFF, Globe Cinema and Rileys. The Film Festival features highlights of the best in 2015 Canadian Cinema.
• Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8 Avenue SW
• When: February 4 to 7
• Cost: $10; shareable five-pack $40

Valentine Piñata

• What: Have fun while creating a festive addition to a Valentines Day party or a cheerful decoration for your home in this makers workshop led by Amber Sandmoen-Vanee.
• Where: Loft 112 – 535 8 Avenue SE
• When: Friday, February 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: $75

Schmancy

• What: Spend an evening at the Glenbow to support the museum. For one night the Glenbow is transformed into a party space, with local performers, incredible food and cutting-edge music.
• Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9 Avenue SE
• When: Saturday, February 6 at 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: $250

Adults Only Night: Let’s Get Physical

• What: TELUS Spark is taking a look at love from both the physical and psychological perspectives. With the help of Body Worlds Vital, the team at TELUS Spark can get much more visual.
• Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St Georges Drive NE
• When: Thursday, February 11
• Cost: $20

Block Heater: A Winter Music Extravaganza

• What: Occurring at three live music venues on the Music Mile in Inglewood, throughout the Family Day long weekend, over 20 national and international artists will perform concerts.
• Where: Festival Hall – 1215 10 Avenue SE
  Inglewood Music Club – 1401 10 Avenue SE
  Ironwood Stage and Grill – 1229 9 Avenue SE
• When: Friday, February 12 to 14
• Cost: Varies

Calgary Home + Garden Show 2016

• What: The Calgary Home + Garden Show is known as a trusted resource for home improvement projects, both inside and outside, and is occurring at the BMO Centre and Corral at Stampede Park.
• Where: BMO Centre & Corral, Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SE
• When:  February 25 to 26
  Thursday, February 25 and Friday, February 26 from noon to 9 p.m.
  Saturday, February 27 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  Sunday, February 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $16 for adults ($13 online), $13 for seniors ( $10 online, $7 Friday before 5 p.m.), and free for children under 12

24th Annual $100 Film Festival

• What: The only celluloid-based film festival, where the idea is to shoot a short film on four rolls of Super 8 tailoring to the cost of $100.
• Where: Arts Commons – 205 8 Avenue SE
• When: Thursday, February 25 to 27
• Cost: Varies

Exposure Photography Festival 2016

• What: In a world of camera phones and Instagram, the art of photography has fallen by the wayside. The Exposure Photography Festival hopes to help change that.
• When: Saturday, January 30 to Monday, February 29
• Where: Various venues

Treasure League: Calgary-wide treasure hunt launch

• What: Launching on Monday, February 1, Treasure League hosts real-world treasure hunts at mystery locations in Calgary, with the prize being $500.
• Where: Somewhere in Calgary
• When: launches February 1; Runs every month
• Cost: $10 for a membership before the month begins, $20 afterwards

Canmore Winter Festival: World Cup Edition

• What: Celebrate the season and a popular community tradition for more than 20 years at the Canmore Winter Festival. A total of two World Cup events will be a part of the carnival along with 45 days of non-stop fun including events like, snow sculpting, ice carving, and Snowy Owl Kid N Mutt races.
• Where: Various venues
• When: February 1 to March 13
• Cost: Varies

Art and theatre

Yamato: The Drummers of Japan – Bakuon

• What: Yamato brings their fast paced drumming athleticism on their traditional Wadaiko drums.
• Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE
• When: Wednesday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Starting at $39

Doc Soup 2016

• What: Critically acclaimed documentaries from around the globe are set to be screened during Doc Soup, Presented by the International Film Festival.
• Where: Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire – 200 Barclay Parade SW
  Globe Cinema – 617 8 Avenue SW
• When: February 3; March 2; April 6
• Cost: $15

The Peking Acrobats

• What: Known all around the world for their daring stunts and performances, the Peking Acrobats bring contortionists, jugglers, trick-cyclists, and gymnasts. A perfect way to spend the year of the Monkey and to top it all off live music performed by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra will be playing.
• Where: Arts Commons, Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE
• When: Saturday, February 6, 8 p.m.
• Cost: Starting at $30

Dynamic Directions

• What: A contemporary and neo-classical ballet featuring visionary work from three of Canada’s best known dance makers; Aszure Barton, Wen Wei Wang, and Yukichi Hattori.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
• When: Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m.
  Friday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m.
  Saturday, February 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Starting from $29

Valentine’s Day with Mr. Gorgeous

• What: The Garter Girls present their annual Valentines celebration for an extended two-nights, with international guest star Mr. Gorgeous, also known as the King of Burlesque.
• Where: The Engineered Air Theatre – 205 Avenue SE
• When: Friday, February 12 and 13 at 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: $43, and $60 for VIP

Cinnamon Heartbreak Cabaret

• What: Join Theatre Encounter’s fifth year of sexy, Valentine fun, with burlesque from the Rhinestone Affair followed by Rockability beats with Stickshift Suiside.
• Where: Distortion Live Music Venue – 3828 Macleod Trail SW
• When: Sunday, February 14 at 7 p.m.
• Cost: $25

The Wizard of Oz

• What: Join Dorothy and the gang on stage, with all of the classic songs and iconic moments, and remember to watch out for the wicked old witch.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
• When: Tuesday, February 16 to 21; Tuesday to Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Varies

The Little Prince – The Musical

• What: Based on the book by Antoine de Saint and adapted by Nicholas Lloyd Webber and James D. Reid, The Little Prince – the Musical begins with a pilot who crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert and will capture your imagination.
• Where: Max Bell Theatre – 220 9 Avenue SE
• When: January 19 to February 28
• Cost: Varies

Concerts and Parities

Chris D’Elia Calgary 2016 show

• What: Coming off from his recently completed first multi-city, cross-country standup tour, “Under No Influence,” D’Elia will be in Calgary at the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino this February.
• Where: Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Event Centre, 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
• When: Friday, February 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
• Cost: Starting at $39.50, you can buy them at Ticketbreak.com

Adventure Club 2016

• What: Adventure Club is coming to Banff’s Dancing Sasquatch on Wednesday, February 10 as a part of their Made In Canada Tour.
• Where:  Dancing Sasquatch – 120 Banff Avenue, Banff
• When: Wednesday, February 10
• Cost: Tickets via Blueprint

Love Affair Hosted by Majid Michel

• What: The 2nd annual Valentine’s Day party is returning to Days Inn Hotel. Remember to wear red and and black to this black tie event.
• Where: Days Inn Hotel – 3828 Macleod Trail SE
• When: Sunday, February 14 at 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
• Cost: Starting from $30

The Sheepdogs concert

• What: Canadian classic rock sensations The Sheepdogs are taking their old school musical styling on a tour across Canada in 2016, with stops in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
• When: Tuesday, February 16; Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 9:30 p.m.
• Where: MacEwan Hall – 402 Collegiate Boulevard North West
• Price: $28.50 via Union Events

Classified concert

• What: Canadian rapper Classified comes to Calgary this February as part of the Greatful Tour, which is taking in 25 different stops across the country.
• When: Saturday, February 20; Doors at 7 p.m.; Show at 8 p.m.
• Where: University of Calgary, McEwan Hall – 2500 University Drive NW
• Price: $30 via Live Nation

Cowtown Cabaret

• What: Cowtown Cabaret is a night for the young at heart and is an evening full of variety.
• Where: Festival Hall – 1215 10 Ave SE
• When: Friday, February 25 at 7:30 to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $38 for adults; $20 for students

Go for a winter run or walk

CRR XC Grancd Prix #8, 31rst Annual Nose Hill

• Where: Nose Hill Park, Brisebois Drive entrance Brisebois Drive & John Laurie Boulevard NW
• When: Saturday, February 6
• Time: 11:45 a.m.
• Cost: $8 for Calgary Roadrunner members; $12 for all other runners. Register here

Tri It Chick Chaser 5 mile run

• Where: Tri It Multisport – 2640 Parkdale Boulevard NW
• When: Sunday, February 14
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Cost: $25. Register here

2016 Frozen Ass Fifty

• Where: Bow Waters Canoe Club – 1975 26 Street SE
• When: Monday, February 15
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Cost: $60 (25K and 50K) until February 1. Register here

CRR XC Grand Prix #9 Weaselhead (4K, 8K)

• Where: South Glenmore Park –90 Avenue and 24 Street SW
• When: Saturday, February 20
• Time: 11:45 a.m.
• Cost: $8 for Calgary Roadrunner members; $12 for all other runners. Register here

Hypothermic Half Marathon

• Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SE
• When: Saturday, February 20
• Time: 12 p.m.
• Cost: $80. Register here

Coldest Night of the Year

• What: Canada’s National Walk for Homelessness, Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly event that is aimed to raise money for the hungry, homeless and hurting in over 100 communities across Canada.
• Where: Main Gathering Space by Food Court – 200 Barclay Parade SW
• When: February 20 at 5 p.m.
• Cost: $25 registration fee

Sports

Calgary Flames games

Friday, February 5 – Blue Jackets at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, February 9 – Maple Leafs at 7 p.m.
Monday, February 15 – Ducks at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, February 17 – Wild at 8 p.m.
Friday, February 19 – Canucks at 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 25 – Islanders at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 27 – Senators at 8 p.m.

• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
• Cost: Varies

Calgary Hitmen games

Friday, February 12 – Red Deer at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 14 – Lethbridge at 4 p.m.
Saturday, February 20 – Lethbridge at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 21 – Medicine Hat at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, February 23 – Portland at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 26 – Victoria at 7 p.m.

• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
• Cost: Varies

Calgary Boat and Sportmen’s Show 2016

• What: Perfect For the outdoor enthusiast, the show is host to all aspects of the outdoor lifestyle like boating, off-roading, fishing, hiking, camping adventure, destination travel location and more.
• Where: Stampede BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SW
• When: Thursday, February 4 to 7
• Cost: $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for kids

Winterpalooza Calgary 2016

• What: Each year, the winter bike festival brings unique events but, there are several events you can always count on, like the winter bike scavenger hunt, the annual polar run, and the photo booth.
• Where: Various locations
• When: Wednesday, February 10 to 14
• Cost: Varies

90 Cent Ski Days at Mt. Norquay

• What: Mt. Norquay is celebrating its 90 year anniversary and to get you in on the fun they are offering tickets for 90 cents.
• Where: Mt. Norquay
• When: Wednesday, February 10, March 9, and April 6
• Cost: 90 cents

Ultimate Race

• What: Get adventurous and sign up for the Ultimate Race, where you and one other person will join forces to complete puzzles and physical challenges. It’s kind of like the Amazing Race, but in Calgary.
• Where: City-wide
• When: Saturday, February 20 at 8 p.m.
• Cost: $120 for a team of two

Go outdoor skating for free

• Big Marlborough Park
• Bowness Park Lagoon
• Carburn Park
• Olympic Plaza
• Prairie Winds Park
• Prince’s Island Lagoon

Go tobogganing

Find a hill near you and take the day to just have fun riding down the slopes.