53 things to do in Calgary this March

March is every foodie’s favourite month of the year here in Calgary, as there are a ton of festivals and special events that all revolve around delicious food that will tantalize your taste buds.

This month also marks the first day of spring, so weather permitting, it’s time to begin putting away our winter gear and start cleaning and preparing for the upcoming beautiful season. However, knowing Calgary it won’t let us out of the cold easy, so don’t put all your shovels away yet!

See also

• 13 must-try sandwiches in Calgary
• 8 Calgary restaurants among Canada's 100 Best in 2017
• 8 concerts in Calgary to check out in March

Regardless, there are a ton of events and fun activities going on around the city, indoors and outdoors, that are great for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t forget to set your leprechaun traps!

Here are 53 entertaining and lively activities and events happening around YYC to check out this month!

Get Outdoors

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

Stargazing at the Banff Gondola

• What: There is just something so peaceful and surreal about stargazing at the top of a mountain. Glide up to the brand-new observation deck of the Banff Gondola summit and discover star clusters, galaxies, the Milky Way, Mars and the Moon with two professional guides from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. If it turns out to be a cloudy evening, the astronomers will take you inside the terminal where you will continue to learn about these celestial objects. *Dress in winter appropriate clothing and expect cold temperatures and wind!*
• Where: Banff Gondola – 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff AB
• When: March 10
• Cost: Gondola Admission

Mountaintop Yoga With Lululemon at the Banff Gondola

• What: Start your day off right and join Lululemon’s, Erin Evans for a one-hour Ashtanga yoga session above the Rocky Mountains in the Citizenship Pavilion, on the 4^th level of the new Banff Gondola Summit.
• Where: Banff Gondola – 100 Mountain Ave, Banff AB
• When: March 26
• Cost: $40

Hit the Slopes!

• According to Groundhog Day, we are in for a long and snowy winter. However, if you have lived in Alberta long enough, you know that could change tomorrow- especially with the inconsistent weather we have been having lately. Take advantage of this month to enjoy the mountains on your board, as the end of ski season is quickly approaching and moving into spring skiing shenanigans.

Free Things To Do

Run 5-8K with The Outsiders Run Club

• What: Is running a marathon or just simply getting back into shape one of your new year’s resolutions this year? Tackle this goal once and for all and join the Outsiders Running Club. There is no charge, just bring yourself and your running shoes and join Joanna Magnik of The Sweat Style for a 5-8K run every Tuesday night at 6:30 pm!
• Where: East Village Riverwalk plaza – 618 Confluence Way SE
• When: Every Tuesday
• Cost: FREE

Free Fridays: Swing Dance Class

• What: End off a stressful week by joining a DJD company member for a free community dance class. This month come move with Catherine Hayward in a Swing class and learn how to do the lindy hop and other fun and basic moves in this unique style of jazz dance. All ages and dance levels are welcome!
• Where: Decidedly Jazz Dance Centre – 111 12^th Avenue SE
• When: March 10
• Cost: FREE

Drawn to Nature Workshop

• What: Tap into the creative side of your brain and learn how to draw still-life pictures with the Walter-Philips Gallery. During the after hours of the Banff Park Museum, you will be taught by gallery members and artists, to increase your observational and drawing skills within a cultural platform in the museum. Participants of all ages and experience levels are welcome and all the materials will be provided.
• Where: Banff Park Museum National Historic Site – 91 Banff Avenue, Banff Avenue
• When: March 24
• Cost: FREE

Check out some live Music on Music Mile

• What: 2016 was the year of music here in Calgary, and the music industry in our city is now booming as a result. Spend date night at one of the many venues on YYC’s Music Mile, between Inglewood and East Village, and be entertained by some of our city’s best local talent at a live show, while enjoying a few drinks with your significant other. See the list of venues and performances here!
• Where: Music Mile – between Inglewood and East Village
• Cost: FREE

Yoga at the GRAND

• What: Make the most of your Monday and take some time to just breath, while enjoying a relaxing yoga class at Theatre Junction during your lunch hour!
• Where: Theatre Junction Grand – 608 1 Street SW
• When: Every Monday at 12:15 pm
• Cost: $10 Drop-in

Arts and Theatre

March Doc Soup: Fire at Sea

• What: Presented by the Calgary International Film Festival, this documentary has won many awards for it’s deeply moving portrayal of the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa and the humanities crisis occurring in the seas around it. Did you know that more than 17,000 people have report died trying to cross the Mediterranean in the last 15 years? The tiny island of Lampedusa is regretfully full of thousands of refugees hoping to make a new life in Europe. This passionate and heart-wrenching film is not only an educational experience, but a cry for urgent action!
• Where: Cineplex Eau Claire 5 – 200 Barclay Parade SW
• When: March 1
• Cost: $15

BOOM

• What: Written and performed by Rick Miller, this solo performance archives key events that shaped the 25 years that make up the Baby Boomer generation. From the Atomic Bomb all the way to the Apollo 11 landing the first people on the Moon and all of the significant events, influential politicians, activists and musicians in between, this impactful show covers it all in a unique, educational yet entertaining way!
• Where: Eric Harvie Theatre
• When: March 11
• Cost: $25

Alice in Wonderland

• What: Jump down the rabbit hole with Alice and relive her magical adventures with Mr. Rabbit, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts in this beautiful rendition of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic. Choreographed by Edmund Stripe, The Alberta Ballet does a spectacular job of reenacting even the best moments of Alice’s endeavors in Wonderland through colourful sets, costumes and innovative technology, giving life to moments such as when she grows and shrinks from simply eating a biscuit. This show is great for a family night out and will entertain those of all ages. However, don’t be late!
• Where: Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
• When: March 16 to 18
• Cost: $29

Charlie Russell: Living and Hiking with Grizzlies

• What: If you’re someone who loves the great outdoors and craves adventure, then you should definitely not miss this event! Join outdoor enthusiast, author, photographer and self-taught pilot, Charlie Russell as he narrates his journey of discovery into the true nature of grizzly bears through his personal experiences working with Spirit Bears on Royal Princess Island and raising grizzly bear cubs in Russia. Yes you read that correctly! Russell has spent over 55 years studying and living with grizzly bears, so it’s safe to say he knows a tad about the subject!
• Where: John Dutton Theatre, Calgary Central Library – 616 Macleod Trail SE
• When: March 21
• Cost: Adults: $15, Students: $15 

Russian Masters: Tchaikosky and Prokofiev

• What: Konstantin Shamray, an Internationally Acclaimed piano Performer, will blow you away with his dazzling performance as he brings to life Prokofiev’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 2 and Tchaikovsky’s powerful Symphony No. 4.
• Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall, Arts Commons – 205 8 Avenue SE
• When: March 24 and 25
• Cost: Varies depending on seats

Watershed

• What: Spend an evening at the theatre and dive into this powerful and entertaining story that document’s Canada in a position of acute political reflection in an increasingly polarized landscape. This is a personal documentary for Annabel Soutar, and it will leave you only wanting more!
• Where: Theatre Junction GRAND – 608 1st Street SW
• When: March 29 to April 1
• Cost: $45

March Markets

Little Blue Canoe Pop-Up at Greater Goods

• What: Greater Goods is currently hosting a special pop-up series in their boutique where they invite a local artist to set up shop for an entire month. For March, be sure to not miss everyone’s favourite, the curated Canadian collection of Little Blue Canoe. Grab a tea or coffee from the tea bar and shop this amazing collection of goodies created by Canadian artists and makers.
• When: The month of March
• Where: Greater Goods – 808 Meredith Road NE

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

Little Modern Market: Winter Edition

• What: Spend an afternoon sipping on coffee from Calgary Heritage Roasting Co. and browse the many local vendors that will be attending the Winter Edition of Little Modern Market. Each day will also have a different selection of local artists and makers, so you could even make a whole weekend out of it!
• Where: Earl Grey Golf Club – 6540 20 Street SW
• When: March 11 and 12
• Cost: $5 one day pass, $8 weekend pass – Cash only!

Curated Market

• What: Shop the latest and the greatest gems from local artists and makers at this two-day market. Here you will find unique little treasures to decorate your life, that are made with love and the passion of a small business owner. It doesn’t get much better than that!
• Where: Bowness Community Association – 7904 43 Avenue NW
• When: March 17 and 18
• Cost: $4

Market Collective

• What: Everyone’s favourite local market is back for yet another month! Sip on delicious beverages, while munching on delectable bites and shopping a whole slew of local brands, artists, and makers. They have everything from clothing designers to home decor to photography artists available all weekend at the market. Also, don’t forget to participate in their famous photo booth! What will their theme be for this month?
• Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 – 1 Street SW
• When: March 24, 25 and 26
• Cost: $5 for the weekend. Kids under 12 are FREE

March Workshops

Geometric Terrariums

• Where: Home and Away – 1331 17^th Avenue SW
• When: March 1
• Cost: $70

Wire Wrapped Crystal Jewelry

• Where: Bank and Baron Pub – 125 8^th Avenue SW
• When: March 7
• Cost: $60

Art + Wine Workshop: Abstract Textures With Artist Robyn Alisat

• Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10th Avenue SE
• When: March 10
• Cost: $100/ person

Art + Wine Workshop: Colour Play With Artist Kayla Alty

• Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10th Avenue SE
• When: March 14
• Cost: $100/person

Watercolor Pillowcases

• Where: National on 8^th
• When: March 14
• Cost: $60

String Garden – Kokedama Workshop

• Where: 934 17th Avenue SW
• When: March 16
• Cost: $85

Macaron 101 Baking Class

• Where: Ollia Macarons and Tea – 810C 16^th Avenue SW
• When: March 21 and 28
• Cost: $100/person

Macrame Plant Hanger with Lune Obvallata

• Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
• When: March 29
• Cost: $65

Food + Drink Festivities

Craving Kensington

• What: This March, Calgary Food Tours is bringing back everyone’s favourite, Craving Kensington. On this 3-hour walking-tour, you will eat your way through this inner city village at some of the foodie hotspots, while also learning about the charming history and architecture of the area! Bon appétit!
• Where: Meet at Pulcinella Ristorante – 1147 Kensington Crescent NW
• When: Thursday’s in March to November 2017
• Cost: $115

Winemaker’s Dinner with Summerhill Estate Winery

• What: Join Viticulturist, Eric von Krosigk an award winning winemaker from Summerhill Estate Winery for an evening of wine and delicious food pairing from the Selkirk Grille at Heritage Park. Eric’s love for Wine first began when he apprenticed as a vintner in Germany and now for over 20 years, he has devoted himself to cultivating knowledge and perusing new challenges within the wine industry. His most recent accomplishment was transitioning the entire cellar at Summerhill to Certified Organic status. Needless to say, Eric knows his wines and will provide you with copious amounts of vino knowledge throughout the evening!
• Where: Selkirk Grille, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
• When: March 3
• Cost: $89.95/ person

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!

Dinner & a Movie at Heritage Park

• What: Put a spin on the go-to dinner and a movie date night and head to Heritage Park for a 3-course meal at the Selkirk Grille Restaurant and then watch an old classic film favourite at Gasoline Alley. This month, dance along with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in Singing in the Rain or sing along to “All that Jazz” in the 2000’s timeless classic, Chicago!
• Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
• When: March 7 and 21
• Cost: $42.95 Film only – $8

Handcrafted: A Kick Off to St. Patrick’s Day Brewmaster’s Dinner

• What: Get the party started early for St. Paddy’s Day this year at the Big Rock Brewery Brewmaster’s Dinner at Gasoline Alley. Enjoy a four-course Irish-fusion dinner, each paired with a fitting Big Rock Brew all curated by Big Rock’s Brewmaster Paul Gautreau. After dinner guests will be entertained by a surprise musical performance that will toast to the occasion!
• Where: 1900 Heritage Drive SW
• When: March 16
• Cost: $119 per person or $850 for a table of 8

Festivals and Other Events

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

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

International Women’s Day Celebration Tea

• What: Join the East Village as they celebrate the Wheel of Women, at afternoon tea hosted at the base of the George C. King Bridge in honor of International Women’s Day. The Wheel of Women encompasses 30 incredible women who have made their mark over the last 150 years and contributed their own unique skills to shape Calgary into what it is today!
• Where: At the base of the George C. King Bridge
• When: March 8

Adults Only Night: The Human Age

• What: Let’s face it, humans have an effect on absolutely everything! At this adults-only night you will explore specifically the human effect on geology and the environment, a movement that scientists are calling ‘The Anthropocene.’ Can’t pronounce that word? Don’t worry, neither can we!
• Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
• When: March 9
• Cost: $19.95

The Black and White Ball

• What: Teleport back to the roaring 20’s and come party with Decidedly Jazz at their annual fundraiser, The Black and White Ball! This black and white affair will have you dancing the night away to the sounds of the famous local band, Penguins on Broadway and other dazzling musical performances, while you test your luck in their silent auction or bid on balloons full of magical surprises. Don’t be fooled by the name, this is no average party. Prepare yourself for a wild night, great dance moves and eclectic fashion – in all forms. There ain’t no party, quite like a DJD party!
• Where: The Fairmont Palliser- 133 9th Avenue SW
• When: March 11
• Cost: $95-$120

Red & White Calgary Comic and Toy Expo

• What: Do collect comics, records, toys and more? Then this expo will be a gold mine for you!
• Where: Red & White Club, McMahon Stadium – 1833 Crowchild Trail NW
• When: March 12
• Cost: 12 and under FREE, 12 and up $5

Festival of Animated Objects

• What: Animated objects, also known as puppets, have the ability to capture an audience in all it’s emotions, making them laugh until they cry. Enjoy this 2-week long festival full of various shows happening around the city, along with all ages events, fun workshops, and shows that narrate different stories and adventures, while bringing to light the life of a puppet.
• Where: Arts Commons – 205 8th Avenue SE
• When: March 16-19
• Cost: Free-$40 

The Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show

• What: If you love the outdoors and are looking for inspiration for your next adventure, then this show is a must see! There will be over 60 adventure presentations, along with camping gear, outdoor clothing, travel adventure destinations, photography workshops and so much more to help you plan your next outdoor endeavor.
• Where: 20 Roundup Way SW
• When: March 25-26
• Cost: $14

Sports Entertainment

Harlem Globetrotters

• What: The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the most electrifying athletes on the planet, will bring their spectacular show to Calgary during their 2017 World Tour. The famed team will feature a star-studded roster that includes Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister and Ace Jackson!
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
• When: March 1 and 2
• Cost: $16 to $400

March Madness at Home and Away

• What: Are you and your friend’s avid followers of March Madness? Then bring the gang down to Home and Away where you will find like-minded fans, cheering on your favourite team over $4 Budweiser’s and $12 hot dogs. It doesn’t get much better than that!
• Where: Home and Away – 1331 17th Avenue SW
• When: Various dates throughout March. See the website for key dates!
• Cost: $4 Budweiser During all Games, $20 Buckets of Bud Light During all Games, Home Dogs $12 During all Games

Connecteen Hitmen Game Fundraiser

• What: Use the promo code “teen” when buying your tickets to the March 12^th Hitmen Game and $2 of your purchase will be donated to the Distress Centre’s ConnecTeen Program. Watch hockey and cheer on your favourite players, while supporting a great cause!
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
• When: March 12

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
  • Saturday, March 25 at 7:00pm vs. New England

Cheer on the Calgary Hitmen

• What: The Hitmen have worked hard this season! Come show them some love and cheer them on in their four home games this March.
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
• When:
  • Wednesday, March 8 at 7:00pm vs. Saskatoon
  • Friday, March 10 at 7:00pm vs. Lethbridge
  • Sunday, March 12 at 4:00pm vs. Edmonton
  • Saturday, March 18 at 7:00pm vs. Cranbrook

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:
  • Friday, March 3 at 7:00pm vs. Detroit
  • Sunday, March 5 at 2:00pm vs. New York Islanders
  • Thursday, March 9 at 7:00pm vs. Montreal
  • Monday, March 13 at 7:00pm vs. Pittsburg
  • Wednesday, March 15 at 700pm vs. Boston
  • Friday, March 17 at 7:00pm vs. Dallas
  • Sunday, March 19 at 7:30pm vs. LA
  • Monday, March 27 at 7:00pm vs. Colorado
  • Wednesday, March 29 at 7:00pm vs. LA
  • Friday, March 31 at 7:00pm vs. San Jose

Concerts and Performances

An Evening with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings

• What: Join one of Canada’s greatest musical treasure, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, for a night filled with good old blues, country music and songs that tell a passionate story. Their most recent album, ‘Kings and Kings,’ which is the companion album to their 2011 collaboration album “Kings and Queens,” features guest appearances from some of the band’s best guy friends in the industry who are all individually a ‘king legend’ in their own facet of the industry.
• Where: Arts Commons, Jack Singer Concert Hall –
• When: March 7
• Cost: $16-$62.75

Eric Church – Holdin’ My Own Tour

• What: The ‘Mr.misunderstood’ country heartthrob, who is famous for his shades and classic ball cap, is once again coming to rock the Saddledome. Known for hits, such as Springsteen, Kill a Word, Record Year and Give Me Back My Hometown, he will be sure to give you a performance that will leave you listening to his songs on repeat for weeks after the concert, as he always does!
• Where: The Scotiabank Saddledome
• When: March 11
• Cost: $38-$94

Tanya Tucker

• What: You may know her from her very first hits, Delta Dawn and What’s Your Momma’s Name, as Tanya Tucker has been lighting up the stage since the early 70’s. Join her for and evening and relive all her old hits and the memories attached to them. It will be a night that will take you back in time, while you create new memories with this country music legend!
• Where: Deerfoot Inn & Casino – 11500 – 35 Street SE
• When: March 18
• Cost: $60-$70

Mother Mother

• What: This indie Canadian rock band, based out of Vancouver got their start just over ten years ago in 2005, when the original members came together in Heriot Bay and began playing vocal-driven pop songs. Eventually, they released an independent album of their own work, but they didn’t get their big break until they released their debut album and began opening for stars such as K’naan, the Wailin’ Jennys and the Cat Empire. Since then they have gone on to play numerous music festival, sign with Universal Music Canada and release many more albums. Hear music from their latest album, which was released on February 10, on their “No Culture Tour” which will be rocking the SAIT Auditorium on March 20!
• Where: SAIT- 1415 14 Avenue NW
• When: March 20
• Cost: $30-$40

Chris Stapleton

• What: Chris Stapleton’s country music career has taken many twists and turns, but it was really launched when he released his first solo song “What Are You Listening To?” in October of 2013. Ever since Stapleton has swept award shows and played sold out stadiums with other country music legends. His sound is not your typical country twang, but it will be sure to get your toes tapping when he plays the Saddledome on March 24!
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
• When: March 24
• Cost: $36-$70