When you begin a month off with a holiday as dramatic as April Fools, you know it’s going to be a good one!
Get your prankster hats on and be prepared for anything heading into this month – that includes the weather. As much as we would like to think that it’s going to be a beautiful spring, you never know what Mother Nature’s plans are for our city!
Nonetheless, that won’t stop us from having a ton of fun! This is a great month to dive into your spring-cleaning, head up to the mountains, or just spending some quality time with your friends before summer truly hits.
With motivating workouts, spring markets, and foodie festivals, this month has no shortage of exciting events happening in and around the city.
Check them out!
See also
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- Federal and provincial governments support creation of Calgary Olympic Bid Corporation
- Motorcycle helmets no longer a legal necessity for turban-wearing Sikhs
Get Outdoors
Hit the slopes for spring skiing
- What: Our mountainous backyard is just waiting for us with a fluffy layer of the white stuff, perfect for winter sports and activities. Take advantage and get some spring shredding in, or take your snowshoes for an adventure around one of the many picturesque lakes that the Rockies have to offer.
- Check the websites for Sunshine, Mount Norquay and Lake Louise to find the hours of operation and trail conditions
Bozo Cup
- What: Come celebrate the life of Alberta’s legendary alpine ski racer, Rob Bosinger (aka Bozo) at the twelfth annual Rob Bosinger Memorial Weekend at Mt. Norquay. Continue his incredible legacy by participating in two races, the Bozocup and Kindercup, to win $10,000 in cash and prizes. Don’t miss this day filled with wacky costumes, great views, and a famous after-party featuring beer and an incredible silent auction!
- When: Sunday, April 1
- Where: Mt. Norquay – Mount Norquay Road, Banff
- Register:
- Bozo Cup, $90
- KinderCup, $75
Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola
- What: Head to the summit for a beautiful snowy view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
- Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
- Tickets: Adult $62, child $31
Dust off your road bike
- It looks like Calgary has seen the last of the snow, for the next five months at least – fingers crossed! So it’s the perfect time to get out your road bike and head down to the river for some beautiful views and a great afternoon of adventures, exploring Calgary’s bike paths.
Head to the new Kananaskis Nordic Spa
- What: Looking for a quick escape from the every day grind? This brand new spa combines the tranquil rejuvenation of a traditional Nordic Spa and the Alpine stillness of the Canadian Rockies. This spa is meant to provide relaxation and give you the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.
- Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis
Get Active
Free fitness classes at the CORE: Yoga
- What: For the month of March get re-balanced and start your Sunday off right with a free bootcamp class curtesy of Caron Anderson at the CORE. Time to get your summer bod started!
- When: Every Sunday in April
- Time: 11 am
- Where: Dome Tower – 333, 7th Avenue SW
- Cost: FREE
Rockies Run Collective
- What: Join Lululemon every Saturday morning for a fun morning run through iconic mountain landscapes and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy town streets!
- When: Every Saturday morning
- Time: 9 am
- Where: Lululemon Banff – 121 Banff Avenue, Banff
- Admission: Free!
Strongest Self Challenge
- What: Kick-start spring by getting into a solid fitness routine, AKA: Let’s get that beach bod ready! Take five classes in a week or 20 class in April and be entered to win some very exciting prizes.
- When: April 1 to 30
- Where: Barre West – 420, 7337 Macleod Trail SW
- Cost: Online, $69
Ride, Restore, Refresh
- What: Hit the bike for spin, reconnect with a yoga class, then reward yourself with a post-sweat brew from Wild Rose Brewery.
- When: Wednesday, April 4
- Time: 7 pm
- Where: Movement U – 16 4th Street NE, Calgary
- Admission: Regular drop-in, $23
April Markets
Make It!
- What: Shop over 135 of your favourite local artists, makers, and more at Make It’s spring show. Arrive home with a one-of-a-kind treasure that was made by a small business and holds the memories of an amazing afternoon at the market. Shopping local is a two-way street!
- When: April 6 to 8
- Time:
- Friday: 11 am to 9 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
- Where: Big Four Building – 1901 Big Four Trail SE
- Admission: $6 at the door, kids 12 and under are FREE
Little Modern Pop Up
- What: One of the city’s favourite markets is bringing some of the very best small businesses to you – in the suburbs! Join them for a day of craft beer, food trucks, live music, and some of the best shopping you’ll find in Calgary. !
- When: Saturday, April 7
- Time: 10 am to 3 pm
- Where: Caravel Craft Brewery – 12, 10221 15th Street NE
- Admission: $5 per person, kids 14 and under are FREE
Curated Market
- What: Grab your date or a group of friends and head on down for a day at the market! Delicious eats, exciting shopping and of course good memories – you’ll find it all at the spring edition of Curated.
- When: April 12 to 14
- Time:
- Friday: 5 to 9 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
- Where: Bowness Community Hall – 7904 43rd Avenue NW
- Admission: $4 at the door
Market Collective
- What: Join the locals for Market Collective’s first market of 2018! Come ready to consume some delicious eats, drink all the yummy drinks, and shop a whole variety of products. Our city is filled with local talent, so come down and support all of these small businesses and take home some quality, handmade gems.
- When: April 27 to 29
- Time:
- Friday: 4 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
- Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 1st Street SW
- Admission: $5 for the weekend, kids 12 and under are FREE
April Workshops
Macaron 101
- What: Ever wondered how to make a French macaron? Look no further. Everyone’s favourite macaron shop, Ollia, hosts Macaron Baking Classes, offering exclusive lessons on how to properly engage in some macaronage, get the perfect shell, and create a variety of flavours. Bon appetite!
- When: April 3, 10, 11, 18, 24, 25
- Time: 6 pm
- Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100
Bundle Dyeing
- When: Sunday, April 22
- Time: 1 to 5 pm
- Where: 924 17th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Online, $110
Introduction to Hand Lettering with Alison Martin
- When: Wednesday, April 11 and 25
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – #8, 606 Meredith Road
- Tickets: Online, $70
Art of the European Hand-Tie
- When: Thursday, April 12
- Time: 7 pm
- Where: 924 17th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Online, $75
Pressed Flower Art with Oxeye Floral Co.
- When: Wednesday, April 18
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – #8, 606 Meredith Road
- Tickets: Online, $90
Create to Meditate
- When: Friday, April 20
- Time: 7 to 9 pm
- Where: Wild Flour Bakery – 201b, 212 Bear Street. Banff
- Tickets: Online, $40
Festivals and Other Events
Whales Tohora
- What: Coming all the way from the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, this exciting exhibition has been travelling North America for the last 10 years and Calgary marks it’s final destination. Excite your senses with this unique cultural experience that will show you everything you need to know about the king of the ocean; the whale. The exhibit shows everything from life-size whale skeletons to the evolution of these creatures and understanding how they communicate. There is so much to know about these beautiful beings.
- When: January 20 to June 20
- Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
- Tickets: Online, $26
Frida Kahlo: Her Photos
- What: Get inspired as you stroll through beautiful photographs taken by the famous and fascinating Frida Kahlo. There are more than 240 pieces that were kept in her home, ‘The Blue House,” for over 50 years under her estate. Visitors will have the opportunity to better understand the woman behind the artist; her origins, her roots, her friendships and romantic relationships, her fragile health, her political tendencies, and her special relationship with photography. This is the first time this exhibition has ever been presented in Canada!
- When: February 3 to May 21, 2018
- Where: The Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
- Admission: Regular admission
Dinner and a Movie
- What: This classic date night standby just got a whole lot more fun, with Heritage Park’s Dinner and a Movie series. Munch on a tasty three-course meal at the Selkirk Grille Restaurant before heading over to Gasoline Alley for a classic film. There you will find a cash bar and old-fashioned popcorn to snack on during the movie!
- Where: Heritage Park, Celebration Tent – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
- When:
- April 3: Slumdog Millionaire
- April 17: Titanic
- Cost: $44.95/ per person or $8 for film only
Adults Only Night: The Science Behind Science Fiction
- What: Larger-than-life superheroes and gravity-defying space vessels – how do they do it! Get a behind-the-scenes pass to the movies and see what goes into making your favourite aliens come to life in this month’s Adults Only Night at Telus Spark.
- When: Thursday, April 12
- Time: 6 to 10 pm
- Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
- Tickets: Online, $26
The Price is Right Life – Stage Show
- What: Everyone’s favourite game show is coming to Calgary, providing the chance to with $10 million in cash, along with other fabulous prizes!
- When: Saturday, April 14
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $39 to $45
Supertrain 2018
- What: Canada’s largest model train show is back for another year! This year’s event features 70,000 sq. ft. of operating layout, exhibitions, railroad artists, hobby shops, model manufactures, demonstrations, a Thomas Play Area, ride-on trains, and so much more!
- When: April 14 to 15
- Time: 9 am to 5 pm
- Where: Genesis Centre – 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE
- Tickets: Online, $14 to $22
The Calgary Women’s Show
- What: Grab the ladies and head to the BMO Centre for another year of The Calgary Women’s Show, aka the ultimate girls day out! This year’s show will feature a fashion show, PowHERtalks panel, shopping spree giveaway, over 300 exhibitors, and non-stop entertainment.
- When: April 14 to 15
- Time:
- Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
- Where: The BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SW
- Tickets: Online, $20
Calgary Underground Film Festival
- What: Come support your local independent filmmakers as they defy convention at the 15th annual Calgary Underground Film Festival.
- Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8th Avenue SW
- When: April 16 to 22
- Time: Varies depending on the day
- Tickets: Online, $99 to $120
The 420 Music and Arts Festival
- What: Enjoy a Three-day celebration featuring performers and Rock n’ Roll Bands surrounding the culture that is 420, along with eclectic art, makers, and many other local vendors and enthusiasts.
- When: April 20 to 22
- Where: Distortion – 3828 Macleod Trail SW
- Tickets: Online, $69
National Geographic Live: Standing at the Water’s Edge with marine biologist and photographer Cristina Mittermeier
- What: Photojournalist Cristina Mittermeier documented a society that relied on their local water way to survive during her time with the Kayapoo people in the Amazon. If anyone knows the the power of water, it’s her! Join her for an afternoon as she shares her unreal photography, tells some powerful stories, and explores the concept of “enoughness,” AKA taking only what you need.
- When: April 22 and 23
- Time:
- Sunday: 2 pm
- Monday: 7 pm
- Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
- Tickets: Online, $32 to $83
Law Day 2018
- What: Have you ever been curious about what happens behind the scenes at the Calgary Courts Centre? On Law Day you’ll have the opportunity to experience live mock trails, get a free 20-minute legal consultation, take a courthouse tour, look at a display of confiscated items, and more! Law day is held every spring across Canada to commemorate the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- When: Saturday, April 21
- Time: 9 am to 3 pm
- Where: Calgary Courts Centre – 601, 5th Street SW
- Admission: FREE for all ages
DJD Spring Gala
- What: Enjoy drinks, food and the opportunity to mingle with the cast of DJD’s ‘Mimic’ show as you enjoy the performance from the best seats in the house!
- When: Thursday, April 26
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Where: Decidedly Jazz Dance Centre – 111 12th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Online, $125
Calgary Comic Expo
- What: Calling all comic fanatics! This is a weekend you’ll want to make sure you’re free. If Jeff Goldblum, Jason Momoa, and the Back to the Future crew doesn’t make you want to clear the weekend, then are you really a true comic fan? From celebrity sighting, pop culture, cosplay, and more, this weekend will be packed full of nerdy fun!
- When: April 26 to 29
- Time:
- Thursday: 4 to 9 pm
- Friday: 12 to 8 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
- Where: The BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SW
- Tickets: Online, $25 to $110
Turning Points Fundraising Gala
- What: Join The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter for the 24th annual Turning Points Gala. Celebrate the courage it takes to break the cycle of abuse and live without family violence as they raise awareness around this huge issue in our city. Help take a stand against family violence!
- When: Sunday, April 27
- Time: 6 pm
- Where: Telus Convention Centre – 120 9th Avenue SE
- Tickets: Online, $300
Food and Drink Festivities
Poutine Fest
Easter Tea
- What: Enjoy a delicious high tea experience in the stunning dining room of the home now known as the “Famous 5 Centre of Canadian Women.” From clotted cream and buttermilk scones to ham, brie, and apple finger sandwiches, prepare to leave full from these tasty bites.
- When: March 31, April 1 and 2
- Time: 11 am to 1 pm
- Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
- Tickets: Call (403) 268-8500 to reserve your spot, $28.95 for Adults, $20.95 for Children (under 12)
Easter Brunch
- What: Make a reservation for the whole family and celebrate Easter with a delicious culinary adventure at one of the many Easter Brunches happening throughout the city!
- When: Sunday, April 1
- Where:
- Fairmont Palliser – 133 9th Avenue SW
- Thompson Restaurant, The Hyatt – 700 Centre Street S
- Azuridge Estate Hotel – Foothills No. 31
- The Calgary Zoo – 1300 Zoo Road NE
- Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
- Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant – 15070 Bow Bottom Trail SE
- The Post Hotel and Spa – 200 Pipestone Road, Lake Louise
- Calcutta Cricket Club – 340 17th Avenue SW
- Mount Engadine – 1 Mount Shark Road, Canmore
Check out Calgary’s Newest Ice Creamery
- What: XO is located in the heart of one of Calgary’s newest communities, Auburn Bay. Paying tribute to the old fashioned ice cream parlours and mom-and-pop shops, they have aimed to create an ice cream experience with flavours that are both nostalgic and creative, sparking memories across generations – past, present, and future!
- Where: 808, 100 Auburn Meadows Drive SE
YYC Poutine Week
- What: It’s baaaaack! Calgary Poutine week takes over the minds, hearts, and stomachs of YYC for seven days of the year every April. During this week you can indulge in your favourite all Canadian fry and gravy combination guilt free, as each poutine sold will provide a free meal to someone in need through Mealshare. In 2017, 8,000 poutines were consumed, which resulted in 8,000 youth that received a free meal. Doubling that shouldn’t be a problem, right Calgary?
- When: April 20 to 28
- Where: See participating restaurants here!
Spring Food Truck Frenzy 2018
- What: Spring is back and so are the food trucks! Join YYCFoodTrucks for their first event of the year, kicking off yet another summer full of great food, music, community, and fun-filled events.
- When: April 21 to 22
- Time: 11 am to 7 pm
- Where: East Village C-Square
- Admission: $5, Kids under 12 FREE
YYC Taco Fiesta
- What: Eating tacos for a good cause… now that’s a challenge we’re up for! Participating eateries (which are to be announced) will offer either individual tacos for $4 to $6, or a larger taco platter that will be anywhere from $12 to $18. 15% of every taco sold will be donated to the Calgary Homeless Foundation and Kids Up Front.
- When: April 27 to May 6
- Where: See participating resultants here!
Cochon555: 5 Chefs, 5 Pigs, 5 Winemakers
- What: This is North America’s most talked about culinary events, and it’s headed to Banff this April. This event will literally change the way you look at food as you help choose the best bite from top local chefs. It’s a friendly competition for a good cause – it’s as simple as that!
- When: Thursday, April 28
- Where: Fairmont Banff Springs – 405 Spray Avenue, Banff
- Admission: Online, $129
Concerts and Performances
Trailer Park Boy – A F#cked Up Evening With
- When: Tuesday, April 3
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $39 to $130
Rod Stewart
- When: Sunday, April 8
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $249
Air Supply
- When: Thursday, April 12
- Tickets: 8 pm
- Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $147
Electric Six
- When: Thursday, April 12
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: The Gateway (SAIT) – 1301 16th Avenue NW
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $17.50
Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton
- When: Friday, April 20
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $29 to $141
Vince Neil the Voice of Motley Crue
- When: Friday, April 20
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $69
A Conversation with Ellen Degeneres
- What: She’s the funniest, kindest, most genuine person on TV and she’s coming to Calgary! Put on you dancing shoes and prepare to laugh harder than you have in your entire life.
- When: Saturday, April 21
- Time: 6 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $157 to $314
Clay Walker
- When: Thursday, April 26
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $59
Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton
- When: Thursday, April 26
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8 Avenue SE
- Tickets: Online, $50 to $80
Gerry Dee Live!
- When: Friday, April 27
- Time: 7:30 pm
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
- Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $89
Art and Culture
Reel Time Film Screening: Faces Places
- What: Faces Places is a film written by an 80-year-old and a 34-year-old as a visual record of their road trip and everyone they meet along the way.
- When: Monday, April 2
- Time: 7 pm
- Where: Lux Cinema Banff – 229 Bear Street
- Tickets: Online, $12
First Free Thursday at the Glenbow
- What: Grab your crew and stroll through your favourite downtown art expo for FREE on the first Thursday of every month. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the latest exciting exhibits that are currently set up at the Glenbow, like Frida Kahlo: Her Photos, Black Gold Tapestry, Eye of the Needle, and more!
- When: Thursday, April 5
- Time: 5 to 9 pm
- Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
- Admission: FREE
My Favourite Things! Celebrating the Music of Julie Andrews
- What: This enchanting performance brings to life one of the most beloved actresses in film and broadway history! Relive the special moments of The Sounds of Music, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady, Cinderella, and more.
- When: April 6 and 7
- Time: 8 pm
- Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
- Tickets: Online, $25 to $85
The Secret Garden
- What: See this beloved classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett come to life on stage in this beautifully composed Broadway musical! See how a young girl used a magical key and a secret garden to warm the hearts of her uncle, family, and the audience during the show.
- When: April 17 to May 19
- Where: Max Bell Theatre – 220 9th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Online, $35 to $103
Mimic
- What: If DJD is known for anything, it’s their ability to come up with the unthinkable! For this year’s spring performance they have collaborated with Peter Balkwill of the Old Trout Puppet Workshop to bring you a performance that features both dancers and puppets, two highly physical, wordless art forms, in all their glory. It’s cheeky, it’s carnal, and it’s nothing you have ever seen before. Come see what happens when dancers and puppets share the stage!
- When: April 19 to May 5
- Time:
- Evening performances: 8 pm
- Matinee performances: 2 pm
- Where: The DJD Dance Centre – 111 12th Avenue SW
- Tickets: Online, $34 to $69
Dover and Pacifica Quartets
- What: After sweeping the 2014 Banff International String Quartet Competition, these guys have blown up! The New Yorker has even announced that they are “the young American string quartet of the moment!”
- When: April 29 to 30
- Time:
- Tuesday: 7 pm
- Wednesday: 8 pm
- Where: Macewan Hall – 402 Collegiate Boulevard NW
- Tickets: Online, $35 to $45
Sporting Events
Image: Calgary Roughnecks / Twitter
Cheer on the Calgary Flames
- What: Cheer on the Flames in their last few games of the season!
- When:
- Tuesday, April 3 at 7 pm vs Arizona Coyotes
- Saturday, April 7 at 8 pm vs the Vegas Golden Knights
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
- Tickets: Ticketmaster
Cheer on the Calgary Roughnecks
- What: Come see the Calgary roughnecks kill it on the field this year.
- When:
- Saturday, April 14 at 7 pm vs the Buffalo Bandits
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
See also
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