50 things to do in Calgary this spring

Dec 19 2017, 11:15 am

Caught the spring fever? Here is our list of the top events happening in Calgary this Spring that doesn’t include cleaning your house.

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

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Free things to do

Image: Zumba / Shutterstock

Image: Zumba / Shutterstock

Fitness at the CORE

  • What: Closed on Sunday mornings, the CORE is hosting a free Zumba class before their stores open.
  • Where: CORE Shopping Centre
  • When: Sundays: April 2 to May 1 from 11 a.m. to noon
  • Cost: Free

Aggie Days

  • What: Meet some farm animals and participate in interactive agriculture activities including cow milking, sheep shearing, livestock auctioneering, the amazing corn maze and more!
  • Where: Stampede Park, Agrium Western Event Center
  • When: Saturday, April 9 to Sunday April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

2016 POW! Parade of Wonder

  • What: Join in on the cosplay parade fun. It’s free to watch but if you want to participate in the parade you have to be dressed in cosplay (costume-play)
  • Where: Eau Claire Market Outdoor Square
  • When: April 29 from 10 to 11:45 a.m.
  • Cost: Free

Farm Safety Day

  • What: This one day educational program welcomes Grade 6 to 9 classes increase their awareness and understanding of rural and farm safety.
  • Where: Stampede Park, Agrium Western Event Centre
  • When: Thursday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Lukes Drug Mart Sled Island

  • What: Third annual Sled Island Pre-Party will feature Owen Pallett, Royal Canoe, BESTiE and Mark Mills. The event is outdoors and open to all ages.
  • Where: Lukes Drug Mart – 112 4th Street NE
  • When: Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 6 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Food and drink festivals

Image: Poutine / Shutterstock

Image: Poutine / Shutterstock

Taste of Jamaica

  • What: This annual festival returns to the city to share the rich, warm Jamaican culture with Albertans.
  • When: Saturday, March 26 from noon to 7 p.m.
  • Where: Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association – 5600 Centre Street N
  • Cost: General Admission for $16.51 – buy online

Taste of the Opera

  • What: Get a taste of each upcoming opera at this behind-the-scenes event as Mamdani Opera Centre opens its doors for a unique insider’s look at the production, followed by a taste of local food and wine from the region where the opera takes place.
  • When: Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Mamdani Opera Centre – 1315 7th Street SW
  • Cost: $25 – buy online

Calgary Poutine Week

  • What: Select restaurants around YYC will feature poutines for a cause. For every poutine you buy and enjoy during Poutine Week one free meal will go to someone in need with partnership from local non profit Mealshare.
  • Where: Participating restaurants
  • When: April 15 to 23
  • Cost: $7.50 – $23

California Wine Fair

  • What: Take part in the largest tour of California wines in Canada.
  • Where: Palomino Room, BMO Centre at Stampede Park
  • When: Tuesday, April 26 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Early bird tickets $65, regular tickets $75 – buy online

Calgary International Beerfest

  • What: Sample more than 500 different beers on site, take part in beer seminars, enjoy the live entertainment, and much more.
  • Where: BMO Centre, Halls A-E – 20 Roundup Way
  • When: May 6 and 7
  • Cost: $19 (general admission); $30 (weekend pass)

Alberta Burger Fest

  • What: A province wide competition where burgers and restaurants are highlighted to raise funds for Charity. 10% of your purchase will go to charity then you vote and the winner will be the Burger champion of their municipality.
  • Where: Various Locations
  • When: May 6 to 16

GinAPalooza

  • What: The second annual gin-centric celebration is back giving you a chance to sample a variety of gin-inspired cocktails carefully crafted for the event.
  • Where: Various locations around downtown
  • When: May 18 to June 1

YYC Rhubarb Fest

  • What: Back for its fourth year, this family friendly festival reaches out to all surrounding communities to join in the fun.
  • Where: Southwood Community Hall – 11 Sackville Drive SW
  • When: Saturday, June 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lilac Festival

  • What: A pedestrian only festival, the Lilac Festival showcases an array of musical talent, vendors, and a perfect opportunity to people watching.
  • Where: 4th Street SW – between 13 Avenue and Elbow Dr.
  • When: Sunday, June 5th between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Farmers Markets

Image: Farmers' market / Shutterstock

Image: Farmers’ market / Shutterstock

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 spring.
  • Where: 510 77 Avenue SE
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road
  • When: Tuesday to Sunday, various times

DJ Market

  • What: The family owned and operated business has been operating for over 20 years and carries fruits and vegetables produced in Alberta and British Columbia.
  • Where: 4645 12th Street SE
  • When: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market

  • What: Head to Hillhurst Sunnyside where they’ll bring the the best in high-quality local food, live music, and more.
  • Where: 1320 5th Avenue NW
  • When: Every first and third Wednesday of the month until May 4 from 3 to 7 p.m.

*The outdoor season opens May 18

Marda Loop Farmers’ Market

  • What: Get a taste of the “urban culture” where you can buy handcrafted goods and locally sourced food.
  • Where: MLCA Community Hall – 3130 16th Street SW
  • When: TBA – likely opens at the end of May

Festivals and other events

Vaisakhi Mela

  • What: Celebrate the Indian New Year with this cultural event open for everyone, featuring dances, entertainment, food, and more.
  • Where: Genesis Centre Feature Gymnasium – 7555 Falconridge Boulevard NE
  • When: Saturday, March 26

JUNO Week in Calgary

A week of celebrations leading up to JUNO Award night on April 3.

  • What: JUNO Cup Jam
  • Where: Flames Central
  • When: Thursday, March 28 at 8 p.m.
  • What: JUNO Cup
  • Where: Max Bell Arena
  • When: Friday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
  • What: JUNOfest
  • Where: Multiple venues
  • When: Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
  • What: JUNO FanFare
  • Where: Chinook Centre
  • When: Saturday, April 2 from noon to 3 p.m.

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  • What: 2016 JUNO Awards
  • Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
  • When: Sunday, April 3 at 5 p.m.
Image: Notorious / Press Release

Image: Notorious

Fresh Notes Festival

  • What: This is the second year that Fresh Notes is back in Calgary. Canada’s funniest musical comedians are coming together and collaborating with Improv groups from the city.
  • Where: Cafe Koi – 1011 1 Street SW
  • When: Friday April 1 to Saturday April 2, shows at 8 and 10 p.m.
  • Cost: $12 in advance; $15 at the door

Free First Thursday Nights at the Glenbow

  • What: Free admission to the Glenbow Museum every first Thursday of the month.
  • Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9 Avenue SE
  • When: Thursday, April 7 from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

Calgary Underground Film Festival

  • What: The annual CUFF returns for one week, bringing films that defy convention.
  • Where: Globe Cinema – 617 8th Avenue SW
  • When: April 11 to 17

Adults Only Night: The Final Frontier

  • What: Take a closer look at space from the silver screen to the Big Freeze; a vision of the “end” of the universe where matter and energy is so far apart it can’t interact anymore.
  • Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
  • When: Thursday, April 14 from 6 to 10 p.m.
  • Cost: $20

Dinner & A movie at Heritage Park

  • What: Swap your night in with a three-course dinner and feast your eyes on the big screen.
  • Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Heritage Park
  • When: April 5 and 19
  • Cost: $31 to $50 per person, buy online or call 403-268-8607 for more information

Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo

  • What: The annual fan favourite returns to Stampede Park, crammed full of all things pop culture, including comics, sci-fi, gaming, fantasy, horror, and more.
  • Where: Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: April 28 to May 1

Calgary Performing Arts Festival

  • What: Formally known as the Kiwanis Festival, this display of amateur talent in Calgary will surely amaze you.
  • Where: Mount Royal University – 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW
  • When: Monday, April 30 to Saturday, May 7

Homestyle Breakfast Buffet

  • What: Enjoy comforting homestyle food at the Wainwright Hotel. Step into the past, and savour all of your breakfast favourites.
  • Where: Heritage Park
  • When: Now until May 1 on Sundays only from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $11 kids; $18 adults

Fair Tales Film Festival

  • What: The annual LGBTQA film festival returns with events guaranteed to provoke, challenge, and entertain.
  • When: May 20 to 28
  • Contact: 
403.244.1956

Serbian Fest

  • What: Experience Serbian culture with dances, sports, heritage, food, and much more.
  • Where: Serbian Orthodox Church – 16025-243rd Avenue E
  • When: May 21 and 22

Calgary International Children’s Festival

  • What: Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the CICF introduces young minds to the inspiration, creativity, and fun of live performance.
  • Where: Various locations
  • When: May 25 to 28

Calgary Ukrainian Festival

  • What: At the 7th annual Ukrainian Festival enjoy stage shows, try Ukrainian food and beverages, and much more.
  • Where: Acadia Recreation Complex – 240 90 Avenue SE
  • When: Saturday, June 4 and Sunday June 5 starting at 11 a.m.

FunnyFest Calgary Comedy Festival

  • What: The 16th annual FunnyFest Calgary Comedy Festival, is 11 days & nights of comedy, 70 performers, and 20 themes.
  • Where: Various venues
  • When: June 2 to 12
  • Cost: $25
Image: Calaway Park / Facebook

Image: Calaway Park / Facebook

Calaway Park’s Grand Opening Weekend

  • What: Enjoy a day of family fun at Calaway Park. With over 32 rides, treats and games there’s something for everyone. Park opens for the season on May 21.
  • Where: Calaway Park – 24503 Range Rd. 33
  • When: Saturday, May 21 to Monday, October 10
  • Cost: $29 to $37.95

Arts and theatre

Romeo and Juliet

  • What: The Alberta Ballet pairs up with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra to capture the tragic tale of Shakespeare’s starcrossed renaissance lovers with astonishing grace and heartbreaking intimacy.
  • Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
    1415 14th Avenue NW
  • When: Thursday, March 31 to Saturday, April 2
  • Cost: $29 – $120

The Calgary Opera

The Magic Flute

  • What: Listen to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s tale of love and the triumph of virtue.
  • Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
    1415 14th Avenue NW
  • When: Saturday, April 16 to Friday, April 22
  • Cost: varies

Opera Gala

  • What: A elegant night of fundraising for the Calgary Opera. Dinner will be served on the main stage immersed in the setting their final mainstage production – The Magic Flute.
  • Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 
    1415 14th Avenue NW
  • When: Saturday, April 23 at 7 p.m.
  • Cost: $500

The complete works of William Shakespeare

  • What: Watch 37 plays in 97 minutes.
  • Where: Lunchbox Theatre – 160 9 Avenue SE
  • When: Wednesday April 20 to Sunday April 24
  • Cost: $25 to $30

Concerts

Image: Concert via Pixabay

Image: Concert / Pixabay

Kayhan Kalhor and Niyaz

  • What: Three-time Grammy nominee Kayhan Kalhor, and Niyaz featuring Azim-Ali, a Canadian Iranian group blend together their unique sounds for a worldly collaboration.
  • Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
  • When: Wednesday April 6 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $29 to $59

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

  • What: On a rare tour for and Canadian appearance, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra leave New York. Get lost in a powerful, orchestral jazz experience.
  • Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
  • When: Thursday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $29 to $79

Hotel California – The Original Eagles Tribute Band

  • What: If you love The Eagles, seeing Hotel California is the next-best thing. They have been recreating the legendary sound of the Eagles for three decades.
  • Where: Deerfoot Inn & Casino
  • When: Saturday, April 30 at 9 p.m.
  • Cost: $15 to $35

E.T. Film with Orchestra

  • What: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performs John Williams Academy Award winning score live with the blockbuster film playing alongside on the big screen.
  • Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
    1415 14th Avenue NW
  • When: Friday, May 20 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 21 at 2 p.m.
  • Cost: $20 to $80

Sports

Image: @NHLFlames via Twitter

Image: @NHLFlames / Twitter

Calgary Flames games

Saturday, March 26 – Blackhawks at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, April 5 – Kings at 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 7 – Canucks at 7 p.m.

  • Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
  • Cost: Varies

Calgary Hitmen playoff games

Follow the Hitmen through the WHL playoffs.

Sunday, March 27 – Red Deer at 4 p.m.
Friday, April 1 – Red Deer at 7 p.m.
Monday, April 4 – Red Deer at 7 p.m. (if necessary)

  • Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
  • Cost: Varies

Skyline Luge

  • What: For the more adventurous side in you, try The Skyline Luge. It’s a three-wheeled cart, part go-kart and part toboggan that is thrilling for all ages and abilities.
  • Where: Skyline Luge Calgary – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
  • When: May 14 to October 9
  • Cost: $15 for 1 ride; $23 for 2 rides; $32 for 5 rides

Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

  • What: The Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier and is 42.195 kilometres or 26.2 miles long. There are over 15,000 people expected to participate this year so register soon.
  • Where: All race-day activities will start and finish in Stampede Park
  • When: Sunday, May 29
  • Cost: $90 to $125

Spruce Meadows National

  • What: Witness the best show jumping athletes and horses from around the World. Enjoy shopping, pony rides, face painting, wagon rides and much more!
  • Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
  • When: June 8 to 12
  • Cost: Varies

Go Skiing at COP

  • What: Get in Shape for Summer with some reduced price lift tickets at C.O.P. until the end of the season. Ticket prices will be based on the day’s forecast. If the temperature is 10 degrees your lift ticket will cost you $10. A minimum of $5 has been set for tickets when the temperature dips below 5 degrees.
  • Where: WinSport – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
  • When: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Weather dependent – reduced tickets only available at Guest Services in the Frank King Day Lodge.
DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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