37 things to do in Calgary this week: February 12 to 18

Calgary Peace Bridge (kawashimaphotography/Instagram)

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It’s officially the most romantic week of the year, and sparks are flying all over the city!

From romantic culinary endeavours to chocolate activities to interactive workshops, there are so many events happening that you’ll be cozying up to your special someone all week long.

Single? Not to worry, there are also a ton of fun concerts, performances, and festivals going on throughout the city that will have you sparking your own mini affairs all week… You never know who you might meet!

Here is our bucket list of 37 things going on in Calgary this week that you simply can’t miss out on.

Monday, February 12

Dinner and a Movie at Heritage Park: Chocolat

What: Take an old-time spin on the traditional date go-to! Enjoy a three-course meal before heading over to Gasoline Alley for a classic flick. This week, enjoy the classic romance, Chocolat. You’ll be transported to a tranquil town in the midst of 1950s France, which features a love affair and, of course, the oh-so-tempting deliciousness of chocolate. It’s the perfect way to spark a little romance before V-Day.
When: Monday, February 12
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Online, $44.95 per person

Human Bonspiel – AKA life size curling

Human Bonspiel participant (Calgary Corporate Challenge)

What: The aim is to get the stone as close to the centre target as possible (much like curling) but the stones are actually tubes, and the competitors are, you guessed it, on those tubes. Anyone hoping to try their hand at this new take on an old sport can sign up for this Calgary Corporation Challenge event. You and your team of four will compete with other sliders to make it into the finals, which will be held on a later day.
When: Monday, February 5 to Friday, February 9, finals on Monday, February 12
Time: Sign in at 11:30 am each day, finished by 1:15 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Registration: $154.50 per team of four, register online

Brown Bagging 4 Calgary Kids Valentine Station

What: At each Village Ice Cream location there will be a Brown Bagging 4 Calgary Kids Valentine station. Here you will be encouraged to write words of encouragement and BB4CK will share them with the lunches they deliver to local kids. Let’s spread the love!
When: February 1 to 14
Time: See hours for each location
Where:
- Victoria Park – 431 10th Avenue SE
- Britannia Plaza – 820 49th street SW
- Garrison Corner – 2406 34th Avenue SW

Hedley Cageless Tour With Special Guests Shawn Hook & Neon Dreams

When: Monday, February 12
Time: 7 pm
Where: Stampede Corral – Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $39-$157

Happenings 11: The Architecture of Sculpture

What: Celebrate at this experimental art party where the art is never flat! The Architecture of Sculpture looks to inspire conversations about place making, community, and experimental art collisions. This party will be taking over the Arts Commons +15 walkway and will have a unique blend of activities and performances all night long. This is a party you won’t want to miss!
When: Monday, February 12
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Arts Commons – 205 8th Avenue SE
Admission: FREE and welcome to anyone

Tuesday, February 13

Drops of Gratitude Self Love Bracelet Making Workshop

When: Learn how to make your very own love bracelet to give to the most important person in your life: You!
When: Tuesday, February 13
Time: 7 pm
Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $60

Local Love Notes Pop-Up

What: At all three Village Ice Cream locations there will be a pop-up featuring different local stationary designers between February 1 and 14. Heather Buchanan will be at Victoria Park, ImPaper at Brittania Plaza, and Feast Letter Press at Garrison Woods. Follow each of the artists on Instagram for a chance to win a free Valentine’s date night at Village Ice Cream!
When: February 1 to 14
Time: See hours for each location
Where:
- Victoria Park – 431 10th Avenue SE
- Britannia Plaza – 820 49th street SW
- Garrison Corner – 2406 34th Avenue SW

Wednesday, February 14

Glassblowing Workshop

What: Learn about the intricate art of glassblowing and create something truly unique.
When: February 14 to 18
Time:
- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 5 to 9pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 to 6pm
Where: cSPACE, The King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $80

Valentine’s Day Adults Only Night: Discover your Brain on Love

TELUS Spark Adults Only Night (TELUS Spark/Facebook)

What: Ever wonder what emotions look like? What is the act of falling in love from a scientific point-of-view? Discover it all and more by looking at the neuroscience behind it and explore how certain hormone levels trigger the brain in various ways. You will even have the opportunity to perform emotional experiments on yourself – come prepared for anything!
When: Wednesday, February 14
Time: 6 pm
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Online, $26

Valentines Day Dinner at the Selkirk Grille

What: Spend Valentine’s Day connecting with your love while enjoying a delicious four-course meal created by chef Leighton Smyth. You’ll surely get whisked away into a fairytale… at least for a few hours!
When: Wednesday, February 14
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1990 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Online, $74.95 per person

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Culinary Experience

What: Whether you choose to woo your boo with delicious Italian fare or with the best steak in the city, we’ve got a list that’ll have you in a hurry to book a reservation. Here are 8 places in Calgary you can eat your heart out this Valentine’s Day!

Watch the Calgary Hitmen Play the Tri-City Americans

What: Come show the Hitmen some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
When: Wednesday, February 14
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $13 to $26

Thursday, February 15

Family Quest

What: Bring the whole family down to Heritage Park for a fun-filled day of travel-themed adventures. Take in their Journey of a Lifetime exhibit, participate in interactive puzzles, drive an old Model T, learn how to change a tire, get your family portrait done the old school way, build your own train, and so much more!
When: February 15 to 19
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Admission: Regular admission to the park

Block Heater Music Festival

Image: Calgary Folk Fest Facebook

What: It’s winter’s answer to festival season! Join the Calgary Folk Music Festival in the third edition of this winter music extravaganza. The festival kicks-off at Festival Hall with a Valentine’s Day Dave Kelly special, followed by amazing live performances and opportunities to snuggle up next to your hunny.
When: February 15 to 17
Time : Varies by performance
Where: Festival Hall, Ironwood Stage and Grill, Studio Bell and the King Edward Hotel (See full schedule here).
Tickets: Online, $15 to $42

Friday, February 16

Celebrate Chinese New Year at the CORE

What: From Chinese Lion Dancers to exciting pop-ups, traditional tea demonstrations to cultural performances, there are a ton of New Year’s festivities happening all weekend long at the downtown CORE.
When: February 16 to 18
Time: Varies on the day
Where: Dome Tower – 333 7th Avenue SW
Admission: Suggested $10 donation to the Calgary Zoo’s Panda Exhibit

Celebrate Chinese New Year with Two Penny Chinese

What: Between February 16 and March 2 you will receive a little red envelope every time you dine at Two Penny. Every envelope will contain a a little treat, but every day there will also be a larger prize to be won. A few prizes that up for grabs are gift certificates from Village Ice Cream, a mani + pedi from Beach Beauty, the 5-tree patch from TreeEra, a staycation at Hotel Arts, Calgary Flames Tickets, and more!
When: February 16 to March 2
Where: Two Penny Restaurant and Bar – 1213 1st Street SW

Love and Chocolate Festival

What: This festival will showcase over 40 booths of chocolate, cheese, and wine. Need we say more?
When: February 16 to 17
Where: Winsport – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Tickets: Online, $36

Watch the Calgary Roughnecks play Vancouver Stealth

What: Come see the Calgary Roughnecks kill it on the field this year.
When: Friday, February 16
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $23 to $64

Saturday, February 17

Build a Terrarium with Legend 7 Brewing

Air plant terrarium/ETSY

What: Calgary’s newest brewery, Legend 7, is giving you and the whole family the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and create your very own terrarium. Brunch will also be offered, along with $5 sleeves of Legend 7 beer so you can tantalize your taste buds with the newest addition to Calgary’s craft brewing community.
When: Saturday, February 17
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Where: 550 17 Avenue SW
Admission: FREE

What the Calgary Flames play the Florida Panthers

What: Let’s see how quickly the Panther’s can adjust to a Calgary winter!
When: Saturday, February 17
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $32 to $182

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!

Sunday, February 18

Brunch at Calcutta Cricket Club

What: As if we needed yet another reason to visit this beautiful space! The turquoise castle that adorns 17th Avenue is now serving brunch, and of course they have killed it yet again with their take on traditional Indian infused dishes. From chips and curry to Chai Pancakes and Parsi Akuri, your taste buds be doing a happy dance as you try each uniquely flavoured dish – paired with a pineapple mimosa, of course!
When: Weekends
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Calcutta Cricket Club – 340 17th Avenue SW

Serena Ryder

When: Sunday, February 18
Time: 8 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 208 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $43 to $57

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story

What: Come see the famous musical that tells the true story of Buddy Holly’s meteoric rise to fame. From his first hit in 1957 (That’ll Be the Day) to his tragic death two years later, this performance will have you tapping your toes and singing as you relive the hits of this rock and roll legend.
When: Sunday, February 18
Time: 7 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $65 to $85

Watch the Calgary Hitmen play the Saskatoon Blades

Image: Calgary Hitmen / Twitter

What: Come show the Hitmen some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
When: Sunday, February 18
Time: 2 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $9 to $26

Any Day of the Week

Exposure

What: This is Alberta’s only photography festival and it’s coming to Calgary for the month of February. Check out over 40 photography exhibitions at galleries around the city, get your portfolio reviewed by professionals, and participate in exciting workshops as you let your inner photographer become instantly inspired!
When: February 1 to 28
Where: Various locations around the city
Tickets: Varies per event, many are free

Whales Tohora

What: Travelling 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

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

What: For the entire month of February, various cafes, restaurants and chocolatiers are featuring their very own creative twists on a traditional hot chocolate. Spend an afternoon touring the city, trying out the various concoctions, and voting for your favourite – just be prepared for a serious sugar coma afterwards. Proceeds from each drink will go towards Calgary Meals on Wheels.
When: February 1 to 28, 2018
Where: Various locations around the city

All Day Happy Hour on Daily at Featured Breweries

Friends at the pub for trivia (Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

What: February has been declared as “FeBREWary.” Essentially, it’s a month long celebration of craft brewers, craft beer lovers, the craft beer community, and, really, just about everything to do with craft beer! Each day in February will have an all-day happy hour at each corresponding brewery – see full calendar here.
When: February 1 to 28
Where: All national locations

Pink Shirt Day

What: Pink Shirt day aims to bring awareness to bullying. Join National on 17 Avenue for pink beers (all month long) and $1 from each drink purchase will go towards the initiative. Remember, on Wednesdays (and February 28) we wear pink!
When: February 1 to 28 (day of the celebrations)
Where: All national locations

Uncommon Blends

What: Are you a coffee or a tea person? Regardless of your personal preference, these warm and cozy beverages play an important role in both our social and individual lives. This art exhibit will examine these various routines, rituals, and relationships centred around coffee and tea, while showcasing beautiful ceramics made by five Alberta-based artists.
When: January 20 to March 17
Time:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
- Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW

Twelfth Night

What: Join Theatre Calgary for this romantic, hilarious misadventure of two twins as they are forced to find their way through a foreign land after a tragic shipwreck.
When: January 30 to February 24
Time: 2 pm or 7:30 pm
Where: Theatre Calgary – 220 90th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $35 to $124

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

Stroll through a frozen waterfall

Johnston Canyon (camm_eng/Instagram)

What: Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most famous areas for a reason! Walk hand-in-hand through a winter wonderland with your love and bask in the surreal frozen views. It’s a moment that will feel frozen in time!
Where: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB

Play a Round of Monster Mini Golf

What: Get some healthy competition going as you play each other in a heated game of glow-in-the-dark Monster Mini Golf. Play among cool monster decor with freaky animated props that pop up around every corner, and be entertained by their in-house DJ. No matter how many times you go, this is one activity that will never get old!
Where: 2020 – 32nd Avenue NE, Calgary

Head out on an Urban Snowshoeing Adventure

What: Grab your partner and a pair of snowshoes and head out into the crisp winter air. Take in the picturesque views as you march your way through the many trails in and around the Calgary area, while getting a great cardio workout in at the same time. Couples who workout together stay together, right?
Where:
- If your are an inner city roamer, check out Fish Creek Park or Nose Hill for some fantastic trails close to home.
- If you’re interested in taking a drive out to the Rockies, Canmore, Bragg Creek and Banff all boast unreal trail paths that lead to some magical destinations.
Be sure to check trail reports before heading out and dress for the weather.

Go Tubing at Canada Olympic Park

What: Calgary’s only tube park is the largest of its kind in Western Canada and now boasts 12 lanes, a four person tube option, and a dedicated magic carpet. A village including a food trailer, a deck with heaters, a fire pit, and washrooms have also been added for the 2017-18 season.
When: During the winter season
Where: WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, The Acura Tube Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Admission: Tickets cost $28 for an adult to slide for two hours, and senior, youth, and family discounts are available.

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