35 things to do in Calgary this week: February 26 to March 4

It’s the first week of March… does that mean it’s spring yet?

Fingers crossed the weather warms up with the turn of the month, but this week will be so busy you won’t even have time to notice!

From food festivals to concerts to DIY workshops, we have gathered together 35 of the most exciting things happening around Calgary this week. Be sure to check them out!

Monday, February 26

YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

(@chezchristophe/Instagram)

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 Featured Breweries

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

Tuesday, February 27

Dinner and a Movie at Heritage Park: Sideways

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.
When: Tuesday, February 27
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Online, $44.95 per person

Dashboard Confessional

When: Tuesday, February 27
Time: 7 pm
Where: MacEwan Hall – 2500 University Drive NW
Tickets: Online, $39.50

Watch the Calgary Hitmen Play the Swift Current Broncos

What: Come show the Hitmen some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
When: Tuesday, February 27
Time: 11 am
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $20 to $24

Whitespace Writers Weekly Write-In

What: Looking for some inspiration, a place to write that isn’t your kitchen table, or simply some guidance on a writing project? For only $5 you can join White Space Writers every Tuesday morning and receive a work space, unlimited coffee, accessibility to writing resources (aka they will look over a piece you’re working on) and a writing prompt – if that’s what you’re interested in. Plus, you might even make a new creative friend or three, which is priceless!
When: Tuesday, January 16 to March 20
Time: 9 am to noon
Where: Loft 112 – 535 8th Avenue SE
Admission: $5

Macaron 101 at Ollia Macaron and Tea

Photo courtesy Ladurée Canada

What: Ever wonder how to make a French macaron? Look no further. Everyone’s favourite macaron shop hosts Macaron Baking Classes, offering exclusive lesson on how to properly engage in some macaronage, get the perfect shell, and create various flavours. If baking isn’t your thing, they also offer tea blending classes, along with macaron tasting events that will pair your favourite French wine or tea to various flavours of macarons. Bon appetite!
When: Tuesday, February 27
Time: 6 pm
Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW

Wednesday, February 28

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 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, Flames Tickets, and more!
When: February 16 to March 2
Where: Two Penny Restaurant and Bar – 1213 1st Street SW

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 Wednesday’s (and February 28) we wear pink!
When: February 1 to 28 (day of the celebrations)
Where: All national locations

Thursday, March 1

Black and White Cake Decorating

What: When you see those cake decorating videos don’t you always wonder just how they do it? Search no further by joining the cake experts at Crave Cupcakes for various workshops on cake and cupcake decorating. You’ll be a hit at every party once you master this sweet skill!
When: Thursday, March 1
Time: 6 pm
Where: Crave Cookies and Cupcakes – 1107 Kensington Road NW
Cost: Online, $125 per person

The Calgary Home + Garden Show

Home and Garden Events/Facebook

What: Spring is around the corner, so it’s time to get inspired! Get tips for your next renovation, explore the Tiny Home Village, or create a masterpiece to adorn your walls at a workshop with Heart and Swirl. Also, don’t miss exciting presentations by HGTV stars Todd Talbot Carson Arthur and Tiffany Pratt.
When: March 1 to 4
Time:
- Thursday: Noon to 9 pm
- Friday: Noon to 9 pm
- Saturday: 10 am to 9 am
- Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: BMO Centre – 1410 Olympic Way SE
Tickets: Online, $16

Friday, March 2

Constellations

What: This captivating show that beautifully tells the story of the unlikely romance between a beekeeper and a physicist, was a hit on Broadway, and now you have the chance to see it right here in Calgary.
When: February 27 to March 17
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Arts Commons – 205 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online,$25 to $75

Devour!

What: Take an exciting road trip and enjoy the best food, wine, and cinema that Jasper has to offer at The Canadian Rockies Food Food Film Festival. Embrace your love for the culinary arts as you spend two nights eating your heart out amidst the beauty of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
When: March 2 to 4
Time 5 pm
Where: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – Old Lodge Road, Jasper
Tickets: Online, $449

The Big Taste Foodie Festival

What: Calling all foodies! Calgary’s biggest food festival is returning and we simply cannot wait. There will be more than 85 restaurants around Calgary participating all offering set gourmet lunches and dinners at various price points. Come eat drink and enjoy some of the best eats that Calgary has to offer!
When: March 2 to 11
Where: See participating restaurants here.
Cost: Varies per event

Watch the Calgary Flames Play the New York Rangers

Image: Calgary Flames / Twitter

What: Cheer on the Flames in a sea of red all the way down the Red Mile!
When: Friday, March 2
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $32 to $225

Roy Book Binder

When: March 2 and 3
Time: 8 pm
Where: Engineered Air Theatre – 205 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $43

Saturday, March 3

Full Moon Party

What: There is no better night for an impromptu celebration! Cuddle up by the campfire, dance the night away, and enjoy cozy hot chocolate on Centre Street. The entire street will be transformed into a midnight carnival, including music, beautiful lights, bubbles, giant games, and more! This is a family friendly event and expressive costumes are encouraged.
When: Saturday, March 3
Time: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Centre Street and 9th Avenue NE

Bahamas

When: Saturday, March 3
Time: 7 pm
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $35

Ellen Doty

When: Saturday, March 3
Time: 7:30
Where: Bella Concert Hall – 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW
Tickets: Online, $35

Maple Festival

Maple taffy (Josiane photo/Shutterstock)

What: Celebrate Canada’s signature sweet treat in all it’s various forms! This annual festival is meant to not only be tasty, but also to celebrate the French Canadian, Metis and First Nations cultures, traditions, and stories. Plus, who doesn’t love a classic cabane sucre!
When: March 3 to 4
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Online, $10 to $15

Watch the Calgary Hitmen Play the Regina Pats

What: Come show the Hitmen some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
When: Saturday, March 3
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $13 to $26

Sunday, March 4

CIFF Presents: Oscar Red Carpet

What: Come dressed for a red carpet affair to celebrate Hollywoods best while raising money for the Calgary International Film Festival. There is no better excuse to get spiffied up! If you can’t make it catch the Oscars on CTV.
When: Sunday, March 4
Time: 6 pm
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $85

Fondue at Frenchie

What: Half price fondue all night long – can’t beat a deal like that!
When: Every Wednesday and Sunday
Where: Frenchie’s Wine Bar – 618 17th Avenue SW

Watch the Calgary Hitmen Play the Red Deer Rebels

What: Catch a fast and hard-hitting Hitmen game as they play their Red Deer rivals.
When: Sunday, March 4
Time: 4 am
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $9 to $26

Any Day of the Week

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

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

Shop Western Canada’s First ever Saks Fifth Avenue Store

Saks Fifth Avenue Chinook Centre (MJay Photography/Saks Fifth Avenue)

What: If you’re in the mood to shop, you’ve come to the right place! As of February 22, the first Saks in Western Canada will be opening in Chinook Centre just in time for the new spring arrivals. Happy Shopping!
When: February 22
Where: Chinook Centre – 6455 Macleod Trail SW

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

Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza

What: Skate amidst the beauty of downtown Calgary at everyone’s favourite outdoor rink.
When: Now to mid-March
Time: weather dependent, from 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free

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

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

Mini golf (Yulia Grigoryeva/Shutterstock)

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.

Hit the Slopes

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 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 check hours of operation and trail conditions

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