40 things to do in Calgary this week: February 5 to 11

This week is going to be a cold one, but there are lots of exciting festivities happening that should keep you warm and toasty indoors!

From foodie frenzies and a good sweat at the gym, to romantic Valentine’s activities for couples who like to celebrate early, there are lots of fun things happening that the whole family can enjoy.

Here is our list of 40 events happening this week in Calgary that will guarantee a warm, cozy time and let you forget about the cold for at least a few moments!

See also

• OMG Genie and what's his face are like totally probably dating
• Justin Trudeau promises that Kinder Morgan pipeline will be built
• City of Calgary to officially allow future naked swim events

Monday, February 5

La Poutine Week

• What: Perfectly timed for all the carb cravings caused by a Canadian winter, the great French-Canadian classic is cause for celebration when La Poutine Week kicks off in Calgary. You’ll have the opportunity to try out and vote for your favourite poutine creations, and the winner will be announced at the end of the week. Bon appetite!
• When: February 1 to 7
• Where: Participating restaurants in Calgary

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

Human Bonspiel – AKA life-sized curling

• 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 

Old Dominion Happy Endings World Tour

• When: Monday, February, 5
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $59 – $240

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

Good Hood Feast #1 

• What: Join Donna Mac for their very first Good Hood Feast in a collaborative dinner series happening monthly. This month will feature a six-course meal created by Roy Oh from Anju restaurant and Chef Justin Tino from Donna Mac. $5 from every meal will go towards supporting Calgary CUPS.
• When: February 5
• Where: Donna Mac – 1002 9th Street SW
• Reservation: email [email protected]

Tuesday, February 6

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

Portugal. The Man

• When: Tuesday, February 6
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: MacEwan Hall – 2500 University Drive NW
• Tickets: Online, $45

Illuminate

• What: Experience works of art that explore light in different forms created by various artists.
• When: January 25 to February 7
• Time: 10 am to 5:30 pm
• Where: Wallace Galleries – 500, 5th Avenue SW
• Admission: FREE

Wednesday, February 7

Toonie Day

• What: Ski Mt. Norquay for only $2 on February 7 – yes, that is less than a cup of coffee! If you thought this deal couldn’t get any better, think again. Not only do you ski for $2, but your money is also donated to a local charity at the end of the season. Help them beat their $20,000 total from last year!
• When: Wednesday, February 7
• Time: All day long
• Where: Mt. Norquay – 1520 Banff, AB
• Admission: $2

RIDE, ROW, REFRESH

• What: Wild Rose Brewery is in the house! Jump on the bike with Lindsay and row to the rhythm with Kat. Afterwards, reward yourself with the brand-new Czech Pilsner “License to PIL” post sweat. You deserve it!
• When: February 7
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Movement U – #16 4th Street NE
• Admission: Online, Regular drop in fee

Downtown Valentine Market

• What: Stroll through your favourite local makers, artists and producers at the monthly Downtown Market series, with this month’s being Valentine’s Day themed. This is a great spot to find your loved one a special gift or simply spend the afternoon perusing locally made gems.
• When: Wednesday, February 7
• Time: 10 am to 2 pm
• Where: Gulf Canada Square – 401 9th Avenue SW
• Admission: FREE

Thursday, February 8

Enjoy the Canmore Winter Carnival

• What: Winter in the Rocky Mountains is truly magical, and the Town of Canmore invites you to come celebrate this beautiful season with them. Spend the afternoon out of the city as you check out the variety of indoor and outdoor events throughout the town, such as the ice carving competitions, art crawls, skating parties, log sawing competitions, cardboard sledding, a pooch parade, and more!
• Where: Throughout the Town of Canmore
• When: February 1 to 11, 2018
• Cost: Varies per activity

The Calgary Boat and Sportsmen’s Show

• What: If you have a passion for the outdoors, then this is an event you should definitely consider checking out. From gear to accessories to guides and more there are shows, events and exhibits that the whole family will enjoy.
• When: February 8 to 11
• Time: 1 to 5 pm
• Where: BMO Centre – Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE
• Tickets: Online, $8 to $35

Celebrate Market’s 5 Birthday 

• What: All day long Market is offering $5 food, drinks and cocktails to celebrate 5 amazing years on 17 avenue.
• When: Thursday, February 8
• Where: Market – 718 17 Avenue SW

Friday, February 9

Stacking Ring Workshop with Ashleigh Amber Moore

• When: Friday, February 9
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Outside the Shape – 1222 10th Avenue SE
• Tickets: Online, $80

Romantic Chateaubriand Dinner for Two

• What: Unable to celebrate the big red holiday on the day of? Reserve a spot for you and your date at this pre-Valentine’s Day dinner and celebrate early!
• When: February 9 and 10
• Time: 5 to 10 pm
• Where: Heritage Park, Selkirk Grille – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
• Tickets: Online, $85 per couple

Saturday, February 10

Bourgeau Bonfire Bash

• What: Warm up from a day shredding on the slopes with an outdoor bonfire at the base of the mountain and delicious BBQ – did someone say comfort food?
• When: Weekends in February (See exact dates here)
• Time: 2:30 to 5 pm
• Where: Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort
• Admission: Use your lift ticket to enter

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!

That’s Amore! Valentines Day at the Market

• What: Spend a romantic afternoon with your special someone at the Calgary Farmers Market. Some of the exciting festivities include Valentine’s Day postcards, a themed Photo Booth, duelling pianos, and the chance to enter to win a one-night stay at any Canadian Rocky Mountain Resort. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce for a romantic dinner to sweep your hunny off their feet!
• When: Saturday, February 10
• Time: 11 am to 3 pm
• Where: The Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77th Avenue SE
• Admission: FREE

Greater Goods Turns 2!

• What: Everyone’s favourite little shop nestled in the midst of Bridgeland is turning two! There will be $2 cafe drinks and FREE birthday treats available all-day long to accompany you while your shop. You’ll also have the opportunity to win an amazing gift basket full of local goodies. Join them in celebrating this exciting milestone. Cheers to year three!
• When: Saturday, February 10
• Time: 11 am to 5 pm
• Where: Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar – 60 Meredith Road NE

A Symphonic Tribute to Prince 

• What: Pay tribute to the Purple Rain legend in a performance that truly captures Prince’s larger-than-life stage personality.
• When: Saturday, February 10
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 208 8th Avenue SE
• Tickets: Online or call to put your name on the waitlist

BC Ballet: Romeo and Juliet 

• What: Join the BC ballet for an evening of reliving this timeless classic! Choreographed by Medhi Walerski and set to Sergei Prokofiev’s original score, this beautiful performance will bring together dazzling landscapes woven with poetic unpredictability and complex imagery.
• When: Saturday, February 10
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Banff Centre, Eric Harvie Theatre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
• Tickets: Online, $25 to $35

Watch the Calgary Roughnecks Play Colorado Mammoth

• What: These games are always a guaranteed party! Come watch Canada’s second national sport as you cheer the Roughnecks on as they play Colorado.
• When: Saturday, February 10
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $23 to $64

WWE Live Road to Wrestlemania 

• What:Come check out some heart-pounding wrestling as these pros make their way to Wrestlemania.
• When: Saturday, February 10
• Time: 7:30 pm
• Where: Stampede Corral – Saddledome Rise SE
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $20 to $70

Sunday, February 11

Sunday Supper at Royale

• What: End the weekend off with a delicious and classic French meal rooted in tradition, with a contemporary twist!
• When: Sunday, February 11
• Time: 6 to 9 pm
• Where: Royale Brasserie  – 730 17th Avenue SW

The Galentines Market 

• What: Grab a coffee at a local cafe and then head over the YYC Girl Gang Galentines Market to shop some incredible local vendors, all the while spending the afternoon with your significant other. You might even find each other the perfect Valentines Day gifts, handmade right here in Calgary, that makes for a special memory that you can both cherish for years to come.
• When: Sunday, February 11, 2018
• Time: 10 am to 4 pm
• Where: The Commons – 1206 20th Avenue SE, Calgary
• Admission: $3

Watch the Calgary Hitmen Play the Medicine Hat Tigers

• What: Come show the Hitmen some love as they make their way to the Memorial Cup.
• When: Sunday, February 14
• Time: 2 pm
• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
• Tickets: Ticketmaster , $9 to $26

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

Calgary Jazz Orchestra: The Art of Romance / The Art of Soul

• What: It’s a Valentines tradition! Come explore the romantic side of Jazz before it gained the influences of soul and funk.
• When: Sunday, February 11
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: River Park Church – 3818 14th Street SW
• Tickets: Online, $21 to $28

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

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

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

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

Grab some ice cream

• What: Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to dabble in some frozen deliciousness. There are various great local ice creameries situated throughout Calgary’s most popular neighbourhoods, which makes it the perfect excuse to do a bit of exploring. Pssst… we hear monogram has recently launched hot chocolate ice cream – no, we’re not kidding!
• Where:
  • Monogram – View all locations 
  • Lukes Drugmart – 112 4th Street NE, Calgary
  • Village Ice Cream – View all locations
  • Made by Marcus – 1017 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
  • UTCA Chimney Cakes – 207 13th Avenue SW, Calgary

Pink Shirt Day

• What: With it’s roots in Nova Scotia, 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

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

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

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.

See also

• OMG Genie and what's his face are like totally probably dating
• Justin Trudeau promises that Kinder Morgan pipeline will be built
• City of Calgary to officially allow future naked swim events