30 things to do in Calgary this week: January 22 to 28

Downtown Calgary (jmarqueziv/Instagram)

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Snow Melter Presents – Flyfest: A Musical Tribute to Marvin “The Fly'' Kee

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Excuse us, but how is it already the last full week in January? With the rush of the holidays coming to an abrupt end, and the unpredictable weather changes, this month has simply flown by.

With the sudden chinook that was beautifully captured by many local photographers, it’s the perfect opportunity to head outdoors for some fun winter activities. If it’s still too cold for your liking, there are plenty of exciting performances, movie screenings, and sports games happening that are great for a fun night out with the gang.

Here are 30 our favourite things happening in and around Calgary this week.

Monday, January 22

National Geographic Live: View from Above with Astronaut Terry Virts

What: Join Astronaut Terry Virts and learn about his experience in the International Space Station, where he eventually became the commander and broke a record for taking more photographs than any astronaut that came before him. According to Virt’s, no photo can truly capture the perfect shade of blue from a sunrise in outer space, but to us his photos capture the magic perfectly!
When: January 21 to 22
Time: Sunday – 2 pm, Monday – 7 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $37 to $88

Empire of the Son

What: In this one-man, autobiographical show by former CBC broadcaster Tetsuro Shigematu, you’ll travel from Hiroshima after the Second World War to London in the 1960s. Along the way you’ll learn about the incredible history of Shigematu’s father and the rocky relationship the two had trying to create a connection and express their love for each other.
When: January 16 to 28
Where: Martha Cohen Theatre – 215 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $26 to $75

Watch the Calgary Flames Play the Buffalo Sabres

Image: Calgary Flames / Twitter

What: Cheer on the Flames in a sea of red all the way to the Red Mile!
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: Monday, January 22 vs Buffalo
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $25 to $165

Tuesday, January 23

White Space 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 is what you’re interested in. Plus you might make a new creative friend or two, which is priceless!
When: Tuesday, January 16 to March 20
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Loft 112 – 535 8 Avenue SE
Admission: $5

Booze, Broads and Brothels: A Spicy, Sex-Positive History of Calgary’s (Almost) Oldest Profession

What: Did you know what Calgary was once known as the booze, brothel, and gambling capital of the Canadian West? Join Kimberly Williams, Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at MRU for an educational talk on this controversial time in Calgarian history as she introduces you to a few of the rowdy women whose clients ranged from NWMP to the “Mavericks” of the pioneering past.
When: Tuesday, January 23
Time: 7 pm
Where: Calgary Public Library, Central Library, Josh Dutton Theatre – 616 Macleod Trail SE
Admission: FREE

#HalfyHour

Shots/Shutterstock

What: 1/2 price tacos and tequila…. need we say more?
When: January 15 to 31
Time: 9 pm to close
Where: Blanco Catina – 723 17th Avenue SW

Bruce Cockburn – Bone on Bone Tour

When: Tuesday, January 23
Time: 8 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $42.25 to $68.25

Ice Magic Festival

What: Lake Louise’s Ice Magic Festival is a truly magical and unreal experience that Canadian’s look forward to year round. This event boasts over 20 years of history and it gathers talented ice artists from around the world to compete and create artistic masterpieces out of ice, within 34 hours. During this time you can watch the process in action and see the detailed sculptures unfold, while you get the unique opportunity to talk to the carvers, asking them questions and vote for your favorite masterpiece. If you miss the action you can still view the sculptures the following weekend and even get the chance to try your hand at some ice carving yourself!
When: January 18 to 28
Where: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – 111 Lake Louise Drive, Lake Louise
Tickets: Online, Adults $12.50, Youth $5 (3 to 12 years), Seniors $7.50 (55 + years), Family $30 (2 adults + up to 4 children aged 3-17 years)

Wednesday, January 24

Banff and Lake Louise: Snow Days

Banff National Park (another.state.of.mind/Instagram)

What: Winter is more than just cold and snowy, as it is a season that brings majestic frosty views, fun activities a beautiful memories at all ages. Banff National Park invites us all to celebrate the magic of winter in its month long festival of Snowdays, featuring a variety of events, shows and activities that combine history, culture and winter traditions that the whole family will enjoy. Be sure to check out the website for daily events and activities!
When: January 18 to 28
Where: Throughout Banff National Park
Admission: Varies per event

Watch the Calgary Flames Play the LA Kings

What: Cheer on the Flames in a sea of red all the way to the Red Mile!
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: Wednesday, January 24
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $25 to $172

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

What: On it’s grand tour, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is stopping in Calgary to give us a taste of some of the best films that were screened at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival last November. Expect films that truly capture the essence of adventure and the great outdoors throughout the world.
When: January 17 to 28
Time: Vary’s depending on the schedule
Where: Roza Theatre – 2500 University Drive NW
Tickets: Online or in person at MEC, $28

Thursday, January 25

See “Bill Nye: Science Guy” at the Globe Cinema

bill nye/twitter

What: Come see your favourite Science Guy as he launches a solar propelled spacecraft into the cosmos and advocates for the importance of science, research, and discovery in life. Of course you can expect the typical hilarious behind-the-scenes shenanigans in the lab as he breaks down scientific views on climate change and evolution. It’s time to relive your childhood science class movie time!
When: Thursday, January 25 (see all showtimes here)
Time: 9:10 pm
Where: The Globe Cinema – 617 8th Ave SW, Calgary
Admission: $10 Adults, $8 Youth and $6 Children

The Alex Presents: Robbie Burns Bash

What: Join East Village, The Alex Community Health Centre, and Bricks Wine and Co for the second annual Robbie Burns Bash! Sip on your favourite scotch, try “haggis” if you haven’t had it already, and feast on delicious treats from sponsors such as Rouge, Teatro, Deane House, Heritage Park, and more! You will also enjoy a poetry reading, highland dancers, and a silent auction. Come eat, drink, and celebrate this notable man, all while supporting an amazing cause.
When: Thursday, January 25
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: St. Louis Hotel – 430 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $50

Leaving Thomas EP Release Party

What: Join this native Calgarian country duo as they celebrate the launch of their debut Self Titled EP.
When: Thursday, January 25
Time: 6 pm
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $20

Illuminate

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

Inner Elder

What: Come along on a journey of discovery with Lunch Box Theatre’s new production as part of High Performance Rodeo. This one woman show, created by award-winning Calgary actress Michelle Thrush, uses real moments and real memories to tell the story of how her Grandmother impacted her life as she transforms from a child to an elder throughout the show.
When: January 15 to 27
Time: 12 pm / 6 pm (depending on the day)
Where: Lunchbox Theatre – 115 9th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $26

Friday, January 26

Matt Mays

When: Friday, January 26
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Palace – 219 8th Avenue SW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $27.50 (18+ years)

From Russia with Love: Tchaikosky

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra/Facebook

What: Join the Calgary Philharmonic as they pay tribute to one of the largest classical music greats, Tchaikovsky. Hum along to some of his most lyrical and heartbreaking tunes while tapping your toes to his celebratory pieces. It will be a night that will truly pull at the heart strings!
When: Friday, January 26
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall
Tickets: Online, $15 to $35

Saturday, January 27

Ben Nicky: Electric Winter Nights

When: Saturday, January 27
Time: 9 pm
Where: The Palace – 219 8th Avenue SW
Admission: Online, FREE

Miss Mary Campbell Day

What: In honour of Robert Burns, Eau Claire Distillery wants to pay tribute to the women in his life! Come celebrate his wife, and his mistress Miss Mary Campbell as you cheers with a scotch and indulge in a delicious take on the traditional Burns Supper.
When: Saturday, January 27
Time: 6 pm (Limo pick up at Hotel Arts)
Where: Eau Claire Distillery – 113 Sunset Boulevard NW, Turner Valley
Tickets: Online, $90

Watch the Calgary Roughnecks Play Saskatchewan Rush

What: Come see the Calgary Roughnecks kill it on the field this year.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
When: Saturday, January 27
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $23 to $64

Kick off the 7th Annual Hot Chocolate Fest

Toasted While Chocolate Mocha (Photo courtesy Starbucks)

What: It’s time to kick off everyone’s favourite time of year! Join Southcentre Mall for the inaugural sip to commence the festival and get the opportunity to try FREE samples from some of the participating businesses. Don’t forget to grab a photo in the themed photo booth!
When: Friday, January 27
Time: 10 am
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE
Admission: FREE

Sunday, January 28

Boozy Brunch at Buttermilk Fine Waffles

What: Breakfast has just been taken to a whole other level! Enjoy a delicious waffle paired with Spiked Eggnog, a Mimosa (or two) and/or an Irish coffee.
When: On now
Where: Buttermilk Fine Waffles – 330 17th Avenue SW

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

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, January 14
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Royale Brasserie – 730 17th Avenue SW

Any Day of the Week

High Performance Rodeo

What: This “rodeo” is a fantastic showcase that animates the city with some of the best live performances from around the world and is essentially known as Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts. View this year’s exciting lineup here!
When: January 3 to 28
Where: Varies for each performance
Tickets: Online, bundle of four tickets – $120

Go Tubing at Canada Olympic Park

WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park/Facebook

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.

Go ice fishing

Looking for a new winter activity to try your hand at? Test the waters with ice fishing. In the city try spots like Chestemere Lake, Bearspaw reservoir, Bruce Lake Ghost Lake and MORE! If you’re looking for more of an epic adventure try out one of the many lakes up in the rockies, or book a guided tour to show you the ropes!

Go Tobogganing

What: This fun outdoor winter activity is one that the whole family can enjoy – no one said it was reserved for children! Bundle up and grab your sled to head to one of the many city-maintained hills for a fun, snowy, adrenaline-filled afternoon. Don’t forget your helmet!
See a list of city-maintained hills here.

Experience a Dog Sledding Expedition

What: Cuddle up under a blanket and enjoy the scenery as you glide through the trail or head up your own team of home-bred Canadian huskies – you choose!
Where: Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours – 109, 829 Street Canmore or Mad Dogs & Englishmen Expeditions in Canmore

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