34 things to do in Calgary this week: May 14 to 20

Calgary sunset (char.lattee/Instagram)

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Who’s ready for the long weekend? We sure are!

If you’re stuck in the city, have no fear. There are plenty of exciting events, festivals, and fun activities happening in and around the city that will make your friends wish they had stayed in town!

From organized picnics to marathons to spring markets to lively performances, this week is gearing up to be a busy one. And we can’t forget about the pandas!

We have put together 34 of the best things happening in Calgary this week.

Enjoy!

Monday, May 14

Happy Mondays

What: We all know that the struggle is truly real on Mondays! Luckily, National wants to make them a bit better with 25 cent Happy Hour offered all day long. Yes, you read that correctly! Grab a drink and make Mondays your new favourite day of the week.
When: Mondays
Time: 11 am to close
Where: National on 17 – 550 17th Avenue SW

Good Hood Feast: Donna Mac + Tavernetta

What: Enjoy a 6-course family style dinner with dishes from both Donna Mac and Tavernetta. $5 from each dinner sold will go to support CUPS.
When: Monday, May 14
Reservations: Online or by calling 403-719-3622, $50

Eagles

What: We don’t mean the birds! Come see this iconic rock band that was formed in the 70s and still has generations singing along to “Hotel California.”
When: Monday, May 14
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $150 to $642

Tuesday, May 15

Macaron 101

@butteravenue/Instagram

What: Ever wondered how to make a French macaron? Look no further. Everyone’s favourite macaron shop, Ollia, hosts Macaron Baking Classes, offering exclusive lessons on how to properly engage in some macaronage, get the perfect shell, and create a variety of flavours. Bon appetite!
When: May 8, 15, 22, 23, 29
Time: 6 pm
Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW
Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100

NOtaBLE Hour

What: Head to one of Calgary’s favourite eateries for some after-work libation for only $8 a glass. This deal includes the Moscow Mule Grilled Grapefruit Swizzle, a pint of Village Brewery No Bull beer, or a glass of wine. They will also be offering a chicken dinner for two for only $30, which includes half a wood-fired rotisserie Happy Chicken, with NOtaBLE signature salad and bottomless fries on the side – sign us up!
When: Tuesday to Thursday
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: 4611 Bowness Road NW

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 workspace, 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: Every Tuesday
Time: 9 am to 12 pm
Where: Loft 112 – 535 8th Avenue SE
Admission: $5

Wednesday, May 16

The Secret Garden

What: See this beloved classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett come to life on stage in this beautifully composed Broadway musical! See how a young girl used a magical key and a secret garden to warm the hearts of her uncle, family, and the audience during the show.
When: April 17 to May 19
Where: Max Bell Theatre – 220 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $35 to $103

Downtown Kickoff to Summer Market

What: Once a month you can shop local produce, art, fashion, and more at the Downtown Market series in Gulf Canada Square! Join them as they kick off summer and start the season right.
When: Wednesday, May 16
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Gulf Canada Square – 401 9th Avenue SW
Admission: FREE

Royale Wine Maker’s Dinner

Couple dining/Shutterstock

What: Join Royale Brasserie as they celebrate three international winemakers, Valenciso, TH Wines, and Domaine Gerard Tremblay paired with a three-course meal that your taste buds will never forget!
When: Wednesday, May 16
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Royale Brasserie – 730 17th Avenue SW
Tickets: Email [email protected]

Thursday, May 17

Queens of The Stone Age: Villains World Tour 2018

What: Have you heard their new album Villains yet? We highly recommend downloading it, or simply come experience it live.
When: Thursday, May 17
Time: 8 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $70

Much Ado About Nothing

What: Weary and in love seems to be a trend in Shakespeare’s work! Come see Beatrice and Hero come to life in this captivating performance and reenactment of Shakespeare’s work.
When: May 17 to June 2
Time: Varies by performance
Where: 115 9th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $15+

Friday, May 18

Red Mile Cup

What: We won’t be cheering all down the red mile to the playoff’s this year, so 17th Avenue has decided to create its own rules. Anyone is welcome to participate — no matter your age and experience level — in this 3-on-3 hockey tournament. Get your team together and come out, because there are some pretty amazing prizes to be won!
When: Saturday, May 18
Time: 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Tomkins Park
Tickets: Online, $20

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone In Concert

What: Calling all Harry Potter fans! You now have the opportunity to experience Harry Potter and his wizardly adventures as it’s projected in HD on the big screen, while a full symphony orchestra performs along with the picture.
When: Friday, May 18
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Southern Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $35 to $101

Friday Night Flights: Fly to Argentina

What: We mean fly “figuratively” not “physically.” This is a rare opportunity to experience a four-course meal while being transported to Argentina… in your glass.
When: Friday, May 18
Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Online, $90

East Village Junction Opening Weekend

What: In only one year this colourful container lot has turned into a popular Calgary mainstay. Located behind the King Edward Hotel, this is a unique destination that features local retail shops, workshops, music, art, and, of course, YYC Food Trucks. You won’t want to miss out on the fun summer festivities that they have planned at this hip community gathering space.
When: May 18 to September 3
Where: 430 8th Avenue SE

Saturday, May 19

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!

Calaway Park Opening Weekend

What Everyone’s favourite outdoor theme park is finally opening for the summer and kicking off its 36^th season of family fun!
When: May 19 to 21
Time: 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Calaway Park – 245033 Range Road 33
Cost: Regular park admission

Slayer

What: Wish them well on their farewell tour at this exclusive performance by your favourite metal band. It’s been a good 30+ years!
When: Saturday, May 19
Time: 4 pm
Where: Big Four Roadhouse – 1801 Big Four Trail SE
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $50+

Picnic in the Park

Photo // YYCFoodTrucks Facebook

What: If you missed the Spring Frenzy, then you definitely can’t miss YYC Food Trucks second event of the season. There will be 15+ food trucks, live music, and a ton of other mouth-watering activities for the whole family to enjoy. Cross your fingers for no rain!
When: May 19 and 20
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Victoria Park
Admission: $5 – free for kids under 14

Heritage Park Opening Weekend

What: Come celebrate the first long weekend of the summer at the opening of Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride, ride the antique midway, and feast on a freshly baked cheese bun.
When: May 19 to 21
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Admission: Regular park admission

Sunday, May 20

Free fitness classes at the CORE: Bootcamp

What: For the month of May, start your Sunday off right with a free boot camp class courtesy of Caron Anderson at the CORE. Time to get started on your summer bod!
When: Every Sunday in April
Time: 11 am
Where: Dome Tower – 333, 7th Avenue SW
Cost: FREE

Any ofter day of the week

The Pandas have arrived!

Three of the four pandas that at the Calgary Zoo (The Toronto Zoo/Facebook)

What: The long wait is finally over! The Calgary Zoo has officially welcomed four pandas, two adults and two cubs, in their newly built habitat, The Panda Passage. These furry black and white friends are charming and have a ton to teach us in the five years that they will be with us before returning to China.
When: Anytime during regular zoo hours
Where: The Calgary Zoo — 210 St. Georges Drive NE
Admission: Regular admission to the zoo

Greater Goods Monthly Pop-up Series: Essentials By Nature

What: Come shop the all-natural, preservative-free skin care products from Essentials by Nature throughout the month of May at Greater Goods Boutique and Tea Bar, located in the heart of Bridgeland. You’ll be supporting a local —and extremely talented — small business while purchasing products that are good for you, your home, and the environment.
Where: Greater Goods – #8 606 Meredith Road NE
When: The entire month of May

Check out Famoso on 4th’s new digs

What: Come grab a fire-roasted pizza from you’re favourite neighbourhood pizza shop, Famoso’s on 4th, and check out their new renovations. A gorgeous centre bar, natural lighting, cosy booths, and more, they have really taken the concept of a local pizza eatery to the next level. Step into Italy and enjoy!
When: Opened early April
Where: 2303 4th Avenue SW

Sherlock Holmes and the American Problem

What: When Annie Oakley’s brother goes missing there is only one pair of detectives right for the job. Follow along as Sherlock and Watson work to solve the mystery and end up in some unplanned situations involving inventions, robbery, and murder.
When: May 12 to June 10
Time: Varies per day
Where: Vertigo Theatre – 161, 115 9th Avenue SE
Tickets: Contact the ticket office at 403-221-3708

Go on a Helicopter Tour

What: If you’re looking for an experience of a lifetime then it’s time you see the Alberta landscape from a completely different view – the air! Grab a few friends and take a ride in a state-of-the-art helicopter for incredible views of the city and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
Where: Takes off from the Springbank Airport or Drumheller Airport – 402 Otter Bay
When: Year-round
Cost: Between $400 to $1,6000, rate for up to three passengers

Go on a spring hike!

What: Now that most of the snow has cleared away, grab your hiking shoes and head up to the Rockies for some fresh mountain air and stunning scenic views – just don’t forget your camera! Try Grassi Lakes, Johnston Canyon, or Grotto Canyon if you’re looking for an adventure a bit shorter in length, but doesn’t compromise the quality of the view. If you’re a thrill seeker and up for the challenge try out Ha Ling Peak, Crypt Lake, or Aylmer Lookout, because the end view will take your breath away – literally! Find more hikes to do around Alberta here!
Where: The Canadian Rocky Mountains

Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola

What: Head to the summit for a beautiful view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Adult $62, child $31

Take a road trip through the Icefields Parkway

What: Did someone say road trip? Grab some pals and your camera and go cruising on this stretch of highway between Jasper and Lake Louise. The views are tremendous, but just make sure you don’t limit you to one single destination. It’s all about the drive and what you’ll discover!
Where: Highway between Jasper and Lake Louise

Dust off your road bike

Galun Iurii/Shutterstock

It looks like Calgary has seen the last of the snow, for the next five months at least – fingers crossed! So it’s the perfect time to get out your road bike and head down to the river for some beautiful views and a great afternoon of adventures, exploring Calgary’s bike paths.

Head to the new Kananaskis Nordic Spa

What: Looking for a quick escape from the everyday grind? This brand new spa combines the tranquil rejuvenation of a traditional Nordic Spa and the Alpine stillness of the Canadian Rockies. This spa is meant to provide relaxation and the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.
Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis

Whales Tohora

What: Coming 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 its 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

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