27 things to do in Calgary this week: May 28 to June 3

May 26 2018, 3:54 am

It’s both the last week in May and the first week in June… how are we already halfway through the year?

With this warm weather and the summer months well on their way, we really aren’t complaining, but if summer wants to stick around for a while that would be perfectly okay with us!

This week it’s all about kicking off summer, enjoying the heat, and having marvelous adventures in the great outdoors. Plan accordingly and get out there to enjoy some of the best festivals and events that Calgary has to offer!

We have rounded up 27 things that will keep you and the family more than busy this week in Calgary.

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Monday, May 28

Happy Mondays 

week

Flight of beer (Brent Hofacker/ Shutterstock)

  • 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

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

Tuesday, May 29

Bon Iver 

  • What: Did you know that the name of this band actually means “good winter?” Well let’s make it a “good summer” and kick off the season with a performance from one of our favourite indie rock bands. They even have a song on their latest album called “Calgary” — so now you have to go!
  • When: Tuesday, May 29
  • Time: 8:30 pm
  • Where: Stampede Corral – 10 Corral Trail SE
  • Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $157

The Market on Stephen Avenue 

  • What: Your favourite market is back! Find up to 60 vendors offering fresh food, spices, sauces, treats, art, fashion, and more. Enjoy shopping the walk!
  • When: Tuesday, May 29
  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Where: Stephen Avenue – 1st Street SE to 2nd Street SW
  • Admission: FREE

Macaron 101 

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AG Macarons/Facebook

  • 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: Tuesday, May 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

Wednesday, May 30

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

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+

Thursday, May 31

Fleurs de Villes Across Canada Tour

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Flowers/Shutterstock

  • What: The 3rd annual Fleurs de Villes is coming to Calgary and we could not be more excited! This exhibition combines fresh flowers and fashion with bespoke floral-dressed mannequins with a pop-up flower market. This concept was inspired by traditional European flower markets and will give viewers the opportunity to pick up freshly-cup flowers as they admire the stunning floral clothing designs.
  • When: May 31 to June 4
  • Time: Regular mall hours
  • Where: CrossIron Mills – 261055 Crossiron Boulevard

Kathy Griffin 

  • What: Prepare to laugh until you cry as Kathy Griffin tells all and picks apart the pop culture landscape from Donald Trump to the Kardashians. You’ll also get the full scoop on the famous photo that sparked conversations all around the world. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Get your tickets and find out for yourself — you won’t regret it!
  • When: Thursday, May 31
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Where: Southern Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
  • Tickets: Ticketmaster, $50

FunnyFest – Calgary Comedy Festival

  • What: Get ready to laugh until you cry at the 17th annual Calgary Comedy Festival! It features, 11 days, nine venues, 70 performers, 11 themes and over 11,000 punch lines that will put a smile on even the grumpiest of humans. This is a great way to switch up date night or to have a hilarious night out with friends!
  • Where: Various locations around Calgary
  • When: June 1 to 11
  • Tickets: Online, $15 to $390

Friday, June 1

Check out Famoso on 4th’s new digs

  • What: Come grab a fire-roasted pizza from your 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

East Village Junction Pop-Up Retail Park 

  • 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
  • Admission: FREE

Saturday, June 2

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!

Calgary Ukrainian Festival

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Image: Montreal Ukrainian Festival

  • What: Celebrate the rich and unique heritage of the Ukraine culture at this fun two-day event. Enjoy the variety of stage shows highlighting local talent, satisfy your taste buds with some delicious eats and traditional Ukrainian beverages, and shop till you drop at the marketplace.
  • When: June 2 to 3
  • Time: 11 am
  • Where: Acadia Recreation Complex – 240 90th Avenue SE
  • Tickets: Purchased at the door, $8 to $12

One for the Ages: An Exclusive Benefit Concert Featuring Beverley Mahood

  • What: Join icon Beverley Mahood for an evening as she takes the stage for a star-studded benefit concert all in support of Calgary’s Seniors.
  • When: Saturday, June 2
  • Time: 6 to 10 pm
  • Where: Studio Bell – 850 4th Street SE
  • Tickets: Online, $75 to $175

Sunday, June 3

Lilac Festival

  • What: It’s that time of year again when 4th street is overcome by one of Calgary’s largest and more adored street festivals! Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to discover great new bands, shop the large variety of artists and makers, and munch on some delectable bites from some of the best food trucks and venues in YYC. Immerse yourself completely in Calgary’s arts and culture scene while you experience the best of what this city has to offer!
  • When: June 4
  • Time: 10 am to 6 pm
  • Where: 4th Street between 13th and Elbow Drive SW
  • Cost: FREE

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 May
  • Time: 11 am
  • Where: Dome Tower – 333, 7th Avenue SW
  • Cost: FREE

Asparagus Festival 

  • What: Due to extreme hail and other contributing factors this festival had to be put on hold for a few years — but it’s back and larger than ever! Visit this real working asparagus farm, experience their story firsthand, enjoy a fully narrated wagon ride, watch the harvest in action, and even get the opportunity to pick some asparagus for yourselves. You’ll also have the opportunity to shop their Country Store and the artisan market village while saying hello to all the farm animals and joining in on the many festivities happening throughout the day!
  • When: May 27, June 3 and June 10
  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Where: 1465 Twp. Road 352
  • Admission: $5, kids 5 and under are free

Any day of the week

Hang out on one of Calgary’s best Patios

week

Run Pig Run (@runpigrun/Instagram)

  • What: Take a break from the heat and have an ice-cold bevy on one of Calgary’s best patios. From rooftops to hidden gardens, there are plenty of spots to choose from that will have the vibe and ambiance you’re looking for. Check out some of Calgary’s best rooftop patios here!

Bike the Banff Legacy Trail

  • What: Take your bike out for a cruise and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that this 22.3 km trail has to offer! The trail links the Town of Banff and Canmore through an additional 4.5 km of pathway outside of Banff National Park boundaries, from the Banff Park East Gate to the Travel Alberta Visitor Information Centre.
  • Where: Banff Park East Gate to the Bow Valley Parkway

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

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

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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.

Whales Tohora

  • What: Coming all the way from the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, this exciting exhibition has been traveling 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

Check out a Board Game Cafe 

  • What: Board game cafes make a great first date, as there are lots of icebreaker opportunities to make it very obvious if there will be a second date in the cards. Alternatively, it’s a fun way to hang out with friends and spice up the usual catch-up coffee affair. Plus, there is nothing wrong with some healthy competition!
  • Where:
    • Hexagon Board Game Cafe – #200 1140 Kensington Road NW, Calgary
    • Boxcar Board Game Cafe – 1215 1st Street SW, Calgary
See also
Kristy ArchibaldKristy Archibald

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