20 things to do in Calgary this weekend: April 20 to 22

Sunny weekends in Calgary have been few and far between these past few months, so when one does eventually come around, you know you gotta make the most of it!

Here are a few events to check out around the city to really live it up on your days off.

Friday, April 20

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 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

YYC Poutine Week

Fable Diner/La Poutine Week

What: It’s baaaaack! Calgary Poutine week takes over the minds, hearts, and stomachs of YYC for seven days of the year every April. During this week you can indulge in your favourite all Canadian fry and gravy combination guilt free, as each poutine sold will provide a free meal to someone in need through Mealshare. In 2017, 8,000 poutines were consumed, which resulted in 8,000 youth receiving a free meal. Doubling that shouldn’t be a problem, right Calgary?
When: April 20 to 28
Where: See participating restaurants here!

Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampton

What: Take this Friday night back to the ’70s and enjoy some classic rock tunes by this classic band.
When: Friday, April 20
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $29 to $141

Vince Neil the Voice of Motley Crue

What: A fan of Motley Crue? This is a concert you won’t want to miss!
When: Friday, April 20
Time: 8 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $49 to $69d

Create to Meditate

What: Experience the relaxing flow of putting your brush to paper and become immersed in the details and the colours of your masterpiece.
When: Friday, April 20
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Wild Flour Bakery – 201b, 212 Bear Street, Banff
Tickets: Online, $40

The 420 Music and Arts Festival

What: Enjoy a three-day celebration featuring performers and Rock n’ Roll Bands surrounding the culture that is 4/20, along with eclectic art, makers, and many other local vendors and enthusiasts.
When: April 20 to 22
Where: Distortion – 3828 Macleod Trail SW
Tickets: Online, $69

Saturday, April 21

Spring Food Truck Frenzy 2018

YYCFoodTrucks/Facebook

What: Spring is back and so are the food trucks! Join YYCFoodTrucks for their first event of the year, kicking off yet another summer full of great food, music, community, and fun-filled events.
When: April 21 to 22
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: East Village C-Square
Admission: $5, Kids under 12 FREE

Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola

What: Head to the summit for a beautiful snowy 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

A Conversation with Ellen Degeneres

What: She’s the funniest, kindest, most genuine person on TV and she’s coming to Calgary! Put on you dancing shoes and prepare to laugh harder than you have in your entire life.
When: Saturday, April 21
Time: 6 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $157 to $314

Check out the Ryan and Amy show at Twisted Element

The Ryan and Amy Show (Eventbrite)

What: This hilarious duo is headed from Vancouver all the way out to Calgary for a night of sketches, laughs, and funny videos.
When: Saturday, April 21
Time: 8 pm
Where: Twisted Element – 1006 11th Avenue SW
Tickets: Available online, $15

Law Day 2018

What: Have you ever been curious about what happens behind the scenes at the Calgary Courts Centre? On Law Day you’ll have the opportunity to experience live mock trails, get a free 20-minute legal consultation, take a courthouse tour, look at a display of confiscated items, and more! Law day is held every spring across Canada to commemorate the signing of Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
When: Saturday, April 21
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Calgary Courts Centre – 601, 5th Street SW
Admission: FREE for all ages

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!

Sunday, April 22

National Geographic Live: Standing at the Water’s Edge with marine biologist and photographer Cristina Mittermeier

What: Photojournalist Cristina Mittermeier documented a society that relied on their local water way to survive during her time with the Kayapoo people in the Amazon. If anyone knows the the power of water, it’s her! Join her for an afternoon as she shares her unreal photography, tells some powerful stories, and explores the concept of “enoughness,” AKA taking only what you need.
When: April 22 and 23
Time:
- Sunday: 2 pm
- Monday: 7 pm
Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $32 to $83

Bundle Dyeing

What: Learn how to create beautiful patterns on fabric using flowers and natural colour. You will bring home a trendy, one-of-a-kind scarf that is personalized, designed, and created by you!
When: Sunday, April 22
Time: 1 to 5 pm
Where: 924 17th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $110

Free fitness classes at the CORE: Yoga

Yoga/Shutterstock

What: For the month of March get re-balanced and start your Sunday off right with a free bootcamp class curtesy of Caron Anderson at the CORE. Time to get your summer bod started!
When: Every Sunday in April
Time: 11 am
Where: Dome Tower – 333, 7th Avenue SW
Cost: FREE

Hit the slopes for spring skiing

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 spring 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 find the hours of operation and trail conditions

Dust off your road bike

It looks like Calgary may be seeing 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

Artistic rendering of the Kananaskis Nordic Spa (Delta Hotels by Marriott Kananaskis Lodge/Facebook)

What: Looking for a quick escape from the every day 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 give you the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.
Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis

Check out Calgary’s Newest Ice Creamery

What: XO is located in the heart of one of Calgary’s newest communities, Auburn Bay. Paying tribute to the old fashioned ice cream parlours and mom-and-pop shops, they have aimed to create an ice cream experience with flavours that are both nostalgic and creative, sparking memories across generations – past, present, and future!
Where: 808, 100 Auburn Meadows Drive SE