21 things to do in Calgary this weekend: February 21 to 23

We’re finally at another glorious weekend here in Calgary, and there are a whole handful of fun events to check out on your big days off!

Friday, February 21

Block Heater Music Festival

What: Calgary Folk Music Festival’s fifth annual Block Heater is a weekend of music and events. Featuring over 25 local, Canadian, and international artists performing concerts and collaborative sessions at National Music Centre, King Eddy, Festival Hall, and the Central Library.

When: Now until February 22, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Available online

Mardi Gras 2020 at Bookers BBQ Grill

What: Celebrate Mardi Gras at Bookers BBQ Grill and Crab Shack this Friday alongside dancers, stilt walkers, and JD and the District.

When: February 21, 2020
Time: 4 pm
Where: Bookers BBQ Grill and Crab Shack — 316 3rd Street SE
Cover: Free

Palladium Nights Presents: Pajama Party

What: Party it up in your comfiest clothes at cSPACE for a night that will include dancing, food, cocktails, and much more.

When: February 21, 2020
Time: 8 pm
Where: cSPACE — 1721 29 Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: $20, available online

Mario Kart Tournament at Super Smash Cafe

What: Show off your moves at this Mario Kart tournament — cash prizes (and bragging rights) are up for grabs!

When: February 21, 2020
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Super Smash Cafe — 1240 16 Avenue NW, Calgary
Tickets: Free, reserve space online

YYC Hot Chocolate Festival 2020

What: The festival runs until February 29, during which participating cafes, restaurants, and chocolatiers will compete to be voted YYC’s Best Hot Chocolate by Calgarians.

When: February 29, 2020
Where: Participating locations across Calgary

Calgary Flames vs Boston Bruins

What: The Boston Bruins will take on the Flames at the Saddledome for the last home game of the month.

When: February 21, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Crossroads Market

What: Enjoy farm-fresh produce and tasty treats plus lots of unique finds from the large variety of vendors.

When: Fridays to Sundays
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Crossroads Market – 1235 26 Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Calgary Farmers’ Market

What: Explore over 80 vendors supplying customers with fresh local produce, meat, poultry, international food, organic goods, jewellery, art, and more. Whether it’s the arrival of fresh produce or fun events, there’s always something happening at the market.

When: Open year-round from Thursday to Sunday
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: 510 – 77 Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Ask Me Anything Panel – Social Media and Business Tools That Work for Creatives

What: Discover the resources that experts use for their businesses and how to build a social media presence.

When: February 21, 2020
Time: 12:05 to 1:35 pm
Where: ATB The Branch for Arts & Culture — 102 8 Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free, register online

Saturday, February 22

Winefest Calgary

When: February 21 and 22, 2020
Time: Saturday, 7 to 10 pm; Saturday, 2 to 5 pm
Where: Stampede Park BMO Centre Hall E – 20 Roundup Way SW
Tickets: Available online

The Ship and Anchor’s Annual Johnny Cash Tribute Jam

What: Enjoy the music of the Man in Black himself for this free concert.

When: February 22, 2020
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: Ship and Anchor Pub — 534 17th Avenue SW
Admission: Free

Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE

What: Check out 60 local farms, food-makers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, kids arts and cultural activities, and more every Saturday at the Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE.

When: Every Saturday, year-round
Time: 10 am to 1 pm (Now until to May 2020)
Where: cSPACE King Edward — 1721 29th Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Exposure & The Camera Store: Portfolio Walk

What: Here’s a chance to show off your portfolio in a casual setting, or just to see some of Calgary’s photographers’ work!

When: February 22, 2020
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Contemporary Calgary — 701 11th Street SW
Admission: Free for event attendees, though photographers wishing to share their portfolios will need to register online.

Salsa Party at Moxies

What: Dance the night away at Moxies for their Salsa Party this Saturday!

When: February 22, 2020
Time: 10 pm
Where: Moxies
Admission:$10 cover

The Dark Eighties

What: The Palomino is hosting a dark eighties dance party that will feature some old-school EBM, Goth, Post Punk, New Romantics, Dark Wave, and cult 80s hits.

When: February 22, 2020
Time: 9:30 pm
Where: The Palomino — 109 7 Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: $15 cover

Sunday, February 23

Sunday Brunch and Market Tour

What: Join the Calgary Farmers’ Market and Calgary Food Tours as they bring to you a very special Sunday brunch. Enjoy 16 bites and treats as various Alberta ranchers explain what it takes to bring their products to the market. Sample their produce and leave feeling inspired to fill your shopping bag with fresh goodies.

When: Every Sunday
Time: 10:30 am
Where: 510 – 77 Street SE — off Blackfoot Trail and close to Heritage Drive SE
Tickets: $55, available online

Kananaskis After Dark: Stargazing and Photography Tour

What: Join Kananaskis’ skilled guide on a star and moonlit hike through the Kananaskis forest. In an open meadow by the river, the group will pause to relax and take in the night sky; guests are welcome to bring a camera and tripod to try out some astrophotography or to just hang out with the group, peek through the telescope and chat about astronomy.

When: Various dates
Time: Various times
Where: Kananaskis Village Center – 1 Mt. Sparrowhawk Cresent, Calgary
Book: Online

Esker Foundation

What: Esker Foundation connects the public to contemporary art through relevant, accessible, and educational exhibitions, programs, and publications. The gallery reflects on current developments in local, regional, and international culture; creates opportunities for public dialogue; and supports the production of groundbreaking new work, ideas, and research. Admission is free.

When: Open Tuesdays to Sundays. Closed Mondays
Time: Various times
Where: Esker Foundation – 4th Floor – 1011 9th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza

What: Built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games, Olympic Plaza has the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city. You can rent skates down at the plaza if you don’t have a pair of your own. Helmets are strongly encouraged.

When: Open daily until mid-March
Time: 10 am to 9 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza — 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free, skates are also available to rent

Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out

What: Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out features over 100 preserved animal specimens ranging from the common pigeon to an expertly dissected camel. Visitors will be able to check out what’s under the skin of some spectacular animals and determine what makes us the same — and different.

When: Now until March 1, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: TELUS Spark — 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Sunday Fundays at Devonian Gardens

What: Enjoy family-friendly events at Devonian Gardens including painting, puzzles, and learning about nature.

When: Sundays
Time: Noon
Where: Devonian Gardens
Admission: Free