24 things to do in Calgary this weekend: May 18 to 20

May 18 2018, 2:09 am

The weekend has finally arrived, and it’s expected to be a gorgeous one!

Make the most of your days off by heading out into the city and checking out any of these awesome events going on around Calgary — we’re sure you won’t regret it.

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Friday, May 18

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+

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

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 

weekend

Couple dining/Shutterstock

  • 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 36th 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

weekend

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

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

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

The Pandas have arrived! 

weekend

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

weekend

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
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