24 things to do in Calgary this weekend: May 4 to 6

There’s plenty of exciting events going on around the city this weekend, and with the weather as nice as this, you’d better be getting outside!

We’ve put together a list of our favourite activities to try out – see how many you can get done before Monday morning!

Friday, May 4

Mimic

• What: If DJD is known for anything, it’s their ability to come up with the unthinkable! For this year’s spring performance they have collaborated with Peter Balkwill of the Old Trout Puppet Workshop to bring you a performance that features both dancers and puppets, two highly physical, wordless art forms, in all their glory. It’s cheeky, it’s carnal, and it’s nothing you have ever seen before. Come see what happens when dancers and puppets share the stage!
• When: April 19 to May 5
• Time:
  • Evening performances: 8 pm
  • Matinee performances: 2 pm
• Where: The DJD Dance Centre – 111 12th Avenue SW
• Tickets: Online, $34 to $69

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 – don’t forget your camera! Try Grassi Lakes, Johnston Canyon or Grotto Canyon if you’re looking for an adventure that is 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, the end view will take your breath away – literally! Find more hikes to do around Alberta here!
• Where: The Canadian Rocky Mountains

Dust off your road bike

• 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 give you the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.
• Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis

Jane’s Walk  

• What: Celebrate your neighbourhood in the tenth annual Jane’s Walk, a global festival that allows you to share ideas and better connect with the community. This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbours and create new friendships while learning funny, informative, and exploratory facts about your neighbourhood. Everyone should be an expert on the place where they live!
• When: May 4 to 6
• Time: See the various organized walks happening here!
• Where: Various locations around the city
• Cost: FREE

Ray Charles Tribute 

• What: Come celebrate the king of piano in a night of rhythm and blues!
• When: May 4 and 5
• Time: 9 pm
• Where: Junction – 628 8th Avenue SW
• Tickets: $20 cover

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

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

Saturday, May 5

The 3rd Annual Canadian International Fashion Film Festival (CANIFFF)

• What: If you live and breathe fashion, then this event will be something you can’t miss! CANIFF is aimed at putting Canada on the fashion map while bringing fashion film to Calgary.
• When: Saturday, May 5
• Time: 10 am onward
• Where: The Glenbow Museum –130 9th Avenue SW
• Tickets: Online, $150

Calgary International Beerfest

• What: If you love beer then you absolutely can’t miss out on this festival! You’ll have the opportunity to sample more than 500 different types of beers from all over the world while becoming more educated on the craft. You will also receive a sample festival mug to take home as a souvenir!
• When: May 5 to 6
• Time:
  • Friday: 2:30 to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 1:30 to 10:30 pm
• Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SW
• Tickets: Online, $20 to $49 

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!

Pop-Up Adventure Playground 

• What: Come experience this adventure playground hosted by Olympic Gold Medal-winning trampolinist Rosie MacLennan.
• When: Saturday, May 5
• Time: 11 am to 4 pm
• Where: Shouldice Athletic Park – 1515 Home Road NW
• Tickets: FREE

The 12th Annual Cinco de Mayo Gala 

• What: Enjoy a cocktail in a Mexican inspired room, with delicious food, live entertainment, and a silent auction you won’t want to miss out on as you help to raise money for the Cerebral Palsy Association. We hear the margaritas are a must!
• When: Saturday, May 5
• Time: 6 pm
• Where: Ranahan’s – 1410 Stampede Way SE
• Tickets: Online, $200

MEC Calgary Road Race Series 

• What: Challenge yourself to new distances and see where your body can take you to! This month choose from 5K, 10K, 21.1K or 30K — what are you up for?
• When: May 5
• Time: 8 am onwards
• Where: Sikome Lake, Fish Creek Provincial Park
• Admission: Online, $15 to $30 (depends on which distance you choose to do)

Calgary Bike Swap

• What: Both of the founders of the Calgary Bike Swap, Christ and Laura Grant, have a personal connection to biking and feel that biking is an extremely empowering activity for everyone. So whether you’re looking to make a few dollars on your bike, or to find yourself a new set of wheels to get around this summer, they’ll ensure that you leave happy and satisfied with your transaction. We also suggest planning ahead and lining up early to ensure you get a good look at the selection — the bikes go fast!
• Where: City Centre Parkade – 340 10 Avenue SW
• When: Saturday, May 5
• Time: 2:30 to 4 pm
• Admission: $2

Nana Mouskouri – Forever Young Tour

• What: Come see this Greek Goddess grace the stage of the Grey Eagle Event Centre. Did you know she can speak (and perform) in 10 different languages?
• When: Saturday, May 5
• Time: 8 pm
• Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
• Tickets: Ticketmaster, $59 to $69

Splash of Red Masquerade 

• What: Get all fancied up for the sixth annual Splash of Red gala that supports the HIV Community Link. In the Crystal Ball Room of the Fairmont Palliser, you’ll experience an evening filled with masquerade magic including live music, drag shows, and exciting entertainment brought to you by Bass Buss. This event works to raise awareness about the issues surrounding HIV and raise money to provide critical funds for their prevention, education, and support programs across southeastern Alberta.
• When: Saturday, May 5
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: Fairmont Palliser – 133 9th Avenue SW
• Tickets: Online, $120 – $1,000

Day Out with Thomas

• What: This exciting children’s event gives your kids the opportunity to take a ride on their favourite tank engine, meet the railway controller (Sir Topham Hall), enjoy the Imagination Station, and so much more! This will be a day your kids will truly never forget.
• When: May 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13
• Time: 10 am to 5 pm
• Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
• Tickets: Online, $21 to $25

Sunday, May 6

Etsy Made in Calgary

• What: It’s the very first spring edition of this popular handmade market! Join the revolution and come shop all your favourite Calgary Etsy artists and makers, and find the perfect gift for your momma on her special day. 50% of all admission fees will go towards helping the Animal Rescue Foundation.
• When: Sunday, May 6
• Time: 10 am to 5 pm
• Where: Ross Glen Hall, Mount Royal University – 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW
• Admission: $3 at the door (cash only), children under 12 are FREE

Cinco de Mayo Street Party

• What: Enjoy a Jalapeño Popper Bacon Cheese taco and a Spicy Little Tart as you celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Gringo Street! They will have music, fancy cocktails and music to fit the occasion. Come prepared to party and dance till the wee hours of the morning!
• When: Sunday, May 6
• Time: 5 pm to 2 am
• Where: Gringo Street – 524 17th Avenue SW

Boozy Brunch at Buttermilk Fine Waffles

• What: Breakfast has just been taken to a whole new level! Enjoy a delicious waffle paired with Spiked Eggnog, a Mimosa (or two), and/or an Irish coffee.
• When: On now
• Where: Buttermilk Fine Waffles – 330 17th Avenue SW

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

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