Having fun in Calgary doesn’t always have to come at the expense of your bank account! Here are 23 great events you can check out this February for FREE!
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SEITIES Publication Launch, Analogue Exhibition and Tinytypes
What: Check out the publication of SEITIES 11th print publication at Loft 112 this Sunday.
When: Saturday, February 1
Time: 2 to 7 pm
Where: Loft 112 — 112 535 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Jasper in January 2020 winter festival
What: Jasper in January has kicked off its 31st year as of last Friday, with three weekends full of art, music, dance, food, and winter activities taking place in the mountain paradise.
When: January 17 to February 2, 2020
Time: Times vary by event
Where: Jasper, Alberta
Tickets: Varies by event, some are free to attend
The FENCE Exhibit Opening
What: Head over to the UofC Downtown Campus to enjoy a presentation of The FENCE Exhibit and a talk from co-founder Dave Shelley.
When: Saturday, February 1
Time: 10 am to noon
Where: UofC downtown campus — 906 8th Avenue SW
Admission: Free, child friendly
Gemma Marmalade and Philip Harris Exhibition Tour
What: Listen in to a talk between Gemma Marmalade and Philip Harris, both academics for BA Photography with the University of Derby, UK.
When: Monday, February 3
Time: 6 pm
Where: The 621 Gallery, University of Calgary Department of Art, Room 621, Art Parkade, 110 University Gate NW
Admission: Free
Entry level Dungeons & Dragons at the Ship & Anchor
What: Try out the world’s most popular role-playing game and meet some cool people while you’re at it by giving D&D a go at the Ship & Anchor on 17th.
When: First Monday of the month
Time: 5 to 11 pm
Where: The Ship & Anchor — 534 17th Avenue SW
Cover: Free
Fabricating Fictions & Cranky and Resistant — Talks by Dr Philip Harris & Gemma Marmalade
What: Harris and Marmalade will discuss both the use of photography to deal with cultural themes and political issues as well as navigating the subversive voice.
When: Tuesday, February 4
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Arts Commons — 205 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free, but register before February 2 as space is limited
Instagram Live Tour of The FENCE Exhibition
What: @exposurephotofestival’s Instagram account will take anyone who tunes into their live story on a curated tour of the FENCE Exhibition.
When: Wednesday, February 5
Time: 12:30 pm
Where: On Instagram @exposurephotofestival
Admission: Free
Free First Thursday at Glenbow Museum

Glenbow Museum/Facebook
What: Explore the Glenbow Museum at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month.
When: Thursday, February 6
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum — 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Boon Ong Artist Talk
What: Learn about Ong’s exhibition “Our Closets” and how he won the Exposure Emerging Photographers Showcase Photographer of the Year award in 2019.
When: Saturday, February 8
Time: 2 pm
Where: Contemporary Calgary — 701 11th Street SW
Admission: Free
Laura St. Pierre Artist Talk and Reception
What: St. Pierre’s new series “The Sowers” will see a reception and an artist talk on February 8.
When: Saturday, February 8
Time: 2 to 5 pm
Where: VIVIANEART — 1114 11th Street SW
Admission: Free
Monthly Open House at AVRO Museum
What: Learn more about Avro Canada and its contributions to Canada’s aviation and aerospace legacy, plus see the latest progress on our Arrow II project.
When: The Second Sunday of every month
Time: 12 to 3 pm
Where: AVRO Museum – 229 Avro Lane, Calgary
Admission: Free
Exposure FENCE Exhibition Tour
What: Take a tour of the festival’s biggest exhibition with coordinator Beth Kane.
When: Sunday, February 9
Time: 2 pm
Where: Meet at Tim Hortons — 855 8th Avenue SW
Admission: Free
Flash Forward Exhibition Party
What: Celebrate the opening of the Flash Forward Exhibition and hear from the young artists who contributed. Those who arrive early will get free pizza.
When: Sunday, February 16
Time: Noon to 3 pm
Where: The Little Gallery, University of Calgary, Department of Art — Room 621, Art Parkade, 110 University Gate NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
Family Fun Day at Eau Claire Market
What: Spend Family Day at Eau Claire Market. This free, family event includes children’s crafts, balloon animals, carnival games and a magician.
When: Monday, February 17, 2020
Time: 11 am
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
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: Friday, February 21
Time: 12:05 to 1:35 pm
Where: ATB The Branch for Arts & Culture — 102 8 Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free, register 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: Saturday, February 22
Time: 2 to 6 pm
Where: Ship and Anchor Pub — 534 17th Avenue SW
Admission: Free
Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza

Skating at Olympic Plaza (danielaislas/Instagram)
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
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
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
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
Roasterie Tour – Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters

Shutterstock
What: This 20-minute tour gives attendees a look at Phil & Sebastian’s vintage retro-fitted roaster and operations, plus learn about their green coffee sourcing strategies.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 12:15 to 12:35 pm
Where: Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters — 618 Confluence Way Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online, free
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
What: Grab your weekly haul of delicious produce, eggs, baked goods, meats, preserves, florals, and more, all grown and produced on farms right here in Alberta. You can enjoy live entertainment and other fun activities happening at this quaint community farmers’ market. The market will go on rain or shine, so come prepared.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: 1320 5th Avenue NW, Calgary
Admission: Free
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