11 fantastic things to do in Calgary this weekend: May 1 to 3
May is almost here, and Calgary is full of things to do. From weekend festivals to live shows and awesome events, there is something for everyone to check out.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off the new month or just need something to do, we’ve rounded up 11 fantastic things to do in Calgary this weekend.
Calgary International Beerfest
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What: The Calgary International Beerfest is Canada’s biggest beer festival. Explore hundreds of Canadian-made beers, spirits, meads, and more, paired with bites from Edmonton’s top restaurants. But this is more than a tasting event — it’s a full-scale, epic celebration of Canadian craft. Enjoy live music, games, sports lounges, interactive activations, and vibrant social spaces throughout the festival, with high-energy After Parties keeping the celebration going long after the pours end.
When: May 1 and 2, 2026
Where: BMO Centre – 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Cost: Tickets starting at $29.99, packages starting at $89.99
Taste The Market
Calgary Farmers Market/Facebook
What: Taste The Market invites guests to experience Calgary Farmers Market vendors in a fresh and approachable way. This immersive, high-energy event lets you sample the best of the market, from delicious bites to take-home treasures. Purchase tasting tickets on-site and redeem them with participating vendors for food samples, interactive demonstrations, and unique experiences. With over 140 vendors to explore, it’s more than just a food event; it’s the ultimate day out to sample, experience, and connect.
When: May 2 and 3, 2026: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Calgary Farmers Market South: 510 77th Ave. SE
Calgary Farmers Market West: 25 Greenbriar Dr. NW
Cost: $1 to $5 for food & drink samples, $1 to $15 for workshops and demos
Circo Festival
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What: The Grand is hosting Ciro Festival this weekend. It’s a three-day festival that celebrates aerial arts, circus, and dance. You’ll find amazing performances from athletes from all across North America.
When: May 1 to 3, 2026
Where: The Grand – 608 1st St. SW
Cost: $13.21 per day or $35.85 weekend pass
10th Annual Century Downs Chihuahua Races
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What: Century Downs is hosting its 10th annual chihuahua races this May. Visitors can expect live standardbred horse racing, Born Brewing Co. sampling, Parachutes for Pets thrift store pet-friendly giveaways, and, of course, the chihuahua races.
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026; 12:45 p.m.
Where: Century Downs Racetrack and Casino — 260 Century Downs Dr.
Cost: Free
Crossroads Cultural Festival and Dance
What: Crossroads is hosting a cultural festival and dance where you can enjoy music, dancing, crafts, games, and food for the whole family. It’s a celebration of different cultures from all over the world.
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026; 2 to 6 p.m.
Where:
Wild After Hours: Penguins
The Calgary Zoo/Facebook
What: The zoo is hosting Wild After Hours this Saturday. The evening includes an exclusive, after-hours viewing of the Penguin Plunge habitat, a four-course meal, and a penguin presentation.
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026; 5 p.m.
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE
Cost: $130
Alberta Ballet In Notre Dame de Paris
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What: The Alberta Ballet is bringing Notre Dame de Paris to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium this week. “Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, this ballet follows Esmeralda, a free-spirited dancer, and Quasimodo, the devoted bell-ringer, as they navigate love, obsession, and tragedy.
When: April 30 to May 2, 2026
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Ave. NW
Cost: Prices vary on date and seat
East Village Public Art Experience
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What: East Village is full of public art, and The Confluence is hosting a walking tour to discover it all. “Explore a curated selection of vibrant works while uncovering the stories, meaning, and local context behind each piece.”
When: Saturday, May 2, 2026; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland – 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $35
Calgary Maker Faire
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What: The Maker Faire brings together engineers, artists, scientists, crafters, and more to show off their creations, hobbies, and projects. Touted as the “Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth,” it’s an amazing showcase of creativity and invention.
When: May 2 and 3, 2026
Where: Acadia Rec Centre – 240 90th Ave. SE
Cost: Starting at $12.50
Day Out With Thomas at Heritage Park
Heritage Park/Facebook
What: Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to Heritage Park this weekend. Enjoy a train ride with a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as well as live entertainment, photo opportunities, lawn games, shopping at the pop-up gift shop, and hands-on activities. It’s the perfect outing for the whole family.
When: May 2 and 3, 2026
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost: $32.95
Sunday Safari Brunch
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What: Head on over to the zoo this weekend to enjoy their Sunday safari brunch. You can enjoy gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, like fresh fruit, eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, a waffle bar, omelettes, and much more.
When: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE
Cost: Starting at $49.95