12 fantastic things to do in Calgary this May long weekend: May 15 to 18
May long weekend is almost here in Calgary, and there are tons of things to do. From concerts to book sales, there is something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to check out or an exciting event to attend, here are 12 fantastic things to do in Calgary this May long weekend.
Calgary Reads Big Book Sale
Calgary Reads Big Book Sale/Facebook
What: The Calgary Reads Big Book Sale is a massive book sale with over 200,000 gently used books for sale. Browse rows upon rows of wonderfully organized titles from every genre imaginable. Whether you’re partial to sci-fi, detective novels, or fantasy epics, we bet you’ll find something.
When: May 8 to 17, 2026
Where: Calgary Curling Club — 720 3rd St. NW, Calgary
Cost: Free
Judo Canada Open Nationals
View this post on Instagram
What: The 2026 Judo Canada Open Nationals are coming to Calgary this weekend. Watch as athletes from all over Canada come to Calgary to compete for national titles.
When: May 14 to 17, 2026
Where: Olympic Oval – 288 Collegiate Blvd. NW
Cost: Prices vary
Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi In Concert
What: Head over to the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium to watch Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi while the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra plays the music.
When: May 15 and 16, 2025
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Ave. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary on date and seat
Otafest
Otafest/Facebook
What: Otafest is a premier weekend celebration of Japanese art and pop culture right in the heart of Calgary. You can find anime screenings, an exhibitor hall, community panels, cosplay contests, voice actors, and concerts.
When: May 15 to 17, 2026
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre and Marriott Downtown Hotel – 136 8th Ave. SE
Cost: Prices vary
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 16, 2026; 5 p.m.
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE
Cost: $130
Calgary Wild FC vs. Roses de Montreal FC
View this post on Instagram
What: The Calgary Wild FC is back! Join them this Saturday for an exciting match against the Roses de Montreal FC right at McMahon Stadium.
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026; 3 p.m.
Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trl. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary on seat
Pirates of the Bow River
What: Pirates of the Bow River is a family fun scavenger hunt right in Calgary. It features an outdoor pirate adventure, an interactive scavenger hunt, puzzles, exploration, teamwork, and a final pirate gift for those who complete the challenge.
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Where: Baker Park – 9333 Scenic Bow Rd. NW
Cost: $30
The Michael Jackson HIStory Show
View this post on Instagram
What: Garth Field is bringing Michael Jackson’s story to life at the Grey Eagle Events Centre this weekend, featuring a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes, and over 20 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits.
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026; 8 p.m.
Where: Grey Eagle Events Centre – 3775 Grey Eagle Dr
Cost: Ticket prices vary on seat
Sexyy Red
View this post on Instagram
What: Rapper Sexyy Red is coming right to Calgary this weekend. Join her at the Grey Eagle Events Centre for an electric night of music.
When: Sunday, May 17, 2026; 7:30 p.m.
Where: Grey Eagle Events Centre – 3775 Grey Eagle Dr
Cost: Starting at $124.70
Sunday Safari Brunch
oasisamuel/Shutterstock
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: Sundays until November 1, 2026
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Dr. NE
Cost: Starting at $49.95
The Confluence Craft Club
Jeff Whyte/Shutterstock
What: Grab your crafting materials and head over to the Confluence this Sunday for their monthly craft club. It’s a great place to connect with other crafters and work on any project you might have lying around.
When: Sunday, May 17, 2026; 1 p.m.
Where: The Confluence Historic Site and Parkland — 750 9th Ave. SE
Cost: $8
Calgary Stampeders
Dennis Ku/Shutterstock
What: The Calgary Stampeders are taking on the Saskatchewan Roughriders for an epic Battle of the Prairies. It’s their first pre-season game of the season, so you’re not going to want to miss it.
When: Monday, May 18, 2026; 1 p.m.
Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trl. NW
Cost: Ticket prices vary on seat