25 things to do in Calgary this weekend: May 24 to 26

The last weekend of May is upon us! Get it going with these 25 Calgary events happening on Friday, May 24, Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26. Inglewood Garage Sale, Taco Takeover, and more!

For more things happening around town check out our events section.

See also

• Here's what to check out at the Big Four Roadhouse during the Stampede
• Modelling contract up for grabs at CORE Shopping Centre model search
• Highly-anticipated Brewery & The Beast Calgary 2019 lineup revealed

Friday, May 24

Banff Yoga Festival

What: During this 3-day festival, learn from exceptional yoga practitioners, while practicing meditation and mindfulness in the midst of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. From yoga classes to hiking adventures, to culture and social interactions, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and renewed – mind body and soul.

When: Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2019
Time: Events at various times
Where: Fenlands Recreational Centre – 100 Mount Norquay Road
Tickets: Online

Market Collective

What: Enjoy live music, interactive workshops, galleries, food and beverage, over 150 local artisans, the MC skatepark, and special surprises.

When: Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2019
Time: 4 pm to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: BMO Centre Hall A – 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Admission: $6 for the weekend / Kids 12 and under free

Calgary Medieval Faire and Artisan Market 2019

What: This year, the first annual Calgary Medieval Faire & Artisan Market is coming to Crossroads Market Grounds. Enjoy great food, exciting games, and even learn some swordplay. From artisan food and knight costumes to exciting games and roleplay, this faire is fun for the whole family.

When: Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm (Friday), 9 am to 5 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Crossroads Market Grounds, 1235 26th Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

PARKSHOW

What: A two night immersive cultural experience, PARKSHOW brings together the best of Canada’s emerging fashion designers, rising artists, musical performers, and culinary talents.

When: May 24 and May 25, 2019
Time: 7 pm
Where: 707 Fifth (Manulife Place) – 707 5 St SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Ghost Opera

What: The Old Trout Puppet Workshop and Calgary Opera present: Ghost Opera. The dead tell their side of the story in this wildly dramatic reimagining of an ancient Greek tale brought to you by Canada’s masters of puppetry for adults.

When: Friday, March 24, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Eric Harvie Theatre – Banff Centre, 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff
Tickets: Online

Saturday, May 25

CORE’s Future Faces Model Search 2019

What: The CORE Shopping Centre is looking to launch the modelling careers of a few young Albertans this Saturday at their CORE’s Future Faces Model Search event. Both young men and women are encouraged to attend, though the CORE Shopping Centre did list a few specifications for successful applicants… namely height and age restrictions. Female participants are listed on the centre’s website as 5’7 to 5’11 tall and between the ages of 14 to 21 years old, while males are listed as 6’1 to 6’3 tall and between the ages of 16 to 24 years old.

All participants also need to be residents of Alberta.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 12 to 2 pm
Where: Second level glass bridge near The Body Shop, The CORE Shopping Centre — 324 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Calgary Babes Who Brunch

What: Each Babes Who Brunch event is led by a fierce female keynote speaker who shares her insights, experiences and life story. There are also brunch time eats and sips, and all the inspiration and insight you need to get a grip on your goals and kick-start your hustle long after.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 10 am to 12 noon
Where: Murrieta’s Bar & Grill – 200-808 1 Street SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $50-$60

DogFest Spring Fling

What: Doggie moms and doggie dads, rejoice in the celebration of… well, your dogs! There are two indoor and outdoor play areas for small and large dogs. Dress up your pooch in the latest fashions with merchandise and food vendors from around the city or get your pooch professionally photographed for just $15.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: VIVO West Arena — 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary
Cost: Admission by donation

The Inglewood Garage Sale 2019

What: On Saturday, May 25, Calgarians will be able to partake in the eighth Annual Inglewood Parade of Garage Sales, the one day a year that the Inglewood Community Association organizes the sale of used goods throughout the neighbourhood.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Throughout Inglewood, and at the Inglewood Community Association Hall — 1740 24 Avenue SE, Calgary
Price: Free (unless you find that hidden treasure you can’t say no to)

Vintage Redefined Market 

What: Featuring over 18000 sq ft of space, this market will feature a variety of vendors, such as true vintage, collectables, re-purposed, reclaimed, jewellery and more.

When: May 24 and May 25, 2019
Time: 4 to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday)
Where: Acadia Recreation Centre – 240 90th Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $7.50 to $10

Cavalry FC vs HFX Wanderers FC

What: Cavalry FC face off with HFX Wanderers FC in Canadian Premier League action at Spruce Meadows.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Alessia Cara

What: Juno and Grammy Award-winner Alessia Cara will be performing in Calgary as a part of her 2019 Canadian Tour, dubbed “The Pains of Growing.” Cara entered the music scene in 2015 with “Here” and proceeded to capture the public’s hearts with songs like “Stay,” “Scars to Your Beautiful,” and “How Far I’ll Go.” She’s also managed to gather more than 8.5 billion streams worldwide and was named one of the most streamed new female artists of 2017.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online via Live Nation

East Town Get Down

What: Over 70 bands will perform at over a dozen venues for Calgary’s biggest musical block party on International Avenue. Check out Anvil, Striker, The Dudes, Rae Spoon and more.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 12 pm start
Where: International Avenue – #250, 3515 17th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $40. Includes blacklight bowling at Paradise Lanes and two Calgary Transit tickets.

YYC Vegan Week 2019

What: Presented by the team behind VegFest Calgary, this celebration of all food plant-based kicks off on May 19 and runs until May 25. Participating restaurants will be offering a new or existing vegan dish to be voted on in two categories: Best Vegan Meal and Best Vegan Dessert. A dollar from each item sold will go towards non-profit event VegFest Calgary.

When: Now to May 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations around Calgary
More Info: Online

Water Lantern Festival

What: Remember that scene in Tangled where they release a lantern into the sky? Yeah, so it’s not that. BUT, you release lanterns into the water and it’s just as cute, we promise. The Water Lantern Festival celebrates everyone from all walks of life. You’re encouraged to decorate your lantern with drawings and sweet messages and release them into the water. Gather your family and friends and watch in awe as the lanterns glow against the water.

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 5:30 to 10 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza — 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
Cost: $33.99 to $50

Sunday, May 26

Scotiabank Calgary Marathon

What: The 55th annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon is an official Boston Marathon qualifier. It starts and finishes at iconic Stampede Park and winds a scenic course in the heart of Calgary.

When: May 26, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: All race-day activities will start and finish in Stampede Park
Register: Online

Cinematic Sundays at Glenbow Museum

What: A curated series of afternoon film screenings celebrating the world of art, style and fashion on the big screen. Bar service is offered during the films and you can purchase a snack too

When: May 26, 2019
Time: 1 pm
Where: The Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Ave SW
Admission: $10, $8 for members. Entrance to the museum not included.

Circus! Science Under the Big Top

What: Come one, come all and discover the science behind circus at TELUS Spark. Bring your wildest expectations and unravel the secrets behind circus oddities, mysteries and puzzles with over 20 exhibits. This highly interactive exhibition is riddled with circus sights and sounds, ready to bring out the child in all of us.

When: Now to Sunday, June 9, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Stage One Festival of New Work

What: For more than 30 years, Lunchbox Theatre has been dedicated to the creation, development and production of new Canadian one-act plays, many of which have gone on to great acclaim after their premiere on their stage. Come and be part of the process of creation. Attend the free workshop readings and help shape the new plays that will grace the Lunchbox stage in years to come.

When: Now to June 8, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Lunchbox Theatre – 160 115 9 Avenue SE
More Info: Online

Asparagus Festival at Edgar Farms

What:  Visit this real working asparagus farm, experience their story firsthand, enjoy a fully narrated wagon ride, watch the harvest in action, and even get the opportunity to pick some asparagus for yourselves. You’ll also have the opportunity to shop their Country Store and the artisan market village while saying hello to all the farm animals and joining in on the many festivities happening throughout the day. Rain or Shine.

When: May 26, June 2 and June 19, 2019
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Edgar Farms – 1465 Twp. Road 352
Admission: $5, kids 5 and under are free

Fairy Tales Film Festival

What: The annual Calgary Queer Arts Society LGBTQA film festival returns with events guaranteed to provoke, challenge, and entertain.

When: May 24 to June 2, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
More Info: Online

Banff Gondola

What: Head to the summit for an unreal view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on coffee or a refreshing glass of wine. Start with a walk along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to learn more about Canada’s first national park, or go indoors to sample from three restaurant menus. Then get hands-on in the world-class interpretive centre and theatre.

When: Daily until October 14, 2019.
Time: Various
Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Online, various prices

Festival of Quilts: “Quilts in Living Colour”

What: Get ready for the 24th annual Festival of Quilts, Western Canada’s largest outdoor quilt show. Be sure to check out the Merchants Wall, Community Showcase, and the Iron Quilt Challenges. There will also be a Gala Dinner hosted at Gasoline Alley to celebrate this long lost craft while enjoying entertainment.

When: May 25 and May 26, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Regular admission to the park. Tickets to Gala available online, $74.99 per person

YYCFoodTrucks Taco Takeover

What: YYCFoodTruck’s first annual Taco Takeover has each truck serving up their best taco as well as their regular menu. There will be contests to win food truck bucks, plus enjoy live music by the mariachi bands.

When: Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm
Where: Containr Site in Sunnyside – 1010 2 Ave NW, Calgary
Admission: $5, seniors and children under 12 free

Free compost giveaway 2019

What: The City of Calgary is inviting residents to pick up free compost for their lawns and gardens this spring, starting this Sunday, May 12. The nutrient-rich compost has been created out of the food and yard waste put into the green bins throughout the past year, and anyone looking to take the city up on their offer will be able to drive away with up to 100 litres of compost per vehicle.

When: Saturday, May 26, 2019
Time: 8 am to 4 pm
Where: Shepard Landfill – 12111 68th Street SE, Calgary
Admission: Free