25 things to do in Calgary this weekend: November 23 to November 25
The last weekend of November is here, so fill it up with these 25 fun Calgary events happening from Friday, November 23, Saturday, November 24, and Sunday, November 25. Zoolights, Grey Cup, and more.
For more things happening around town check out our events section.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Zoolights
ZooLights/Calgary Zoo
What: Experience how 2+ million lights, 200 displays, crackling fire pits, and fun-filled activity zones (with many new additions), transform the Calgary Zoo into a magical winter wonderland.
When: Friday, November 23, 2018, to Saturday, January 5, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: The Calgary Zoo – 210 ST. Georges Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, General (16+) $19.95, Child (3-15) – $14.95
Curated. Holiday Market
What: Shop at 70 handmade makers at Curated. Holiday Market. Plus enjoy live entertainment, prizes, food trucks and more.
When: Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 5 to 9 pm (Friday), 10 am to 4 pm (Saturday)
Where: Bowness Community Association – 7904 43 Ave NW, Calgary
Admission: $4
Calgary Christmas Market
What: Dine with friends as live holiday entertainment fills the market and indulge in treats while you find the perfect gift. Featuring favourite market and seasonal vendors, Yuletide gifts, food, jewelry, décor and more. There will also be visits with Santa, cookie decorating, roaming Grinch, live ice carving, viewing Santa’s Reindeer, and more.
When: Now to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Calgary Farmers’ Market – 510 77 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market
Promoted by Telus, the market comes with both indoor and outdoor attractions. Enjoy over 300 vendors showcasing world-imported items and hand-crafted gifts, as well as great food and live entertainment, such as shows and choir presentations.
When: Friday, November 23 to Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: Friday: 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Admission: $10 online, $12 at the gate, $72 multi-entry pass. Seniors (+65) and child (-12) are admitted free
The Search for HMS Erebus & HMS Terror
What: Glenbow Museum hosts Brandy Lockhart, a member of the Parks Canada Underwater Archaeology Team. Lockhart’s lecture will provide a history of the ill-fated Franklin expedition followed by an overview of the epic search for the wreck sites of the lost ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.
When: Friday, November 23, 2018
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $12
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Little Modern Market: Holiday Edition
What: This modern take on the classic Christmas Market will have you buying cute handmade Christmas cards and peppermint soaps. All the items for sale are, you guessed it, are made locally. From knit bowties to personalized jewelry, pick up your Christmas gifts and support local businesses all in one go.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Rally Pointe – 11511 35th Street SE, Calgary
Admission: $5
The 5th Annual Great Sweater Run
Man in an ugly Christmas sweater (IVASHstudio/Shutterstock)
What: Grab the ugliest of Christmas sweaters and get ready to run the Tacky 10 km, the Festive 5 km or the Furry Fun 3 km, all while supporting the Calgary Food Bank.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 1:45 pm pre-race briefing
Where: South Glenmore Park, Calgary
Registration: Online
Calgary Babes Who Brunch
The November edition of Calgary Babes Who Brunch features Darby and MC (Marie Claire), the creators behind Limbus Movement, a physical and emotional fitness class that challenges both the body and brain. Plus enjoy a networking event and delicious brunch time eats and sips.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 10 am to 12 noon
Where: Murrieta’s Bar & Grill – 200-808 1 Street SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $50-$60
Winter ice skating at Olympic Plaza
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: Now to mid-March
Time: 10 am to 9 pm, Weather dependent
Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free. Skates are also available for rent – $12 for adults
Queen of the Ring
What: Queen of the Ring is a drama depicting the life of Johnnie Mae Young who, over seven decades, slammed, punched and clawed her way to the top of the women’s professional wrestling world. Reflecting today’s headlines, it explores themes of female exploitation by powerful men in a time when women didn’t have a voice. It asks the question, “if a woman chooses to use her sexuality to gets what she wants on her own terms, is she empowered? Or is she being victimized?”
When: Now to Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Arts Commons, Motel Theatre – 205-8th Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $15-$20
YYC Alternative Christmas Market
What: Plain Jane Events is proud to announce this year’s “Alternative Christmas Market.” From scoring some vintage finds at Sweet Pea Vintage to spilling the tea with the girls at Tea Life, you’ll be able to do it all while grabbing some mini-donuts at Ritual Donuts that will transport you back to your carnival days. You can get all of your holiday shopping done here — and that’s just the start! This event supports local makers, artisans, designers, artists, and small business owners.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 10 am 4 pm
Where: Inglewood Community Association Hall — 1740 24th Avenue Southeast, Calgary
Admission: FREE! but please register online for a ticket
Paul van Dyk
What: Electronic Dance Music artist Paul van Dyk brings his Music Rescues Me Tour to Calgary with guests Mitz and Travis Lydian.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 9 pm
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $35 plus fees
Once Upon a Christmas
What: Experience the magic of Christmas past at Heritage Park. Enjoy a festive wagon ride, sing carols or visit with jolly old Saint Nick himself. Immerse yourself in an old-fashioned Christmas as some of the historical family homes and buildings open their doors to share their Yuletide traditions.
When: Weekends from Saturday, November 24 to Sunday, December 23, 2018
Time: 9:30 am to 4 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive S.W., Calgary
Tickets: Online
VegFest Calgary Third Annual Holiday Market
What: This holiday market features vegan shopping, food and drink, information on non-profits, and live entertainment. Donate at the door and have the chance to win various door prizes for Holiday Market vendors!
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 First Street SW, Calgary
Admission: Optional cash donation
Folks Near The Bow
Bow Folk / Celtic Folk Calgary
What: An exciting musical journey of Celtic Folk influences from around the world and across the nation. Featuring performances by Bow Folk, Plaidie, and Get Real.
When: Saturday, November 24, 2018
Time: 7 to 10:30 pm
Where: The Irish Cultural Society of Calgary – 6452 35 Ave NW, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $15
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Calgary Stampeders vs Ottawa Redblacks: 106th Grey Cup
CFL / Twitter
What: Cheer on the Calgary Stampeders as they take on the Ottawa Redblacks in the 106th Grey Cup at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: Kickoff at 4 pm
Where: Commonwealth Stadium — 11000 Stadium Rd, Edmonton
Tickets: Online
Banff Christmas Market
What: Featuring goods inspired by Rocky Mountain culture, you’re bound to find one-of-a-kind treasures at Banff Christmas Market. Festive entertainment and culinary delights will put you in the mood for the holidays and jumpstart your Christmas season.
When: Now to Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Warner Stables – 1 Sundance Road, Banff
Tickets: $5 adults or $8 for the weekend, Children 10 and under are FREE
The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas
What: The Barra MacNeils Christmas shows always feature traditional seasonal fare mixed with entertaining stories and new musical twists; stamped with lush harmonies and intricate instrumental stylings. Fans can look forward to classic favourites including: “Oh Holy Night,” “Ave Maria,” “A Christmas in Killarney” and “Auld Lang Syne” as well as some comedy, seasonal stories, music, singing, dance, and memories.
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Banff Centre – Eric Harvie Theatre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
Tickets: Online, $30-$35
Calgary Taboo Show
What: The Taboo Naughty but Nice Sex Show features entertainment, provocative and educational seminars, unique shopping, fashion shows and live demonstrations.
When: Now to Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $15
Full Metal Jacket
What: A screening of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece Full Metal Jacket, with proceeds going to The Calgary Poppy Fund.
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 8:30 pm
Where: Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Road Northwest, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $11
Joy of Painting with Certified Bob Ross Instructor Tracey Leigh Crozier
What: Unleash your inner artist for a few hours and share the joy of painting with Tracey Leigh Crozier, a Certified Bob Ross Landscape/Seascape Oil Painting Instructor at Kensington Art Supply. Beginners are welcome, no experience required. All supplies provided.
When: Sunday, November 18, 2018
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Kensington Art Supply & Instruction – 6999 11 Street Southeast #120, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $95
Dance with a Sugar Plum Fairy
What: Alberta’s Ballet School’s dance studio is magically transformed into a winter wonderland full of amazement and delight. Children will learn ballet steps from a costumed Sugar Plum Fairy with music performed by a live accompaniment. They will see and can feel the Sugar Plum Fairy’s tutu and tiara, and enjoy a sweet treat to take home. No experience necessary. For ages three to five and six to ten.
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Alberta Ballet School – 906 12th Avenue SW, West Annex 2nd Floor, Calgary
Register: Online
Winners and Losers
Chromatic Theatre / Facebook
What: Winners and Losers is one part game, one part conversation that leans into our universally flawed human logic, and the desire to win at all costs. Valerie Planche and Makambe K Simamba debate whether people, places or things – Robin Williams, camping, Meghan Markle, private schools – are winners or losers. This exploration of female friendships leads the audience down a spiralling path of staunch sisterhood and deep-seated difference. As the discussion gets personal, how far is too far when confronting deep-seated beliefs? Presented by Chromatic Theatre in association with Swallow-a-Bicycle Theatre and Arts Commons.
When: Now to Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: Various times
Where: Engineered Air Theatre – 205 8 Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online. Pay-what-you-can previews on November 13 and 14
The Last Witness
What: A free screening of Piotr Szkopiak’s The Last Witness at the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre, with Polish subtitles.
When: Sunday, November 25, 2018
Time: 5 pm
Where: Polish Canadian Cultural Centre – 3015 – 15 Street NE, Calgary
Admission: Free
Art Acoustic Sunday Series
What: Hang out with a few of Art on 9th’s favourite art instructors for an informal discussion and hands-on activity that explores the basic elements of art and design.
When: Every Sunday from November 25 to December 23, 2018
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Art On 9th – 1211 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free
See also
- Here's how late Calgary's malls will be staying open this holiday season
- 9 awesome Christmas markets to check out in Calgary this holiday season
- This airport has been transformed into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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