As recommended by health officials, if you choose to participate in events outside of your home, please adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures, including proper physical distancing, mask-wearing, and frequent handwashing. If you are sick, please stay home.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, Calgarians are finally starting to come out of hibernation.
With restrictions on indoor gatherings still in place, virtual entertainment has taken centre stage over the winter, but there are plenty of fun outdoor events happening in the city too.
Track down scavenger hunt items, take photos of zoo animals without the crowds, or watch a nightly light show this month while staying safe and getting some fresh air.
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Grab a warm jacket and a family member or cohort buddy, mask up, and put an end to the winter blues with one of these unique activities.
Bridgeland Arctic Adventure
What: Participants can choose their own adventure through the neighbourhood of Bridgeland – from the full, self-guided course to a scavenger hunt. Arctic Adventure activity stops include human curling, Peony Plaza Rodeo, Stairway to Heaven, Northern Safari, Gnome Village, and much more.
When: February 12 to March 31
Time: Self-guided, with an Ice Bar hosted by Bridegland Distillery open from 2 to 6 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Where: Throughout the Bridgeland community, view map for details
Cost: Free, unless you purchase a beverage at the Ice Bar
Exposure Photography Festival 2021
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What: There are tons of ways to check out the 190+ artists who are featured in Alberta’s photography festival this year, including the Photoville FENCE at Olympic Plaza and three Exposure Billboards.
When: February 1 to 28 for the FENCE, and February 1 to 21 for the billboards
Where: The Photoville FENCE is exhibited at Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary, and the Exposure Billboards are located at Olympic Way and 11th Avenue SE, Heritage Drive and 77th Avenue SE, and MacLeod Trail SE and 75th Avenue SW
Cost: Free
Chinook Blast: Calgary’s Midwinter Round Up
What: Local artists are illuminating winter weekend nights downtown in the Chinook Blast Hub with art and light installations. Capture photos of the outdoor installations, warm up fireside, and take a safe and recharging walking tour.
Luminous Voices car concert
What: Listen to Calgary’s professional chamber choir in the warmth and comfort of your own vehicle during this special car concert. Under the direction of Timothy Shantz, Luminous Voices will present a program of live music to be enjoyed by all.
When: February 20
Time: 7 pm
Where: Highwood High School (1401 10th Street SE, High River, AB)
Cost: $26.74
Northern Reflections in Inglewood
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What: Murals have been painted in local businesses’ windows and matched with music to create a one-of-a-kind art experience when viewed with free augmented reality app Augle. The art exhibits are observed from the outside, and together they make up a self-guided art tour in Inglewood.
When: Now until February 28
Time: Self-guided
Where: In Inglewood business windows, running along 9th Avenue between 10th Street and 13th Street SE
Cost: Free
Penguin Walk at the Calgary Zoo
What: Get an up-close look at the group of king penguins as they explore, exercise, and waddle their way through the zoo.
When: Now through mid-March, weather dependent
Time: 10 am
Where: The Calgary Zoo (210 St. George’s Drive NE)
Cost: Included with admission ($19.95 for adults and $9.95 for children)
Fort Chinook
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What: The Victoria Park BIA has teamed up with local company Big Art to bring Fort Chinook to life. The glowing fortress is made up of over 100 cubes that are illuminated with a variety of colours in a nightly light show.
When: February 13 to 28
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Hotel Arts ground level parking lot (119 12th Avenue SW)
Cost: Free
February Fling disc golf tournament
What: Join the Calgary Disc Golf Club for their first event of the year, consisting of five singles and doubles events spaced throughout the day.
When: February 20
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Bonavista Downs Disc Golf Course (1165 Lake Huron Crescent SE)
Cost: $25 to $45 for entry fees
Kensington Love
What: Kensington Love is a series of outdoor activations in the community. Go on a self-guided art walk and explore over 30 installations and murals, warm up by the firepits (weekends only), and snap some photos with fun art pieces.
When: February 1 to 28
Time: Firepits run from noon to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and the art tour is self-guided using the Kensington Art Walk Map
Where: Firepits are on the Kensington Plaza (1133 Kensington Road NW), and the art walk runs primarily along Kensington Road and 10th Street NW
Cost: Free
Chinatown Ice Sculpture Showcase
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What: In celebration of the the Year of the Ox, the Chinatown BIA has placed five life-sized Ox ice sculptures throughout the community. Each of the sculptures are distinctly coloured to harmonize with Calgary and Chinatown’s culture
Where: Five locations along 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue SE, and Centre Street and 4th Avenue SE
Calgary Zoo: FOCUSED
What: The FOCUSED photography event allows shutterbugs exclusive access to the Eurasia exhibit, before opening to the public for the day. This is your chance to snap some pictures of the animals and the zoo grounds in the morning light without other guests ending up in the frame.
When: February 21
Time: 9 to 11 am
Where: The Calgary Zoo
Cost: $45 (includes full-day admission), or $25 for Calgary Zoo members