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As we make our way towards the end of the first month of 2022, there are lots of things to do in Calgary to help make the most of January.
Check out a drive-in dance performance, have a “wild” brunch at the Calgary Zoo, attend the premiere of a made-in-Calgary music video, glide around the ice on one of Calgary’s many outdoor skating rinks, and much more.
Here are 12 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this week.
Go to a drive-in performance by Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
Noel Bégin via Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (decidedlyjazz.com)
What: Decidedly, Jazz Danceworks (DJD) is bringing a live dance show to Calgary — drive-in style. AMPLIFIED is a dynamic performance to enjoy from the comfort of your own car in the parking lot across from the DJD Dance Centre. Audience members can blast the soundtrack from their radios and take in new works from the emerging DJD dancers.
When: January 21 to 23
Time: Two showtimes each evening: 7:30 and 9 pm
Where: Indigo parking lot #244 (123 11th Avenue SE), directly across from the DJD Dance Centre
Cost: Admission by donation; reserve your spot now
Attend the premiere of a made-in-Calgary music video
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What: Calgary-based I Am The Mountain is premiering their music video for the song “Overthinking Conversations” at the Globe Cinema on Saturday night. The music video was filmed in Calgary at various locations and local businesses, with the desire to feature the beautiful city we live in. Overthinking Conversations depicts the story of two young hearts and the growth that follows a breakup, and the premiere kicks off with a set from L’omelette, followed by a screening of the video and a full set by I Am The Mountain.
When: January 22
Time: 8 pm
Where: Globe Cinema (617 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, Calgary)
Cost: $15
Have a “wild” brunch at the Calgary Zoo
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What: Enjoy weekend brunch at the Calgary Zoo. Held in the heart of Destination Africa, the zoo’s Safari Brunch features both gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, including a free-flowing chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, a Belgian waffle bar, and much, much more.
When: Every Sunday until November 13, 2022
Time: First seating 9 to 10:30 am, second seating 11 am to 12:30 pm, and third seating on select dates from 1 to 2:30 pm
Where: Calgary Zoo (210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary)
Cost: $44.95 for adults, $27.95 for children
Celebrate winter with Banff and Lake Louise’s SnowDays
Ice sculpture at Lake Louise during SnowDays (Elle McLean/Daily Hive)
What: Banff is always enchanting in the wintertime, especially with all the sparkly snow. And now, a winter festival is about to bring even more magic to the area. SnowDays, Banff and Lake Louise’s annual winter celebration, returns this January, bringing the national park to life with a wide array of activities, sights, and events.
Check out giant snow sculptures throughout the streets of downtown Banff and then head to Lake Louise to view sparkling ice sculptures during Ice Magic. While you’re there, lace up your skates and take a whirl around the lake for an iconic Canadian experience.
There’s even a craft spirits festival during SnowDays, where you can sample some local sips from Alberta and British Columbia distilleries along with Banff and Lake Louise’s vibrant food scene. The festival will also feature a skijoring event on January 22, with teams of athletes and horses performing trick riding and ski stunts in the town of Banff.
When: January 19 to 30, 2022
Time: Varies by event
Where: Various locations in Banff and Lake Louise
Cost: Varies by activity, with plenty of free programming
Get cozy at the East Village Hygge Hut
@eastvillageyyc/Instagram
What: East Village is bringing snuggly vibes to Calgary with the return of its popular Hygge Hut this winter. The Scandinavian-style seasonal pop-up is open in a new location this year, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Visitors will find the Hygge Hut in C-Square, at 4th Street and 7th Avenue SE, with fire pits to warm up by, food trucks, live music, ice sculptures, and games, along with a jam-packed schedule of more community programming.
When: Open January 7 through March 2022 (weather dependent)
Time: Fires lit on Fridays from 2 to 6 pm and Saturdays, Sundays, and stat holidays from noon to 6 pm. A complete list of community programming can be found here.
Where: C-Square in East Village (4th Street and 7th Avenue SE, Calgary)
Cost: FREE community programming
Learn about the daring world of heroes in emergencies at the TELUS Spark Science Centre
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What: TELUS Spark’s newest exhibit, RESCUE, allows guests to experience the thrill of emergency scenarios in the safety of the science centre and get inside the world of the heroes who respond to these situations. Test your rescue instincts in 17 different interactive scenarios, including taking control of a full-size helicopter simulator, navigating a jet ski around obstacles, and finding your way through a smoke-filled room.
When: Exhibit runs from January 12 to May 15
Time: Science centre hours (currently 9 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 9 am to 5 pm Friday through Sunday)
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre (220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary)
Cost: RESCUE is included with general admission ($26 for adults and $19 for children aged three to 17)
Catch some speed at WinSport’s Tube Park
Tubing at WinSport (winsport.ca)
What: If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your things, try a different way of flying down the hill this season with the tube park at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. The Servus Tube Park boasts eight lanes, a dedicated magic carpet, and the option for sliders to link together and go down at the same time.
When: Saturdays, Sundays, and select Fridays through the winter season (weather dependent)
Time: 4 to 8:30 pm on select Fridays, 10 am to 5:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Where: WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park (88 Canada Olympic Road SW, Calgary)
Cost: $20 for morning sessions and $25 for afternoon sessions on weekends, $15 for Friday evenings
Meet someone new at 17th Ave’s massive “Get Off The Apps And Onto The Ave” singles event
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What: If you’re tired of swiping right, swiping left, going on first dates that never lead to a second, getting ghosted, and spending countless hours online trying to find that special someone, then Calgary’s biggest singles event is for you. The Get off the Apps And Onto the Ave campaign starts on January 7 and runs until February 28, with a huge calendar of events designed to help singles meet other singles, all hosted in various venues along the 17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District.
When: January 7 to February 28
Time: Varies by event
Where: Various businesses along 17th Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: Varies by event
Glide around one of Calgary’s many outdoor skating rinks
Skating at Olympic Plaza (Shutterstock/Jeff Whyte)
What: Take part in a classic Canadian activity this season and get some fresh air and exercise while you’re at it. There are a number of outdoor rinks around Calgary where you can get your skate on over the winter months.
When: Open daily through the winter (weather dependent)
Time: Hours vary by rink
Where: There are many City of Calgary, volunteer-run, and community rinks around YYC
Cost: Free; equipment rental available at some locations for a fee
Take in the Banff Gondola’s immersive Nightrise exhibit
Pursuit (banffjaspercollection.com)
What: Pursuit’s latest experience, Nightrise, combines multimedia, storytelling, and nature at the Banff Gondola for a multi-sensory journey like no other. The event will bring light and sound together to share a new and inspiring perspective in the heart of the Rockies. At Sulphur Mountain’s peak, guests can explore the many levels of the summit building and enjoy Rockies-inspired eats and drinks. Outside on the viewing decks, discover wonders that only emerge as the night begins to rise.
When: On now until March 12
Time: Gondola upload time slots between 5:10 and 8:10 pm
Where: Banff Gondola (100 Mountain Avenue, Banff)
Cost: Starting at $56 for adults and $28 for children (age six to 15)
Enjoy Stage West’s The Soul of Motown
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What: Groove to Stage West’s tribute to Motown — members of the Soul Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nibble on a delicious meal while you take in the sounds of one of the most iconic bands from the 1960s and ’70s.
When: On until February 6
Time: Varies by date; see schedule for showtimes
Where: Stage West Theatre Restaurant Calgary (727 42nd Avenue SE, Calgary)
Cost: Tickets available from $78.75
Check out the Otipemisiwak exhibit at Fort Calgary
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What: Fort Calgary launched Otipemisiwak, an exhibition of contemporary visual art, to celebrate Métis Week in November that will remain on display until June 2022. The exhibit showcases recent works by Daphne Boyer, a visual artist and plant scientist, using a photo-based technique that mirrors spectacular traditional Métis beading.
When: On now through June
Time: Fort Calgary hours (currently 10 am to 5 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Where: Fort Calgary (750 9th Avenue SE, Calgary)
Cost: $10 for general admission
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