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We’re quickly approaching mid-November territory, with the holidays looming closer, but before we get too ahead of ourselves, Remembrance Day falls on Thursday, November 11 this week. There are plenty of ways to observe the holiday in Calgary and remember those who lost their lives protecting our country and freedom.
Take part in a virtual ceremony on November 11, or visit locations such as the Military Museums, Field of Crosses, and Hangar Flight Museum to pay your respects and learn more about Canada’s history and heroes.
There are lots of other things going on in YYC this week as well, including holiday markets, live music, a virtual reality experience, brunch at the zoo, and food and wine festivals, plus much more.
Here are 16 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this week.
Observe Remembrance Day in Calgary
What: Remembrance Day falls on Thursday, November 11, and there are a number of ways to observe the holiday in Calgary, both virtually and at in-person ceremonies. Check out our roundup of Remembrance Day events happening in Calgary for more details.
When: November 11
Where: Virtually and at various locations across the city
Inglewood Night Market: Holiday Edition
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What: One of Calgary’s favourite night markets is back with several holiday shopping events and live music through November and December. Inglewood Night Market’s holiday edition kicks off this weekend, hosting all of the locally sourced and handmade vendors you know and love, selling a wide variety of goods, from one-of-a-kind crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats, and much more.
When: November 12, 19, and 26, and December 3
Time: 4 to 11 pm
Where: South Bank Building (880 9th Street SE, Calgary)
Admission: $5
BIG Reveal Party at Broken City
What: Can’t wait for the BIG Winter Classic this January? Join Broken City this Thursday for the music festival’s Artist Reveal Party, with tunes from The Royal Foundry, Shuffalo, Lushings, Yvette, and Ten02 to accompany the first lineup announcement.
When: November 11
Time: 7 pm
Where: 613 11th Avenue SW, Calgary
Cost: $15 (or, buy your early bird BIG Winter Classic 2022 Weekend Pass here, and get into the Reveal Party for FREE)
Tasting Festival at City & Country Winery
What: Head to City & Country this weekend for the ultimate wine tasting festival. All samples are included with your ticket, so you can sip all of their current wines, plus a new one or two! Then, enjoy a few glasses of your favourites (and get 20% off wine purchases to-go), along with a grazing box (one shared box provided per two people) for a perfect pairing.
When: November 12 and 13
Time: 6 to 8 pm on November 12 and 4 to 6 pm on November 13
Where: City & Country Winery (544 38a Avenue SE, Calgary)
Cost: $85 on November 12 or $75 on November 13
Tiny Roots Gathering + Market
What: The first edition of this grassroots, pay-what-you-can gathering features live music, a photo booth, and a market with local artists, makers, writers, and vintage sellers. All vendors will be providing goods and services through a pay-what-you-can model, and entry to the event is by food donation for the community fridge.
When: November 14
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Triwood Community Association (244 Chicoutmi Drive NW, Calgary)
Cost: Entry by food donation for the community fridge
Men Express Their Feelings at Arts Commons
What: Downstage’s last production on the physical stage back in March 2020, Men Express Their Feelings, has been re-imagined as a three-episode audio play, with live listening parties of all three episodes from November 12 to 14 at 7:30 pm.
The fast-paced comedy takes us to a community hockey rink, where two dads and their sons have been sent to a dressing room to sort out a critical situation. Amidst a series of wild misunderstandings and ridiculous antics, the guys get to know each other and themselves a whole lot better, while redefining what it means to win.
When: November 12 to 14
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Motel Theatre, Arts Commons (205 8th Avenue SE, Calgary)
Cost: $30
Taste for Adventure food festival in Banff
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What: As if irresistible specials and drool-worthy menus created by award-winning chefs weren’t enough, a month-long festival is pairing these foodie experiences with a stunning mountain backdrop. Taste for Adventure is back in Banff and Lake Louise this fall, with 19 participating restaurants offering unique fixed-price menus or value-added offers in the iconic Rockies.
When: November 1 to 28
Where: Multiple venues in Banff and Lake Louise; complete list here
Cost: Prices vary by restaurant/special
Live music at Dickens
What: Calgary is full of amazing local bands, and this Saturday’s show at Dickens is a perfect example. Listen to tunes from I Am The Mountain, Bad Bodies, Florida BC, and Nite Twin starting at 8 pm.
When: November 13
Time: 8 pm
Where: Dickens (1000 9th Avenue SW, Calgary)
Cost: $10 cover
Check out a new virtual reality exhibit at the TELUS Spark Science Centre
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What: If you want to take a trip through the sky without getting on a plane, look no further than Calgary’s science centre. TELUS Spark Science Centre has launched a brand new virtual reality experience, allowing visitors to safely soar to new heights and take in the sights without leaving the city. First up on the flight plan is “Jurassic Flight,” turning people into a late Jurassic pterosaur.
When: Science centre hours; Wednesday through Friday
Time: 9 am to 4 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 5 pm Friday through Sunday
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre (220 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary)
Cost: Included with general admission ($26 for adults, $19 for children)
Christmas in the Country at the Leighton Art Centre
What: Shop fine crafts and artwork by over 100 talented vendors and pick up holiday gifts for your loved ones (or yourself) at the Leighton Art Centre’s Christmas in the Country event. Beautiful decorations, gorgeous art, and the home’s historic ambiance combine to make visiting the centre a perfectly festive activity.
Prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home? Starting November 6, you can shop vendors online 24/7 at shop.leightoncentre.org.
When: Tuesday through Sunday from November 6 to December 22
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Leighton Art Centre (282027 144th Street West, Millarville)
Cost: Free parking and admission by donation; varies by purchase
Safari Brunch at the Calgary Zoo
What: Enjoy a “wild” 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 21
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
Millarville Christmas Market
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What: Check out both indoor and outdoor vendors at the Millarville Christmas Market this month, featuring food trucks, music, reindeer viewing, photos with Santa, and The Kids Only Shoppe, in addition to your favourite seasonal vendors and plenty of new artisans.
When: November 11 to 14
Time: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Millarville Racetrack (306097 192nd Street, Millarville)
Cost: $5.95 for entry; varies by purchase
Beyond Van Gogh Calgary
Elle McLean/Daily Hive
What: Beyond Van Gogh has reopened its immersive exhibit in Calgary after a brief hiatus. Get up close and personal this month with Van Gogh’s work through larger-than-life projections of his paintings. To round out this experience of the senses, the exhibit is accompanied by the artist’s own words, set to a symphonic score.
When: October 23 to November 28
Time: Timed tickets available from 10 am to 9 pm daily, with one-hour yoga classes in the exhibit at 8:30 am every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Where: The BMO Centre on Stampede Park (20 Roundup Way SE)
Tickets: Starting at $33.99 for adults, available now
Stage West Theatre Restaurant’s Feelin’ Groovy
What: Feelin’ Groovy – The Best of Folk Rock features tributes to some of the most influential singer/songwriters, including Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and many more. Plus, enjoy amazing eats from Stage West’s huge buffet along with your entertainment.
When: August 27 to November 14
Time: Varies by date
Where: Stage West Theatre Restaurant (727 42nd Avenue SE, Calgary)
Cost: $86.10 for regularly priced tickets, with special rates available on select dates
Check out The Dark Arts pop-up at The GRAND Theatre
Courtesy of The Dark Arts
What: An interim exhibit inside The GRAND Theatre mashes up refined cocktails, a shareable menu, and works by some of YYC’s most accomplished artists. The Dark Arts is an Instagrammable lounge, providing the perfect backdrop for a night-out atmosphere that offers much to explore.
When: Wednesday to Saturday until the end of December
Time: 5 pm to late
Where: The GRAND Theatre (601 1st Street SW, Calgary)
Cost: No entry fee; prices vary by food and drink item
Get into Studio Bell for free
What: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, celebrates its five-year anniversary with free admission every weekend through the rest of the year. Check out new and updated exhibits, catch instrument show-and-tells, and delve into the history of iconic Canadian musicians. Reserve your tickets online now.
When: Weekends until the end of 2021
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Studio Bell (850 4th Street SE, Calgary)
Cost: Free
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