We hope you had a fantastic long weekend! Now it’s time to make the most of the short workweek. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next read or a new go-to lunch spot, these are all the things to do in Calgary this week.
Shop Calgary’s biggest book sale
What: It’s the last day for the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale. Shop over 200,000 gently used books and browse rows upon rows of wonderfully organized titles from every genre imaginable.
When: Friday, May 9 to Monday, May 19, 2025
Where: Calgary Curling Club — 720 3rd St. NW, Calgary
Price: $3 to $5 event fee per adult added to purchase on exit
Try a new Lebanese restaurant
@mezzakitchen/Instagram
What: Mezza Lebanese Kitchen has officially made its way to the city, opening its first outpost at 4 Royal Vista Way NW. The quick-service restaurant uses generations-old Lebanese recipes for its dishes, including chicken shawarma, Halifax donair, souvlaki, falafel, and more.
When: Open daily
Where: Mezza Lebanese Kitchen — 4 Royal Vista Way NW, Calgary
Gawk at the Paranormal Cirque
What: Come one, come all. An adults-only circus will roll into Alberta this week, and as long as you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you can enjoy it for as little as $35. Head to their website now and save yourself a hot seat.
When: May 16 to 19, 2025
Where: 6350 50th Ave., Red Deer
Price: $35+
Start a free course at the University of Alberta
University of Alberta/Facebook
What: From dinosaurs and space to history and bugs, the U of A offers a ton of exciting and informative on-demand courses. These classes are not only engaging but free to take as well, thanks to their partnership with Coursera.
When: Available anytime
Where: Courses are available online
Be inspired at the InglewooDIY Festival
What: Stop by the community of Inglewood to connect, create, and craft. The InglewooDIY Festival features local artisans scattered throughout the area’s nooks and crannies – from back alleys and behind buildings to industrial areas hosting demonstrations, workshops, and more.
When: Now until Sunday, May 25, 2025
Where: Various locations in Inglewood
Price: Free
Experience Horizon of Khufu
Horizon of Khufu-Montreal/Facebook
What: Horizon of Khufu is a VR experience that takes you on a journey to explore ancient Egypt and the pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Egyptian pyramids. It’s a neat concept set up in a space of nearly 10,000 square feet, allowing visitors to be transported to Cairo, where they will be able to freely wander through ancient Egypt.
When: Now until Sunday, June 15, 2025
Where: CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trl., Calgary
Price: Cost varies; buy your tickets
Catch the latest exhibit at Telus Spark
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What: Telus Spark is bringing a new exhibit to Calgary, and it’s all about the science of food. Explore the world of gastronomy with an immersive exhibition that “serves up” the science of food. Whether you’re a science nerd or just love a good meal, you don’t want to miss this one.
When: Now until Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
Where: Telus Spark Science — 220 Saint George’s Dr. NE, Calgary
Price: $32.95 for adult general admission
Alessia Cara Concert
When: Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m.
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre — 3777 Grey Eagle Dr., Calgary
Cost: Starts at $75
The Da Vinci Code
What: Check out The Da Vinci Code live at the Vertigo Theatre. Based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, this fast-paced and gripping play is one to see for yourself.
When: Now until Sunday, June 8, 2025
Where: Vertigo Theatre — 115 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
Price: Starts at $69
Explore Calgary’s newest gastro pub
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What: Bizarre Gastro Pub has just opened its doors in Calgary and is offering craft cocktails and bites. Bizarre offers an extensive cocktail menu, while its menu takes inspiration from around the world.
When: Open daily
Where: Bizarre Gastro Pub — 2016 Spiller Rd. SE, Calgary
Crossroads Farmers Market
What: Explore the amazing stalls at the Crossroads Farmers Market this week. You can purchase some cute trinkets for your mantlepiece or buy all the ingredients you need for a delicious meal from local vendors.
When: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1235 26th Ave. SE
Murder at the Park: A Wedding To Die For
What: Enjoy a thrilling evening of mystery, music, dinner, and a murder most foul at the Wainwright Hotel! Set in 1922, during the Prohibition era, this exciting three-act murder mystery, hosted at Heritage Park, makes for the ultimate date night in Calgary.
When: Select dates throughout spring
Where: Heritage Park
Price: $120 + GST
Birding in Inglewood
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What: Pack your binoculars (and maybe a picnic!) and head down to Calgary’s Inglewood Bird Sanctuary to take in the city’s stunning nature. With 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals and 347 species of plants, there’s no shortage of plants and animals to see. Entrance to the sanctuary is free, but if you would like to learn from the professionals, you can sign up for courses through the City of Calgary.
When: Open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary — 2425 9th Ave. SE, Calgary