It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for, whether you’re hankering to start planting your garden or you’re just excited for three days off work. Here are all the best things to do in Calgary this May long weekend.
Kick off the grand opening of Calaway Park
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What: Calaway Park opens for their 44th season this long weekend! Kick off the season with 32 rides, live entertainment, the Cinemagic 3D theatre, Haunted Hotel, tasty treats, and so much more.
When: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Where: 245033 Range Rd. 33, Calgary
Price: $53.95 plus GST for a single-day ticket
Shop Calgary’s biggest book sale
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What: The Calgary Reads Big Book Sale returns this May with over 200,000 gently used books for sale. 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
Catch a movie for $3.99
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What: Head to your local Cineplex cinema for a budget-friendly weekend activity with the entire family. The theatre chain is offering movies at its theatres across Canada this month for just $3.99 under the Family Favourites program.
When: Select dates in May 2025
Where: Canadian Cineplex locations
Price: $3.99
Dress up for Otafest
What: Calling all fans, cosplayers, and manga enthusiasts: a huge anime festival is coming to Calgary next month, and it’s a three-day paradise for anyone who loves Japanese pop culture.
When: Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18, 2025
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre — 120 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
Price: $58.69+
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
Try a new Lebanese restaurant
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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
Explore Discover Days: Take Flight
What: Learn about the world of migratory birds. Explore the remarkable travels of these winged adventurers across Alberta’s ecosystems. It’s an educational experience for all ages.
When: Friday, May 16, 2025; 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Bow Habitat Station, 1440 17a St. SE, Calgary
Price: $10 for adult admission
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
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
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
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
If you want to keep your plans flexible, make sure to double-check what’s closed for the May long weekend.