12 awesome things to do in Calgary this weekend: May 2 to 4
It’s the first weekend of May here in Calgary, and there’s no better way to celebrate than getting out and enjoying all the exciting events happening in our city.
From a massive book sale to toasting to a huge beer festival and checking out a new pizza and pasta restaurant, check out these 12 things to do this weekend here in YYC.
Calgary International Beer Festival
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What: The Calgary International Beer Festival is Canada’s BIGGEST craft beverage festival! Attendees sample from 700+ local brews, spirits, meads and more, alongside bites from 40+ of Calgary’s top restaurants. With live music, sports lounges, games, unique activations, and more throughout the event, this is the ultimate hangout. Post-festival, the after parties keep the energy high. Grammy-winning artist Imanbek will take the stage on Friday!
When: May 2 from 5 to 10 p.m., the after party is from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; May 3 from noon to 4:30 p.m., evening event is from 5:30 to 10 p.m., and the after party is from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Where: Calgary BMO Centre — 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE
Price: GA package is $64.99; VIP package is $79.99
Check out a brand-new pizza and pasta spot
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What: A brand-new neighbourhood restaurant has just opened its doors in a historic Calgary building, and it’s a carb lover’s dream. Acme Pizza & Pasta Co., the sister restaurant to Acme Pizza Co., has just opened its doors in Calgary’s Sunnyside neighbourhood. You’re going to want to check this place out!
When: Currently opens at 4 p.m. every day
Where: 940 2nd Ave. NW
Visit a huge book sale
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What: Over 100,000 gently used books will be for sale at the Calgary Book Sale. Browse rows upon rows of wonderfully organized titles from every genre imaginable. Whether you’re partial to sci-fi, detective novels, or fantasy epics, we bet you’ll find something
When: May 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and May 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Crossroads Market — 1235 26th Ave. SE
Cost: Admission is $2
Annual Calgary Rock & Mineral Show
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What: The CRLC Rock & Mineral Show is back for its 63rd year and features around 50 unique vendors, making it one of the largest shows of its kind in Western Canada.
When: May 2 to 4
Where: The Genesis Centre — 7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE
Price:Â Ticket prices vary
Birding in Inglewood
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
Free Comic Book Day
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What: Free Comic Book Day is the first Saturday in May each year when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books free to anyone who comes into their stores. Every comic shop has its own rules, and selection may vary, so get into Calgary!
When: May 3
Where: Various locations
Visit a cute bookstore
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What: With spring here, we can’t think of a better way to enjoy all the sunshine than with a good book. Calgary has so many amazing bookshops to check out, so head over to one of the amazing spots in the city and fill your bags with stories. There’s even a brand-new business that has a naughty nook, too.
Try a hot pool or sauna around Calgary
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What: Nothing beats a good dip, and here’s your notice to go visit a local hot pool or spa! There are so many great spots around the city, and we rounded up some of the most popular ones worth checking out.
Telus Spark Science Centre
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What:Â Spend your week full of wonder at the Telus Spark Science Centre. Head over to the centre to be mesmerized by its Digital Immersion Gallery and jaw-dropping shows at the Infinity Dome. This place is bound to leave you awestruck!
When: Sundays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 Saint George’s Dr. NE
Price:Â Various tickets are available
Crossroads Farmers Market
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What: Explore the amazing stalls at the Crossroads Farmers Market this weekend. You can purchase some cute trinkets for your mantlepiece or buy all the ingredients you need for a delicious meal from local vendors.
When:Â Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:Â 1235 26th Ave. SE
Horizon of Khufu
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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:Â Now until June 15, 2025
Where: CF Chinook Centre — 6455 Macleod Trail
Price: Cost varies; buy your tickets
Gasoline Alley Museum
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What: The Gasoline Alley Museum is the ideal weekday trip for vintage car lovers. With its vast collection of antique vehicles and artifacts, this museum transports visitors back to the world of old automobiles.
When: Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park — 1900 Heritage Dr. SW
Cost:Â Tickets start at $14.95 for adults (16+) and $8.95 for children (3-15)