50 things to do in Calgary this March

Planing ahead? Here is our list of the top events happening in Calgary this March.

For a complete list of events, check out our Calgary Buzz events calendar.

Free things to do

Free First Thursday Nights at the Glenbow

• What: Free admission to the Glenbow Museum every first Thursday of the month.
• Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9 Avenue SE
  
• When: Thursday, March 3 from 5 to 9 p.m.

International Women’s Day

• What: Celebrate International Women’s Day by honouring the stories of women from around the world while enjoying a potluck.
• Where:  Women’s Centre of Calgary – 39 4 Street NE
• When: Tuesday, March 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Marda Loop Justice Film Fest’s I Am A Girl

• What: Being born a girl means that you are more likely to be subjected to violence, poverty, disease, and disadvantage. I Am A Girl reveals what it means to grow up as a female in the 21st century.
• Where: River Park Church – 3818 14a Street SW
• When: Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m.

Calgary Rock, Gem, and Mineral Show

• What: Silver Cove presents the 2016 Calgary Gem Show running in March.
• Where: 4207 41 Avenue SW
• When: Thursday, March 10 to 13; Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: free

Skyline Soul

• What: Outloud YYC, the Calgary Tower and Dragon Fli Empire present Skyline Soul, a free event that promotes the urban arts scene in Calgary. You must register online here.
• Where: Calgary Tower – 101 9 Avenue SW
• When: Saturday, March 12 from 9 p.m. to midnight

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48-hour-Anti-Racism Red Carpet Film Screening

• What: Taking place on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the gala will be a red carpet event showcasing short completed films from the 48-hour-Anti-Racism Film Festival in February.
• Where: John Dutton Theatre – 616 Macleod Trail SE
• When: March 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Easter Egg Hunt

• What: Swing by Strathcona Square to grab your entry form any of the participating merchants to go on your Easter Egg collecting adventure. Once you have completed the Easter Egg challenge hand your paper in and get the chance to win a prize package valued at $350.
• Where: Strathcona Square Shopping Centre – 555 Strathcona Boulevard SW
• When: Now until Sunday, March 20 at 11:30 p.m.

Food and drink festivals

Fondue Class for Two

• What: Janice of Janice Beaton Fine Cheese will be sharing her classic recipe plus two favourite twists on traditional Swiss Fondue. You will get to try and taste all three recipes as well as drink some delicious wine.
• Where: Wednesday, March 2 from 6:15 to 8 p.m.
• When: Janice Beaton Fine Cheese – 1017 16 Avenue SW
• Cost: $80

The Big Taste Calgary

• What: For 10 days, Calgary’s foodies will be downtown in celebration of world-class cuisine. Participating restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus, giving costumers the chance to try the best of each restaurant.
• Where: Various venues
• When: Friday, March 4 to Sunday, March 13
• Cost: Varies

Calgary Maple Festival Des Sucres

• What: Promoting French Canadian culture, history, and traditions, this year’s festival will feature French Canadian music and folkloric dances, traditional meals, outdoor games, savoury maple taffy, and so much more.
• When: Saturday, March 5 and 6, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Drive SW
• Price: General admission adult tickets are priced at $12 and can be purchased online here.

Battle French vs Quebec Cheese!

• What: Watch a fromage filled face-off where two of Janice Beaton Fine cheese cheesemongers will choose their favourite regional representatives. During the event you will get to learn about and try the cheese from Quebec and France while drinking Quebec beer and French Cider.
• Where: Janice Beaton Fine Cheese – 1017 16 Avenue SW
• When: Wednesday, March 9 from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.
• Cost: $55

Big Rock Brewga: Yoga & Beer

• What: Ideal for those who want to explore yoga, only with the added benefit of local craft beers.
• Where: Big Rock Brewery – 5555 76 Avenue SE
• When: Thursday, March 10, Thursday, March 24, Thursday, April 7 and Thursday April 21 at 7 p.m.
• Cost: $15

The Grape Escape

• What: A wine, spirits and beer sampling event gives you an opportunity to discover your new favorites from a seemingly endless selection from around the world.
• Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park – Hall D & E
• When: Friday, March 18 and 19 from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Cost: $65

Taste of Jamaica

• What: Emerge yourself in Jamaican culture, with food, music and more. Kids activities will also be available including a bouncy castle, face painting, and ice cream.
• Where: Thorncliff Community Centre – 5600 Centre Street North
• When: Saturday, March 26 from noon to 8 p.m.
• Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for children; $35 for families

Visit Markets

Bowness Spring Craft Sale & Easter Eggstravaganza

• What: Visit the Spring Craft Sale held over the Easter weekend this year with fun vendors, and activities held throughout the day.
• Where: Bowness Community Centre – 7904 43 Avenue NW
• When: Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to  4 p.m.

Calgary Farmers’ Market

• What: Full of fresh food and free entertainment as well as many different vendors to visit this little market is the perfect spot to visit during the spring.
• Where: 510 77 Avenue SE, Calgary
• When: Thursday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Crossroads Market

• What: Posses farm-fresh produce and tasty treats plus lost of unique finds from the large variety of vendors.
• Where: Cross Roads Market – 1235 26 Avenue SE, Calgary
• When: Friday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Symons Valley Ranch

• What: Visit the many different vendors and explore what the Symons Valley ranch has to offer. There is also a special Friday customer discount of every Friday from now until March 18, be sure to ask the vendors about their deals.
• Where: Symons Valley Ranch – 14555 Symons Valley Road
• When: Tuesday to Sunday, various times

Market Collective

• What: Market Collective will be showcasing a roster of artists and musicians during the weekend. Follow them along on social media to keep up with the newest events.
• Where: Chinese Cultural Centre – 197 1 Street SW
• When: Friday, March 18 to 20; Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $5 for entire weekend and Free for kids

Festivals and other events

Free First Thursday Nights at the Glenbow

• What: Free admission to the Glenbow Museum every first Thursday of the month.
• Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9 Avenue SE
  
• When: Thursday, March 3 from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Cost: Free

WowFest Magic Arts Festival

• What: WowFest Magic Arts Festival aims to bring that special feeling of wonder to both adults and children alike with its series of hour-long shows that kick off on March 2 in Calgary.
• When: Wednesday, March 2, March 8, and March 12
• Where: Lantern Church – 1401 10 Ave SE; Cardel Theatre – 180 Quarry Park Blvd; Rotary Performing Arts Centre – 3 Elma St E, Okotoks
• Tickets: Available online

Dinner & a Movie at Heritage Park

• What: Swap your night in with a three-course dinner and feast your eyes on the big screen.
• Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Heritage Park
• When: March 8 and 22, April 5 and 19
• Price: $31 to $50 per person, buy online or call 403-268-8607 for more information

Adults Only Night: Urban Survival

• What: A catastrophe struck and you can no longer rely on modern day comforts, what do you do? That’s right, no smart phone, no computer, no microwave. Where would you start with a survival plan? How would you meet your basic needs?
• Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
• When: Thursday, March 10 from 6 to 10 p.m.
• Cost: $20

Canmore Winter Festival: World Cup Edition

• What: Celebrate the season and a popular community tradition for more than 20 years at the Canmore Winter Festival. A total of two World Cup events will be a part of the carnival along with 45 days of non-stop fun including events like, snow sculpting, ice carving, and Snowy Owl Kid N Mutt races.
• Where: Various venues
• When: Now until Sunday, March 13
• Cost: Varies

Maker Creative Workshop 2 – Watercolour Pillowcases

• What: Bring yourself and your ticket, and join a group of like-minded makers that are craving for a place to make awesome things, like watercolour pillowcases!
• Where: 80th and Ivy Modern Kitchen – 1127 17 Avenue Southwest
• When: Monday, March 14 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Cost: $40

Picture this… film festival

• What: Picture this…film festival is an international disability film festival made for everyone.
• Where: Calgary Scope Society – 219 18 Street SE
• When: Wednesday, March 16, 17 and 18, 2016
• Cost: $10 for adults, $7.50 for students, seniors, and low income support programs, $5 for children under 16

Calgary Story Slam

• What: Have the courage to slam down a story or listen as a judge. Remember there are prizes to be won and everyone there is a friendly face. The theme of this Story Slam is “Oops”.
• Where: The Rose & Crown
• when: Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m.
• Cost: $5

Spring Sparktacular

• What: TELUS Spark wants you to bring your whole family for fun filled spring time learning through activities including an egg drop challenge, spring sparktacular science bunny, and more!
• Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St Georges Drive NE
• When: Friday, March 25 and 26
• Cost: $19 for adults, $18 for seniors, $16 for youth, and $13 for children

Vaisakhi mela

• What: Celebrations of Indian New Year, Vaisakhi mela is an excellent way to interact with new people and friends in a traditional and cultural way.
• Where: Genesis Community Wellness Centre – 7556 Falcon ridge Boulevard NE
• When: Saturday, March 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: Free entry Family event

Body Worlds Vital

• What: Celebrating the human body in its healthy, vibrant, and optimal self. Body Worlds is one of the first showcases to provide human specimens on display.
• Where: TELUS Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
• When: Now until May 31
• Cost: $24.95 for adults (18 to 64), $22.95 for seniors (65 and over), $20.95 for youth (13 to 17), $17.95 for children (3 to 12)

Art and theatre

Doc Soup 2016

• What: Critically acclaimed documentaries from around the globe are set to be screened during Doc Soup, Presented by the International Film Festival.
• Where: Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire – 200 Barclay Parade SW
  Globe Cinema – 617 8 Avenue SW
• When: Wednesday, March 2; April 6
• Cost: $15

Vital Few

• What: Six performers are in constant motion to create living and moving sculptures.
• Where: Margaret Greenham Theatre, Banff Centre
• When: Saturday, March 5 at 7:30
• Cost: $20

Dancing in the Streets

• What: Watch critically acclaimed, Dancing in the Streets, direct from London’s West End. Expect dancing and singing with high energy and electricity during this fun-loving performance.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
• When: Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m.
• Cost: $55 to $75

Great Russian Ballet: Giselle

• What: Presented by The Great Russian Ballet, Giselle is on its nationwide tour visiting over 17 cities in 30 days. Set to famous scores, the impeccably trained artists tell a beloved death-defying love story.
• Where: Jack Singer Concert Hall – 205 8th Avenue SE
  
• When: Wednesday March 9 at 8 p.m.
• Cost: $52.89 to $97.89

Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit and Friends

• What: Enter a delightful production with songs and narration that captures characters from one of the world’s most popular children’s stories.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Ave NW
• When: Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m.
• Cost: Varies

The Paper Bag Princess: a musical

• What: Meant for anyone ages 6 and up this fantastical play will take you on a journey with a feisty princess and her hapless prince, based on a Robert Munsch children’s story book.
• Where: Beddington Heights Theatre  – 375 Bermuda Drive NW
• When: Friday, March 4 to Saturday March 19
• Cost: $21 for adults, and $16 for children

Bad Jews

• What: Is a play about three young Jewish cousins who are forced to bunk in an apartment after their grandfather passed away and it will have you laughing.
• Where: Max Bell Theatre – 220 9th Ave SE Calgary
• When: Wednesday, March 15 to April 10
• Cost: Varies

Alberta Ballet: Romeo and Juliet

• What: A classic story written by Shakespeare, the Alberta Ballet captures the tragic tale of starcrossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
• Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
• When :Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m.
  Friday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
  Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m.
  Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Varies

Concerts and Parities

The White and Black Ball

• What: DJD’s annual party and fundraiser, the Black & White Ball, is an evening to dance and party the night away to the sounds of two live bands.
• Where: Fairmont Palliser Hotel – 133 9 Avenue SW
• When: Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m.
• Cost: $95 to $120

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

• What: Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls are on tour with Northcote and Mo Kenney, and stop in Calgary for an all-ages show.
• When: Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m.
• Where: MacEwan Ballroom, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary
• Cost: Available online at $29.50. All ages.

Wintersleep

• What: Juno award winners Wintersleep announced a Canadian tour that includes a stop at Calgary’s Gateway Restaurant & Bar.
• When: Wednesday, March 23 at 8 p.m.
• Where: Gateway, SAIT – 1301 16 Ave NW
• Cost: Available online for $18.50. 18+

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Sean Paul

• What: Paul has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide and won a Grammy in 2004 for Best Reggae Album.
• When: Sunday, March 27 at 7 p.m.
• Where: Cowboy’s Nightclub – 421 12th Ave SE
• Cost: Available online for $39.99. 18+.

Alessia Cara

• What: Catch Cara’s show at McEwan Ballroom before she undoubtedly graduates to arenas a year from now.
• When: March 31 at 8 p.m.
• Where: MacEwan Ballroom – 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary
• Cost: Available online from $24.50 to $89. All ages.

Go for a spring run

• Blitz Snowshoe Fun Run (5K, 10K, Fun Run) – March 5
• The Original St. Patrick’s Day Road Race – March 13
• Run for L’Arche (Half Marathon , Other) – March 19
• CRR Fish Creek XC – March 19

Sports

Calgary Flames games

Monday, March 7 – Sharks at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 9 – Predators at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 11 – Coyotes at 7 p.m.
Monday March 14 – Blues at 7 p.m.
Wednesday March 16 – Jets at 8 p.m.
Friday, March 18 – Avalanche at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 26 – Blackhawks at 8 p.m.

• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
• Cost: Varies

Calgary Hitmen games

Sunday, March 6 – Red Deer at 4 p.m.
Tuseday, March 8 – Saskatoon at 7 p.m.
Saturday March 12 – Edmonton at 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 13 – Medicine Hat at 4 p.m.
Sunday, March 20 – Kootenay at 1 p.m.

• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
• Cost: Varies

Calgary Roughnecks games

Saturday, March 5 – Rochester Knighthawks at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 19 – Colorado Mammoth at 7 p.m.

• Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
• Cost: Varies

90 Cent Ski Days at Mt. Norquay

• What: Mt. Norquay is celebrating its 90 year anniversary and to get you in on the fun they are offering tickets for 90 cents.
• Where: Mt. Norquay
• When: Wednesday, March 9, and April 6
• Cost: 90 cents

Calgary International Auto and Truck Show

• What: Walk around the BMO Centre and view international vehicles from the affordable to the luxury.
• Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park – 20 Roundup Way SW
• When: Wednesday, March 9 to 13; Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $10 for adults on the weekday, and $15 for adults on the Weekend

Spring Equinox Class at the Calgary Tower

• What: Hosted by My Yoga Calgary, the class will take place on the tower’s observation deck and includes an elevator lift to the top.
• When: March 19, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Where: The Calgary Tower
• Price: $35, register online