15 things to do in Calgary this week: September 12 to 18

Looking for something to do this week? Well you’re in luck! Choose from Beakerhead events, Greek Festival, Stamps game and more!

Here are some of the top events to check out in Calgary between September 12 to 18.

Million Dollar Quartet

What: The Tony® Award Winning musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is set on December 4, 1956. History was made when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest impromptu jam sessions ever. It brings to light the extraordinary story of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of four friends that is altogether poignant, heartwarming and funny.
Where: Stage West – 727 42 Avenue SE
When: September 9 to November 13
Tickets: $119 (includes dinner)

Beakerhead

What: Calgary’s annual smash up of art, science and engineering, is here this September. More than 110,000 festivalgoers and 150 international artists and engineers are expected to attend, to build, compete and exhibit interactive works of art throughout the city. This year, Beakerhead will include more than 65 mechanical sculptures, interactive street art, classrooms of creators, culinary delights, and spectacular performances. Plus, Beakernight will light up the streets of Bridgeland with live music, beakerbar and quirky inventions ranging from a hamster wheel-powered tricycle to a can-crushing cow.
Where: All over Calgary
When: From Wednesday, September 14 through Sunday, September 18
Tickets: beakerhead.com

Bridgeland Farmers Market

What: Visit Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market every Thursday during the summer! Enjoy eating at local vendor stations, dance to live music and shop until you drop. For the kiddos, there are free activities set up.
Where: Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market – 917 Centre Avenue NE
When: Thursday, September 15 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm

Illuminasia Lantern and Garden Festival 2016

What: The Illuminasia Lantern and Garden Festival returns to the Calgary Zoo for the second year in a row, and this time around there are 145 extra lanterns to dazzle you. The lanterns are seasonal-themed this year, so you’ll be taken on a journey from winter to spring, and they’ll depict culturally significant animals as well as zoo favourites. Relish in the arts of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures, and check out live music, an art gallery, and garden displays as well.
Where: Calgary Zoo – 1300 Zoo Road NE
When: Thursday, September 8 to Sunday, October 16

Keith Urban

Not only does Keith Urban have the prettiest hair in country music; he has one of the genre’s prettiest voices, too. Expect the awesome Aussie to play hits from 2016’s Ripcord, in addition to Grammy-winning favourites like “You’ll Think Of Me” and “Stupid Boy”.
When: Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Available online from $69.50 to $109.50. All ages

Calgary Greek Festival

What: This three day celebration of Greek culture is a chance for the community to come together. Attendees to this free annual event will find a range of entertainment options, traditional Greek food, dancing, and a whole lot more.
When: September 16 to 18
Where: Hellenic Community Centre – 1 Tamarac Crescent SW
Cost: Free admission for children under 12 and seniors; $5 general admission

Visit a Farmers’ Market

Popular among chefs, home cooks, and local gastronomes, farmers’ markets have become an integral part of Calgary’s food landscape. Not only do these community events grant local farmers, growers, and bakers the opportunity to connect with urban folk but they also provide them with a space to show off their seasonal favourites. Here’s a quick list of a few.

Dolly Parton

Here she comes again! Country legend Dolly Parton will dazzle Calgary on September 16 with songs and stories from her storied, six decade-long career. Parton has racked up an impressive 25 Number One songs on Billboard’s country chart, more than any other female artist, and her latest album Pure & Simple is a best-seller.
When: Friday, September 16 at 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Available online from $39.50 to $97.50. All ages

Calgary Stampeders Games

What: Watch as our CFL pride and joy take on their rivals this summer.
Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
When: Saturday, September 17 at 3 pm vs Ottawa Redblacks
Cost: $25 – $200

Free concerts in East Village

What: Calling music lovers! The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation is teaming up with the National Music Corporation to put on free public concerts in the public spaces of East Village, from September 10 to October 1. The concert series will feature performances by some of Calgary’s great musical talent, such as the Buckley Trio, Dojo Workhorse, the Scott Duncan Celtic Project, and the Doll Sisters.
When: September 10, 17, 24, and October 1 from 1 to 4 pm
Where: C-Square at the corner of 7th Avenue and 4th Street SE.
Cost: Free

Taste of West 85th

What: Get a sampling of the great amenities such as health, restaurants, pet specialty, daycares, fashion and more while you can enjoy the family fun activities!
Where: 8561 8A Avenue SW
When: Saturday, September 17 from 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free

Steam Whistle Oktoberfest at WURST

What: Head to downtowns only German Beer Hall and celebrate as Steam Whistle brings Munich’s Oktoberfest to Calgary for a night of stein hoisting and German dancing celebrations. Enjoy authentic German food, dancers and music. Dress in your best dirndl or lederhosen for a chance to win great prizes.
Where: WURST – 3437 4th Street SW
When: Saturday, September 17 at 5pm
Cost: $25 (in advance) and $30 (at the door)

Bend and Brunch at CRAFT

What: Take part in a yoga class instructed by Jenelle Kitto from LIV Yoga and then stick around for brunch and a Village Beermosa or glass of True Buch Kombucha. You’ll have to bring your own yoga mat and water might be a good idea too for the one hour class.
Where: Craft Beer Market – 345 10th Avenue SW
When: September 21 from 10 am to noon
Cost: $25 ($15 for only Yoga)

SUM SUM

What: Calling all dim sum lovers: Mark your calendars for the first ever pop-up dim sum extravaganza headed to Calgary this September. The event will run over three non-consecutive days (September 4, 11, and 18). Each day will have its own theme. Enter The Dumpling will take place on September 4 (there are no more reservations available for this event, however, walk-ins welcome), Crouching Gai Lan Hidden Wonton will take place on September 11, and Ginger Beef in the Bronx will take place on September 18.
When: Sunday, September 18 (for times please check website)
Where: Commonwealth Bar & Stage – 731 10th Avenue SW
Tickets: Limited reservations are available by signing up to SUM SUM’s newsletter via their website

Skyline Luge

What: For the more adventurous side in you, try The Skyline Luge. It’s a three-wheeled cart, part go-kart and part toboggan that is thrilling for all ages and abilities.
Where: Skyline Luge Calgary – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
When: Now until October 9
Cost: $15 for 1 ride; $23 for 2 rides; $32 for 5 rides