17 things to do in Calgary this weekend: September 16 to 18

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Lots of fun things happening around town including Beakerhead, Stamps Game, Greekfest, and more!

Get out and do something, with our list of things to do this weekend.

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

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

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

Cecil Hotel by Mark Clintberg

What: Cecil Hotel (2014-2016) is an exploration of the recently demolished site of The Cecil Hotel, opened in 1912, ordered to close by Calgary’s city officials in 2008, and purchased by the city for nearly $11 million in 2009. The hotel has been considered an “epicentre of prostitution, drugs, murder, and desperation by some, and its erasure has since been both contested and praised. This project includes a large-scale modified replica of the hotel’s neon sign and an edition of custom-made pint glasses.
Where: Main Space/Parkade/U-Hall – 2009 10th Avenue SW
When: September 16 to October 15 (closed Sunday’s and Monday’s)

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.

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

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

Eastside Studio Crawl

What: This neighbourly Fall event returns in its 13^th year with over 80 artists opening their studios to the community. The Crawl takes you through studios spread over five locations: Burns Visual Arts Society, Jeff De Boer Sculpture, Heritage Weavers & Spinners, Artpoint Gallery & Studios and Studio 4 Painters.
Where: Inglewood
When: Saturday, September 17 from 11am to 5pm
Cost: Free

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

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)

Inglewood Ghost Tour

What: Walk among the historic buildings and streets of Inglewood. Hear about stories from the Glen Bow Museum and Ft. Calgary archives, newspapers, assorted ghost story books and personal accounts & interviews. Your guide will be dressed in a black cape and carrying a lantern so they will stand out a bit. They will also be at the start of the tour at approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the tour begins.
Where: Outside of Rosso’s – Corner of 14 Street and 9th Avenue SE
When: Saturday, September 16 at 8 pm
Cost: $15

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 Bronxwill take place on September 18.
When: September 11, and 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

Calgary Bridal Expo

What: See over 150 spectacular exhibits, Calgary’s largest wedding gown sale and fabulous fashion shows. The Bridal Expo Gown Sale offers hundreds of designer gowns for 40% – 70% off.
Where: BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SW
When: Sunday, September 18 from 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door

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

Something Old, Something New: 125 Years of Wedding Fashion

What: See some of the most trendsetting and common wedding dresses in Alberta from the last 125 years. The exhibition features collections from the Museum of the Highwood, the Red Deer Museum, the Royal Alberta Museum, the Lougheed House Conservation Society, as well as numerous private collections.
Where: Lougheed House – 707 13th Avenue SW
When: Now until October 2
Cost: Regular admission $8.50

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

See also

Dolly Parton

Visit a Farmers’ Market