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Activities . Family Fun . What's Up in Calgary?

What’s Up This Week?

On May 12, 2026 by

May 14 to 24

May 15, 9:30 to 3pm; Bow Habitat Station: Beaks and Beyond. Ever wonder how far migratory species can travel? This May, spread your wings and follow these remarkable travelers as many journey back to Alberta just in time for the vibrant spring and summer seasons. Learn more at bowhabitat.alberta.ca.

May 15, 2 to 3:30pm; Walk to End Gender Based Violence (Moose Hide Walk) at Children’s Cottage. Community members walk in solidarity to end violence against women, children, and families, with a focus on Indigenous-led action and reconciliation at Children’s Cottage Society. Learn more at childrenscottage.ab.ca.

May 15, 3 to 5pm; Indigenous Market (Moose Hide Walk) at Children’s Cottage. Join for a family-friendly Indigenous Market celebrating culture, creativity, and community. Explore handcrafted goods, art, wellness products, and cultural offerings from 15 local Indigenous vendors, while connecting with traditions rooted in Treaty 7. Learn more at childrenscottage.ab.ca.

May 15 to 16; Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Presents: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert. Feel – and hear – the Force around you in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi when the Calgary Phil performs John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score live-to-film at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

May 15 to 17; Otafest. Otafest is Calgary’s homegrown, volunteer-run, non-profit, all-ages Japanese anime and pop culture festival featuring anime screenings, an exhibitor hall, community panels, cosplay contests, voice actors, concerts, and so much more at Telus Convention Centre. Learn more at otafest.com.

May 16; 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: Minions: The Rise of Gru. Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $3.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

May 16, 12 to 5pm; Roller Palace: Disney at the Rink. Dress as your favorite Disney character and get $5 off admission. Learn more at rollerpalace.ca.

May 16 and 17, 10amto 4pm; Granary Road Kite Fest. Explore the skies above in Granary Road’s first annual Kite Festival. With kite building, flying lessons, spectacular shows, and a flying area to explore the skies at your own pace. There’s something for all in this wind-defying festival of colors. Learn more at granaryroad.com.

 Saturdays, May 16 to August 29; Polar Bear Breakfast at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Bring your family and friends for a fun and educational morning at the zoo! Admission to this event includes an exclusive before-hours viewing opportunity of the Wild Canada zone with a side of polar bear facts from Conservation Education staff and volunteers. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until May 17; Calgary Reads Big Book Sale. Discover nearly 200,000 gently used books of every genre imaginable and help more children experience the life-changing joy of reading at Calgary Curling Club. Learn more at bigbooksale.ca.

May 17, 11am to 4pm; Iron Horse Park Opens. The miniature trains, track and landscape at Iron Horse Park in Airdrie represent the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) from the prairies to the coast. Take the 1.6km interpretive journey aboard one of the 1/8th scale diesel or steam locomotives at the park and get a feeling of what the railway was like in Western Canada during the pioneer days. Learn more at ironhorsepark.ca.

May 17, 1 to 3pm; Michaels MakeBreak: Jonathan Adler Paint by Number + Product Showcase. Have fun with all things Jonthan Adler at Michaels and help complete a community paint by numbers. Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

May 17, 2 to 3pm; 17th on 17th Free Sidewalk Concerts. The 17th of every month free, live sidewalk concerts will by playing all over the business corridor. Learn more at 17thave.ca.

May 18; Banff Sunshine Village’s Slush Cup. To close out the ski season, Banff Sunshine Village’s ultimate May Long Weekend party, Slush Cup, returns May 18. Skiers and riders are invited to take on the classic spring challenge by skimming across an icy pool of water. Learn more at skibanff.com.

May 18, 11:30am to 3:30pm; Heritage Park Victoria Day Afternoon Tea. Sip on freshly brewed tea, nibble on delicate finger sandwiches and indulge in sweet pastries from the Alberta Bakery—all in the cozy setting of the Famous 5 Centre. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Tuesdays, until May 19, 5:20 to 6:45pm; Built to Run: Girls Running Program. Calling all girls ages seven to 12 who want to run, jog, or walk outdoors in a welcoming and inclusive space. Participants will learn running skills, take part in fun team-building activities and explore mental skills curriculum covering important topics like goal setting and mindfulness. Meet at Rocky Mountain Soap Co (Market Mall). Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

May 19 to 24; Broadway Across Canada Presents: Mama Mia. A mother. A daughter. Three possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at calgary.broadway.com.

May 20, 9:30 to 11:30am; The Hangar Flight Museum Events: Fly Babies. Participants will partake in a craft centered around agricultural planes as well as enjoy free play, photography opportunities, story time, and more. This program is recommended for children ages two to five.  Learn more at thehangarmuseum.ca.

May 20 to June 21; StoryBook Theatre Presents: Shrek the Musical. The tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself joined by a wisecracking Donkey to rescue a feisty princess, Fiona, to salvage his home is hilarious brought to the stage! Confronted by the greed of a power-hungry monarch, a troupe of fairy tale misfits backs Shrek’s quest, and is driven by a secret curse that may shape the kingdom’s future. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

May 22; 4:30 to 5:45pm; Free Soccer Friday. Free Soccer Fridays invites kids to a free, unstructured, drop-in soccer opportunity. This is a chance for youth of all ages and abilities to play and enjoy the sport. Learn more at calgaryminorsoccer.com.

May 22 to 23; Murder at the Park: Death on the Dancefloor. Sharpen your detective skills for Murder at the Park: Death on the Dancefloor, where a lively night at the Heritage Park Wainwright Hotel turns deadly and no two endings are ever the same. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

May 22 to 23; Mahler’s First Symphony. Discover Mahler’s mighty First Symphony as the Calgary Phil, conducted by Earl Lee, perform this orchestral epic that takes you from the joys of springtime – through rustic dances to an ironic funeral march – and culminates in victory over worldly despair at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

May 22 to 31; The Royal Canadian International Circus. The Royal Canadian Circus returns in 2026 with an electrifying all-new production at CrossIron Mills Mall that blends world-class acrobatics, breathtaking visuals, and the heart of timeless circus tradition. Learn more at tickets.royalcanadiancircus.ca.

Until May 23; Rosebud Theatre Presets: Hurry Hard. Hurry Hard is a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about what it takes to overcome impossible odds. Learn more at rosebudtheatre.com.

May 23; APEGA Science Olympics. The APEGA Science Olympics are interactive, inter-school events for students in Grades 1 to 12. Science Olympians use problem solving to develop solutions to a series of challenges that demonstrate how engineering and geoscience impact our everyday lives at the Olympic Oval. Learn more at apega.ca.

May 23, 10am to 12pm; Michaels Kids’ Club: DIY Kids’ Bookmarks. Kick off your summer reading with making your very own DIY bookmark. Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

May 23, 10am to 3pm; Pop-Up Spring Market at Bridgeland Riverside. A vibrant celebration of culture, community, and the fresh beginnings of spring! As the snow melts, this event brings together a tapestry of cultures from across Calgary to the heart of the city. Join for a unique shopping experience where you can explore diverse artisan crafts, savor authentic international cuisines, and experience traditional performances.

May 23, 10am to 3:30pm; Asian Heritage Month Celebration. Experience the uniqueness of Asia through the heartbeat of the traditional percussion drumming at at Bridgeland Riverside Community Association. Enjoy a market, a traditional live cuisines experience, rangoli, mehendi, caricature, face painting workshop and more. Learn more at hhs-alberta.org.

May 23, 10am to 4pm; Airdrie Children’s Festival. A free family weekend of excitement, shows, activity, and more at Nose Creek Park. Learn more at airdriechildrensfest.com.

May 23, 10am to 4pm; Vintage Redefined Market. An exciting line up of incredible vendors at Acadia Rec Complex. Learn more at vintageredefinedmarket.com.

May 23; 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: Despicable Me 4. Visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $3.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

May 23, 1 to 4pm; Calgary Stampeders’ Fanfest. Kickoff the season at McMahon Stadium with live entertainment, interactive inflatables, face painting, games, giveaways, and so much more. Plus, you can meet the current players of the Calgary Stampeders and interact with several of the storied Stamps alumni. Learn more at stampeders.com/fanfest.

May 23, 2 to 5pm; Okotoks Dawgs Fan Fest. The Dawgs are opening up their doors for Fan Fest! Attendees can step on the field for autographs, yard games, face painting and dunking some of their favourite players in a dunk tank! This is the first opportunity to try new concession items and pick up season tickets. The event is free to attend and is open to Dawgs fans of all ages. Learn more at dawgsbaseball.ca.

May 23, 5 to 9pm; Locked Zoo: Puzzling Prairies (18+). Solve puzzles, crack codes, and unlock the secrets of the prairies before time runs out. You’ll be challenged to use your wits, think creatively, and work with your team to solve an intricate series of puzzles that bring animal conservation to life. New this year are food boxes included with your ticket, so you can fill your belly while your brain is at work! Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

May 23, 7pm; Calgary Spiritus Chamber Choir Presents: From the First Note. Join at Christ Church Elbow Park for a jubilant celebration in From the First Note, where music and memories come together to mark the 30th anniversary. Learn more at spirituschamberchoir.ca.

May 23 to 24; Servus Calgary Marathon. The Servus Calgary Marathon Race Weekend is Canada’s longest running marathon and Alberta’s Best Road Race. With six distances to choose from, there is a race for every age and ability. Learn more at calgarymarathon.com.

May 24, 10am to 4pm; Rocky Mountain Junior Science Contest. The RMJSC is a multi-round STEM competition aimed towards testing junior high-level concepts to prepare students for high school content while challenging their applied science reasoning skills at the University of Calgary. Learn more at archallenge.org.

May 24, 11am to 4pm; The Barn Artisan Market. This market has two floors of local vendors with unique, hand-crafted, and made-in-Alberta products at Shawnessy Barn. Learn more at thebarnartisanmarket.ca.

May 24, 1 to 3pm; Michaels MakeBreak: Junk Journals. Learn all about junk journaling and why Michaels has everything you need for this fun analog hobby. Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

Ongoing

Tuesdays, 10am, until May 26; Singing With Sylvia: Free Drop-In Fun. Drop-in music fun for families with young children.  Geared for kids up to age six, but all are welcome at Crossroads Court. Learn more at singingwithsylvia.com.

Thursdays, until May 28, 3:30 to 7:30pm; Dalhousie Farmers’ Market. Stop by after work to pick up fresh local food, support Alberta vendors, and enjoy the community atmosphere that makes the Dalhousie Farmers’ Market special. Learn more at dalhousiecalgary.ca.

Until May 30; Jubilations Junior Presents: Despicable Minionz. The most notorious supervillain in the world is finally rehabilitated and now has a job… reforming other supervillains? Learn more at jubilations.ca/calgary-junior.

Until May 30; Jubilations Junior Dinner Theatre Presents: Golden Girls Vegas Vacation. Everyone’s favorite golden gang of lovely ladies is hitting the Las Vegas strip. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until May 31; High Tea at the Zoo. High Tea at the zoo is a full day of spring fun, perfect for all ages. Your ticket includes entry to the zoo with a 1.5 hour High Tea seating that allows you to indulge delicious finger sandwiches, scones, and mouthwatering snacks, complemented by a selection of tasty loose leaf teas. Don’t miss out on this elegant affair in Grazers Restaurant on select Sundays from April 12 to May 31. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until June 6; Stage West for Kids Presents: Little Red Riding Hood. Featuring chases, songs and slapstick comedy, this modern classic is sure to entertain the entire family. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Wednesdays until June 17; Girl Power. Girl Power provides opportunities for girl-identifying and gender diverse children in grades 7 to 9 to connect with each other to build community, learn about social action, practice leadership, and uncover their strengths and skills at the Women’s Centre of Calgary. Various activities include, games, crafts, discussions, and most importantly, youth-led sessions where youth practice their leadership skills. Learn more at womenscentrecalgary.org.

Wednesdays until June 17; Reading Buddies. For girls and gender-diverse youth in grades 4 to 6 looking for additional reading support. Participants will be paired with a volunteer to practice their reading and comprehension in a fun and calm environment. Snacks are provided and bus tickets are available if needed. Learn more at womenscentrecalgary.org.

Thursdays until June 18; Girl Force. Girl Force provides opportunities for girl-identifying and gender diverse children in grades 7 to 9 to connect with each other to build community, learn about social action, practice leadership, and uncover their strengths and skills at the Women’s Centre of Calgary. Various activities include, games, crafts, discussions, and most importantly, youth-led sessions where youth practice their leadership skills. Learn more at womenscentrecalgary.org.

Until June 21; Stage West Theatre Presents: New Sound in Town. Tune in and trace this captivating musical journey as the lines between genres melt away and a new sound takes the town by storm. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Thursdays until June 25; Downtown Tutoring Club Chinatown. Need help with homework? This free, drop-in tutoring program is for junior high and high school students. Tutors walk around and help with English, math, and science, whether you have one small question or a lot of work. Walk-ins welcome at 110 3 Avenue SE. Learn more by emailing [email protected].

Mondays until June 29; Downtown Tutoring Club CORE. Need help with homework? This free, drop-in tutoring program is for junior high and high school students. Tutors walk around and help with English, math, and science, whether you have one small question or a lot of work. Walk-ins welcome at 131 7 Avenue SW. Learn more by emailing [email protected].

Thursdays until the end of June, 3 to 6pm; NMC Jam Club. A free after-school drop-in program for teens looking to practice their skills at Studio Bell. Learn more at studiobell.ca.

Mondays to Thursdays, 9am to 12pm; Active Toddlers at the Genesis Centre. Bring your little one for a delightful playtime adventure with our bouncy castle, toys, puzzles, and a lot more for free. Learn more at genesis-centre.ca.

Thursdays, 4 to 4:30pm; Storytime at Mastermind Toys. Mastermind Toys often has special events at their Calgary stores, including storytime. Check with your store to confirm details. Learn more at mastermindtoys.com.

Weekends; Asylum for Art Brunch. Asylum for Art hosts weekend brunch and live music at the WaffleHaus Saloon. Admission is by donation, and you can reserve a spot. Learn more at asylumforart.ca.

Monday and Wednesday from 10 to 11:30 am. The Beach YYC Drop-In Children’s Playtime. On Monday and Wednesday mornings take part in children’s play time at the beach. Learn more at thebeachyyc.ca.

Monday to Thursday, 9am; Parent + Tot Drop-In at Cavalry FC Regional Field House. Cavalry offers a variety of drop-in programs for parents to participate in with their children ages 18 months to three years old. Learn more at regionalfieldhouse.com.

Drop-In Programs at City of Calgary Recreation Centres. Don’t miss out on Active Play where you can bring your kiddo’s energy to an indoor play space. Learn more at calgary.ca.

Storytime at Calgary Public Library. Drop into various Calgary Public Library locations to enjoy stories, songs, and finger plays for the whole family at Family Storytime. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.