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

What’s Up This Week?

On May 10, 2023 by

May 12 to 14

May 11 to 13; Alberta Ballet — BOTERO, inspired by the life and distinctly recognizable style of painter Fernando Botero, renowned Colombian-Belgian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa celebrates Botero’s work in movement at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at albertaballet.com.

May 11 to 14; Downstage’s Stage It Festival, the festival features a bevy of new works by local artists at Arts Commons. Enjoy new plays, music, local arts market and more. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

May 12, 5:30 to 9pm; Dinner and a Movie – Paddington, one of Calgary’s most unique dining experiences as you enjoy a themed, gourmet and delicious three-course meal cooked to perfection by Heritage Park’s expert chefs, all while you’re surrounded by one of the world’s largest public collections of antique vehicles at Gasoline Alley Museum. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

May 12 to 13; Vend Urban Market, this market boasts more than 85 vendors, food trucks, a DJ, Friday night cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at ATCO PARK: Commons Building. Learn more at vendmarket.ca.

May 12 to 13, 7:30pm; Katherine Chi performs Beethoven, come along with conductor Mei-Ann Chen and acclaimed Canadian pianist Katherine Chi on a sonic adventure through two bold works by Ludwig van Beethoven. The imaginative Piano Concerto No. 4 is intimate, dramatic, and full of energy, while his fourth symphony shows the composer brimming with witty and noble ideas at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

May 12 to 14; Calgary Opera: Béatrice & Bénédict, both committed to the single life, Béatrice and Bénédict have individually rebuffed the idea of love, most of all with each other. All bets are off when their friends plot to trick them into falling for one another. This playful and comedic battle of wits is inspired by Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and showcases the talents of Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artists. See it at Mamdani Opera Centre. Learn more at calgaryopera.

May 13; 11am to 1pm; West Confederation Bicycle Pump Track Opening, Parks Foundation announce the official opening of West Confederation Bicycle Pump Track at Confederation Park. The event will include a welcome ceremony, demonstration, a public ride, Calgary Flames alumni and Harvey the Hound. Learn more at parksfdn.com.

May 13 to 14, 12 to 6:30pm; The ReLove Market, an empowering fashion community dedicated to the pursuit of personal expression balanced with environmental sustainability. The market brings local curators and fashion enthusiasts together in a welcoming, inspiring and creative in-person forum to share ideas and textiles at The Alberta Hotel Building. Learn more at relovegeneration.com.

May 13, 10am, Annual Vaisakhi Parade, a celebration of Sikh Festival Vaisakhi. Hosted by the Sikh Community every year to celebrate sense of community and equality at Prairie Winds Park.

May 13, 10am to 4pm; The Passionate Painters Art Group Spring Show & Sale, see what local artists have created and meet them in person at St. Peter’s Anglican Church. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

May 13, 10am to 4pm; Touch-A-Truck, this event is brought to you by the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre. This event is family-friendly and gives kids of all ages the chance to see some of their favorite trucks, tractors, and equipment up close, offering a chance to interact with RCMP, EMS, firefighters, construction, oilfield, agriculture, and more at Westerner Park. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

May 13, 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: The Wolf and the Lion, visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $2.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

May 13, 1pm to 4pm; WHCA Family Bike Fest, the West Hillhurst Community Association invites families to enjoy some fun and educational bike activities that support biking and walking to school and work. Learn more at westhillhurst.com.

May 13, 5pm; Cavalry FC vs. HFX Wanderers FC, check out Canada’s professional soccer league at Spruce Meadows. Learn more at ticketmaster.ca.

May 13, 6:30 to 9:30pm; Chinese Zither Concert, the Harmony Guzheng Ensemble proudly presents their 15th-anniversary concert featuring an exciting diversity of pop, contemporary and traditional repertoires. This enchanting night will bring you on a journey filled with serene solos, alluring duets, and breathtaking ensembles of over 20 Guzheng performers and special guests at Bella Concert Hall. Learn more at visitcalgary.com.

May 13, 7:30pm; Songs From The Village, for his final concert as director, Calgary’s jazz musician and CBC broadcaster, Frank Rackow, presents works by Canadian composers and songwriters. Hear the music of Ian Tyson, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and more at Hope Lutheran Church.

May 13; 7:30pm, Heebee-jeebees Cabaret, the Heebee-jeebees™ are an internationally acclaimed, award-winning, comic a cappella group born and raised in Calgary. Celebrating 30 years together in 2023, they have released eight CDs and have won three international CARA awards – the Grammys of a cappella. The Heebee-jeebees have sung thousands of live performances and have appeared on local, national and international radio and television. Learn more at ymcacalgary.org.

Until May 13; Compost Week & Season Kick-off at Highfield Farm, it’s that time of year again – Highfield is planting seeds, feeding soil, and celebrating the end of a long winter. Highfield Farm is ready to jump into the season ahead and hosting a series of awesome events, learning opportunities and fun for you to get excited about growing. Learn more at highfieldfarm.ca.

May 13 and 14; Maker Faire Calgary 2023, Maker Faire Calgary celebrates creativity, innovation, and the maker movement, and features exhibits, demonstrations, and workshops for people of all ages and interests at the BMO Centre. Learn more at calgary.makerfaire.com.

May 14, 1pm and 3:30pm; Calgary Pro Musica and Green Fools Theatre Presents: Marita and Her Heart’s Desire, a magical, mysterious and funny story of a little girl who believes the moon can grant her heart’s desire. She sets off to talk to the moon, which Marita thinks is sitting right on the roof of Harper’s Department Store. On her way, she is joined by a slinky cat, a no-nonsense rat, a jaunty dog and a helpful mouse, all of whom want their hearts’ desires too. In the end, the moon tells Marita to go home, and she discovers that home is where her heart’s desire is, after all. Learn more at calgarypromusica.my.salesforce-sites.com.

May 14, 1pm and 5pm; Blippi Live at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, bring your family for fun, dancing, singing, and meeting amazing new friends live on stage this spring. Learn more at blippithemusical.com.

May 14, 2pm; Bert Church Theatre Presents: Duffelbag Theatre’s Peter Pan, Wendy Darling is sad to learn that she’s growing too old to stay in the nursery any longer, and must move to the adult wing of the house. But when an adventurous young boy offers to fly her to Neverland where she can stay young forever, Wendy is catapulted into an adventure filled with magic pixies, charming pirates, and talking trees. As Peter Pan battles his arch-nemesis Captain Hook in DuffleBag Theatre’s fun version of J.M. Barrie’s beloved classic, even grown-ups will feel like kids again. Learn more at airdrie.ca.

May 14, 4pm; Stars on Ice, after nearly 1000 Stars on Ice shows in the U.S. and Canada, four-time World and Canadian Champion Kurt Browning will be saying goodbye to the tour in 2023.

Joining Kurt for his farewell will be fellow Canadian Olympic, World and National Medalists Patrick Chan, Elvis Stojko, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, Keegan Messing and Madeline Schizas, plus Olympic, World and National medalists Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Satoko Miyahara, Loena Hendrickx, Jason Brown and Alissa Czisny. Learn more at starsonice.ca.

Until May 14; Day Out With Thomas at Heritage Park, Thomas the Tank Engine is making his triumphant return to Heritage Park this May. Board an interactive train ride with Thomas, enjoy some exciting live entertainment and snap some fantastic family photos at the many eye-catching photo ops that will be around the park. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Until May 14; Calgary Book Drive & Sale, you can help make a real difference for women and children experiencing the violence and trauma of sexual exploitation, as they turn the page and start a new chapter of their story. Get your books at Crossroads Market. Learn more at resetcalgary.ca.

Mother’s Day Events

May 12 to 13; The Mom Market presents Mother’s Day at Southcentre Mall, explore local vendors throughout the centre to find the perfect gift for mom. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

May 13 and 14, 9am to 5pm, Saskatoon Farm Mother’s Day Market, 60 outstanding local vendors, live musicians performing all day, greenhouses in full swing stocked with vibrant flowers and foliage, and a beautiful brunch buffet served in the Redhouse. Learn more at saskatoonfarm.com.

May 13, 10am to 12pm; Home Depot Kids’ Workshop: Build a Flower Planter, if you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, Home Depot has a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own flower planter for mom. Learn more at familyfuncanada.com.

May 13, 10am to 4pm; Bearspaw Mother’s Day Pop Up Market, over 75 unique, eccentric, and amazing vendors at the Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre. With all types of gifts for mom or yourself. Some vendors will have items at $5 for kids to purchase as gifts for mom. Learn more at bearspawlc.org.

May 13, 10am to 4pm; CKE Spring Market, check out wares from local vendors and artisans. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to find gifts for mom. The event will be held at the CKE Community Hall located at 1015 – 73 Avenue SW. Learn more at ckecommunity.com.

May 13 to 14, 10am to 5pm; Authentically Indigenous Honouring Our Matriarchs Craft Market, looking for a unique shopping experience? Come shop at Authentically Indigenous Craft Show and Marketplace. Authentically Indigenous – features more than 30 unique Indigenous Artist Vendors from the Calgary and Treaty 7 area of Southern Alberta. Handmade crafts, art, jewelry, prepared food and more at Kerby Centre Gym. Learn more at authenticallyindig.com.

May 13, 2 to 4pm; Pearls & Lace Mother’s Day Tea, bring mom and the whole family to this awesome meal at Edgemont Community Centre. Enjoy great food and music. Learn more at edgemont.ab.ca.

May 13, 7:30 to 9:30pm; Shari Chaskin Quartet: Celebrating Mothers, expect to be captivated by Shari’s voice and repertoire in this intimate evening of legendary and heartfelt music including the new single “At War With Love” at the Asylum For Art. Shari is accompanied by three of Calgary’s top musicians Jon Day on grand piano, Rob Hutchinson on acoustic bass and Mark DeJong on sax. This concert will bring a touch sweetness and inspiration for your soul. Learn more at asylumforart.ca.

May 13 to 14, 11am and 2pm; Toy R Us – Starlight Mother’s Day: Mother’s Day Coloring Activity with Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, this May, celebrate moms and get creative with Toys R Us Canada and Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada. Coloring pages will be available in-store made to show mom how much you appreciate her, with crayons provided by Crayola. Post your coloring page on social media to enter weekly $1000 Toys R Us Canada gift card giveaways. Learn more at toysrus.ca.

May 13 to 14; Mother’s Day Weekend at the Deane House, open all day, serving Saturday and Sunday brunch, and beautiful family dinners in the verandah, dining room, upstairs library and garden room. Tour the gardens, park the stroller and play croquet on the lawn with your little ones, or sip crabapple mimosas while enjoying views of the river and budding blooms. Learn more at deanehouse.com.

May 13 to 14; Mother’s Day Weekend at Aspen Crossing, this year, show your appreciation for everything they do and book tickets for yourself (and mom) on a memorable brunch or supper train ride at Aspen Crossing for an unforgettable experience. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

May 14; Mother’s Day Brunch at the Lougheed House, Mother’s Day Brunch in one of downtown Calgary’s most beautiful historic homes. Learn more at lougheedhouse.com.

May 14, 9am; Mother’s Day Brunch at Safari Lodge, enjoy a special Mother’s Day themed brunch including special decor, a specialty menu and desserts, and fun crafts for the kids. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

May 14, 9am; Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, the Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, Walk and Wheel at Chinook Centre has been one of Calgary’s largest family fundraising events supporting both Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the Calgary Health Foundation. Learn more at sportchek.ca.

May 14, 9:30am; Mother’s Day Brunch at the Grey Eagle, celebrate Mother’s Day with an incredible brunch buffet at the Grey Eagle Hotel Ballroom. Buffet seating times include 9:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Enjoy mimosas, free face painting and balloon animals. Learn more at visitcalgary.com.

May 14, 10am; Mother’s Day Brunch at Fairmont Palliser Hotel, celebrate moms with a grand brunch in their honor, in the iconic Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Palliser. Learn more at fairmont.com.

May 14, 10am to 4pm, Taylor Markets Presents: Mother’s Day Extravaganza Marda Loop Community Association, take your mom somewhere that she’ll enjoy herself. The event will include food trucks, indoor and outdoor vendor, face painting, door prizes and a free gift for the first 100 moms. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

May 14, 10am to 4pm; Found Spring Market: Snack Time! (formerly Etsy Calgary), treat yourself and bring your mom along for a veritable feast of locally-made snacks and snack-themed items at The Hemingway Room at the Commons Calgary. Calgary’s handmade food scene has taken off in the last few years and we want to celebrate all the delicious things that are made right here. Learn more at etsycalgary.com.

May 14, 11am and 2pm; Quali-Tea Time With Mom, join mom at the Calgary Farmer’s Market for a very special afternoon of tea, snacks, and live music. Hosted in the West Mezzanine, this event offers an exceptional view of the market and exclusive bar service. Learn more at calgaryfarmersmarket.ca.

May 14, 11am to 4pm; Best Buy x The Dorian Mother’s Day Pamper Pop-Up, raise a glass and treat your mom to a delicious Mother’s Day brunch at The Wilde on 27 while experiencing unique pamper moments (demos with Dyson, hands-on experience with latest gadgets like Therabody Theraguns, Samsung Galaxy Buds2) brought to you by Best Buy Canada. Learn more at blog.bestbuy.ca.

May 14, 12pm; Mother’s Day Diva Drag Brunch, celebrate Mother’s Day with the Diva Drag Brunch. Enjoy a delicious brunch while being entertained by Kylee Roman and starring Tana Nuff, Dayna Hart, Nearah Nuff, Julie Hamdrews and Pepper at Meridian Central Station. Learn more at ticketmaster.ca.

May 14, 2 to 4pm; Michael’s Make Break: Mother’s Day Floral Frame, visit participating stores and make a frame with floral for mom. You can use our design or make one all your own. This event is free, and all supplies are included. Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

Ongoing

Opening May 15; Bow Habitat Kids Can Catch Trout Pond, the Bow Habitat Station’s Kids Can Catch Trout Pond opens in mid-May and is stocked with rainbow trout in the fish hatchery for you to catch and release. Learn more at bowhabitat.alberta.ca.

Until May 20; Workshop Theatre presents “The Odd Couple (Female Version)”, Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary comic classic: the female version of The Odd Couple at Pumphouse Theatre. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The Pidgeon sisters have been replaced by the two Costazuela brothers. But the hilarity remains the same. Learn more at workshoptheatre.ca.

Until May 22; Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, at the 19th CalgaryReads Big Book Sale at Calgary Curling Club, discover more than 150,000 gently used books of every genre imaginable – and help more children experience the life-changing joy of reading. Learn more at bigbooksale.ca.

Until May 22; The Living Sea – Fragile Beauty Exhibition at the Glenbow, an exhibition featuring the work of Prince Hussain Aga Khan, celebrates the beauty and magic of the ocean, testifying to some of the most enthralling and surprising encounters the photographer has experienced under the surface. Learn more at glenbow.org.

Until May 27; Cottagers and Indians, in this funny and fierce play, an Indigenous man, Arthur Copper, has taken it upon himself to repopulate the lakes of his home territory with wild rice—known amongst the Anishnawbe as Manoomin. The local non-Indigenous cottagers, Maureen Poole in particular, are NOT impressed. She feels the plant interferes with her favourite lake activities and is an eyesore that brings down the property value. Based on real-life events in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region, the story infuses contemporary conflicts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous sensibilities with Drew Hayden Taylor’s characteristic warmth and humour at Vertigo Theatre. Learn more at lunchboxtheatre.com.

Until June 3; Wedding Singer: 1999, we’ve all attended a wedding or two. Which is why we could all relate to the classic movie about a 1980’s wedding singer who finally found a love of his own. By the 1990’s, the wedding singer has had lots of practice and is often called on to sing at the biggest weddings of the year. But what happens when he must sing at, what everyone says will surely be, the wedding of the millennium? Oh, and the millennium bride just happens to be his daughter. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until June 3; Sleeping Beauty at Stage West Theatre, when Prince Princely shows up, Princess Gillian thinks she has found the love of her life. But, a jealous witch has other plans. When a sleeping spell, meant for the Princess, goes wrong, craziness ensues and no one is safe from catching some extra zzz’s! Based on the classic tale of the same name, this comedic adventure with a modern twist is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until June 3, Jubilations Junior Presents: Super Duper Mario Musical, who knew that those Mario Bros could sing and dance? Well, they can do that and a whole lot more when they come to life on the Jubilations Junior stage. Can Mario save the kingdom? Or will it be game over for the good guys? With Mario and Luigi, Princess Peach and Bowser… the gang’s all here so you should be too. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until June 3; Storybook Theatre Presents: Disney’s Newsies The Musical, based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs Carrying the Banner, Seize the Day, and Santa Fe, Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience. Learn more at storybooktheatre.org.

Until June 4; NEVERMORE: The Imaginary Life & Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, Master of the Macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, battled addiction, tragedy and poverty, all while creating some of the most influential works in genre fiction. Bizarrely beautiful and whimsically witty, NEVERMORE uses haunting song, poetic storytelling, and surreal imagery to explore the events that shaped Poe’s career and ignited his lifelong battle with “visions dark and sinister” at The Playhouse. Learn more at catalysttheatre.ca.

Until June 17; FreshFaces | Invitational Group Exhibition, Newzones Gallery announces the third edition of the invitational exhibition, “FreshFaces.” “FreshFaces” is a curated exhibition which brings together select artists from North America for a one-time group showing. Surveying each artist’s practice in depth, “FreshFaces” will analyze the ways in which the artists challenge both the traditional use of materials and formal aesthetics through painting, photography, mixed media and sculpture, resulting in a stimulating and fresh view of “New to Newzones” and “New to Calgary” talent. Learn more at newzones.com.

Until June 25; Stage West Presents: 9 to 5 The Musical, based on the seminal 1980 hit movie, set in the late 70s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Learn more at stagewestcalgary.com.

Until September 15; Inglewood Night Market 2023, the Inglewood Night Market is a modern market with locally sourced and handmade vendors selling diverse goods; from handmade crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats and more. Learn more at inglewoodnightmarket.ca.

Until October; Sacred Defenders of the Universe at TELUS Spark Science Centre, a vibrant floor-to-ceiling journey inside a graphic novel that follows four Indigenous superheroes as they seek to bring back the balance of earth between humility and respect for the land, and the excessive destruction of human ego. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

Mobile Adventure Playgrounds. Join The City of Calgary for a self-directed, drop-in program that uses loose parts and natural materials to inspire active and creative outdoor play, and connect people, young and old, to nature. Visit calgary.ca/free for locations and details.

Calgary AfterSchool. Calgary AfterSchool offers free afterschool programs across Calgary. The programs are offered two to three days a week at various recreation facilities, community centres and community-based partner agencies. Visit calgary.ca/afterschool for locations and details.