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

What’s Up This Week?

On June 15, 2023 by Calgary's Child

June 16 to 18

June 14 to 18; Spruce Meadows: The National, this event makes a great family days out with things like shopping and live entertainment. The event includes pony rides, dog shows, and face painting for the kids, too. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.

June 16, 4 to 10pm; Calgary Night Market, this market supports local vendors, artisans, entrepreneurs and designers, allowing them to showcase their talent in a fun and safe place at Bridgeland Riverside Community Association. Learn more at calgarynightmkt.com.

June 16, 6 to 10pm; Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Mad Hatter Garden Party (Adults Only), step into the whimsical world of Wonderland with an evening at the Mad Hatter Garden Party in the zoo’s mesmerizing Dorothy Harvie Gardens. Get ready for a delightful adult-only evening of music, games, fun, food and drinks, all with an Alice in Wonderland twist. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

June 16, 7 to 10pm; Night at the Midway at Heritage Park, relive childhood joy at Night at the Midway. Visit The Fairgrounds for gourmet concessions, drinks, turn-of-the-century rides like the Big Eli Ferris Wheel and Bowness Carousel and classic games like Clown Pitch. Bring your loved ones and don’t miss out on one of Calgary’s most unique events. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

June 16 to 17, 7 pm; Green Fools Theatre Presents: Deep Dish, skeezy pizza joint waitress, Helen, might spill your drinks and mess up your order, but she bends over backwards, quite literally, to win your heart. She creates magic out of the mundane and infuses circus into everything she does. Don’t miss world-class contortionist Samantha Halas’s one-woman show at The Pumphouse Theatre. Learn more at greenfools.com.

June 16 to 18; Divinity Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness Expo, heal and learn to inspire at Canada’s most empowering holistic experience – the Divinity Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness Expo at the Genesis Centre. Learn more at divinityexpoevents.com.

June 16 to 18; Chestermere Summer Carnival, this classic summer experience will feature rides, games, treats, and even fireworks every night at John Peake Park. The event is presented in partnership with Wild Rose Carnival. Learn more at chestermeretoday.com.

June 16 to 18; Great Benjamins Circus, experience the ultimate family-friendly show suitable for all ages. Join for an unforgettable spectacle featuring high-flying aerial acts that will leave you breathless. Marvel at gravity-defying jugglers who will amaze you with their skill and precision at Markin MacPhill Centre. Learn more at greatbenjaminscircus.com.

June 16 to 18; Halal Ribfest Calgary, a weekend of family-friendly entertainment, shopping, and exciting activities for all ages at ParkPlus Lot 6, 311- 8 Street W. Connect with your community and experience the vibrant culture and traditions that make halal food so special. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

June 16 to 18; Roll Out Roller Skate Festival, watch, dance, skate and learn from international guests, local professionals and skaters from across North America, in Calgary one weekend only. This weekend features a Friday night skate, Saturday night spectacular Gala Showcase featuring international stars, an amateur showcase, Sunday After Party and roller dance workshops at the JV Centre. Learn more at calgaryrollerskate.com.

June 17; All Sport One Day, an amazing opportunity for Calgary children and youth to try a new sport. With more than 100 sessions featuring 30 exciting activities to choose from, parents or guardians can enroll children (ages six and older) in free sport sessions. Activities take place at facilities across Calgary. Learn more at sportcalgary.ca.

June 17; Mega Bounce Run, mega fun is back as the team brings the craziest inflatables to locations across Canada including North Glenmore Park in Calgary. This is a “serious” run for people that want to have “serious” fun and physically challenge themselves and their friends to the best run ever. Learn more at megabouncerun.ca.

June 17, 9:30am to 1:30pm; Small Shop Warehouse Sale – Common Threads Market, the market will have curated local vendors all on sale, all under one roof at Montgomery Community Association right before the summer season. Learn more at commonthreadscollective.com.

June 17, 11am; Cineplex Family Favourites: Ponyo, visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $2.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

June 17, 11am to 2pm; Neighbour Day Block Party, Made by Momma & The Happy Birthday Project are hosting a Block Party to honor Neighbour Day. Come hangout and enjoy live music, food, activities and free family fun at the Made By Momma Resource Centre. Learn more at madebymomma.org/.

June 17, 11am and 2pm; DC™ Superhero Day at Toys “R” Us, gather your Justice League! Parents, you and your kids can dress as their favorite DC superheroes and join for DC-themed activity sheets and fun freebies: a Batman blind bag or The Flash comic book. While supplies last. Learn more at toysrus.ca.

June 17, 11am to 3pm; Place Matters: A North Calgary Project, in addition to some all-ages fun and delicious food trucks, residents will have an opportunity to celebrate Neighbor Day. Attendees can share their insights and vote on the future of outdoor public spaces throughout North Calgary at Vivo For Healthier Generations. Learn more at vivo.ca.

June 17, 11am to 3pm; Okotoks Parade and Children’s Festival, bands, floats, dancers, horses and fire trucks are all part of the proceedings that wind throughout downtown. The Children’s Festival is always a hit with families and includes live entertainment and activities. Learn more at okotoks.ca.

June 17, 11am to 4pm; Rumi Neighbour Day at Calgary Public Library, enjoy refreshments, activities, and programming by local artists at Bowness, Forest Lawn, Judith Umbach, Giuffre Family, Nose Hill, and Seton libraries. Make connections with your neighbors and talk about what you love about your community. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

June 17, 12 to 5pm; Neighbour Day Celebration, the event will include live music, a petting zoo, a magician, face painting, special guests, and delicious food and beverages for you and your neighbours to enjoy at ATCO Park. Ticket sales support Habitat for Humanity’s Southern Alberta Chapter. Learn more and get your tickets at rumi.com.

June 17, 12 to 10pm; ART SPOT 15 Year Anniversary Art Show, celebrate 15 years of arts and culture with ART SPOT! Featuring over 70 local artists, live music, performances, live art, activities, barbecue and more at Canopy Studios. Learn more at artspotcalgary.com.

June 17, 1pm to 5pm; Kiitaamoko Passkaan (Everybody Dance) Powwow, Inn from the Cold is proud to host the first annual Kiitaamoko Passkaan (Everybody Dance) Powwow in the J.J. Bowlen Greenspace. This high-energy event and community celebration showcases vibrant Indigenous culture, song and dance. Learn more at innfromthecold.org.

June 17; 1:30 to 9pm; World Folklore Festival at Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, a full day of live stage performances by individual and collective art groups/schools, to showcase cultural dances and music which will represent different communities/countries of origin. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

June 17, 2:30 pm; Alberta Bike Swap, this family-friendly event at the Olympic Oval provides a safe place to buy, sell, or donate a bike. Learn more at kinesiology.ucalgary.ca.

June 17, 7 to 11pm; CRESCENDO, you’ll be singing and dancing along to hits from the Eagles, Prince, Neil Diamond, P!NK and more, while powerful storytelling is sure to move and inspire you. CRESCENDO is an unforgettable night-out you will want to share with friends, family, colleagues and everyone you know at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at artscommons.ca/whats-on/crescendo.

June 18, 9am to 2pm; Carson’s Blow-Up Birthday Bash, join Big Fun Inflatable Park and hundreds of other families from the autism community to celebrate Carson’s birthday. Attendees will receive gift bags while supplies last, there will be a silent auction and 20 percent of admission proceeds will go towards the Autism Calgary Association. Learn more at bigfuninflatablepark.ca.

June 18, 1 to 5pm; Tails and Treasure at University District, this event will include three shows from the one-and-only SuperDogs, a best trick and best dog costume contest and a kiss your pooch photo booth. Learn more at myuniversitydistrict.ca.

June 18, 2 to 3pm; Raffi at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, North America’s preeminent family entertainer, returns to the stage. Raffi is a singer, songwriter, producer, author, lecturer, and tireless advocate for children. He is best known for his work as a children’s entertainer and advocate whose string of gold and platinum-selling recordings includes his iconic song, “Baby Beluga”.  Learn more at jubileeauditorium.com.

June 18, 3pm; Calgary Chinese Orchestra, a showcase of traditional Chinese music and instruments, including the erhu, pipa, and guzheng. Whether you are a fan of Chinese music or simply curious about it, this concert at Leacock Theatre is open to everyone. Learn more at mtroyal.ca.

Father’s Day Events

June 17, 10am to 3 pm; Second Annual Tri-Services Vintage Vehicle Show, an amazing collection of vintage first responder vehicles will be on display, and the humans who drive them will be there to answer all your questions. There will be a scavenger hunt, barbecue, and water bottle filling station at the Firefighters Museum of Calgary. Learn more at youthlinkcalgary.com.

June 17, 2 to 6pm; Cars for a Cause, an afternoon of live entertainment, multiple food vendors, beverages, dessert, and an extensive display of custom, rarely seen, high-performance collector vehicles at Railway Street Corporate Centre. The event raises money to support Albertan’s living with Parkinson disease (PD) and Parkinson Plus Syndromes (PD+). Learn more at parkinsonassociation.akaraisin.com.

June 17 to 18, 10am to 4pm; Wings and Wheels at the Hangar Flight Museum, each year on Father’s Day weekend the museum partners with local car clubs to bring in special “wheels” to join their wings. It’s fun for the whole family and includes activities such as: touring the inside of a selection of aircraft, crafts, vehicle show and shine, and helicopter city tours. Learn more at thehangarmuseum.ca.

June 17 and 18; Father’s Day Fun at Calgary Farmer’s Markets (CFM), CFM South – making the most of the patio all day by bringing the bar outside for a motorcycle show and live music. CFM West – Kids Craft Corner. Learn more at calgaryfarmersmarket.ca.

June 18, 9am; Father’s Day Brunch at the Calgary Zoo, enjoy a special Father’s Day themed brunch including special decor, a specialty menu and desserts, and fun crafts for the kids. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

June 18, 10am to 3pm; Props to Pops, CRAFT Beer Market would like to help you “Show Props to Pops” with their Father’s Day 2023 event. This brunch buffet is open for all ages to enjoy and will give everyone a filling and hearty start to their day. Learn more at craftbeermarket.ca.

June 18, 10am to 4pm; Father’s Day BBQ Brunch at Flores & Pine, celebrate Father’s Day in style at Flores & Pine Restaurant. Treat your dad to a mouth-watering feast with the all-day barbecue event on the spacious patio. Learn more at floresandpine.com.

June 18; Dads Play for Free at Laser City, purchase a game for you and dad can jump into the fun for free! Learn more at lasercity.ca.

June 18; Granary Road’s Father’s Day Mini-Golf and BBQ, a shotgun style mini-golf tournament followed by a delicious barbecue lunch catered by Homestead Bakery & Café. Learn more at granaryroad.com.

June 18, 11am; Father’s Day With an Aspen Crossing Train Excursion, this barbecue train is fit for a king! Gather the royal subjects for a feast with dad and together enjoy a relaxing ride through the picturesque prairies. Learn more at aspencrossing.com.

June 18, 11am to 1pm; Footsteps for Father 2023, join the Canadian Centre for Men and Families Alberta in their Second Annual Footsteps for Fathers Walk and Fundraiser event at Edworthy Park. Footsteps for Fathers brings men, families, and communities together to raise awareness about the emotional distress that men face when relationship breakdown occurs. Learn more at ccmfalberta.ca.

June 18, 11am to 4pm; Father’s Day at the Military Museums, an exciting Father’s Day celebration tailored just for this special occasion. Explore the remarkable collection of historical weapons, exclusively showcased for dads. Witness impressive military vehicles and engage in fun family activities. And, of course, indulge in delicious food. Learn more at themilitarymuseums.ca.

June 18, 11:30am; Dad’s Day Comedy Brunch, enjoy a delicious brunch while being entertained by Dale Ward and host Chris Gordon, starring Todd Ness & Brittany Lyseng at Meridian Central Station. Learn more at ticketmaster.ca.

June 18, 1 to 5pm; Celebrate Father’s Day at Schank’s, Schank’s Sports Grill will have a number of deals as well as a Longest Drive competition and the Closest to the Pin competition. Learn more at schanks.com.

June 18, 2 to 4 pm; Michael’s Make Break Woodburned Father’s Day Keychain, make a woodburned tag keychain as a gift for dad. This event is free, and all supplies are included. Learn more at canada.michaels.com.

June 18; Father’s Day Dinner Buffet at Gray Eagle Casino, indulge in a variety of mouth-watering dishes and savor every bite with your loved ones. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate your special day in style. Learn more at greyeagleresortandcasino.ca.

Ongoing

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 18; Fairy Tales Queer Film Festival (Adults Only), perspective means a way of regarding situations, topics, people, sensations etc. Its Latin root means “to look through” or “to perceive.” For ten days, nearly 40 filmmakers will expose you to their perspectives. You will see queerness through the eyes of another and no two people will see the same film at Globe Cinema. Learn more at fairytalesfilmfest.com.

Until June 24; KINKY BOOTS at Beddington Theatre Arts Centre, based on the 2005 film and inspired by a true story, KINKY BOOTS follows Charlie Price, an aspiring young businessman who is forced to give up his dreams of living the London city life in order to save his late father’s family business in Northern England. When Charlie suddenly inherits his father’s bankrupt shoe factory, he finds unexpected inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As Charlie and Lola work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Learn more at beddingtontheatreyyc.ca.

Until June 24; Indigenous Science Month at TELUS Spark, head to Spark every Saturday in June for Indigenous Science Month: four weeks of festivities that celebrate the creativity of Indigenous science through art, film, conversations with Elders, and much more. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

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 June 30; National Indigenous History Month at Calgary Public Library, enjoy free, family-friendly programming celebrating Indigenous history and culture throughout June. Programs include specialty workshops, Métis jigging, Elders storytelling, the KAIROS blanket exercise, and more. Family Storytime at all locations will feature Indigenous authors and stories.  Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca/IndigenousMonth.

Until August 12; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents: Old Time Rock ‘n Roll, just take those old records off the shelf. That’s what Michael Stevens is doing. You see, when he decides it’s time to clean out the attic, he stumbles upon his stash of old records that have been collecting dust for decades. Let the nostalgia trip begin. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until August 27; Prairie Persuasion: Communication and Propaganda in Southern Alberta 1860-1950, visit Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park to learn about the darker side to propaganda, one which was aimed at different groups of people using discrimination and violence. Propaganda changed the shape of society as we know it today. Discover the power of propaganda for yourself, while you can, by visiting this new, temporary exhibit. Learn more at heritagepark.ca.

Until August 29, Tuesdays 11am to 4pm; The Market on Stephen Avenue, shop Calgary’s famous downtown avenue for all your market needs. Learn more at downtownmarkets.ca.

Until September 2; Rosebud Theatre Presents: The Sound of Music, a young nun is sent off to be governess to seven mischievous children. She teaches the children to sing, bringing a fleeting moment of happiness in the shadow of the rise of the Third Reich. A summer musical for the whole family. Learn more at rosebudtheatre.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 mid-September; WildScapes at the Calgary Zoo, this summer, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be taken over by larger-than-life animal topiaries. This one-of-a-kind summer garden experience can’t be found anywhere else in Western Canada, and will only be available for three short months. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Until October; 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 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.