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

What’s Up This Week?

On September 26, 2023 by

September 29 to October 1

September 27 to 30; Calgary Canucks AJHL Showcase, the Calgary Canucks are hosting the 2023 Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Showcase, presented by Nutrien at Max Bell Centre. This is a unique opportunity for junior hockey fans in and around Calgary to watch all 16 teams in one arena – truly showcasing the best junior hockey talent in Alberta. Learn more at calgarycanucks.ca.

September 28 to 30; Night Light, a three-night celebration of curated light, art, and live performance that will transform multiple venues and public spaces throughout Victoria Park. Learn more at victoriapark.org.

September 28 to October 1; Calgary Fall Rock N Gem Show, Canada’s largest gem and mineral show is coming to Spruce Meadows in Calgary. Learn more at eventbrite.ca

September 29, 4 to 6pm; Wing It On, enjoy a hot-wing-eating challenge for adults and a hand-made airplane competition for the kids at Wing’n It Kensington. Learn more at wingnit.ca.

September 29, 7:30pm; Ruben & Clay: Twenty | The Tour, 20 years ago, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken had music fans on the edge of their seat in the finale of season two of American Idol. Well, Ruben and Clay are back! And this time, you don’t need to choose between Ruben’s velvety voice or Clay’s powerhouse belt at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

September 29, 7:30pm; Music of the Night, this concert tour celebrates Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic theatrical music including selections from Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunset Blvd, and more. With a fully professional cast, this concert parade of musical offerings will overwhelm the senses at the Grey Eagle Event Centre. Learn more at musicofthenight.live.

September 29, 7:30 pm; Serena Ryder with the Calgary Phil, folk and indie rock sensation and seven-time Juno Award–winner Serena Ryder performs with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in this concert that is sure to be an electric experience! Hear her raw and earnest songs like never before with full orchestra, including hits such as Weak in the Knees, Little Bit of Red, Stompa, and What I Wouldn’t Do at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

September 29 to October 1; Calgary Fall Home Show, a vibrant marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, experience stunning displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with industry experts, and enjoy informative presentations from renowned local and international home professionals at BMO Centre. Learn more at calgaryfallhomeshow.com.

Until September 30; Alberta Culture Days, this event will feature hundreds of free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to discover their inner artist, experience their heritage, and celebrate what it means to be Albertan. Learn more at alberta.ca/alberta-culture-days.

September 30, 11 am; Cineplex Family Favourites: School of Rock 20th Anniversary, visit participating Cineplex theatres near you and watch a favorite family film each week for only $2.99. Learn more at cineplex.com.

September 30, 12 to 5pm; Oktoberfest Party 2023, get ready to indulge in the delightful sounds of our oompah band and feast on the finest German fares at the Calgary Rugby Union. There will be a beer tent, glass steins, a German band, bratwurst, and more so get your lederhosen and dirndls on and come have some fun. Learn more at allevents.in.

September 30, 6 to 8:30pm; Lantern Fest, a celebration of all the cultural lantern festivals around the world at Southview Community Association. Bringing community together to be creative, learn about lantern diversity and further strengthen the arts and cultural community in East Calgary. Take part in the lantern-making and procession, enjoy cultural entertainment, view local art and more. Learn more at eventbrite.ca.

September 30, 6 to 11:30pm; Calgary Roller Skate: Roller Skating is Stayin’ Alive, Calgary Roller Skate has had ongoing dates for its pop-up roller rink, but with the new House of Skate opening soon, these will be the last of the pop-ups at JVCentre Smed Lane Sportsplex.  You can buy your tickets in advance at calgaryrollerskate.com.

September 30, 7:30pm; Lizzy Hoyt at Crescent Heights Community Hall, a nationally recognized Celtic songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, guitar, harp), Lizzy Hoyt has released five independent albums, two music videos, and given countless concert tours across Canada. Learn more at showpass.com.

September 30 to October 1; Apple Fest at Granary Road, as the weather begins to cool down, that’s when the apple cider heats up at Granary Road! That’s right – Apple Fest is back with all of your favorite and some new additions you are sure to find a-peel-ing! Learn more at granaryroad.com/applefest.

September 30 to October 1; The Mom Market at Granary Road, the market showcases a large variety of small businesses for you to explore and shop from at Pop-Up Markets all while supporting the local economies. Join them at Granary Road’s Apple Festival with 25-plus vendors. Learn more at themommarketco.com.

September 30 to October 1, 9am to 5pm; Pumpkin Festival at Barney’s Adventure Park in Drumheller, take great photos, pick your pumpkin, and enjoy Barney’s Adventure Park’s unique entertainment. Learn more at barneysdrumheller.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.

Until October 1; Calgary International Film Festival, the 11-day showcase of over 175 multi-genre feature and short films from Canada and around the world also hosts an Industry Week series that emphasizes unique and exciting ways for filmmakers and fans to interact. Learn more at ciffcalgary.ca.

Until October 1; 2023 Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, balloons from around the world converge over the skies over High River. Learn more at heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com.

Until October 1; YYC Pizza Fest, an annual event with charity, community, and pizza crusts in mind. Each year, local participating restaurants craft an original recipe in a competition to be lauded Calgary’s best pizza. Learn more at yycpizzafest.com.

Until October 1; Loose Moose Theatre Presents: Snow White, the Loose Moose Theatre For Kids is a truly magical experience for children four to ten years old, as well as fun and entertaining for parents. Learn more at loosemoose.com.

October 1, 10am to 4pm; Calgary Guitar Show, a fantastic and memorable show and sale of the very best vintage, custom, and handmade guitars, amps, and pedals. The Calgary Guitar Show is the annual buy/sell event where guitar collectors, buyers, sellers, luthiers, and builders meet to showcase their new and vintage stringed instruments, amplifiers, pedals, accessories and all guitar-related gear with guitar enthusiasts at the Red & White Club in McMahon Stadium. Learn more at calgaryguitarshow.com.

October 1, 11am to 2pm; Soupalicious, this harvest event at Highfield Regenerative Farm is a soup-sampling fundraiser that supports the development of the community urban farm hub. Proceeds from Soupalicious support the sustainability of the farm project and the expansion of the farms programs. ​Learn more at highfieldfarm.ca.

October 1; 12 to 6pm; CultureFest 2023, get ready for an exhilarating cultural extravaganza as CultureFest brings you a grand event showcasing the rich tapestry of diverse cultures in Calgary at Genesis Centre with a vibrant blend of music, dance, food, and shopping. Learn more at culturefest.ca.

October 1, 1pm; IndigoKids Storytime: Rebel Girls Fest: Louder Together, join us to celebrate International Day of the Girl with Rebel Girls Fest: Louder Together. With amazing giveaways, interactive activities for kids, and a mailbox drop so your child can receive a letter from an author of our upcoming title, Dear Rebel, there’s something for everyone. Learn more at indigo.ca.

October 1, 3pm; The Sneetches, By Doctor Seuss, discover how the Sneetches learned to set aside their differences and live together in harmony as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and narrators Bianca Miranda and Keshia Cheesman bring Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s book to life. Enjoy brilliant music by Lorenzo Palomo in this magical performance that is sure to delight the whole family at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at calgaryphil.com.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events

This day honors the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. See our list of of events planned in various locations throughout the city below.

Until September 30; O’kosi Presented by Making Treaty 7, a visually spectacular production filled with music and poetry, humor and hope at Flanagan Theatre. O’kosi depicts the ways in which Indigenous People are healing from the multi-dimensional and multi-generational effects of the Indian Act and the signing of Treaty 7, and how the repercussions of these policies have been passed to parents, sons and daughters. Learn more at thegrandyyc.ca/okosi.

Until September 30; Truth and Reconciliation Art Installation at Southcentre Mall, this commemorative installation will feature four pieces of art each from seven participating artists, representing personal experiences and interpretations of Indigenous culture and the ongoing process of reconciliation. Learn more at southcentremall.com.

September 30, 11am to 4pm; Pokaiks Commemorative Walk, the walk will go from City Hall to Shaw Millennium Park and will be followed by traditional drumming and dancing performances, remarks from members of the Indigenous community, artisan and community booths, food and beverage offerings, and other engaging activities. Learn more at cifrs.ca.

September 30, 10am to 5pm, Orange Shirt Day at Fort Calgary, Fort Calgary will be offering a variety of programming all day, including free museum admission, two walking tours, and family-friendly crafts. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

September 30, 10am to 5pm; Free Admission to Studio Bell, Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC), will be open with free admission on September 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. NMC will present a discussion on the power of music for reconciliation, hosted by David McLeod, curator of the National Music Centre’s Speak Up! exhibition that recognizes trailblazing Indigenous musicians. Learn more at studiobell.ca.

September 30, 10am to 5pm; TELUS Spark NDTR, Spark Indigenous Advisory Circle will offer special programming all day to honor and support learning, connection and ReconciliAction. Learn more at sparkscience.ca.

September 30, 10:30am to 4pm; National Film Board Film Screenings, Arts Commons will screen films that provide insight into Indigenous history, culture, and traditions, to celebrate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Films include Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair, Keepers of the Fire and Inconvenient Indian at and will be presented at Engineered Air Theatre. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

September 30, 12 to 6:30pm, Indigenous Showcase & Market, love arts markets but tired of seeing the same offerings? Well, you’re going to love this one! Join for a celebration of Indigenous art and culture at the Indigenous Makers Market, curated by Four Winds YYC, The Makers Market will feature the creations of Indigenous artists and artisans from around Treaty 7 and beyond, as well as live performances at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

September 30, 2 to 5pm; Films at the Fort, this film is being screened as part of the Films at the Fort – Indigenous Films series. Each movie features Indigenous actors and themes, and is created by Canadian filmmakers. BONES OF CROWS (18A) Forced into residential school, Aline Spears and her siblings are plunged into a fight for survival that shapes their family for generations. Learn more at fortcalgary.com.

September 30, 3 to 5pm; Indigenous Blanket Exercise, an opportunity to learn about the Indigenous people’s experiences of colonization at Edgemont Community Centre. Elders and knowledge keepers developed the blanket exercise to create an experiential learning tool to narrate the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in a Canadian context. The exercise includes storytelling, dialogue, as well as references to “These Mountains Are Our Sacred Places – The Story of the Stoney People” written by Chief John Snow. Learn more at edgemont.ab.ca.

September 30, 7pm; NDTR – Elders Story Project, the 2023 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation marks the first public event for the Elders Story Project (ESP) at Jack Singer Concert Hall. During this powerful event, Elders will share their personal stories about their residential school experiences and their healing journeys, while demonstrating the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples and the power of their traditional practices. Learn more at artscommons.ca.

Until Mid-October; The Witness Blanket at Calgary Public Library, a large-scale art installation created by master carver Carey Newman or Hayalthkin’geme (Ha-yalth-kingeme). The Witness Blanket — a symbol of resilience and Reconciliation — is inspired by the motifs in woven blankets and made up of hundreds of items reclaimed from Residential Schools, churches, government buildings, and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada. Learn more at calgarylibrary.ca.

Ongoing

Saturdays until October 7; Millarville Farmers’ Market, the people behind the tables at the Millarville Farmers’ Market are the real deal. They are the growers, farmers, makers, bakers, and artists. Ask them about their farm, their art, their love of what they do. Learn more at millarvilleracetrack.com.

Until October 8; Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA, KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil that combines two circus traditions — acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mélange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor at Stampede Park. Learn more at cirquedusoleil.com.

Until October 8; Theatre Calgary Presents The Mousetrap, on a dark and snowy night, seven strangers find themselves trapped in a remote guesthouse. The next morning, the snowed-in guests are joined by a police sergeant who brings news of a grisly murder in London. To the guests’ horror, he reveals that the killer may be in their midst. Can you put the pieces together and solve the murder before the final curtain? Learn more at theatrecalgary.com.

September 30 to October 8, 11am to 6pm; From Exclusion to Inclusion Photo Exhibit, take a journey with this historical photo exhibit showcasing 100 years of Chinese in Canada at the Chinese Cultural Centre. Learn more at calgarychinatown.com.

Until October 9; Halloweekends at Calaway Park, stroll through Hallotown… if you dare! Is it scary? No, it’s friendly. Dress up as your favorite family-friendly character and enjoy a day of fall fun! It’s a spooktacular good time for the whole family. Learn more at calawaypark.com.

Until October 14; Art Exhibition | Anda Kubis “Languorous,” Newzones Gallery is pleased to present “Languorous”; a solo exhibition of work by Canadian contemporary painter Anda Kubis. Learn more at gallerieswest.ca.

Until October 21; Jubilations Dinner Theatre Presents Crocodile Rock: The Legend Of Elton John, he’s one of the all-time great rock legends, with hit after hit all across the world. And now the story of the Rocketman is getting the Jubilations Dinner Theatre twist. Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until October 21; Jubilations Junior Dinner Theatre Presents The Secret Life of Trolls, Melanie’s apartment seems like a normal place to live, but when she’s gone to work, the Trolls come out to play! While the Trolls are having a fun day full of music, a mysterious package gets dropped in the living room… that’s moving on its own? What’s in the package? Will their secret life be exposed? Will Melanie’s cat threaten their very existence? Learn more at jubilations.ca.

Until October 31; Pumpkins After Dark, explore the magical pathway of lit pumpkin sculptures and displays, with music, sounds and special effects. With classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, movie and pop culture icons – this family-friendly event has something for everyone. Make Pumpkins After Dark your new annual tradition at Winsport. Learn more at calgary.pumpkinsafterdark.com.

Until October 31; WinSport Spooktacular Mini Golf, enjoy a safe, spooktacular family-friendly round of mini golf at WinSport! The fun, intermediate 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course will transform into a Halloween extravaganza. The course will be well-lit and challenge all ages and abilities while offering a safe Halloween activity. Dress up and get into the Halloween spirit. Learn more at winsport.ca.

Until November 12; Frank Ferrante In An Evening With Groucho, award-winning actor and director Frank Ferrante ignites his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the funniest Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style at Stage West (727 42 Avenue SE). Learn more at eveningwithgroucho.com.