From September 14-17, the 10th Beakerhead festival, a confluence of art, science, and engineering, graces Calgary in three iconic locations: Contemporary Calgary, Millennium Park, and the TELUS Spark Science Centre.
The event showcases over 50 immersive experiences, from artistic installations to pyrotechnic displays, encouraging creativity and innovation through collaborative ventures among scientists and artists.
The highlight is the North American debut of the “BODY” installation, crafted by UK’s Walk the Plank, a voyage through the human anatomy using advanced technology, light, and sound. Attendees can delve into a multitude of activities including virtual reality journeys, adaptive skateboarding, and microbial art creation, to name a few.
Admission is free to all events except those at Telus Spark.
2023 Beakerhead Highlights:
Events at Millennium Park, 1220 9 Ave SW. Calgary
- BODY: Explore the North American premiere of an outdoor night-time installation at Millennium Park. BODY combines sculpture, lighting, special effects, sound, and fire to depict human biology. Open for various dates and times, including a sneak peek on Thursday, Sept 14.
- Dates and Times:
- Thursday, Sept 14 (SNEAK PEEK) – 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday, Sept 15 – 8:00 p.m. to midnight
- Sat, Sept 16 – 8:00 p.m. to midnight
- Sun, Sept 17 – 8:00 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Dates and Times:
- Starburst: Witness stars exploding in the sky with changing colours at Millennium Park, created by Prime Made Art. Enjoy the mesmerizing dance of light from metal towers.
- Dates and Times:
- Friday, Sept 15 | 5pm-12am
- Saturday, Sept 16 | 11am-12am
- Sunday, Sept 17 | 11am-11pm
- Dates and Times:
- Fleurs de Lumiere: Experience the self-illuminating beauty of an abstract steel botanical garden by artist Riley Miljan at Millennium Park.
- Dates and Times:
- Saturday, Sept 16 | 11am-12am
- Sunday, Sept 17 | 11am-11pm
- Dates and Times:
- Beaker Bar: Enjoy beverages at the Beaker Bar at Millennium Park during various dates and times.
- Dates and Times:
- Friday, Sept 15 | 5pm-12am
- Saturday, Sept 16 | 11am-12am
- Sunday, Sept 17 | 11am-11pm
- Dates and Times:
- Cosmic Nexus: Immerse yourself in an interactive artwork that explores the unity of art, science, and spirituality at Millennium Park. Engage with its light patterns and connect with the broader cosmos.
- Dates and Times:
- Thursday, Sept 14 | 7pm-11pm
- Friday, Sept 15 | 5pm-12am
- Saturday, Sept 16 | 11am-12am
- Sunday, Sept 17 | 11am-11pm
- Dates and Times:
- Le Cirque de la Nuit: Step into the enchanting world of Le Cirque de la Nuit at Millennium Park. Experience circus activations, stilt walkers, aerial artists, and more.
- Dates and Times:
- Friday, Sept 15 | 7pm-12am
- Saturday, Sept 16 | 2pm-7pm
- Sunday, Sept 17 | 1pm-6pm
- Dates and Times:
- FlowBot: Watch electrifying performances by “The FlowBot,” Mico Ortiz, who combines martial arts with hip-hop dance flair at Millennium Park.
- Date and Time: Friday, Sept 15 | 7pm-12am
- Brain Bazaar: Explore the creative works of local artists and entrepreneurs at Market Collective’s Brain Bazaar during Beakerhead. Engage with those who blend science and technology with their art, support small businesses, and discover the intersection of science and art.
- Dates and Times:Friday, Sept 15 | 5pm-9pm
Saturday, Sept 16 | 2pm-10pm
Sunday, Sept 17 | 12pm-8pm
- Dates and Times:Friday, Sept 15 | 5pm-9pm
Events at Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St SW, Calgary
- Telekinetic Tapestries: Use high-tech headsets to control paint guns with your mind, creating art, and explore the possibilities of mind-controlled technology at Contemporary Calgary.
- Dates and Times:
- Friday, Sept 15, 2023 | 5pm-9pm
- Saturday Sept 16, 2023 | 11am-7pm
- Dates and Times:
- Forest Guides: Experience ethereal sculptures that mimic ice with a mesmerizing glow at Contemporary Calgary. Witness the play of light and shadow.
- Dates and Times:
- Thursday, Sept 14 | 12pm-5pm
- Friday, Sept 15 | 11am-10pm
- Saturday, Sept 16 | 11am-10pm
- Sunday, Sept 17 | 11am-5pm
- Dates and Times:
- Barmaid on Saturn: Enjoy a comedic dance monologue featuring Kathy M. Austin as “Telracs the Barmaid.”
- Dates and Times:
- Saturday, Sept 16 | 1pm
- Sunday, Sept 17 | 3:30pm
- Dates and Times:
- Pixels & Playlists: Join “Jen Squared” for a digital extravaganza of art and music. Explore the synergy of digital art and music, virtual realms, and NFT art.
- Date and Time: Friday, Sept 15 | 8:30pm-9:30pm
Other Events
- Beaker Eats 2023 @ 11 St between 9 Ave – 6 Ave: Experience a cosmic culinary adventure with eclectic fusion dishes at Hungry Hungry Happy, Taiko Canteen, and Viet2Go. Transport to different galaxies with Arepas Ranch and Food Coma YYC. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Calgary Mini Donuts and Uzu Ice Cream. Enjoy oceanic delights from Happy Fish Catering, jazzy vibes from The Blues Delight, and more!
- Dates and Times:
- September 15 | 5pm-12am
- September 16 | 11am-12am
- September 17 | 11am-10pm
- Dates and Times:
- A Taste of That Thing in the Desert @ 902 4th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3P3 (CPA Lot #6: Celebrate Communal Effort, Participation, and Radical Self-Expression with arts, science, and engineering displays inspired by Burning Man. Enjoy art, workshops, performances, dancing to DJs, and FIRE! All-ages event with interactive fun for kids and adults.
- Date and Time: Fri, Sept 15, 2023 | 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
More than 50 activities, presentations, workshops, and installations, are scheduled for 2023 edition of Beakerhead.
For all the events, check online event schedule.