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Things to Do during April in Calgary
Things to Do during May in Calgary
Free Things to Do in April in Calgary
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
1. Young King Arthur
A boy named Arthur will sit on the throne,
But first he must take the sword from the stone. The Loose Moose Theatre Company makes going to theatre an experience that is truly magical for children 4 – 10 years old, as well as fun and entertaining for parents. Details
April 08 to 30, 2017
Loose Moose Theatre – 1235 – 26th Avenue SE
$14
2. Hana’s Suitcase
It is March, 2000. A child’s suitcase arrives from Auschwitz at the tiny Holocaust Education Centre in Tokyo. Painted on the side are a name, Hana Brady, 1931, and the word “Waisenkind” (orphan). Spurred on by the children at the Centre, the curator Fumiko Ishioka, embarks on a relentless search from Tokyo to Prague to Toronto to uncover the story of Hana and her fate. Details
April 21 to May 6, 2017
StoryBook Theatre – 375 Bermuda Drive NW, Calgary
$20 to $25
3. Law Day
Law Day attendees are welcome to an open house at the Calgary Courts Centre, where they can tour the courthouse, view mock trial presentations, and visit booths and exhibits from over 50 community partners, including the Alberta Sheriffs who have a display of items confiscated at the courthouse. Details
April 22, 2017 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Calgary Courts Centre: 601 – 5 Street SW, Calgary
Free
4. The Queen, the Bear and the Bumblebee
The Queen, the Bear and the Bumblebee is an original, collaborative stage production for multi-generational audience that combines storytelling, chamber music, song and dance (with choreography by Yukichi Hattori). Based on the award-winning CD with story by Dini Petty and music by Canadian composers Andrew Homzy and Mark Goldman, Erin Thrall’s stage production is a Calgary-born production where she could find these amazing artists to bring this vision to life. Details
Sunday, April 23, 2017 | 2:00 PM
Mount Royal University Conservatory – 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W., Calgary
$44 – $69+ charges
5. Raffi – 40 Years of Singable Songs!
This tour marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Raffi’s first and still best-selling album, Singable Songs for the Very Young. 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 whose string of gold and platinum-selling recordings in North America includes his classic song, “Baby Beluga”. Details
Sunday, April 23, 2017 | 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM
Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary
$35 – $65
6. Supertrain
Canada’s Biggest and Best Annual Model Train Show! Over 70,000 sq. ft. of operating layouts, exhibits and displays, railroad artists, hobby shops, model manufacturers, demonstrations, clinics, museums and railroad historical associations, Lego and Thomas Play Area, garden railways, ride-on trains, and much more. Details
April 22 & 23, 2017 | 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Genesis Centre – 7555 Falconridge Blvd Northeast, Calgary
Adult (16+) – $15.00/Under 16 – Free
7. Kite Day Festival
Join us for a free day of kite flying! The Kite Guy will be on hand to give kite flying demonstrations and will have kites for sale if you don’t already have one. Air Cadets will be hosting a fundraising BBQ, plus enjoy free fun with face painting, bouncy castles, and a trampoline! Details
Sunday, April 23, 2017 | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Riverside Park, corner of 32 St. and North Railway St.across from Seaman Stadium, Okotoks
Free
II. Live Music
1. The Ennis Sisters
The Ennis Sisters have weathered a lifetime of phases, and a series of musical explorations together. Their latest album, Stages, is a return to their roots – singing contemporary folk songs with a traditional Irish Newfoundland twist. Details
Friday, April 21, 2017 | 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Southwood United Church – 10690 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary
$25
2. Listening to Our City
A concert celebrating Calgary’s diverse and talented youth performers. Featuring 9 year old Flamenco guitar phenomenon Harry Knight, 17 year old violin virtuoso Isabella Perron, 17 year old singer-songwriter sensation Kate Stevens, the Calgary Stampede Showband, The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary Stampede Showband, performers from the Mount Royal University Conservatory, Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Separate School District, and many more talented youth from in and around Calgary. Details
Friday, April 21, 2017 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Arts Commons, Calgary
$20
3. A Tribute to David Bowie
Chameleon-like with his reinvention, from Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke and ultimately, the role of fashionable, iconic elder statesman of rock, the incomparable David Bowie blazed a singular path. Experience the ultimate symphonic rock tribute to Bowie’s five decades of monster classics, including hits Space Oddity, Rebel Rebel, Heroes, Let’s Dance and China Girl. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 8:00 PM
Arts Commons’ Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary
$25.00 – $85.00 + charges.
4. Pedrito Martinez & Guests
Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba. A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music, he plays the monumentally complex Oru seco exquisitely on each drum, or on all three at once. He’s also the world’s first-call rumbero – playing, singing and dancing with dozens of groups and on over 100 recordings and contributing to or appearing in several important films, including Calle 54 (2000) and Chico & Rita (2010). Pedrito has recorded and/or performed with Wynton Marsalis, Bruce Springsteen, Edie Brickell, Sting, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and more. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 7:30 PM
Mount Royal University Conservatory – 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W., Calgary
$44 – $69+ charges
5. Noche Flamenca
Join Flamenco guitarist Holly Blazina at Wine-Ohs with a sensational lineup of guest performers: Carmen Romero, Celedonio Garrido-Santos & Stephanie Pedraza. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wine-Ohs Bistro and Cellar – 811, 1 Street SW, Calgary
$30.00
6. Nature in All Her Elements
The Instrumental Society of Calgary is excited to present Inglewood String Quartet and Marcin Swoboda. Inglewood String Quartet and Marcin Swoboda, Hyewon Grillet-Kim, Jeremy Gabbert, Laurent Grillet-Kim, and Josue Valdepenas, invite you on a journey, exploring the four classical elements of fire, water, air and earth. This program is as diverse as the elements themselves and the world we live in. You will not be disappointed! Details
Sunday, April 23rd, 2017 | 2:45 PM – 5:00 PM
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church 1121 14 Ave SW Calgary
$15 to $25
7. Calgary Jazz Orchestra
The Calgary Jazz Orchestra, Johnny Summers and the NWSC are back to bring you Suite Jubilation; a remarkable 11-movement suite composed for full jazz orchestra and choir by Johnny Summers. This Canadian composition generated so much interest at the premiere concert in 2015, it sparked a recording project to share this music with everyone. As a unique opening treat, the beginning of the concert will include Jeremy Brown on clarinet featuring the musical styles of Benny Goodman. Details
Sunday, April 23, 2017 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
River Park Church, 3818 14a Street SW, Calgary
$15 to $30
8. Red Dirt Skinners
Red Dirt Skinners were the first band in history to receive awards from both British Blues and British Country Music. Don’t pigeonhole the Skinners though. With influences of folk, country, blues, Americana, and jazz, fans describe them as ‘refreshingly different’. Details
Sunday, April 23, 2017 | 3:00 PM
Gallery House Concerts Society
64 ave & 14 St NW, Calgary
$25, Children 12 – under free
For Food events, Nightlife/Club concerts and events, see section VI.
2017 Music Festivals in Alberta
III. Theatre & Performing Arts
1. Calgary Underground Film Festival
CUFF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to programming films that defy convention. Through the screening of contemporary works in various categories that include: feature, documentary, animation and shorts – we bring Calgarians a unique roster of films rarely seen in North American theatres. Details
Monday, April 17 to Sunday, April 23, 2017
Globe Cinema – 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary
$8 to $12
2. 1979 – Enbridge New Canadian Play
April 4 – April 22, 2017
Martha Cohen Theatre – Arts Commons
$25 – $72
3. Bonds
A play about finding the meaning of life in the face of death. What happens when two estranged sisters are brought together because one is dying? BONDS looks at the role of patient and care giver and what happens when those roles are reversed. Details
April 18 – 29, 2017
Motel Theatre at Arts Commons
225 8th Avenue SE, Calgary
$20 – $25
4. The Naked Magicians
The show features magic, mirth and more than a touch of mayhem as these two hot and hilarious magicians say ‘abracadabra’ and take magic to a whole new level. Left without sleeves or pockets, their saucy magic is baffling and entertaining, bringing a new meaning to ‘now you see it’. Details
Thursday, April 20, 2017 | 7:30 PM
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Ave. NW, Calgary
$39.5 – $69.5
5. Terry Fator
Terry Fator became a household name in 2007 when he won Season 2 of “America’s Got Talent” with his unique brand of entertainment that combines singing, comedy and unparalleled celebrity impressions. Details
Friday, April 21, 2017 | 8:00 PM
Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive S.W., Calgary
$51.98 – $259.61
6. 2017 Improv Games
Two tributes will represent each of Calgarys (and surrounding cities’) most notable improv troupes and take the stage in a no-holds-barred battle to the funny. Be there as tributes face trials, tribulations, and interesting restrictions or advantages based on whether or not they meet the audience’s approval. This twice sold out event has seen some of Calgary’s funniest performers go head to head for audience approval in Calgary’s most interactive comedy event. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Festival Hall – 1215 10 Ave SE, Calgary
$20
7. Wes Barker: Comedy + Magic
This is comedy. This is magic. This is awesome. Wes Barker is a magician/comedian that has been seen around the world. He is most recognized for his appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, where he became one of the few magicians to fool the Las Vegas legends. Wes has also been featured on Americas Got Talent, Syfy, The Comedy Network, and MTV.
Details
Friday, April 21, 2017 | 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Plaza Theatre – 1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary
$20
8. Calgary Spoken Word Festival
Three days of workshops, performance and celebration of poetry and music. The stellar lineup includes: Spoken Word Super Stars: Sheri-D Wilson, Mighty Mike McGee, Mary Pinkoski, Andre Prefontaine, Cobra Collins & Shaf And Phenom Poet/Writers: Lorna Crozier, Aritha van Herk, Afua Cooper, Micheline Maylor & Julie Trimingham Plus: The Orbiting Ouroboros (Barry Reynolds, Liam McDonald, Dave Bauer, Mark Williams & Kenna Burima) & The Sadlier-Brown Band!
Details
April 22 to 25, 2017
Various Venues, Calgary
Varies
9. One Act Plays
Drama, comedy and more, featuring dozens of performers packed into six evenings of One Act Plays.
Details
April 20 to 22, 2017
Rotary Performing Arts Centre, Okotoks
$13.50 – $18
10. Crazy For You®
When a young banker is sent to the sleepy town of Deadrock to foreclose a rundown theatre, his heart and his life are turned completely upside down. This hilarious song-and-dance extravaganza features the classics “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” High-energy fun!
Details
April 18 – May 20, 2017
Max Bell Theatre – Arts Commons, Calgary
$35.00 – $117 + charges
11. The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer
Seas have risen, billions have died. Alvin Sputnik is our only hope. He must venture to the bottom of the ocean to find his wife’s lost soul and save humanity. Direct from sellout seasons in New York, Sydney and Auckland, this multi award-winning piece of heartwarming “theatrical magic” (Sunday Mail) is a one-man micro-epic about enduring love and the end of the world.
Details
April 21 to 23, 2017
Playhouse – Vertigo Theatre, Calgary
$25
12. Midsummer/Jersey
Midsummer/Jersey is the hilarious, high-octane re-telling of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream set on the boardwalk of a seaside town in modern-day New Jersey. The story revolves around the impending marriage of the Governor of New Jersey, the frustrated love affairs of four beach-bound high school crushes, a lively crew of fairies and the staff of the local beauty salon (run by Patti Quince and Stylist Nikki Bottom).
Details
April 19 to 22, 2017
Joyce Doolittle Theatre, 2140 Pumphouse Ave SW
Calgary
$25
IV. Sport
1. Calgary Flames
Play Offs.
Monday, April 17th, 2017 | 08:00 PM
Wednesday, April 19th, 2017 | 08:00 PM
Sunday, April 23rd, 2017 | 07 :00 PM(if required)
Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
2. Speedo Western Canadian Open
The Speedo Western Canadian Open brings together a great mix of Canada’s senior, youth and junior swimmers.
April 20 to 23, 2017
Repsol Sport Centre, 2225 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary
V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
1. National Canadian Film Day
Join your fellow Canadians in theatres, libraries, schools, public squares and drive-ins across the country as we celebrate our nation’s cinema on National Canadian Film Day 150.
Details
Wednesday, April 19, 2107 | Various Hours
Various Venues – Across Calgary (and across Canada)
Free
2. Beacon Original Art Annual Spring Art Show & Sale
1-Day Only with 25 Artists in Attendance: Painting, Jewelry, Glass, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture and Textiles. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bridgeland – Riverside Community Centre
917 Centre Avenue NE, Calgary
Free
3. Earth Love: A Screening of RiverBlue
In celebration of Earth Day, Kensington Calgary, SwizzleSticks SalonSpa and the Canadian International Fashion Film Festival (CANIFFF) are coming together to present “Earth Love”. Guests will enjoy the film, RiverBlue, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Katrina Olson-Mottahed; Director and Co-Founder of CANIFFF.A pop-up shop for guests to purchase items by the designers will be set up at the event. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Plaza Theatre; 1133 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary
$30
For more Earth Day Celebrations in Calgary, see here
4. Hope@Zero Fundraising Event
Come and join us for this special fundraising event. It will be a cultural showcase of Latin American dance, music and singing. All profits to go to Scouts Ecuador for rebuilding efforts after the earthquake. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
John Dutton Theatre, 616 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary
$25 to $40
5. Earth Art Show
Enjoy a fine evening filled with local art and live music.
To celebrate Earth Day we will have Earth and nature inspired art for sale. Live Music featuring: The North Sound. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM
St. Stephen’s Anglican Church – 1121 14 Ave SW, Calgary
$5 to $35
6. Wishing Well Wedding & Event Foundation
The Wishing Well Wedding & Event Foundation (WWWEF) will be hosting their second annual fundraising gala. The evening raises funds that allow the Foundation to throw weddings, vow renewals and end of life celebrations free of charge, for individuals and families battling terminal illness.
This year, guests will be transported back in time with A Night in Monte Carlo complete with an elegant three-course meal, live entertainment and a silent auction. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, 3777 Grey Eagle Dr, Calgary
$45 to $150
7. Climb for Wilderness!
In 2017, it will be held at the iconic Bow Building! Our goal is to increase public awareness of wilderness, wildlife and wild water in Alberta. The Climb for Wilderness provides learning opportunities and the challenges to climb all 1188 stairs and raise funds for Alberta Wilderness Association. The event is known as the best Earth Day event in western Canada and attracts more than 1000 individual participants and 150 volunteers annually. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
The Bow (skyscraper) – 500 center street SE, Calgary
Fundraise
8. West Hillhurst Garden, Health + Wellness Expo
Join us at the WHCA for this event to celebrate Earth Day and kick off the spring gardening season. We have a great line-up of exhibitors featuring info tables, hands-on displays, kids activities, expert advice, demos, samples and giveaways, and more. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
West Hillhurst Community Association, 1940 6th Avenue NW, Calgary
Free
9. Calgary Pet Expo
Pet Expo is a 2-day consumer tradeshow that is open to the public. At the show you will find hundreds of pets, pet products, service providers, entertainers, clubs and organizations that cater to pets. Details
April 22 & 23, 2017
Equiplex – Spruce Meadows
$6 to $10
10. Acadia Vintage Retro & Antiques Show
Get your Antiquing FX.. an Eclectic Array for some serious Rummaging! Details
April 22 & 23, 2017
Acadia Recreation Complex 240 – 90TH Avenue SE Calgary
$6
11. Fibre Shindig
Calgary’s Funky Fibre Fest returns for another colourful helping of local fibre, jewellery and artistic vendors featuring 40 of Alberta’s finest fibre artists and artisans. Details
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association – 1320 5 avenue NW, Calgary
$5
VI. Food Events/ Sunday Brunch & Night Life Events
1. Calgary Poutine Festival
Poutine Week is the 7 days of the year you can eat poutine GUILT FREE! Why? Every poutine sold during Poutine Week in any of the participating restaurants provides a free meal to someone in need thanks to our partner, local non profit Mealshare. Details
April 21 – 29, 2017
Various Restaurants, Calgary
Free Admission
2. Studio Bell After Hours
Join the National Music Centre (NMC) for the second installment of its new nighttime series. This is not your typical night at the museum. We’ll be turning down the lights, turning up the tunes, and inviting you to explore five floors of exhibitions and interactives. Details
Friday, April 21, 2017 | 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
National Music Centre – 850 – 4 Street SE, Calgary
$14 to $18
3. YYCFoodTrucks Presents: Spring Frenzy
There will be 15+ food trucks, live music from our friends at BassBus plus giveaways, entertainment, family friendly activities and a plethora of things to see and do. Details
April 22 – 23, 2017
East Village – Riverswalk, Calgary
$5