This week is starting off with a spring bang as Monday is the end of the Easter long weekend for many Calgarians. There are so many ways to celebrate the season, and most of them involve cute and fluffy animals. What could be better?
If you’re an art fanatic, there are also some art shows and film festivals worth keeping an eye on. These are 10 of the best things happening in Calgary this week.
Dog-friendly comedy show
What: Local and international comedians will take the stage in Calgary at Canada’s favourite dog-friendly comedy show! Bring your pooch along while you enjoy some laughs.
When: Doors open at 7 pm on April 4
Where: South Block Barbecue & Brewing Co. – 2437 4th Street Southwest
Price: Early-bird tickets are $15 and can be purchased online here
Board game night to support animals
What: Enjoy a dynamic board game night hosted by SAIT students in support of a local animal charity. Dice & Donate for ARF will have board games, snacks, drinks, and raffles!
When: April 3 from 4:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: D6 Tabletop Café – 2323 32nd Avenue Northeast #112
Price: By donation, and you can register online here
International Salsa Congress Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary
What: Celebrate the Calgary International Salsa Congress (CISC) 15th Anniversary at its Saturday Night Gala with World Champion dancers from Mexico, Canada, and America. Presented by Salsa Rica, Alberta Dancesport, and the Alberta Dancesport Foundation, the (CISC) returns to the Hyatt Regency Calgary. Featuring additional performances and workshops, the CISC is a must-attend event for all dance enthusiasts regardless of age, skill level, or experience. Visit their website here for more event details.
When: April 4 to April 7
Where: Hyatt Regency Calgary – 700 Centre Street South
Price: Tickets range from $20 for general admission to $340 for the full event premium pass. To view all the price options and tickets, click here.
Queens of the Stone Age
What: This band full of rock legends is hitting the stage in Calgary this Monday!
When: April 1 at 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Starting at $58 and can be purchased online here
Barnyard Farm Days
What: If you can’t get animals but want to get up close and personal with them, you won’t want to miss this springtime baby animal festival at Butterfield Acres!
When: Weekends starting on March 30
Where: Butterfield Acres – 254077 Rocky Ridge Road NW
Price: Ranging from $15.99 to $17.99 and can be purchased online
Check out an exhibit at the Esker Foundation
What: The Esker Foundation is one of the city’s favourite public art galleries, and for good reason. It’s a vibrant hub for creativity, and this week, you’ll be able to see Juan Ortiz-Apuy’s Tropicana, a visual and sensory treat with a deep and meaningful message.
When: Various shows to check out, view the full list here
Where: Esker Foundation — 1011 9th Avenue SE
Price: FREE
Artifact Film Festival
What: This annual film festival is for true film buffs. The Artifact Small-Format Film Festival is an annual three-day film festival, screening Super8 and 16mm film. Be part of a city-wide tradition as this festival celebrates 29 years this year!
When: April 4 to 6 at various times
Where: Various locations, view the full screening schedule here
Price: Tickets are FREE to $10 a night and can be purchased online here
Roller skating at House of Skate
What: It’s official: Calgary finally has a dedicated roller skating rink! Get ready to lace up and party under the bright lights at House of Skate.
When: Various times; for a full schedule of what’s on, click here
Where: 42 Highfield, 1100 42nd Avenue SE
Tickets: Prices range from $12 to $18 and can be purchased online here
Mirror Mirror at Chinook Centre
What: This interactive art exhibit has taken over the old Nordstrom building in Chinook. Mirror Mirror is an experience Moment Factory describes as “a playground of immersive art that transports you to a world blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination.” It’s a treat for all the senses, being an installation that combines “scenography, light, words, original music, and interactivity to create a surreal and sensory playground of immersive art that reconnects us to our imagination.”
We checked it out for ourselves and were blown away! Every single room is a visual treat that is guaranteed to make for a perfect photo backdrop.
When: Running until April 14
Where: North Court Chinook Centre
Price: $22 for adults and $18 for children
Da Vinci The Exhibition at Telus Spark
What: Da Vinci fans won’t want to miss this incredible exhibit that just opened at Telus Spark. The event says guests will have the chance to “delve into da Vinci’s advanced understanding of science, mathematics, and nature through themed galleries showcasing his designs, from helicopters to visionary city plans.”
When: January 22 to May 5
Where: Telus Spark — 220 Saint George’s Drive Northeast
Price: $26 for adults; can be purchased online here