You can get out of the house and participate in seasonal activities without spending too much money. Think pie tastings, corn mazes and improv comedy.
Free events in the next month:
Saturdays in C-Square
Until October 1
Free concerts come to C-Square in the East Village every Saturday afternoon until the beginning of October (depending on the weather, of course). The outdoor concert series began with the T. Buckley Trio and this Saturday’s outdoor concert will be the Scott Duncan Celtic Project. The music runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and afterwards, check out the exhibits in the nearby Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.
East Village’s C-Square, 7 Ave. and 4 St. S.E., 403-543-5115, studiobell.ca
Doors Open YYC
September 24
For one day only, a variety of local institutions and buildings are opening their usually-closed-to-the-public doors and letting Calgarians peek inside to see how things work. You can get free tours of the Calgary Stampede, Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Calgary Food Bank, KidSIM Simulation Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and many others. As well as tours, the venues will offer special activities and other behind-the-scenes experiences.
Various locations, doorsopenyyc.org
move by Peggy Baker Dance Projects
September 25
Admission is free to this 60-minute dance piece. You’ll want to catch this show. It was choreographed by Peggy Baker, an icon in the dance world, and it was first performed at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche in 2009. This piece is performed by University of Calgary dance students, faculty and staff, as well as professional dancers from the Calgary dance community.
Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W., scpa.ucalgary.ca
Print It Yourself Festival
September 30 to October 1
The sixth annual Print It Yourself Festival is a must-attend event for artsy types — and it’s entirely free. On Friday, catch printmaking demonstrations in Olympic Plaza. Then if you’re interested in trying to art form yourself, head to the Alberta Printmakers Studio and Gallery on Saturday for workshops led by professional artists.
Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave. S.E.; Alberta Printmakers Studio and Gallery, 4025 4 St. S.E., 403-287-1056, albertaprintmakers.com
Pop-Up Exhibition: Glenbow at 50
October 1 to 5
When admission to the Glenbow is just 50 cents, it’s as good as free. For five days only, the Glenbow presents a special exhibition of 50 artworks that represents the scope of the collection — the works were selected from more than 30,000 items. The 50 cent admission is valid only for these five days.
Thanksgiving Pie Bake-Off
October 7 and 8
This event isn’t entirely free — it’s entry by donation, but it’s for a really good cause. This annual pie-tasting event happens every Thanksgiving weekend and the funds raised support the Calgary Food Bank. This year, there are five Calgary Farmers’ Market vendors competing in the pie competition, each trying to the win the title of “Best Pie” at the market. Sample slices of pie from A Taste of Quebec, Big T’s Smokehouse, Delissitude, Innisfail Growers and Simple Simon Pies. There’s something for everyone, from maple pumpkin pie to blueberry rhubarb pie to coconut cream pie.
Calgary Farmers’ Market, 510 77 Ave. S.E., 403-240-9113, calgaryfarmersmarket.ca
The Pumpkin Festival at Strathcona Square
October 22
This family-friendly festival has free admission and includes a pumpkin carving contest, seasonal activities and food trucks. There’s also a pumpkin pie contest that’s open to amateur and professional bakers.
Strathcona Square, 555 Strathcona Blvd. S.W., facebook.com
ADAC Calgary Gallery Hop
October 22
Spend your Saturday seeing as many of Calgary’s top art galleries as you can. The event, presented by the Art Dealers Association in Canada, aims to raise awareness of the visual arts in Canada and stimulate Canada’s art market. During the day, stop by galleries including the Herringer Kiss Gallery, Loch Gallery, Newzones Gallery and others.
Various locations in Calgary, facebook.com
Affordable events you should know about
Unity: Dance Across Africa
September 25
Tickets from $15
This affordable show is sure to be high-energy and entertaining. It’s a multi-disciplinary show with a range of performances on stage during the evening. There’s music and dancing and more, and each performance corresponds to a different region of Africa.
University Theatre, University of Calgary, 230 University Ct. N.W., ucalgary.ca
Let’s Talk About…Proximity
September 26
$15
Not only will you be able to join in the conversation about multi-unit housing, private amenities and inclusiveness, and dense communities, but for this talk you’ll also get a peek inside the renovated, recently re-opened St. Louis Hotel. For this conversation, panelists include an urban planning consultant and two architects.
St. Louis Hotel, 430 8 Ave. S.E., dtalks.org
The Kinkonauts
Shows from October 1
$10
This local improv troupe performs two monthly shows, both of which cost only $10 to see. Much Ado From Nothing is an untraditional Shakespearean show. The group dresses like the Bard’s characters, but the storyline grows based on suggestions from the audience rather than Shakespeare’s scripts. You can catch this show the second Saturday of every month. One Lions sees Stephen Kent and Covy Holland also create a story based on audience suggestions, and it can get weird. (There are talking tigers and a giraffe that’s also a doctor.) This show is on the first Saturday of each month.
The Lab, 112 16 Ave. N.W., kinkonauts.com
Calgary Reptile Expo
October 1 and 2
Adult admission $7
Reptiles aren’t for everyone, but for those who are interested in these scaly beasts, there’s an affordable weekend-long event. The expo includes more than 30 reptile and amphibian vendors as well as educational information for people interested in keeping reptiles as pets. Your admission fees support the Alberta Reptile Society’s operating budget and conservation and education efforts.
Cedarbrae Community Centre, 11024 Oakfield Dr. S.W., albertareptilesociety.org
Autumn Pumpkin Festival
October 1 to 23
$13.80
After you pay admission for this seasonal festival, there are plenty of activities inside the grounds that won’t cost you anything extra. Visit the petting zoo, race through the corn maze and play some mini golf.
Calgary Corn Maze, 284022 Township Rd. 224, 403-648-2719, calgarycornmaze.com
events in calgary
So much to do in Calgary!
Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out the Calgary Events (via Avenue) and don’t miss anything:
Sled Island Music and Arts Festival
Jun 22, 2016 – Jun 26, 2016
This event occurs daily, every 1 day(s).
This five-day music, arts and culture festival has been taking over the city at the end of June since 2007. Each year, there’s a new lineup of thoughtful, eclectic and often unexpected artists, bands, comedians, musicians and filmmakers performing. This year, headlining musicians performing at the festival include Angel Olsen, Guided By Voices, The Sonics and Peaches. Times:…
Arctic Games with Johnny Issaluk
Jun 22, 2016 – Jun 22, 2016
This event occurs daily, every 1 day(s).
Johnny Issaluk is an actor, an athlete and a community leader from Nunavut. As part of the Banff Centre’s National Aboriginal Day celebrations, Issaluk demonstrates a few traditional Arctic games. Get a sense of the agility, strength and endurance of these First Nations sports — Issaluk will demonstrate his world famous Inuit high kick. At select performances, after a brief…
Young Frankenstein
Jun 22, 2016 – Jun 26, 2016
This event occurs weekly, on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This musical by Mel Brooks, who also produced the hilarious musical The Producers, will leave you in stitches. Young Frakenstein tells the story of Frederick Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein’s grandson, and how he inherits the family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of two sidekicks, he tries to fill his mad scientist grandfather’s shoes. Times:…
Shakespeare by the Bow: Hamlet
Jun 22, 2016 – Aug 21, 2016
This event occurs weekly, on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This summer, Theatre Calgary brings the Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet to Prince’s Island Park. Up-and-coming Alberta actors starting their careers are the stars performing this popular revenge story. Bring your picnic blanket, pack up the picnic basket and enjoy both the play and the outdoor setting. The production is directed by Kate Newby and is…
Pop-Up Picnics in Downtown Calgary
Jun 22, 2016 – Aug 24, 2016
This event occurs weekly, on Wednesday.
Once a week throughout the summer months, Downtown Calgary presents a different themed pop-up picnic. (Previous themes have included jazz, art in the park and Beakerhead.) Bring your own lunch or purchase something from a nearby restaurant, sit on the supplies lawn chairs or picnic tables, and enjoy live entertainment and summertime activities. This is your chance to play giant Jenga or giant…
Stephen Avenue Summer Stage Entertainment
Jun 22, 2016 – Aug 31, 2016
This event occurs weekly, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Stop by the Stephen Avenue stage during your lunch hour this summer and enjoy some free performances. Previously, there has been a range of different acts on these stages including rock bands, pop performances, dance troupes and comedians. A few performers scheduled to appear this summer include Winnie Lung, Northern Beauties and Johnny Summers Quartet. Times: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. For…
Kaleidoscopic Animalia
Jun 22, 2016 – Sep 5, 2016
This event occurs weekly, on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This exhibition was designed and curated by Paul Hardy and it marks his curatorial debut. It merges fashion, design and visual culture, and encourages viewers to think about human creativity, our values as a culture and our interest in animals as art and fashion. See animal-stuffed artifacts, artworks from a range of different cultures and time periods as well as original designs created by…
Something Old, Something New: 125 Years of Wedding Fashion
Jun 22, 2016 – Oct 16, 2016
This event occurs weekly, on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This year the Lougheed House celebrates its 125th anniversary. To celebrate this, Lougheed House is showcasing 125 years of Alberta wedding fashion. See collections from the Museum of the Highwood, the Red Deer Museum, the Royal Alberta Museum, the Lougheed House Conservation Society and private collections. See vintage gowns and accessories, and learn a little bit about different cultural…
Calgary Food Tours: Eating East Village
Jun 22, 2016 – Dec 28, 2016
This event occurs weekly, on Wednesday.
If you need some help getting through the week, a food tour in the East Village might be the boost you need. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes progressive dinner at the Simmons Building. The tour begins at Phil and Sebastian Coffee Roasters where you’ll learn about the roasting and brewing of coffee beans. Get insight into bread making at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery (and pop a dessert in…
16 Remembrance Day Activities and Ceremonies in Calgary This Year
Commemorate those who serve by attending ceremonies or services, watching theatre productions or attending a talk
This year marks the centenary of the start of the First World War. To mark this occasion, attend a ceremony, service or other Remembrance Day activity.
Here are 16 to consider.
Jake’s Gift
Remembering fallen soldiers doesn’t have to just take place on November 11. This year, Lunchbox Theatre is commemorating Remembrance Day with its production of Jake’s Gift. Jake fought in the Canadian army during the Second World War, and for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Jake returns to Normandy. What he doesn’t expect is to meet a young boy who helps him confront his past head on. Labelled a “charming play,” this is a great way to recognize Remembrance Day.
(Now until Nov. 22, Lunchbox Theatre, 115 9 Ave. S.E., lunchboxtheatre.com)
Looking Forward
This exhibition at the LoveCraft Gallery is a celebration of the lives of our veterans. Featuring artists such as Bonnie Critchley, John Oliver, Justin Heinmann and others, attendees can purchase art to support the Calgary Poppy Fund.
(Now until Nov. 15, LoveCraft Gallery, 121, 1803 60 St. S.E., lovecraftgallery.com)
The Field of Crosses
Each year, more than 3,000 white crosses are displayed along Memorial Drive to symbolize the roughly 3,000 soldiers from Southern Alberta who have died in action. Visit the site at any point to read the names, ranks, regiments, date of death and age of death of the Southern Albertan soldiers killed in action. For a truly moving experience, visit at sunrise for the flag raising ceremony or attend the Remembrance Day service.
The service begins at 10:45 a.m. on Nov. 11.
(Now until Nov. 11, Memorial Dr. between 3 St. N.W. and Centre St., fieldofcrosses.com)
Heritage Triangle Walking Tour
Before November 11, join staff from the Glenbow Library, the City’s archives and the Community Heritage and Family History collection on an exclusive walking tour. From 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., discover what lives in these collections that comes from the First World War era.
(Nov. 7, 616 Macleod Tr. S.E., calgarypubliclibrary.com)
Silent Night
The Calgary Opera commemorates the centenary of the start of the First World War with a moving opera performance. The story is inspired by true events: on Christmas Eve in 1914, both sides lay down their weapons for a Christmas truce. Shots ceased and the soldiers left the trenches to bury their dead and sing Christmas carols. This opera, by Kevin Pts and Mark Campbell, is the Canadian premiere.
(Nov. 8, Nov. 12 and Nov. 14, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., calgaryopera.com)
Calgary Public Library Events
On Sunday, November 9, Calgarians interested in history can attend three events at the Calgary Public Library. From 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., attend Calgary’s Grand Theatre in the Great War event to enjoy some war-time entertainment in and get a look inside the issues of the era that impacted film and the theatre, such as women’s suffrage and nativism.
From 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. learn more about the role newspapers and propaganda played in 1914 in the library’s The Media and World War 1 event, and from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., discover how Albertan women contributed to the war effort. The Genius For Organization is presented by award-winning writer and researcher Adriana Davies.
(Nov. 9, 616 Macleod Tr. S.E., calgarypubliclibrary.com)
Remembrance Day at the Military Museums
This formal service takes place outside of the museum. Dress in warm clothes and pick up coffee or hot chocolate for the moving service. Explore the museum after the service. Admission is free for the day.
The service begins at 10:45 a.m.
(Nov. 11, 4520 Crowchild Tr. S.W., themilitarymuseums.ca)
Central Memorial Park Remembrance Day Service
Every year, Calgary’s oldest park hosts a Remembrance Day ceremony. Remember fallen soldiers in front of the First World War statue (located in front of the library) and the Boer War Memorial equestrian statue.
The service begins at 11 a.m.
(Nov. 11, 1221 2 St. S.W., calgary.ca)
Behind the Scenes Tour: First World War
Tour the Glenbow’s collection of First World War artifacts in this special tour. The tour costs $15 or $12 for Glenbow members.
The tour begins at 6 p.m. sharp.
(Nov. 11, 130 9 Ave. S.E., glenbow.org)
Cemetery tours at Union Cemetery
Receive a guided tour of the cemetery and learn more about some of the heroes that were laid to rest here. This is also an opportunity to reflect on the Canadian Military and RCMP traditions.
The tour begins at 2 p.m.
(Nov. 11, Erlton St. and 32 Ave. S.W., calgary.ca)
Remembrance Day Service at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
This Remembrance Day ceremony is free and open to all, but try to get here close to 9:30 a.m. when the auditorium doors open as tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 75-minute service begins at 10:30 a.m.
(Nov. 11, 1415 14 Ave. N.W., jubileeauditorium.com)
Aero Space Museum of Calgary Remembrance Day Ceremony
This year’s outdoor ceremony includes a talk by the Honourary Colonel John Melbourne, who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1953 and served in uniform for 11 years, mostly working in Search and Rescue missions in Ontario and Quebec.
The ceremony begins at 10:15 a.m.
(Nov. 11, 4629 McCall Way N.E., asmac.ab.ca)
Remembrance Day at the Royal Canadian Legions
Services are held at many branches of the Royal Canadian Legions in the city. This year, at the Kensington location (1910 Kensington Rd. N.W.), the ceremony is followed by lunch, refreshments and entertainment by Joel Spire.
The Kensington Legion service begins at 10:45 a.m.
(Nov. 11, Various locations, legion.ca)
Battalion Park Remembrance Day Service
This annual service centres around the historical monument at this park.
The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.
(Nov. 11, 3001 Signal Hill Dr. S.W., calgary.ca)
The Eastern Front 1914
Revisit those high school history courses and re-learn how the First World War began on the Eastern Front. In the talk, led by military historian Stéphane Guevremont, attendees will also learn how the development of the Great War in this area explains present day events in the Ukraine.
The talk runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
(Nov. 14, 616 Macleod Tr. S.E., calgarypubliclibrary.com)
Eating Your Way Through WW1
If you have an appetite for history, learn how Calgarians ate during those Great War years from 1914 to 1918.
The talk runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
(Nov. 16, 616 Macleod Tr. S.E., calgarypubliclibrary.com)
http://www.avenuecalgary.com/Things-to-Do/16-Remembrance-Day-Activities-and-Ceremonies-in-Calgary-This-Year/