If you don’t like spending more than $20 at a time, these events will get you out of the house and keep you entertained until mid-May.
Free events in the next month
Meet the Makers
April 23
This one-day event at the Calgary Farmers’ Market is all about connecting consumers with the people who make, bake and grow our food. Introduce yourself to the vendors and learn a little more about where your food comes from. The event also includes live music, contests and plenty of food samples.
Calgary Farmers’ Market, 510 77 Ave. S.E., 403-240-9113, calgaryfarmersmarket.ca
Spring Design Workshop
May 4
Join interior decorator Katie Rioux and designer and artist Vandy Midha for a spring-specific decorating workshop. In the two-hour event, you’ll learn design tips perfect for this time of year and how to add original art to your home. Bring along your décor questions. Space is limited so be sure to RSVP if you’re interested in attending. RSVP by emailing katie@decoratingden.com.
The Commons Calgary, 150, 1900 11 St. S.E., 403-452-5352, decoratewithkate.decoratingden.com
AlterNATIVE: Indigenous Film Series
May 5
This is the second screening in this series. Films are chosen that showcase work made by different indigenous artists. Films selected in this screening event are curated by the Nakoda A/V Club based out of Morley. A few of the short films include A New Warrior for Hope, a 14-minute film that is a community-based project highlighting issues facing Stoney Nakoda youth; Little Blue Bird, a 2-minute animation used as a teaching tool; and The Curse of the Snagging Blanket, a half-hour thriller.
EMMEDIA Screening Room, 351 11 Ave. S.W., emmedia.ca
Jane’s Walks
May 6 to 8
This free event runs all weekend. It’s a festival of free neighbourhood walking tours and it takes place all over the world on the same weekend. (Last year, there were walks in 39 countries.) This is the ninth year in a row that the festival has been in Calgary. Register for as many walks as you can fit into your schedule and learn more about the city. A few walks to look into this year include 50 Years of Cardiac Science at the Foothills Campus, Edgemont Fire Station Open House and Ravine Walk, Walk a Mile — Calgary’s Music Mile and the Chinatown Tour. Keep in mind that last year there were close to 60 walks to choose from.
Various locations, janeswalk.org
Banff Human Library
May 7
Instead of heading to the library to check out a book or a magazine or a DVD, visit the Banff Human Library on Saturday, May 7 and check out a human “book.” For this event, a few of the “books” you can chat with include a former dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the senior locksmith at The Banff Centre and a psychosomatic therapist.
Paul D. Fleck Library, Banff Centre, 107 Tunnel Mountain Dr., 403-762-6100, banffcentre.ca
Dreamcatcher
May 10
The latest film screened in the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival’s justREEL documentary series is Dreamcatcher. This follows Brenda Myers-Powell, a former prostitute who now helps other women escape prostitution in the Chicago area.
River Park Church Auditorium, 3818 14A St. S.W., justicefilmfestival.ca
Things you can do for $20 or less
Vixens of Vintage Spring Fling Market
April 22 to 23
Friday $11 (sold out); Saturday $3 admission
Browse the products sold by more than 75 vendors at this spring market. You’ll find everything from upcycled products to vintage-inspired items to true vintage pieces.
Bowness Community Centre, 7904 43 Ave. N.W., facebook.com
YYC FoodTrucks Spring Frenzy
April 23 to 24
$5 admission
You can enjoy an afternoon out in the East Village — and even satisfy some of those food cravings — without spending more than $20. Admission to this annual springtime food event is just $5. A few of the vendors at the event include Happy Fish, Savino Pizzeria and Family Squeezed Lemonade. There’s also live music from BassBus and giveaways.
East Village CSquare, 429 8 Ave. S.E., facebook.com
Alumni Weekend
April 30 to May 1
Free to $10
The University of Calgary is turning 50. To celebrate this big birthday, U of C alumni and any interested Calgarians are invited back to campus for the weekend. There are more than 50 lectures as well as exhibits, tours, workshops and demonstrations. Whether you prefer learning about neuroscience or kinesiology or sustainable design, there’s something for every intellectual taste.
Most of the events and lectures are free although some events cost money and require registration. A live recording of the alumni podcast Peer Review, Brunch at the Den and Sunday Brunch each cost $10.
University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W., ucalgary.ca
New Craft Coalition
May 6 to 7
$2 admission
For a small admission fee, you can admire what local artisans have been making all winter. When you’re planning your budget, keep in mind that you’re probably going to want to buy at least one piece from the market.
Festival Hall, 1215 10 Ave. S.E., newcraftcoalition.com
Calgary Reads Big Book Sale
May 13 to 15
$2 admission
You can get admission into this annual event and buy used books without spending more than $20. (That is, if you can keep your book buying under control.) Best of all, proceeds support Calgary Reads.
Calgary Curling Club, 720 3 St. N.W., 403-777-8254, calgaryreads.com
Let’s Talk About…Neighbourhoods
May 18
$15
For just $15 you can join in the discussion about the design of the suburbs. This d.talks conversation covers everything from urban design to shelter, and highlights positive design features as well as some features that could be renewed.
Glenbow Museum, 130 9 Ave. S.E., dtalks.org
Source: http://www.avenuecalgary.com/Things-to-Do/30-Days-of-Free-Or-Really-Affordable-Events-In-Calgary-April-May-2016/
