Calgary Events: January 24-30

High Performance Rodeo, Rock the Nation, and Surge basketball

Happy Tuesday, friends. It seems like January is about to hit its stride in the events department and the next few weeks look loaded with a variety of things to do so let’s get right to it!

After you peruse today’s newsletter, we’d love to know what you think with a review down below. And if you have an upcoming event suggestion, send it our way to [email protected].

On our radar

🎿 Nordic At Night: Glow and glide on the East Village Nordic Loop on Feb 3 in celebration of Chinook Blast. Keep in mind the Nordic Loop is open every day until March but this one-night special event will show you the loop in a whole new light.

🎉 Lunar New Year: While you are enjoying the slate of Lunar New Year events in Chinatown next month, pop over to Hygge Hut in East Village on Feb 10 to see the legendary lion dance performance by Jing Wo Cultural Association.

🎸 Blue Jay Sessions Winter Edition: The Prairie Emporium is home to the first edition of the year hosted by award-winning country singer Ryan Lindsay on Feb 10 so snap your tickets up now. 

🕯️ International candlelight concert series: This live, multi-sensory musical experience promises an unforgettable evening with romantic Jazz soundtracks featuring Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé and more kicking off on Feb 14.

🎭 Hairspray: Tickets are now on sale for the popular Broadway musical Hairspray coming to Calgary for a week on March 14 at the Jubilee.

🎤 Miranda Lambert concert: It was just announced TODAY that country singer Miranda Lambert will be taking over the Scotiabank Saddledome during the Stampede on July 12, so snap up your tickets when they go on sale Friday, Jan 26.

Happening this week and weekend

Until Feb 4 | Various times | Various locations

Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts is bringing more than two dozen artists to a variety of venues around the city. It’s a chance to watch touring performances from across Canada, acclaimed international shows, and new and experimental work from artists in Calgary.

Friday | Doors at 7pm, Show at 7:30pm | Studio Bell

Rock the Nation is coming back to Studio Bell every Saturday and Sunday until April 28. A celebration of more than 50 years of Canadian music, Rock the Nation features songs from the ‘60s to now as a journey through the decades by revisiting music made famous by Paul Anka, the Guess Who, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Maestro Fresh Wes, k.d. lang, Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, Drake, The Weeknd, and more.

Saturday | 2:30-5pm | Pixel Park

Lace up your sneakers and step onto the court to show off your basketball skills for your shot at winning awesome prizes from the Calgary Surge basketball team while the team’s head coach and mascot Surgio cheer you on. Don’t forget to bring your gently used sports equipment donations in support of Kidsport.

Providing comedic relief all over the world since 2009, Robert Baril is recognized for his sharp wit, clever observations, and satirical humour.  [$16+]

Calgary Career Fair | Wednesday | 1-4pm 

Jobs Canada is hosting a career fair where attendees can meet recruiters, share resumes, showcase skills, and network with companies looking to hire and offer advice. [Free with registration]

Pizza Cooking Class | Wednesday | 6pm 

Discover the art of Neapolitan pizza making with Pizzaiolo Scott at Lina’s Italian Market. Enjoy a hands-on class with wine, a charcuterie board, and all the ingredients needed to make a delicious pizza. [$70]

AHS Emergency Prep Webinar | Thursday | 10am-12pm

AHS is offering a two-hour workshop online focusing on the importance of emotional and practical preparedness during an emergency using a step-by-step approach. [Free with registration]

Beer VS Wine Dinner | Thursday | 6pm 

Join Rodney's Oyster House for a captivating evening as Last Best Brewing and Bonvida Wines present a delightful four-course meal with beer and wine pairings. Enjoy welcome drinks and oysters, followed by dinner. [$125]

Full Moon Meditation | Thursday | 7-8:30pm

Enjoy an evening of meditation and connection at the Divine Mine South for the Full Moon guided meditation. Must call ahead to reserve your spot. [$26]

The Paradise Emporium: A Tropical Escape | Thursday-Saturday | Various Times

The popular tropical cocktail pop-up is back in action this winter serving up plenty of dangerously delicious signature cocktails and a variety of tasty snacks. [Free to attend]

Varnia Henry Quartet | Friday | 6-8:30pm

Enjoy the musical rhythm of the Varnia Henry Quartet in the cozy atmosphere of the Attic Bar and Stage located in trendy Inglewood. [$20]

Combine creativity and sustainability in this artistic workshop taking place at the Shedpoint and guided by The Richycler, an eco-conscious artist known for their innovative approach to upcycling. [$20]

Join Village Brewery for a night of partying, live music, beer, and a special themed cask with Talking Dog. [$10]

Global Game Jam 2024 | Friday-Sunday | Various times

Designed for ages 16+ and open to all skill levels, this game jam event offers mentorship, engaging conversation, 24-hour access with ticket, and snacks while connecting with others at Platform Calgary. [$12]

YYC Yoga & Beer | Saturday | 10 -11am

Two House Brewing Company combines the benefits of yoga with the taste of beer to create an event that’s perfect for unwinding with some friends. [$26]

What Lights You Up? | Saturday | 11am-1pm

Women Owned Narrative is hosting an exciting event at the Sunalta Community Association using a short film to spark discussion about what ignites passion and tickets include a beverage, snacks, and door prizes. [$10]

Health Collective Wellness | Saturday | 11am-4pm

Good Neighbour and Ren Health Collective are hosting a wellness day from 11am-4pm, featuring four different sessions on easing physical discomfort, food price trends, traditional Gua Sha for self-care, and CPR training. Register for each event individually. [Free]

The organizers know that after the holidays, we all need a break from rich, alcohol-driven drinks so they are offering a chance to discover the ever-growing non-alcoholic selection offered by Willow Park Wines & Spirits. [Free for members]

Calgary Downtown Intro Walking Tour | Sunday | 10:30am-12:30pm

Every building tells a story. Calgary’s downtown spins a yarn of a brash frontier town that has grown into a lively urban centre. Walk with the walking tour group (outside as weather permits—or inside using the city’s +15 Skywalk network). [Free, but tips encouraged]

Studio Bell Backstage Pass Tour | Sunday | 12pm, 1:30pm

For those aged 12 and up, this backstage pass tour at the Studio Bell is an opportunity to catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the working spaces, sounds, and stories of a world-class recording facility. [$15]

Devonian Gardens Drop-in | Sunday | 12-5pm

Parents are invited to join their kiddos at Devonian Gardens from 12-5pm for a fun and educational afternoon of craft and games that participants of all ages will enjoy. [Free]

Virtual Rum Tasting | Next Tuesday | 7pm 

Explore a diverse range of rum flavours in an online tasting experience curated by Kensington Wine Market. Cost of the ticket includes the tasting kits. [$50]

Ongoing

Watch as Stage West recreates music history from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to the New Kids on the Block, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

Hygge Hut on River Walk | Until March | East Village

The Hygge Hut is a big warm East Village hug in the middle of a long, cold Calgary winter. The contemporary, Scandinavian-style space is inspired by the Danish idea of Hygge, which means a special kind of well-being. It’s a cozy, easy togetherness enhanced by the glow of a firepit, soft lighting, a warm drink and good company.

The Calgary Zoo Penguin Walk | Until March 15 | Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Since their arrival in 2012, the penguins have become a visitor favourite and once again Calgarians are invited to walk with the king penguins daily at 10:30am, depending on weather.

Winsport Servus Tube Park | Until March 17 | Winsport (Canada Olympic Park)

The perfect activity for a day with family and friends as you spend a day at WinSport’s Tube Park, which is one of the fastest of its kind in Western Canada.

Get ready to be transported back to summer with a show that celebrates the iconic Beach Boys and their timeless sound. Did we mention the three-course dinner and all-night improv entertainment?

Nightrise | Until March 31 | Sulphur Mountain

At Nightrise, Sulphur Mountain’s summit is transformed after dark through four digital art installations. Vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, video projections, and music bring the mountaintop to life in a new and unexpected way.

That’s it!

Thanks for checking in this week. Hope you found something good to add to your calendar. Thanks for letting us be your tour guide! See you next week? Same time, same place.

✌️ TWIC (from the Calgary Citizen team)

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