Calgary Events: May 28-June 3

Lilac Fest, dog jog, comedy festival, and taco week

Author

Krista Sylvester
May 28, 2024

Happy Tuesday, friends. Is it June yet? There are a lot of great events on tap over the next few weeks, so let’s dive in!

Whether you love this newsletter or think we could make it better, we’d love to know what you think with a review down below. If you know of an upcoming event, send it to [email protected].

Editor’s note: We do our best to provide the most updated information but we encourage you to check ahead of time in case there have been changes to the event details.

A quick peek at next week

🎭️ Ignite! Festival for Emerging Artists: Every year in June, Sage Theatre presents the IGNITE! Festival of Emerging Artists—a multi-disciplinary, four-day festival of emerging art and artists. June 7-10 at the Pumphouse Theatre.

😆 FunnyFest Comedy Festival: It technically starts this week but mark your calendars because most of next week there will be comics performing every night around the city. May 30-June 9 at various.

On our radar

😨 Calgary Horror Con: Canada’s biggest horror convention is back with special guests, film screenings, photo ops, panels, and more. June 15-16 at DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North

🧱 Brick Fest Live: Over a million bricks on display with life-size models, hands-on attractions, hard-to-find Lego, and more. June 22-23 at BMO Centre.

Just announced

🎤 Monster Jam: It’s about to get really loud in Calgary as these monster trucks roar back into the city. Sept. 14-15 at Stampede Park’s GMC Stadium.

Happening this week and weekend

Friday-June 9 | Various times | Participating eateries

Did someone say tacos? Check out amazing local taco spots during this festival for taco lovers who just need another reason to indulge.

Saturday | 10am-3pm | North Glenmore Park

We’re excited about this four-legged event that’s always a good time for a good cause. Doors open at 10am, the race starts at 11am, and the family festival runs from 12-3pm.

Sunday | 10am-6pm | Mission between 12 Ave. and Elbow Drive SW

The Lilac Festival is back for one day to kick off the vibrant market season and invites Calgarians to shake off the winter blues and enjoy an array of musical talent, artisan vendors, and activities for all ages. The best part? It’s free and dog-friendly!

Open Mic Night at Aroma Cafe | Tuesday | 6-9pm

Aroma Cafe Bar invites Calgarians to enjoy an open mic event while enjoying beverages and live music and supporting local talent and business. [Free]

Enjoy a diverse array of dishes from Pakistan, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Vietnam, prepared by talented chefs in a taste-testing style where socializing, live cooking demonstrations, and a culinary journey are to be expected. [$18] 

Explore a curated selection of over 40 local artisans, live local music, entertainment and more at the University District Central Commons Park at The Night Market. [Free to attend] 

Food Literacy for Kids | Thursday | 10am-12pm

Designed for ages 8-12 this educational workshop taking place at the Silver Springs Community Association uses interactive activities and games to educate kids about the importance of healthy eating, essential knife skills, recipe reading, and more. [$66] 

Calgary Humane Society Volunteer Day  | Thursday | 9:15-11:30am

This event is a part of the Telus Day of Giving and takes place at the Humane Society headquarters where volunteers and those interested in volunteering are invited for a tour of the facility and animal visits. [Free] 

The second annual Michele & Rita’s Collaboration Art Show is back at the Porsche Centre with a one-of-a-kind car hood to be raffled off in support of CUPS Calgary and a night of entertainment. [$12] 

The Marion Carson School located in Varsity, invites the community to participate in a fundraiser to raise money to replace their current playground with a more inclusive play area. The carnival is cash only and includes carnival games, pizza, cotton candy, glitter tattoos and more. Must purchase tickets in advance and online. [$25 per family] 

Mixology Workshop | Saturday | 7-9pm

Whether a beginner or a seasoned mixologist, this workshop is ideal for anyone looking to expand their drink-making skills while learning from experts who guide the class through the art of crafting unique cocktails that are sure to impress. [$75] 

The Day the Music Died | Saturday | 8pm

Enjoy the classic sounds of Buddy Holly at this tribute show taking place at the Meridian Central Station for one night only. [Starting at $54]

Calgary Ukrainian Festival | Saturday - Sunday | Various times

The Calgary Ukrainian Festival taking place at the Acadia Recreation Complex celebrates the vibrant and colourful memories of traditional Ukrainian song and dance, an appreciation for the cultural art and costumes, and a taste for delicious Ukrainian cuisine. [General admission $10] 

Morning HOP Yoga | Sunday | 9-10am

Join yoga instructor Melissa at the Best of Kin Social for a rejuvenating morning yoga flow class designed for all experience levels and intended to reconnect with the body. Stick around after class to enjoy $6 beer and mimosas as well as 10% off the brunch menu. [$19]    

The Mom Market | Sunday | 10am-3pm

The RiverWalk Plaza invites moms and their kids to spend a beautiful day in East Village shopping a variety of high-quality local vendors in a picturesque setting. [Free to attend] 

Eid Expo+Festival Magic Show | Sunday | 10am-3pm

The White Diamond Conference Centre is excited to host the Magic Show with Tom & Jerry Mascots as well as the Eid Exotics Market where every guest can enter to win Umrah, food and drink prizes, and shop a variety of vendors and more. [$4]

Wiggle and giggle in the sunshine with Sylvia at the Mid-Sun Community Association for a morning of live music and entertainment at the family concert event. This event is outdoors and will happen rain or shine so dress appropriately. [Free]

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Ongoing

Journey to the ’80s | Until June 1 | Jubilations

The Billboard charts of the 1980s featured the biggest variety of music styles and genres since the birth of rock and roll. Madonna, Tina Turner, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey and more.

Violins of Hope: Socalled with Strings | Until June 16 | Studio Bell

This exhibition runs at the National Music Centre’s Studio Bell and showcases a collection of historic string instruments from before and during the Holocaust. Listen to Montreal-based musician Socalled on May 26 with heart-wrenching Yiddish arrangements of art songs, folk songs, and klezmer music, featuring Socalled on vocals, piano, and accordion.

Beautiful: The Carole King Story | Until June 23 | Stage West

The inspiringly beautiful true story of Carole King’s journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Polar Bear Breakfast | Until August 25 | Calgary Zoo

Bring your family and friends down for a fun and educational morning at the zoo with this exclusive before-hours viewing opportunity of the Wild Canada zone with a side of polar bear facts.

Fly through a technicolour nebula, kick up dust on the moon, and witness Saturn’s rings up close in this out-of-this-world immersive experience. Explore the galaxy through the James Webb telescope with this unique space exploration encounter.

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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