Fresh activities and events are blooming this May in Calgary with the return of the Calgary Marathon, Canada’s longest-running marathon, and the Calgary International Beerfest, Canada’s largest beer festival. Make new family memories at Day Out with Thomas at Heritage Park, cheers to National Caesar Day with YYCaesarFest, and celebrate moms everywhere with fun things to do for Mother’s Day, this May in Calgary.
May in Calgary
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May in Calgary
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Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
It’s the “Year of the Guitar” at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. The Randy Bachman: Every Guitar Tells a Story exhibit showcases over 80 guitars from the legendary Canadian rocker. Nickleback fans will get behind-the-scenes in an exhibit dedicated to the 2023 Canadian Music Hall of Famers. Check out 25 rare guitars, including one of k.d. lang’s, at Showcase: Guitars.
Calgary International Beerfest
Canada’s largest beer festival returns to Stampede Park for another year of fun. Enjoy two days of sampling the best in local and international beer at the Calgary International Beerfest.
Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park
When: May 5 & 6
Day Out with Thomas
All aboard an interactive train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine. This limited-time exhibit at Heritage Park is the perfect family-friendly outing. Families can get creative exploring the Colour Corner, mix it up in the Play Pod with lawn games, enjoy live entertainment, and check out the exclusive pop-up gift shop.
Where: Heritage Park
When: May 6-7, 12-14
Shania Twain: Queen of Me Tour
Canadian Icon, Shania Twain, is stopping in Calgary for two nights as part of her Queen of Me global tour. Country pop singer, Lindsey Ell, will be opening for the Grammy award-winning artist.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: May 9 & 10
Lunchbox Theatre: Cottagers & Indians
Cottagers & Indians is a funny and fierce play based on real-life events in Ontario's Kawartha Lakes region. The story infuses contemporary conflicts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous sensibilities with Drew Hayden Taylor's characteristic warmth and humour.
Where: The Studio at Vertigo Theatre
When: May 9-27
Alberta Ballet: Botero
Botero is a show not to be missed. Inspired by the life and distinctive style of painter Fernando Botero, this world premiere promises to be a whimsical experience of dance that is as unique as Botero’s voluminous subjects.
Where: Jubilee Auditorium
When: May 11-13
FascinAsian Film Festival
The FascinAsian Film Festival offers up three days of films and events, celebrating the stories and perspectives of Asian-Canadian filmmakers!
Where: Central Library
When: May 11-14
Glenbow at The Edison: The Living Sea
The latest Glenbow Museum exhibit, The Living Sea, celebrates the beauty and magic of the ocean. This stunning photography display raises awareness of environmental causes and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Where: The Glenbow Museum’s temporary location at The Edison
When: May 11-21
World Fair Trade Day
May 13th is World Fair Trade Day! Support international artists and artisans from 50 countries at Villages Calgary. From 12 to 4 p.m. the fun includes fair trade banana splits, affogatos, family-friendly activities, and live music.
Where: Villages Calgary
When: May 13
Stars on Ice
This is your last chance to see four-time World and Canadian Champion Kurt Browning perform with Stars on Ice. Kurt will be joined on his farewell tour by Olympic gold-medalist Patrick Chan, Olympic silver-medalist Elvis Stojko and many other legendary skaters.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: May 14
Marvel Studios Presents Black Panther in Concert
Relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger in Marvel Studios’ global sensation Black Panther. The Calgary Philharmonic will perform Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar®-winning score live to picture.
Where: Jubilee Auditorium
When: May 18 & 19
Calgary Night Market - Bridgeland
Night markets are back for the season in Bridgeland. Enjoy eight food trucks and local vendors selling everything from pottery to jewelry to vintage wares.
Where: Bridgeland Riverside Community Association
When: May 19
Grazers Dining Series
The May edition of the new Grazers Dining Series is a discussion about Canadian wine with experts from the industry, along with a delicious dinner from executive chef Kenneth Titcomb.
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
When: May 19
Otafest
Calgary’s Japanese anime and pop culture community comes to life at Otafest. The festival features anime screenings, an exhibitor hall, community panels, cosplay contests, voice actors, and concerts.
Where: Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
When: May 19-21
Calgary Roughnecks
The Calgary Roughnecks are hosting the Colorado Mammoth for a place in the National Lacrosse League Finals. The winner of Game 3 moves on to play the Buffalo Bandits for all the glory.
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
When: May 20
YYCaesarfest
Celebrate Canada’s National Cocktail at the Calgary Caesar Festival. This two-day sampling event honouring the Calgary-born cocktail featuring over 40 Caesars, local food, craft beer, Caesar merch, & other goods.
Where: The Big Four at Stampede Park
When: May 20 & 21
Korean Cultural Heritage Festival
South Korean artists and performers will be taking center stage during the Korean Cultural Heritage Festival. Enjoy K-Pop Dance, Chan Lee Taekwondo, Korean Traditional Dance, and other performances at the Bella Concert Hall.
Where: Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University
When: May 21
Royal Canadian International Circus Calgary
Come under the Big Top at the all-new Royal Canadian International Circus. The show features classic circus entertainment like high-flying acrobatics, death-defying tricks, towering feats of strength, and teetering towers of balanced bodies.
Where: CrossIron Mills
When: May 26 – June 4
Calgary Surge
Don’t miss the debut of Calgary’s new professional basketball team. The Calgary Surge are part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. The team’s first home game of the season is a battle of Alberta against the Edmonton Stingers.
Where: WinSport Event Centre
When: May 27
Party Like Gatsby: Soiree Royale
Dress your finest and immerse yourself to the fullest as you enter the kaleidoscopic world of the 1920s. During Party Like Gatsby you’ll enjoy a breathtaking 3.5-hour stage show of burlesque, live music, and circus.
Where: The Palace Theatre
When: May 27
Festival of Quilts
During the Festival of Quilts you can enjoy the marvelous selection of quilts displayed throughout the park as part of your general admission.
Where: Heritage Park
When: May 27 & 28
Servus Calgary Marathon
The 59th running of the Calgary Marathon will be packed with energy from start to finish. Cheer on runners from around the world as they race along the beautiful Bow River in this Boston qualifier.
Where: Start line is Stampede Trail
When: May 28
Jubilations Dinner Theatre: Wedding Singer 1999
Sing along to all your favourite wedding songs from the 80’s and 90’s at Wedding Singer 1999. Enjoy live performances based on the classic movie about a 1980’s wedding singer who finally found a love of his own.
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre
When: On now until June 3
Stage West Theatre: 9 to 5, The Musical
Based on the 1980 hit movie, 9 to 5, The Musical, is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge. The music and lyrics are all by Dolly Parton. Watch the talented Stage West performers bring this classic movie to life.
Where: Stage West Theatre
When: On now until June 25
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