This weekend is calling for rain and cooler temperatures, but that is no reason for YPs to stay in because there is a ton happening throughout the city to keep you busy.
For the cycling enthusiast, we all know what it is like riding a bike in the city. Friday at 5:30pm, come out to Eau Claire and Ride the Critical Mass. Meet new people at this group ride and be a part of increasing awareness of cycling and the need for a safe place to ride in the city.
After a good ride you, get prepared for an evening of sophistication at Osteria Di Medici for their April Cigar Night Friday evening at 6:30pm. Combining fine ports from Offley and smooth cigars from the luxury brand Davidoff, enjoy a three-course gourmet Italian dinner, a vertical port tasting, followed by socializing and enjoying a cigar in our Cigar Club room.
Saturday morning, why not head over to the Palomino for their Cowboy Brunch served between 10:30am and 3pm? They’ve got a great brunch menu with a bit of BBQ flair.
For the YPs with a bit of nerd, comic book geek, cult-classic enthusiast, sci-fi freak, anime-aficionado and/or horror buff in them, the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo is happening all weekend.
We suggest heading over to the BMO Centre and spending a couple of hours to peruse exhibits, booths and catch some of the shows and special guests at some point over the weekend.
For art lovers, join a guided tour of art exhibitions at The New Gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art and others at 12pm. As part of This is My City Festival, the tour investigates themes related to identity, the urban environment, and the role of art in our lives. Tours run every Saturday until April 28.
We also suggest heading over to Axis Contemporary Art Gallery (100 – 7 Ave. SW) to check out The Art of Leonard Cohen. This exhibition, which launches on Thursday, is a visual record of 40 years of works from Mr. Cohen’s archive of drawings and journals. Mr. Cohen, poet, songwriter and novelist, has maintained a visual art practice since his early days in Montreal and Hydra. Until now, his drawings have been private visual records of things, places, and people captured in his sure and modest hand. Later, these drawings found their way onto CD covers and most recently into the pages of “Book of Longing”.
Saturday Evening brings the 40th Anniversary Opera Gala. This black tie affair is taking place at the Jubilee Auditorium. Experience Paris in the 1830s, where Bohemian artists struggled, celebrated success, and fell in love, all the while creating artistic masterpieces. Calgary Opera’s very first production, La Bohème, is the inspiration for the event. The night starts with a champagne reception on the stage.
Saturday evening the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra brings Fiesta Latina to the Jack Singer Hall. Enjoy the fiery guitar of Oscar Lopez combined with the red-hot trumpet of Jens Lindemann for an evening of Latin heat.
Après, why not attend the exclusive Latin Fever After-Party at Teatro (tickets are $40). Dress to move as you salsa the night away while learning a few sizzling steps from Latin pros. Set the scene at Teatro as they transform the symphonic experience from an evening at the concert hall to a night out on the town. Embrace your sense of adventure with champagne, dancing and a few surprises along the way.
Sunday, grab a to-go coffee and scone at Phil & Sebastian and head off to the Big Four Building at Stampede Park for The Spring Festival of Crafts (the festival is happening all weekend). Spring is a time for renewal and what better way to usher in the new season than by shopping for unique products and wonderful creations by 130 of Alberta’s and Canada’s best artisans, artists and designers?
Photo courtesy Phil & Sebastian