It’s the long weekend here in Calgary, one jammed full of festivals and events to keep every young professional busy.
If you love musicals, the much-anticipated Mary Poppins: The Musical hits the stage this weekend at the Jubilee (63 6 St SW). Bringing its own brand of Broadway magic to Jubilee, it features the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time. Be transported to the Banks’ household on Cherry Lane and the rooftops of London with elaborate sets, eye-popping light displays and show-stopping numbers.
If you’re in the mood to boogie, the International Blues Festival is taking place throughout the weekend, starring guitar icons Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Canadian Blues rocker David Wilcox, Lighthouse, and “mysticssippi” slide guitar guru Harry Manx, amongst others. Dance into the wee hours at the late-night Twilight Blues Series at the Kerby Centre. Or stroll through the arts market and shop for locally handcrafted items. There will be a wide selection of tasty choices from locally based concessions when hunger strikes.
For those in the market for some unique art, the Prismatic Play Art Show is happening Friday evening from 7pm to midnight. Grab some friends and head to Village Brewery (5000 12A Street SE) for this colourful and vibrant event featuring four local artists, all of whom will be in attendance. Peruse the art as you enjoy live music featuring Natural Ensemble and enjoy a Village Brewery beer. You are bound to find those must-have paintings you’ve been looking for.
Saturday we suggest enjoying the sun at the Inglewood Sunfest. Go between 11am and 5pm to see the street come alive with performers, vendors, and fantastic food. Celebrating the unique nature of the Inglewood community, there will be a strong focus on contributing to the local scene. Programming will be geared towards participatory, engaging, and sustainable activities while many of the vendors will be local and selling handmade pieces.
For those of you who enjoy live entertainment, the Calgary Fringe Festival kicks off this weekend (it runs from August 3 to 11). With more artists than ever before, this year’s fest brings over 34 local, national and international indoor theatre artist companies; performances range from family shows to musicals, dance, monologues, masques, dramas, comedies, improvisation and the risqué. The shows will be taking place at various venues throughout the neighbourhood of Inglewood. Be sure to check out their website for a full list of acts, times and venues.
This weekend also starts the week-long celebration of Africa and its descendant cultures with the Afrikadey! Festival. Enjoy traditional music, food, dance, theatre, film, literature and visual arts at various events that bring these artistic traditions to life. Events will take place at different venues all over the city with a final day of music on Prince’s Island for the outdoor music show.
Though it is a long weekend, we still suggest you indulge in a little R&R. Enjoy the outdoors by taking a walk along the Riverwalk or chill with friends at any number of parks in the city. Some of our favourites include Lindsay Park, Stanley Park and Edworthy Park.