Calgary Weekender: February 28 through March 3, 2013

Friday night, Big Taste, Calgary’s premier food festival, hits Calgary’s downtown and surrounding areas for 10 days. Calgary’s chefs at 70 participating restaurants are meeting foodie demands with new culinary creations, multi-course meals and set-menu dining. Check out the website to find out more about participating restaurants.

Interested in a little theatre? “Kung Fu Panties” returns to Loose Moose Theatre. Directed by Rebecca Northan and featuring Calgary’s up-and-coming theatre stars and Loose Moose regulars, “Kung Fu Panties” promises to tickle your funny bone and kick you in the face.

Looking to make some home improvements? Head to the BMO Centre, Stampede Park for the 2013 Calgary Home + Garden Show. Explore a modern prefab home, learn about the latest products from local home and garden suppliers, or kick-start your renovation at project help desks. Celebrity guests include Bryan Baeumler of “Leave it to Bryan” and Paul LaFrance of “Decked Out.”

Interested in celebrating inspiring woman of style and substance? Check out the annual Every Woman Festival, Saturday evening. Join emcee Marnie Parsons at the Gerry Thomas Gallery (7pm) for a night of fun, fashion, inspirational speakers, interactive activity and great entertainment in celebration of International Women’s Day Week.

Love classical music? Catch Scandinavian Masters: Sibelius & Grieg, courtesy of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Sibelius’ shimmering Violin Concerto is one of the most powerful in the repertoire. Finnish violinist Elina Vähälä’s performance will illuminate this evening celebrating the majesty of the High North. Saturday evening’s performance will include a Pre-concert Chat and Post-concert Afterthoughts. 

If you are looking for somewhere new when it comes to dining, pop into Yellow Door (119-12th Avenue SW). The latest restaurant to be launched by the Hotel Arts Group, Yellow Door Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner service.   Executive Chef Duncan Ly prepares bistro-inspired cuisine with a reverence for classical ingredients but served up with contemporary twists.