Calgary Weekender: February 3 through 5, 2012

Okay, it’s not technically the weekend yet, but it’s definitely worth noting. Thursday evening brings Calgary’s ‘First Thursday’, where arts venues, restaurants and retailers in and around Calgary’s Cultural District (the blocks surrounding Olympic Plaza) stay open late and offer a mix of special activities, many of them free or discounted. Click here for a complete listing of events happening throughout the day.

Friday night is sure to make a big splash. Head to the Jubilee Auditorium for the Canadian premiere of Moby Dick (the show starts at 8pm). Based on Herman Melville’s classic novel, Moby-Dick follows the struggle of the whaling crew of the Perquod and their captain as he’s slowly driven into madness when he obsessively pursues the elusive white whale, Moby Dick. 

More of a young professional fashionista? Friday evening, NRT Fashions, a Calgary-based high-end womenswear and menswear line, is hosting its first official showing for this year’s new Fall/Winter 2012 collection. Enjoy a killer fashion show and great beats by DJ Yanik Coen (montreal, QC), Doran (Barcelona, Spain) and DJ Church. After checking out the collection, why not spend the rest of the evening enjoying the party? There will be dancing, drink specials and a few surprises throughout the eve.

Saturday evening you are off to enjoy a melodic evening at the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra with special guest Andrew von Oeyen, who will be performing The Griego Piano Concerto. From the opening notes you will instantly recognize the melody that has swept concert halls and pop culture for years. People are actually flying to Calgary just to hear it!

If you are after a bit more of a party, then Theatre Junction Grand has just the event. Kick up your heels and help Theatre Junction Grand celebrate its 100th Anniversary. On February 4th, exactly one century after the very first performance graced their stage, they’re throwing a big party worthy of the grandeur of this major milestone. They will be hosting a 12-hour open house from 2pm ’til 2am, featuring over two dozen artists from across Calgary’s vast cultural landscape.

Some of Calgary’s most popular and respected artists will be performing throughout the event, including Dan Vacon of the Dudes, DJ Pump, Samantha Savage Smith, DJ Wax Romeo, painter Mandy Stobo, DJ Ivan Rankic, Ill Movements hip-hop collective and many more. For the grand finale, 2011 Redbull 3style World Final’s headliner Vinyl Ritchie will be playing an all-vinyl DJ set. 

Sunday is the Superbowl and we know most of you YP men look forward to this epic Sunday every year. Although it’s fairly traditional to enjoy the game from the comforts of home with a few buddies, there are a few places in the city pulling out all the stops. We suggest heading to Melrose Cafe & Bar; join them at noon for the tailgate, where they’ll be serving up specials all day long and giving out chances to win a ton of prizes. Some other venues getting into the spirit include Flames Central and Ceilie’s Irish Pub.