Calgary Weekender: June 8 through 10, 2012

June is in full swing and with that yet another amazing weekend of events and activities for Calgary YPs to take advantage of.

Thursday evening head to Visual Hues Photography (2024 – 34th Avenue SW) between 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm for Mo’Tif, a fusion of artistic mediums including photography, fashion and metal work. Notable YE Hadija Gabunga of Hipband clothing, Amy Brathwaite of Ansanm Haitian artwork, and Janet Pliszka of Visual Hues Photography are joining together to give you an evening of culture, art, and live music. The event is an open house concept with the opportunity to purchase beautiful and diverse art pieces. 

If you are in the mood to dance the night away, Commonwealth is officially opening their new patio. Join them to kick off the first of many great new patio nights. The party starts at 4:00 pm with DJs, food samples from Cafeteria and a complimentary drink from 4-6. The night will roll on with Propaganda Thursdays.

For the classically-minded, Friday evening the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra brings you Beethoven’s Pastoral and Sarah Chang. Sit back for an evening of gorgeous music as you hear one of the world’s great violinists perform Bruch’s ever-popular Violin Concerto No. 1, followed by Beethoven’s enduring depiction of country life, the Pastoral Symphony. There is also a performance Saturday evening if you happen to miss Friday’s.

Friday night also deserves a little end of week celebration. Two new restaurants opened in the Beltline and are both worth checking out. Love French cuisine? Head to Avec Bistro (105-550 11th Ave SW) for a bottle of wine and some classic French fare such as the steak frites. 

In more of an Italiano frame of mind? Then check out Cibo (1012 17 Ave SW). They feature an approachable and affordable menu along with a great wine list.  We suggest dining true family-style and sharing various dishes with friends. 

Saturday you are heading just south of the city to for the Spruce Meadows National Tournament (18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW). Opening the 2012 Spruce Meadows Summer Series, the ‘National’ hosts the best show jumping athletes and horses from throughout the World from June 6 – 10. Between events, check out the shopping opportunities, which are also available on the grounds.

If you are more arts-minded The Calgary Independent Arts Organization, or CIAO!, is launching its first collaborative arts event in the city, “Creating Community Initiatives with CIAO!” Starting at 12:00 pm, it’s going to be a unique day, featuring three multi-disciplinary art events and presenting multiple local arts organizations. 

Head over to Motion Gallery (A020 Barclay Parade SW) at 8pm (it goes all night) for “ROCK DA PUSS” in celebration of ARTSPOT’s fourth year anniversary. This multi-disciplinary event is going to feature a visual exhibition of local female urban arts collective “Big Kitty,” a body paint competition, a lineup of local musical acts, live performances, and international headlining musician ZION I. 

If you love fashion, you should be at Amsterdam Rhino (617 – 11 Ave SW) at 8:30 pm for local designer NRT Fashions’ exclusive Runway Show & Patio Party.

More in the mood for an evening of enchanting music? Head to the Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary
(2500 University Dr NW), to hear the Calgary Men’s Chorus perform Icarus. Based on the mythical Greek figure who flew too close to the sun, it’s a cautionary tale of ambition and the longing to escape. Sit back as they explore the themes of flight, freedom and longing through song. This show is guaranteed to amuse you, chill you, and thrill you. 

Sunday is a day of relaxing, so why not grab a bunch of friends and head to any one of the city’s great parks for the afternoon. Did you know that The City of Calgary Parks has over 7,800 hectares of parkland for you to enjoy? BBQ or channel your inner child and partake in some classic games such as croquet, bocce ball or Frisbee.