It’s the long weekend in Calgary and with that many YPs will be heading out of town to indulge in three days of bliss. For those who have chosen an urban weekend you will not be disappointed. There are all kinds of things happening over the next three days to keep you busy.
The weather has been superb, so Friday happy hour is all about taking advantage of the great patios in the city. Some of our top picks are Broken City, West, and Ship and Anchor.
After catching up with friends and colleagues you are off to the Jack Singer concert hall for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Play! A Video Game Symphony. As young professionals, many of us have a little nostalgia towards those videos games from our childhoods. Reminisce about those “wasted” afternoons as you hear a surround sound concert featuring blockbuster video games like Halo, World of Warcraft, Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. There will be a pre-show festival, costume contest, and giant video screens accompanying the sounds of the Orchestra.
Saturday afternoon brings a lot of options. Hit up one of the city’s farmers markets – Crossroads Market, Blackfoot Market or Kingsland Farmers Market – for fresh produce and locally made treats.
For vegetarians and those interested in meat-free meals, Calgary Vegfest will be taking place throughout the afternoon at the Inglewood Community Centre (1740 24 Ave SE). Indulge in scrumptious, healthy vegetarian and vegan fare as you mingle with friends.
This weekend also brings the Second Annual Shakeout Festival. Get ready to shimmy and shake this weekend at the biggest rock and roll bash for May long weekend with over 30 bands spread across 7 venues. This festival is in partnership with Sled Island, Broken City, the Palomino, Ship & Anchor, Drum & Monkey, Vicious Circle, Tubby Dog and Sloth, so you know it is going to be a blast. Check out their Facebook page to find out what bands are playing, along with locations and times.
Are musicals a bit more your style? Because of such high demand, Cats the Musical showings have been extended, with the last few shows happening this weekend. Catch the purr-fectly enchanting musica at Theatre Calgary (220 – 9th Ave. S.E.).
Considering it is a long weekend, Sunday is all about Sunday Funday. Why not head to one of the city’s walking neighbourhoods, like Inglewood, Kensington or the Beltline, to check out the shops and restaurants. For the more adventurous, it may be time to pull out your rafts and float down the river.
Sunday evening we think Craft Beer Market is the ideal spot, especially with their Sunday special Small Town Beer Small Town Band. Enjoy the tunes of local Calgary band Cumberland (they take the stage at 9pm) as you enjoy a Rolling Rock beer.
Photo courtesy Craft Beer Market