Calgary Weekender: November 15 through 17, 2013

Friday and Saturday
Grape Escape
Grape Escape happens this weekend where you’ll have the opportunity to sample an exciting variety of top shelf wine, spirits and beer from around the world. There will be over 60 producers at this year’s show. For you foodies out there, you can also check out the cooking stage sessions. Tickets to this event are $65 and can be purchased at any Co-op Wine and Spirit store in town. Event runs from 5 to 9pm at the BMO Centre on the Stampede grounds. If you’re looking for a quick place to grab dinner on the way, you can always stop in at Bar C at 340 17th Avenue SW for a bite. For tickets, click here

Matthew Good
On Friday and Saturday, Matthew Good comes to Calgary as part of his North American tour for his new album, Arrows of Desire. This talented Canadian singer/songwriter has now released 13 albums and is recognized for his significant contributions to Canada’s alternative music scene. Special guests ‘Gentlemen Husbands’ will be joining Mr. Good. Tickets can be purchased by calling 403-294-07455. Both shows will be held at Jack Singer Concert Hall. Doors are at 7pm and show is at 8pm. If you have time, definitely consider making a reservation at Blink on Stephen Avenue; the food is superb and the Blink’s dining room is one of the nicest spaces in Calgary.  


Saturday
The Italian Girl in Algiers
The Calgary Opera brings you a comedic love story full of twists, turns, pirates, harems and clever Italians. When lovers Isabella and Lindoro are abducted by pirates and end up in Algiers, they have to use their guile to get back home. Rush seating is $20. For other ticket options, click here. Show begins at 8pm. Kensington is just down the hill from the Jubilee Auditorium and full of great places to stop for a pre or post drink. Try the Kensington Wine Bar if you’re in the mood for a glass of vino (located at 1131 Kensington Road NW).

All weekend
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Hedwig and the Angry Inch is the recipient of awards from both the Betty Mitchell and FFWD magazine. Presented by Sage Theatre, Hedwig is the wild Rock n Roll story about a chanteuse who travels beyond the walls of East Berlin and around the world looking for her lost love who will make her complete. Geoffrey Ewert and Carly McKee are the stars of this crazy punk rock performance that comes alive on the Vertigo Theatre stage. This is your last weekend to see the show that has people talking. Call today to reserve your tickets: 403-221-3707. Vertigo Theatre is located at the base of the Calgary Tower.

Art Market
One of Calgary’s best craft markets takes place this weekend at the Telus Convention Centre located at 136-8th Ave SE. 200 craftspeople will be selling their work over the weekend. You’ll have the opportunity to browse through handcrafted porcelain, leatherwork, wood work, jewelry and clothing. Admission for the entire weekend is $10 for adults and $8 for students. Make sure you stop at David’s Tea if you’re on Stephen Avenue to see what kind of delicious tea they are sampling this weekend. We highly recommend the Chai tea. 

Sunday
Eco-Glam Fashion Show
This Sunday at the Calgary Winter Club, the Ecole Holt Couture School will be hosting the Eco-Glam fashion show and fundraiser for the Making Changes Association. You’ll have the chance to experience a runway show put on by current and recent graduates. EHC is responsible for training Calgary’s future tailors, designers, seamstresses and fashion experts. The event runs from 1 to 5pm with the runway taking place from 2 to 4pm. There will have live music, fabulous raffle prizes and more. Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for students. 403.244.5460. 4611 14th Street NW.


Top photo courtesy Blink