Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival
The Banff Wine and Food Festival is on May 10th at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Food and wine lovers can sample a wide selection of local and international wines, spirits, scotches and beer at the Grand Tasting Hall. Tickets for the events, which usually sell out, start at $27 and are available online, and grant you access to the Hall. Sampling coupons are available for purchase at the Hall for $0.50. Each sample ranges from 1 to 20 (or more) coupons, depending on the item. Make a weekend of it and participate in one of the other wine and food-themed events being held at restaurants and hotels around Banff this weekend.
United Way’s BeCause Why?Race
On May 11, BeCause, a United Way of Calgary and Area initiative aimed at the next generation of Calgary’s philanthropists and leaders, is holding their 3rd Annual Why?Race between 11am and 4pm. Teams of four racers spend the day running around downtown Calgary having fun while learning about the work of United Way. Last year’s scavenger hunt-ish obstacle course involved a giant structure built from cans of food and pieces of Ikea furniture, which were later donated to the community. It starts at Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW) with celebrations to follow at 4:00pm at Ceili’s Irish Pub (351 4 Avenue SW).
TEDx Calgary – Energy: Full Spectrum
On May 11 at the U of C’s University Theatre, TEDxCalgary presents a day of programming and sharing of the powerful narrative of public intellectuals, innovators, authors and artists to challenge Calgarians’ concepts of energy. Speakers are set to discuss everything from natural laws that govern our universe to the energy that drives a creative mind. The event runs from 10am to 6pm and the event fee is $50 (some discounted tickets available for students and restricted income).
MGMT
The American psychedelic rock band formed at Wesleyan University is making its way to the University of Calgary’s MacEwan Ballroom on May 10. From being named Artist of the Day to making the list of top Ten Artists to Watch, the group has topped the charts all over the globe. While the release of the group’s latest album has been delayed until June, the band recently released the studio version of their song “Alien Days.” Check out their spring tour and hope they play some of their highly anticipated new material. 2500 University Dr. NW
CBC – Calgary Reads Book Sale
The CBC’s 11th annual springtime book sale is taking place this weekend (Fri noon-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-4pm) at the Calgary Curling Club. The sale is the major fundraiser for Calgary Reads, an early literacy initiative set to change the lives of struggling grade 1 and 2 readers and their families in Calgary and area schools. There will be thousands of categorized books, and the tables will have fresh content as they are restocked throughout the weekend. No four-book limit here; you can purchase as many as you like. Admission is $2 for adults and free for children.
Big Brothers Big Sisters All-Star Weekend
May 10 and 11: the 8th annual two-event in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area features over 40 professional athletes, CFL all-stars, Olympic speed skaters, skeleton pilots, skiers and snowboarders in a golf tournament, a football kids’ camp and an All-Star Gala. Hosted by Henry Burris, his family and his friends, the weekend has raised over half a million dollars since being founded in 2006 and helps kids become a big deal on and off of the field. The Gala is on May 11 at the Westin Calgary and tickets cost $200; it starts at 6pm.
Photo: MGMT