Spring into fun in Calgary
📷 @alyssaeuniceyyc
The days are getting longer, and the weather's definitely warming up, so even if that means there may be a little more snow in the future (just look at this throwback to snow and flowers), it doesn't 'stick' for long.
By the end of spring, the sun won't set until almost 10 pm! What are some ways to enjoy all this extra daylight? Glad you asked! Whether you're new to Calgary or need some fresh ideas, here's a roundup of some of the best things to do to enjoy the sunshine #HereAtSAIT and in the Calgary area. Now save this page and then get out there!
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Fun, festival and (hopefully) sun!
Festivals are a great way to see a different part of the city, dive into a new interest or be part of the Calgary community. If you've been in Calgary for a bit, you've probably heard about the Calgary Stampede, but here are a few more to put on your radar before July.
Calgary Underground Film Festival | April 18 - 28
This festival is for film buffs - with 50+ films, there will be a screening for you on the list. Don't forget the popcorn!
Calgary Expo | April 25 - 28
A four-day festival devoted to all things comic and entertainment, this should be your top pick if you want to hear from some of the stars of TV, movies and comics - and maybe splurge on an autograph or a photo op. See some special guests and incredible cosplay when it officially kicks off with the Parade of Wonders through downtown Calgary on Friday. After that, look forward to guest appearances, Artist Alley, vendors, Masters of Cosplay, food trucks and more!
Calgary Reads Big Book Sale | May 10 - 20
Do you love books and need to restock your summer reads? Now's your chance at the city's largest used book sale. Don't forget to bring your own bag!
Calgary Black Film Festival | May 24 - 28
This festival showcases unique Black voices - stay tuned for the list of films coming later this spring.
4th Street Lilac Fest | Sunday, June 6, 10 am - 6 pm
A celebration of spring and the lilacs that come with it, Lilac Fest is a day-long festival where 4th Street is closed for about 10 blocks and filled with live music, food and vendors. It's a great way to spend a day out, and keep your eyes open if you're a dog lover - lots of canine pals visit, too!
Have a good day out and about!
These attractions are here all year, but there are a few special exhibits now and maybe even a spring favourite - baby animals!
The Calgary Zoo is an attraction year-round, but there are some uniquely Canadian reasons to check it out in the next few months. Visit Wild Canada for the new state-of-the-art polar bear exhibit, and on your way, you just might spot some kids or lambs because goats and sheep usually have their babies in the spring.
For those rainy days when you want to be indoors, head to the TELUS Spark Science Centre and then to SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond for an out-of-this-world digital immersion experience.
If you're feeling nostalgic or want a first taste of over 60 years of Canadian music, you ought to know about the Studio Bell National Music Centre's Rock the Nation. It's on each weekend in April and is a two-sets live performance of Canadian music from the '50s to the present day. Admission includes access to the NMC, and there's time to check it out between sets.
It's sportsball time!
Hockey in Calgary is winding down for the season, but there are two more sports leagues starting up - basketball and soccer.
For all you soccer fans, Cavalry FC, Calgary's own team in the Canadian Premier League, plays their matches at ATCO Field in Spruce Meadows down in south Calgary. The season kicks off at the end of April, tickets start at $25 - 40 for an individual game and most games are on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Carpool with friends to the game or book a bus from one of two Calgary pubs - Kildares Ale House in south Calgary near Spruce Meadows or the Ship and Anchor pub on 17th Avenue.
In case you didn't know, basketball was invented by a Canadian, though it looked a bit different then. Now, Calgary has its own Canadian Elite Basketball League team, the Calgary Surge. Tip-off for the new season is on May 21 at the Saddledome, and then they play all their home games at the Winsport Arena in Calgary's northwest.