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Visual Art
Kablusiak's depiction of northern lights

mitaaqtuaqtunga

mitaaqtuaqtunga (no translation provided) welcomes viewers into an intimate, vulnerable offering of Inuit knowledge sharing. Through an interview with their mother, Inuvialuk artist Kablusiak imparts an ancient story passed down through their family over generations. Make sure to check it out!

See website for gallery hours
Location: The Bows (2001B 10th Ave. SW)Free
Visual Art
A promo image for Contemporary Calgary's Human Capital exhibition

Human Capital

Human Capital presents work that offers insight into the impact of Canada’s immigration policies and history: how it treats humans as capital, and the role it plays in shaping the complex and contested formation of a Canadian identity. Make sure to check it out!

see website for gallery hours
Location: Contemporary Calgary (701 11th St. SW)With Admission
Visual Art
A promo image for Chitra Ganesh Astral Dance exhibition at Contemporary Calgary

Astral Dance

Contemporary Calgary presents Astral Dance, the first solo exhibition of works by Chitra Ganesh in Canada, and a significant survey of her practice spanning more than twenty years. Ganesh delivers fantastic, dreamlike worlds where the past, present and future are merged into new, speculative propositions.

see website for gallery hours
Location: Contemporary Calgary (701 11th St. SW)With Admission
Family
Image of an open "magical" book with particles floating out of it

Story Time at Heritage Park

On Wednesdays, treat your little ones to a storytelling session at Calgary’s Heritage Park! Nestle in at various sites throughout the Historical Village as their engaging volunteers share familiar classics and modern favourites. Following storytime, jump into action with movement activities and leave with take-home crafts!

Showtime: 10:30am – 11:30am
Location: Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)$4.95 - $9.95
Visual Art
Image of Respect and Honour by Gordon Wesley. Oil on canvas.

Stories from the Yethka

As part of a rotating exhibition of artworks that feature connections to the land, Gordon Wesley, a proud Nakoda Stoney from the Bighorn Reserve, brings the life of the wild into the still picture serving as memories of his wildlife experiences. Be sure to check out this exhibition!

See website for gallery hours
Location: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (425 9th Ave. SE)Free
Visual Art
A promo image for Before It's Gone

Before It’s Gone

Composed of an acrylic paintings by Deborah Lougheed Sinclair depicting the wildflowers of the Canadian Rockies; this exhibition is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of our fragile ecosystems and a warning about the dramatic impacts of human activity and significant climate change.    

see website for gallery hours
Location: ASA Gallery, Crossroads Art Centre (1235 26th Ave. SE)Free
Family
A promo image for Community Family Drumming Circle

Community Family Drumming Circle

Every other Saturday morning, check out a Community Family Drumming Circle, an opportunity for families with children up to 12 years old to immerse themselves in the rhythms and energies of drumming, storytelling and sharing that reflects traditional ways of connecting spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially. Registration required.

Showtime: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Tawaw West (2340 1 Ave. NW)Free
Festival
A promo graphic for Christmas in Kensington

Christmas in Kensington

Jingle all the way to Kensington on Saturdays for the Kensington BIA’s annual Christmas in Kensington activations, a celebration of the holidays and all of its festivities. Santa Claus, sleigh rides, games, fire pits, live entertainment and complimentary coffee from Deville. Yule be sorry to miss this one.  

Showtime: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Kensington (Kensington Rd. & 10th St. NW)Free
Family
Image of kids throwing snow in front of a sign that reads JOY

Once Upon A Christmas

Once Upon A Christmas is one of Calgary’s most iconic holiday events, with hands-on activities and entertainment sure to delight guests of all ages, including choir performances, holiday storytime, crafts, Christmas theatre and much more. Head over to get your fix of wholesome holiday cheer!

Showtime: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)$14.95 - $19.95
Visual Art
Image of artwork

Winter Fundraiser

Alberta Society of Artists online winter fundraiser is your opportunity to support that goal by purchasing a beautiful small artwork made by an Alberta artist. These make lovely gifts for that hard-to-shop-for person, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home.  

See website for details
Location: Explore onlineFree
Theatre
A promo image for Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays

When a flight from Orlando to Calgary gets grounded on Christmas Eve, it leaves four strangers stranded together in the airport. Ella is a Christmas enthusiast who insists on making friends with everyone and hosting an airport Christmas. Check out this Lunchbox Theatre original production!

Showtimes Vary
Location: The Studio at Vertigo Theatre (115 9th Ave. SE)$21 - $30
Visual Art
An example of artwork from Jeweliyana Reece's first solo show: Nature 'n Nurture

Nature n’ Nurture

Framed on Fifth presents Jeweliyana Reece’s first solo show Nature ‘n Nurture, inspired by all the beautiful nature right outside our doors in YYC area. Featuring paintings and glass art, it’s a show not to be missed!

See website for gallery hours
Location: Framed on Fifth (1207 5th Ave. NW)Free
Family
Image of The Immsersive Nutcracker on display

The Immersive Nutcracker

Immersive Nutcracker is an experiential retelling of a young girl’s magical Christmas Eve journey, all surrounding the audience in 360-degree, three-dimensional splendour. This joyful 30-minute immersive experience is an ideal family outing and introduces kids to the art of ballet and the captivating storytelling that often accompanies it.

Showtimes Vary
Location: BMO Centre, Stampede Park (20 Roundup Way SE)$26.99 - $29.99
Dance
Image of dancers mid-performance

Dance at Noon

UCalgary School of Creative and Performing Arts’ Dance@Noon series presents the choreographic and directorial debut of UCalgary dance students in their third semester of composition through the live performance of students at all levels in the dance program. Check out a free noon-hour performance!

Showtime: 12:00pm
Location: University Theatre, University of Calgary (203 University Ct. NW)Free
Free
Image of painting

Free This Week

From book launches, creative workshops, music, celebrations and more, the coming week is full to the brim with free arts finds you need to check out. Read on to learn more and start planning your next arts outing!

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Visual Art
An example of artwork from Jeweliyana Reece's first solo show: Nature 'n Nurture

December Exhibitions & Markets

The days grow cold and descend into darkness but don’t worry, evil isn’t afoot, it’s just December and there’s no better time to check out some visual art at an exhibition or holiday market. Read our list and get planning!

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Free
A render of Central Commons Park with people skating in the foreground

Free This Week

There’s an avalanche of free art events in store as we head into December. Check out the AE West Artist Showcase, learn about Calgary’s Best Walks with author Lori Beattie, and explore winter markets galore!

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Free
Image of Silvia Temis & Jorge Villena

Free This Week

Wrap up November in creative style! This week’s roundup of free arts offerings features winter markets, live music, and artist-led talks and exhibitions. Don’t miss out!

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Free
Image of collage

Free This Week

You’ve had a relaxing long weekend, the weather is a touch more bearable and you’re raring to go explore some art. If that sounds like you, we’ve got you covered with a fresh new roundup of free arts events.

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Visual Art
A promo image for BRYCE KRYNSKI transportation of salts

November Exhibitions

The month of November is the perfect time to check out some of the visual art on display around town while also getting a head start on holiday shopping. Read this month’s exhibition roundup and get planning!

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Free
A promo image for The Garden of a Former House Turned Museum 2

Free This Week

Don’t let the snow stop you – get out there this month and enjoy the arts with more free art sales, Free Art Fridays at YYC/LRT, a Block Party in East Village and more. Don’t miss out!

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Free
Painted LRT train

Free This Week

November kicks off with a Flint & Feather and Friends concert, an open house at Quickdraw Animation Society and plenty of arts and craft show and sales. There’s plenty to see and do, so make sure to get out there!

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Questions?

Contact Calgary Arts Development’s communications team at 403.264.5330 ext. 211 or by email at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.

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