• Location Various Venues 
• Price Free

The first week of May in Calgary brings a mixed bag of free activities for you to check out. From a fun concert from ProArts to all the tours you can handle with Jane’s Walk, there really is something for everyone.

ProArts Presents Frank Lynch

May 1, 2019, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission

Frank Lynch received his music training in Toronto, at St. Michael’s Choir School, the Royal Conservatory, and the University of Toronto. Hear Lynch play a little of every style, from Chopin to Cole Porter. He will even explain who really invented Boogie Woogie and how Mozart was robbed.
proartssociety.ca

Mini Masters

May 2, 2019, 11:00 – 11:45am
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration required

Calling Calgary’s newest contemporaries! Join the Esker Foundation on the first Thursday of every month for a hands-on art class. Parents and guardians are invited to bring their little ones, ages two to five, to explore art making in this fun and social program. All are welcome to participate, just dress for mess.
eventbrite.ca

Free First Thursday Nights

May 2, 2019, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Get into Glenbow without paying a dime—this is a great chance to check out popular exhibitions for free including Christian Dior, Meryl McMaster: Confluence, and Chris Cran: At Play before they close at the start of June!
facebook.com

Loft 112 Celebrates Five Years Art Show

May 2, 2019, 6:00 – 9:30pm
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Marking a huge milestone, join Loft 112 for this exhbition featuring creators who have had shows over its first five years. And what celebration would be complete without cake? Swing by this opening reception.
facebook.com

Bring the Baby Art Tour & Tummy Time

May 3, 2019, 12:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended

A relaxed, social tour, bring your baby to the Esker Foundation and have tot-friendly fun while discussing the exhibitions. This program starts with a casual half-hour tour of the current exhibitions, followed by a half-hour of tummy time social fun for both baby and guardian!
eventbrite.ca

Nvrlnd Open House

May 3, 2019, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Nvrlnd (1048 21 Ave. SE)
Free admission

Nvrlnd is opening to the public on the first Friday of every month. An artist-driven collective, it’s a great chance to have a wander through the halls, explore the space, and meet the resident artists to see what they are creating.
facebook.com

States of Transcendence with Elizabeth Diggon

May 3, 2019, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended

Neil Campbell and Jeremy Shaw explore transcendence, psychedelia, and altered states of mind through vastly different materials and formal strategies. Join Elizabeth Diggon, Esker’s Assistant Curator, on this conversational tour.
eventbrite.ca

TC Out Loud #6

May 3, 2019, 7:30 – 10:30pm
Theatre Calgary Rehearsal Hall, Arts Commons
Free admission, registration required

With three new pieces from local writers, read by local actors, alongside a new work by an established playwright, the final TC Out Loud for the season features guest writer, Michaela Jeffery. Interested in attending? RSVP by emailing jturk@theatrecalgary.com.
facebook.com

A Word On A Wing Opening Reception

May 3 & 4, 2019
Ruberto Ostberg Gallery (2108 18th St. NW)
Free admission

Keith Dalgleish’s colourful paintings are fresh and immediate, with loose brush strokes and challenging compositions. These individual portraits of small songbirds might seem fragile at first glance but are often strong and confident. Check out the show at one of its receptions from 5:00 to 9:00pm on May 3 or 2:00 to 5:00pm on May 4.
ruberto-ostberg.com

Jane’s Walk Calgary

May 3 – 5, 2019
Multiple locations
Free admission

Be part of this global festival of free neighbourhood walking tours. No registration is required, simply find a walk that interests you and show up. With citizen-led tours inspired by urbanist and activist Jane Jacobs, the weekend offers participants a chance to explore and connect.
janeswalk.calgaryfoundation.org

Passionate Painters Art Group Show

May 4, 2019, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Country Hills Golf Club (1334 Country Hills Blvd. NW)
Free admission

Join 10 local artists and check out this spring art show. With a wide variety of work available for both viewing and purchase, you’re sure to find a treasure or two. There are even free art cards for the first 100 visitors.
facebook.com

Spring Fling

May 4, 2019, 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Workshop Studios (2501 Alyth Rd. SE)
Free admission

Welcome warmer weather with Workshop Studios and check out this artist market in support of the Calgary Humane Society. There are even open studios, a silent auction, plant swap, mini-workshops, and more.
facebook.com

Ecstatic Dance with Marie-Claire O’Donoghue

May 5, 2019, 9:30 – 11:00am
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended

When was the last time you gave yourself permission to just dance without judgement, expectation, or wanting to look a certain way? Ecstatic Dance creates a setting for you to let go of your daily structured movement patterning, and let your body speak through dance. All ages and experience are levels welcome. Adult accompaniment required for children under 16. Be sure to dress appropriately to move.
eventbrite.ca

Spring Pottery Market

May 5, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Triwood Community Association (2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW)
Free admission

Come out and support the Mount Pleasant Potters’ Guild at its annual spring pottery market. Featuring a huge selection of unique, hand-made functional and decorative pottery at excellent prices, find works from over 30 members. Be sure to come early for the best selection.
calgarypottery.com