• Price Free

If you’re staying in town this week you are in luck! There’s no shortage of events to check out and a whole swath of them are free. Hit up readings, celebrations, receptions, and so much more. Here’s what we’re checking out:

ProArts@Noon Presents MRU Conservatory Vocal Academy

May 16, 2018, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free

Featuring students of Mount Royal Conservatory Vocal Academy, this free lunch hour concert includes highlights from the various recitals this year.
proartssociety.ca

Poet Laureate Celebration

May 16, 2018, 7:00 – 8:15pm
Engagement Lab, Memorial Park Library (2nd Floor, 1221 2nd St. SW)
Free, registration required

Edited by outgoing Calgary Poet Laureate Micheline Maylor, join Wordfest and the Calgary Public Library for the launch of the new anthology, Drifting Like a Metaphor. The evening includes performances by featured poets and readings from Cobra Jo Collins, Tyler Engström, and Dale Lee Kwong, and honours the passing of the title to Calgary’s newly appointed fourth Poet Laureate, Sheri-D Wilson.
eventbrite.ca

WGA Alberta Literary Awards Shortlist Party & Readings

May 16, 2018, 7:00 – 10:00pm
Rose & Crown Pub (1503 4th St. SW)
Free, registration required

Join Samantha Warwick, Program Director for the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, to celebrate the 2018 Alberta Literary Awards shortlisted authors and their nominated works. Hear from nominated authors Stephen Bown, Kimmy Beach, Sid Marty, Karen Hines, Igpy Kin, Deborah Willis, and Geoffrey Simon Brown at this fun celebration.
facebook.com

Humainologie Film Festival

May 16 & 17, 2018
Globe Cinema (617 8th Ave. SW)
Free

With two evenings of film that allow viewers to step into the shoes of others, join Humainologie for this festival that stimulates empathy and encourages inclusivity. Wednesday’s theme is transfiguration while Thursday looks at questioning barriers. Doors open at 6:00pm with the screening at 6:30pm.
eventbrite.ca

Grad Show 2018 Opening Reception

May 17, 2018, 4:00pm
Alberta College of Art + Design (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free

An annual exhibition, don’t miss this exciting chance to view the work of graduating students from the Alberta College of Art + Design. This year, the Illingworth Kerr Gallery presents work by nearly 200 graduating students both in the gallery and throughout the college. Check it out at the opening reception.
acad.ca

Semblances & Changing Planes Reception

May 17, 2018, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Herringer Kiss Gallery (709A 11th Ave. SW)
Free

With two new shows, it’s a great time to head to Herringer Kiss Gallery. Featuring new paintings by Vancouver-based artist Eric Louie, Semblances explores ideas of memory, romanticism, and escapism through depictions of abstracted environments. And Rhys Douglas Farrell’s Changing Planes ties elements of graffiti and street painting with the minimal op-art tradition. Both artists will be in attendance at this celebratory evening.
herringerkissgallery.com

Wild in the West Opening Reception

May 17, 2018, 5:30pm
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
Free

A botanical art exhibit featuring over 30 native plants beautifully illustrated by the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern Alberta, check out the exhibit launch on May 17. Artists will be in attendance and it’s free! Remarks start at 6:00pm.
lougheedhouse.com

Single Onion #150: Youth Poetry Night

May 17, 2018, 7:00 – 9:30pm
Shelf Life Books (100, 1302 4th St. SW)
Free

The Single Onion presents its annual youth poetry night featuring up-and-coming poets from Calgary high schools. Many of these writers have participated in workshops like the WordsWorth summer writers camp and Loft 112 youth writing classes, and it’s the perfect chance to get to know their work.
facebook.com

EV Junction Opening Weekend

May 18 – 21, 2018
East Village Junction (439 8th Ave. SE)
Free

An innovative shipping container hub that’s part outdoor retail hive, part event spot, and part community gathering space, East Village Junction opens for the season this weekend. Swing by for music, food, and—of course—shopping.
facebook.com

Thomas Wellington Chalmers: NWMP Inspector, Surveyor, and Boer War Hero

May 22, 2018, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Officers’ Mess, Fort Calgary (750 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration required

Local historian and librarian Barbara Brydges joins the Chinook Country Historical Society to share the mysterious story of Thomas Chalmers, one of the three NWMP Officers featured in a photograph hanging in Fort Calgary Officer’s Mess.
eventbrite.ca