• Location Various Venues 
• Price Free

We may have gotten walloped by snow but the first full week of October looks promising—in both weather and events to check out! From tons of readings and launches at Shelf Life Books to Free First Thursday Nights at Glenbow, be sure to get out and about.

You can even grab your Halloween costume and support the aspiring young dancers at the Alberta Ballet School!

ProArts Presents Jon McCaslin Jazz Trio

October 2, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission

Jazz drummer Jon McCaslin returns to the ProArts@Noon concert series with his trio featuring local stalwarts Mark Limacher on piano and bassist Steve Shepard as well as special guest Al Muirhead on trumpet.
proartssociety.ca

October Meet-Up

October 2, 2019, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Civic Tavern (213 12th Ave. SW)
Free admission

Do you work in the arts, or do you want to work in the arts? Are you intrigued by the world of arts administration in some capacity? Meet like-minded arts managers, share ideas, and gain new knowledge over a pint and a pizza!
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Talonbooks Poetry Launch

October 2, 2019, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th Street SW)
Free admission

Talonbooks launches its fall poetry titles with the authors present for readings and signings. Featuring Oana Avasilichioaei, Danielle LaFrance, and annie ross, the evening is hosted by Nikki Reimer.
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Zurich: EnviroAgro Development Reception

October 3, 2019, 5:00pm
Stantec Gallery, University of Calgary (PF 2182, 2500 University Dr. NW)
Free admission

Professor Francisco Alaniz Uribe travelled with a group of students to Zurich to learn new strategies for how to preserve and manage environmentally sensitive and agricultural land while allocating areas for development. This exhibition includes ideas around sustainable livability—land management, sustainable urban planning, and design.
go.ucalgary.ca

I’ll climb in your eyes Reception

October 3, 2019, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free admission

With the work of Mark Mullin, there is always more than meets the eye. Organized by Nickle Galleries and curated by Christine Sowiak with support from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, check out the show at its opening reception.
nickle.ucalgary.ca

Free First Thursday Nights

October 3, 2019, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Since its launch in 2016, Free First Thursday Nights has provided access to over 56,000 visitors. Although Glenbow is in between its larger shows, this evening offers a great chance to spend some time with Calgary’s history.
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Burning the Midnight Oil

October 3, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11th St. SW)
Free admission, registration required

Collider artist-in-residence Dan Cardinal McCartney showcases a mixed media collage which stretches wall-to-wall in his studio. This talk touches on themes of intuitive art-making, his own relationship to Indigenous diaspora, and the intrinsic danger of living in Alberta as a two-spirit, transmasculine person.
contemporarycalgary.com

JoAnn McCaig

October 3, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission

The subjects of sex, passion, and confidence in JoAnn McCaig’s An Honest Woman are beautifully played out against society’s stereotypes of women as they age. Celebrate its launch with an evening of readings, mingling, refreshments, and a book signing with the author.
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Bluegrass & Bourbon with The Blue Stones

October 3, 2019, 7:00 – 10:00pm
Booker’s BBQ Grill and Crab Shack (316 3rd St. SE)
Free admission, registration required

Enjoy an exclusive night of complementary cocktails, Southern eats, and bluegrass inspired sound by Canadian rock duo, The Blue Stones. Limited spots are available and entrance is on a first come, first served basis.
eventbrite.ca

Bring the Baby Art Tour & Tummy Time

October 4, 2019, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended

A relaxed and 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

Chrysalis Art Exhibition & Sale

October 4, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Bridgeland Riverside Community Hall (917 Centre Ave. NE)
Free admission, registration required

This exhibition showcases the work of Chrysalis artists and represents their personal journeys in expressing their voices. It features paintings, collages, photography, prints, sculptures, and much more by artists with disabilities.
eventbrite.ca

Passionate Painters Art Group Show & Sale

October 5, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club (12501 14th St. SW)
Free admission

The Passionate Painters Art Group are a group of 10 artists presenting an eclectic variety of work to adorn your walls. Come and enjoy their work at this fun show and sale—you might even be able to find a few fabulous Christmas gifts.
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Ranching Under the Arch

October 5, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission

D. Larraine Andrews makes her home in High River and is the author of The Cowboy Trail: A Guide to Alberta’s Historic Cowboy Country and Great Walks of the World. She is joined by Aritha van Herk and Rachel Herbert for this evening reading.
facebook.com

Alberta Ballet Costume Sale

October 6, 2019, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Alberta Ballet School (141 18th Ave. SW)
Free admission

The elegant, the edgy, and the eclectic—just like this season, Alberta Ballet’s public costume sale is epic. All proceeds go to support aspiring young dancers at the Alberta Ballet School so make sure you swing by early for the best selection.
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Wolsak and Wynn Fall Reading

October 6, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission

Attend the Calgary launch of three new releases from Wolsak and Wynn. This reading features Laisha Rosnau’s Little Fortress, Nancy Jo Cullen with The Western Alienation Merit Badge, and Becky Black’s Proof I Was Here.
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Riverview Artists October Show & Sale

October 7 – 11, 2019, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Gulf Canada Square (401 9th Ave. SW)
Free admission

Check out original artwork by 12 local artists featured in this upcoming art show and sale. The paintings are varied in style and technique, reflecting the unique creativity and inspiration of each artist. An artist will be in attendance each day.
riverview-artists.com

The Cowichan Series

October 8, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission

Join Shelf Life for a reading from The Cowichan Series by Josephine LoRe. The evening even features special guests Miranda Krogstad, Weyman Chan, Julie Sedivy, Laurie Anne Fuhr, and Darren Flach so don’t miss it.
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