• Price Free

With a long weekend looming large, the first full week of October brings a mixed bag of arts goodies to check out. From Quickdraw Animation’s beloved party in plaid to a bevvy of visual arts offerings, there’s something for everyone.

Here’s what we’re hitting up:

M:ST 9 Performance Art Biennial Performance Week

Until October 7, 2018
Multiple venues
Free admission

The M:ST 9 Biennial brings Canadian and international performance artists to Calgary for a month-long festival and its final week is full of artist talks, symposiums, publication launches, and more. With experimental and risk-taking artworks that disrupt conventions and connects theatres, galleries, and public spaces all over the downtown core, you’ll want to make time this week to explore.
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ProArts Presents Jeremy Gignoux Trio

October 3, 2018, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free

For the next edition of ProArts@Noon, check out the Jeremy Gignoux Trio featuring Wayne Garrett on guitar and Daniel Bourassa on bass. Focusing on original compositions as well as arrangements of jazz standards and traditional tunes from Romania, don’t miss this free lunch hour concert.
proartssociety.ca

Mini Masters

October 4, 2018, 11:00 – 11:45am
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential

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 Night

October 4, 2018, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free

With a fresh batch of exhibitions to check out, October is a great time to head to Glenbow. Open late with free admission, swing by on the first Thursday of each month!
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Microbial Aura

October 4, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free

A series of prints exploring the human micro-biome, explore the world of microbiology through the artistic renderings of Nicole Edmond within the Loft 112 space.
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Sampler 2018

October 4, 2018. 5:00 – 8:00pm
Herringer Kiss Gallery (101, 1615 10th Avenue SW)
Free

After 16 years in business and 10 years in its current location, the Herringer Kiss Gallery has outgrown its premises and is moving to a new space in Sunalta. Sampler 2018 pays homage to its first ever exhibition in 2002 and features new works by gallery artists selected specially to show off the space.
herringerkissgallery.com

Bring the Baby Art Tour

October 5, 2018, 12:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

A relaxed, social tour, bring your baby to the Esker Foundation and have tot-friendly fun while discussing the exhibitions.
eventbrite.ca

Chrysalis Art Show & Sale

October 5, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Bridgeland Riverside Community Association (917 Centre Ave. NE)
Free, registration required

This year, Chrysalis celebrates its 50th anniversary of serving Albertans with disabilities, 30 years of service in Calgary, and its 8th annual art show and sale. Drop by to experience the visual creations by artists in the Lynn Groves Hautmann Centre for the Arts.
eventbrite.ca

7th Annual Log Driver’s Waltz

October 6, 2018, 6:00 – 9:30pm
Sunalta Community Centre (1627 10th Ave. SW)
Free

With the return of Quickdraw’s annual party in plaid, swing by the Sunalta Community Centre for this free, family-friendly celebration of Canadian animation. It’s your chance to enjoy food, music, and classic NFB animation.
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A Celebration of Calvin & Hobbes

October 8, 2018, 10:00am – 2:30pm
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free, registration required for some events

Marking its second annual free family fun day with indoor and outdoor activities, join Wordfest this Thanksgiving and celebrate the beloved comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. With a drawing workshop by Michael Grills and story time with Michael Hingston, the day even includes a more grown-up discussion of Hingston’s Let’s Go Exploring and a performance by the Heebee-jeebees.
wordfest.com