The last week of February brings a plethora of free events to check out. From film screenings, book launches, and concerts to Arts Commons’ next Happenings event, there’s something for everyone!

Here’s what we’re checking out this week:

Weather is Beautiful, wish you were here!

Until February 28, 2017
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free

Bryce Meyer and Julya Hajnoczky’s photographic dispatches share their travels around the globe in postcard form. Let them take you across the Americas and as far as Europe and Asia. Part of Exposure, check out the show at its opening reception at 7:00pm on February 23.
exposurephotofestival.com

ProArts Presents Calgary Renaissance Singers and Players

February 22, 2017, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free

In this lunch hour concert, the Calgary Renaissance Singers and Players perform the music of Jewish Italian Renaissance composer Salamone Rossi, as well as psalm settings by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Calgary composer Marcia Jenneth Epstein. The concert also includes some of the choir’s favourite madrigals and Renaissance drinking songs.
proartssociety.ca

Baconfest 4

February 22, 2017, 5:30 – 8:00pm
Globe Theatre (617 8th Ave. SW)
Free

The final week of Baconfest is here! This free film festival dedicated to renowned architect and planner Ed Bacon moves to the Globe with a screening of Citizen Jane: Battle for the City.
facebook.com

In Conversation with Kevin Donovan

February 22, 2017, 7:00pm
Leacock Theatre, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)
Free

Join award-winning investigative journalist Kevin Donovan in Calgary as he takes readers behind the scenes of the landmark Jian Ghomeshi expose that sparked a nation-wide discussion on sexual assault, the cult of celebrity, and the politics of power and gender in the workplace. Co-sponsored by Mount Royal University School of Communications Studies, the event is free, open to the public, and books will be available for purchase.
facebook.com

To Be a Miss

February 22, 2017, 7:00pm
Gallery Hall Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free for students with ID, and for community members with food bank donation

Join Movies That Matter for its free screening of To Be a Miss—a feature-length documentary that explores the inner workings of Venezuela’s beauty factory, exploring the hopes and dreams of young models as they strive to become the next Miss Venezuela. A 30 minute Skype Q&A with Director Edward Ellis will follow the screening.
facebook.com

Riverview Artists Show & Sale

February 22 – 24, 2017, 9:00am – 4:00pm
TransCanada Place (+15 Level, 450 1st St. SW)
Free

See original work by 12 local artists, each with their own style and technique, reflecting the unique creativity and inspiration of each artist. An artist will be in attendance each day from 9:00am until 4:00pm.
riverview-artists.com

North Goes South: Shuvinai Ashoona and the Repositioning of Inuit Art with Sara Angel and Nancy Campbell

February 23, 2017, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

An unfortunate truth, Inuit art is seldom part of the contemporary art canon. This talk investigates the remarkable trajectory of Shuvinai Ashoona and how her work is changing that view.
eskerfoundation.ca

Jeanne van Heeswijk Public Art and Social Practice

February 23, 2017, 6:00pm
Stanford Perrott Lecture Theatre, Alberta College of Art + Design (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free

Join Alberta College of Art + Design’s Illingworth Kerr Gallery and The City of Calgary for this public talk by internationally acclaimed artist Jeanne Van Heeswijk. Part of the Public Art and Social Practice workshop series, van Heeswijk facilitates the creation of dynamic and diversified public spaces in order to radicalize the local. This is a free event with limited capacity, so guests should arrive early to secure a seat.
acad.ca

Not My Party

February 23, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free

This outspoken, timely book by former Mulroney Cabinet Minister Tom McMillan indicts Stephen Harper for destroying the historic Canadian Conservative Party. Head to Shelf Life Books and get to know this political memoir that explores the history—and future—of Canada’s Conservative Party.
facebook.com

Long Lunch Quick Reads Presents Old Bitches

February 24, 2017, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free

Head to Loft 112 and check out the story of the month, Susan Carpenter’s Little Bitches. At 1:00pm Susan Carpenter will read a section from her story and answer questions and engage in discussion. Chapbooks are available for you to enjoy and take home (suggested donation of $5). You can even bring your own lunch or pre-order one for $10 by emailing loftonetwelve@gmail.com.
facebook.com

PLACEHOLDER: It’s your turn to talk! with d.talks

February 24, 2017, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential

Join d.talks and Esker Foundation for an evening discussion that responds to the exhibition, Earthlings. Structured as an unconventional book club, check out this intimate discussion.
eskerfoundation.ca

Beltline Bonspiel & Lougheed Open House

February 25, 2017, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
Free

The first outdoor Calgary curling bonspiel in over 100 years, come cheer on four community teams as they compete on our outdoor rink. Make sure you head into the house to check out Getting on the Map exhibit, guided tours, and family activities. Hot chocolate, hot dogs, and chili will be available for sale outside.
lougheedhouse.com

Classical Guitar Society of Calgary Preview Concert

February 26, 2017, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free

Treat yourself this Sunday and head to Shelf Life Books to enjoy a free afternoon of classical guitar performances.
shelflifebooks.ca

Happenings 7: Tactile Intrigue

February 27, 2017, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
Free

Dive in and experience art in a whole new way with this themed art party and artist reception. Self-curate your own art experience with engaging activities including a chance to make colourful slime, play game-master curated games, revel in live beatbox, delight in traditional methods of production in photography, and more.
artscommons.ca

Calgary Midwinter Bluesfest

February 27 – March 4, 2017
Multiple locations
Free – $35

This midwinter offering from the Calgary Blues Music Association is a great chance to shake off your own case of the wintertime blues. And with a number of free offerings including the Singing the Blues Vocal Camp Workshop on February 27, there’s something for every budget.
calgarybluesfest.com

Blindspot III; Blackout

February 28, 2017, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Alberta College of Art + Design (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free

Celebrate the opening of this lens based exhibition with guest curator and juror Naomi Potter from the Esker Foundation. This year’s exhibition runs February 26 to March 4 and showcases 33 visual artists from Alberta College of Art + Design.
facebook.com

WGA Right to Write (Freedom to Read Week)

February 28, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free

In acknowledgement of Freedom to Read Week and in celebration of our freedom to write, join author, blogger, and WGA Program Director Samantha Warwick for a discussion of Julia Cameron’s The Right to Write and Russell Wangersky’s The Path of Most Resistance. Read the titles in advance and join the conversation.
shelflifebooks.ca