• Price Free

Get a glimpse of new works, attend a publication launch, or hear Calgary’s hottest young musicians—all for free. Calgary’s arts community never slows down, so add some bang to your buck and hit up these events:

ProArts@Noon Presents Dmitry Nesterov with Olga Kotova

February 7, 2018, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free

With Dmitry Nesterov on classical piano and Olga Kotova on violin, join ProArts for this free lunch hour concert full of magical music.
proartssociety.ca

Baconfest

February 7, 2018, 6:00 – 8:00pm
John Dutton Theatre, Calgary Public Library (616 Macleod Trail SE)
Free

Calgary’s favourite Urban Planning Film Festival returns for its fifth year. The brainchild of The City’s General Manager of Urban Strategy Rollin Stanley, Baconfest brings together thought-provoking screenings and conversations in celebration of renowned architect and planner Ed Bacon. The final week features a screening of Microtopia.
calgary.ca

AtTension

February 8, 2018, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SW)
Free

An evening of poetry and art, hear readings from Larissa Lai, Joshua Whitehead, Paul Meunier, Declan Hoy, Jillian Fleck, and Neil Surkan. The night also celebrates the launch of Luma Quarterly Volume III, Issue 011.
facebook.com

Speaker Series: Beauty in Ageing by Mary Whale

February 9, 2018, 2:00 – 3:30pm
Shawnessy Library (333 Shawville Blvd. SE)
Free

Presented by Alberta Society of Artist member Mary Whale, hear her revised western perspective of beauty in ageing.
albertasocietyofartists.com

A Brief History of Three Readings

February 9, 2018, 2:30 – 4:00pm
TIA House, University of Calgary (SS 1059, 2500 University Dr. NW)
Free

Featuring Bertrand Bickersteth, Christian Olbey, and Larissa Lai, check out this informal but engaged discussion of Marlon James’s A Brief History of Seven Killings before he comes to speak to the Calgary community through the Calgary Distinguished Writers Program. Moderated by Clara Joseph, the three colleagues offer initial thoughts, insights and provocations, touching the role of the storyteller in post-plantation societies, gender representation, Cold War politics in the Caribbean, representations of violence, and more.
ucalgary.ca

Paperwork Opening Reception

February 9 , 2018, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Jarvish Hall Gallery (333B 36th Ave. SE)
Free

A distinctive new series from Mark Dicey, Paperwork portrays the colour, line, and composition which is classically found in his canvases and sketchbooks.
jarvishallgallery.com

TC OUT LOUD – An Evening of New Words

February 9, 2018, 7:30 – 10:30pm
ATP Rehearsal Hall, Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
Free, RSVP required

Join Theatre Calgary for this evening of new work. A low-key celebration, hear a reading of Sharon Pollock’s new play alongside pieces from three other local artists.
facebook.com

Airdrie Public Library’s Author Series

February 10, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Airdrie Public Library (304 Main St. S, Airdrie)
Free, RSVP required

Featuring three local authors—Nancy M. Bell, Jude Pittman, and John Wisdomkeeper—and a panel discussion, this series offers the perfect excuse to check out the Airdrie Public Library. Each of the authors will share insight into their pieces published as part of the Books We Love – Canadian Historical Brides collection.
airdriepubliclibrary.ca

Youth Open Stage

February 12, 2018, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Without Papers Pizza (1216C 9th Ave. SE)
Free

Join host Kate Stevens and celebrate this Y0 MOMMA showcase that launches a new, monthly, youth open stage night at Without Papers Pizza.
facebook.com

Happenings #11

February 12, 2018, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Arts Commons (205 8th Ave. SE)
Free

Celebrate all the great creations at the next Happenings—an art party that is free and open to all ages. Head to Arts Commons for a Monday night of hands-on activities, live performances, and so much more. This edition even features a bunch of special guests including Studio North, Design.Talks, The Suitcase Theatre Arcade, Patrick Moskwa, Pam Tzeng, Scout Windsor Art, Alberta Craft Council, and many more.
facebook.com

Screw Chocolate: The Ultimate Un-Valentine’s Day Event

February 12, 2018, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Owl’s Nest Books (815A 49th Ave. SW)
Free

Roses, cupid’s arrows, and chocolate—chocolate? Screw chocolate! Queer up your Valentine’s Day with these hilarious, heartbreaking, and sometimes filthy valentines by Calgary authors who have a fresh, and occasionally revolutionary, take on love. All post-production profits from Screw Chocolate go to support Camp fYrefly.
mjanecolette.com