The temperature is up and so is our level of enthusiasm! Spring has officially sprung and there’s a ton to look forward to this month! Not sure how you can keep yourself busy, have some fun, and make a few memories? From pop-ups, concerts, and markets, here are just 20 things to do in and around Calgary this May!
ARTS, CONCERTS, SPORTS & CULTURE
SHIMMER AT THE TAYLOR SWIFT BEJEWELED DANCE PARTY
For those with heartache and Midnights on repeat, the Palace Theatre will be holding a Taylor Swift Bejeweled-themed dance party this month! Are you ready for it? Make the friendship bracelets, then head to this website and snag your tickets now.
When: Friday, May 5th, 2023
Where: 219 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Time: 9 pm – 2 am
Cost: $24
WALK YOUR WAY THROUGH CONTEMPORARY CALGARY
Looking for inspiration? This May, wander Contemporary Calgary – a modern museum with wide-open spaces and many a tale to tell. The best part? Admission is only $10, so check it out!
When: Open Wednesday to Sunday
Where: 701 11th Street SW
Cost: $10 for GA
SPONSORED PICKS: GAME AT THE NEW APPLE CREEK ARCADE IN AIRDRIE
To all our fellow gamers and party-goers, we’ve got the newest spot to check out that the whole family will enjoy. Apple Creek Arcade just opened their new and huge gaming and party space and it’s epic. This multi-floor gaming paradise packed with retro and modern arcade games, delicious eats and ample event space is the ultimate night-out experience. Plus, they offer a convenient shuttle service so you can leave your vehicle at home, let loose and have some fun.
When: Every Thursday – Sunday
Where: Apple Creek Arcade – 11064 Township Road 275, Rocky View, AB T4B 4M8
Time: 3 pm – 2 am
CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO
It’s nearly that time again! May 5th is coming in hot and there are a ton of incredible spots all over the city celebrating with unreal food, live entertainment, and amazing specials.
SIP YOUR WAY THROUGH ALBERTA’S INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL
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Thirsty? This May, the Alberta International Beer Fest will take Calgary on an incredibly affordable booze cruise across the world. Consider our Ubers ordered and our hangover kits ready!
When: Friday, May 5th – 6th, 2023
Where: BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way, Calgary, AB
Time: 5:30 pm
Cost: $19+
SHANIA TWAIN
The myth – the legend, Shania Twain is back and her 2023 Queen Of Me tour is rolling into Calgary. This month, toss on a cowboy hat and head over to the Scotiabank Saddledome for this spring’s most nostalgic show. You won’t want to miss it!
When: Tuesday, May 9th, 2023
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $137+
ENJOY A NIGHT AT THE BALLET
The ballet is back and this month Calgarians can enjoy a production of Botero at the Jubilee Auditorium. Inspired by the life and distinctly recognizable style of painter Fernando Botero, this beautiful show will delight audiences of all ages with familiar music, stunning costumes, and magic. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, May 11th – 13th, 2023
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW
Cost: $62+
ATTEND THE MAKER FAIRE
From engineers and artists to crafters and scientists, the Maker Faire will give curious Calgarians a place to create, invent and network. Described as the “Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth,” tickets for this family-friendly event are on sale now!
When: Saturday, May 14th, 2023
Where: BMO Centre – 20 Roundup Way SE Calgary, AB
Time: 10 am
Cost: $5
OR THE SASKATOON FARM MOTHER’S DAY MARKET
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With vendors, flowers, and lunch – check out the Saskatoon Farm’s Mother’s Day Market. Here, guests can wander, wine, dine and explore their greenhouse. make some memories and reconnect with each other.
When: Saturday, May 13th -14th, 2023
Where: #20 80181 338 Ave East, Foothills County
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: $5+
HIT THE NICKELBACK EXHIBIT
Costumes, photos and behind-the-scenes footage! The National Music Centre presents its highly anticipated Nickelback exhibit! Featuring instruments and other items that belong to Canada’s best-selling rock group, fans are going to love it!
When: Until February 2024
Where: 850 4 St. SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: $21.50
EVENTS AND FOOD
INDULGE IN LA PIZZA WEEK
We hope you’re hungry, Calgary! La Pizza Week is nearly here and from May 1st until the 14th, foodies all over the country will be encouraged to get seriously cheesy all over the country. From coast to coast, ovens will be hot and toppings will be plenty with restaurants competing for your vote.
When: Monday, May 1st – 14th, 2022
Where: TBA
Cost: Prices vary
TAKE ON YYCAESARFEST
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Created by Walter Chell In 1969, the Caesar is deeply rooted in our history so it only makes sense that one of the largest events celebrating the drink is held in Calgary! This month fans of the drink can hit the Stampede grounds where local bars and restaurants will be showcasing different variations of the boozy bevy under one roof.
When: Saturday, May 20th – 21st, 2023
Where: 1801 Big Four Trail SE, Calgary
Time: 4 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $25
THE BEAUTY AND THE BEAST POP-UP
Described as an “escape room, a theatre show and an adventure all blended into one,” this event will challenge its guests to solve riddles and play games in an effort to lift an awful curse. The best part? You’ll be encouraged to do it all with a drink in your hand.
When: Until May 21st, 2023
Where: 14th AVE NE, Calgary, Alberta
Cost: $47
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
VISIT A POP-UP GARDEN CENTRE
With wholesale prices, several locations across the city, and expert staff, the Glow Garden pop-ups will return! This annual shopping event is familiar to many and beloved by plant enthusiasts and admirers – so don’t miss it!
When: May 2023
VISIT WITH THE ANIMALS AT COBB’S ADVENTURE PARK
They’re on their way back! This May, snuggle a kangaroo or two, go axe throwing, and place a bet on a round of minigolf! Cobb’s Adventure Park is set to open again for the season on May 20th and in our opinion, there’s really no better way to get outdoors than this.
When: Saturday, May 20th, 2023
Where: 1500 84th Street NE, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Tickets: $21+
RELAX IN AN ALBERTA HOTSPRING
Need a little RNR? We don’t blame you! The weather in Calgary has been a ride, but one activity will put us at ease no matter how gloomy it gets. This May, pack up a bathing suit and check out one of Alberta’s beautiful hot springs or year-round pools. Hit the link above for our favourites!
Cost: Prices Vary
RIDE THE CANYON SKI RESORT ALPINE COASTER
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Set to open over Victoria Day long weekend, Red Deer’s epic Canyon Coaster is approximately 1,345 metres, can travel at a speed of 40 km/hr and has a 440-foot vertical drop in total. Interested in taking it for a ride? Check out the link above for more information!
When: Opens Victoria Day long weekend, May 2023
Where: 38433, Range Rd 264A, AB
Time: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am-6 pm
Cost: $25
CLIMB THE ROCKIES
This spring, face your fears and take a thrilling tour of the Rocky Mountains! Offered between May and October, Albertans of all skill levels can swing, repel and climb their way through the beautiful backcountry with the help of a certified instructor. Why? How about why not!
When: Offered between May and October
Where: Box 2474 Jasper, AB Canada
Cost: $325
CLIMB ABOARD THE LAKE MINNEWANKA CRUISE
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to travel to the edges of the continent to enjoy a cruise! This May, climb aboard an hour-long tour of one of Alberta’s most beautiful lakes for everything from dinner and drink tours to sightseeing sails.
When: May through October
Where: Lake Minnewanka, 10 mins outside Banff
Cost: $51 +
RIDE THE COASTER AT CALAWAY PARK
Looking to do something a little more fast-paced this spring? Adrenaline junkies are encouraged to ride the coaster or eat all the carnival food their stomachs can handle at Calgary’s Calaway Park which is set to open at the end of this month!
When: Opens Saturday, May 20th, 2023
Where: 245033 Range Road 33, Calgary
Whew, there you have it, friends. 20 things to do in Calgary this May. What will you check out first? Let us know and remember to stay safe and have fun. We’ll see you out there!
