Another month, another season! We made it, YYC and from the looks of it, spring has finally joined us. This time around we’ve got a ton of amazing events and activities for those jonesing for some fresh air, an indulgent meal, or who prefer to stay home. Here are 25 socially distant things to do this May in Calgary! Enjoy!
HAVE A SLICE DURING LA PIZZA WEEK
It’s time, Calgary! La Pizza Week is here and from Saturday, May 1st until Friday, May 7th hungry Calgarians will be encouraged to get down and get cheesy with fellow Za-fans all over the country. From coast to coast ovens will be hot and toppings will be plenty, with restaurants competing for your votes. Check out the link above to see the local restaurants participating in this year’s event!
When: Saturday, May 1st – Friday, May 7th
Where: See link above
SNAP YOUR WAY THROUGH JAZZYYC
Tap, snap and vibe all month long at this year’s TD Jazz YYC Festival. Much like last year, this time around the organization is going digital, featuring Q and A’s and performances online until May 27th.
When: Until May 27
Where: Online above
Time: Various times
Cost: Free
INDULGE IN GLOBAL CUISINE
This year, GlobalFest is extending its reach well beyond its annual fireworks show! For 2021 they have turned their attention to the flavors of their annual OneWorld Festival by hosting a 10-episode live mini-series! Each installment will feature a different culture and the entire journey from grocery store to plate!
When: May 4th and 18th
Where: Online above
Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Cost: $10+
CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO WITH THE CALGARY ZOO
Cinco De Mayo is upon us, friends and one of Calgary’s favourite attractions wants you out, about, and having fun… without your kids! This month enjoy the sights and sounds of the zoo, where they’ll be holding an 18+ fiesta where guests will be encouraged to crack clues, solve puzzles, and have a few drinks in celebration of the holiday.
When: May 5th
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 4:30 pm – 9 pm
Cost: $45+
GO SPRING ANTIQUING
Sure you could look, decorate and dress the way everyone else does, but where’s the fun in that? We love individuality, in fact, we think the world could use a little bit more of it, that’s why whether you’re in need of a little attention or are looking for a unique gift for someone else, you have to check out Airdrie’s Where on Earth Antique market
Where: 325 Edmonton Trail SE, Airdrie
TAKE A PEDAL PUB TOUR
If we’ve learned anything over the last year, it’s that it is absolutely possible to drink and exercise at the same time (thanks quarantine.) This May, join Calgary Pedal Pubs as they redefine what we’ve come to know as multitasking our way through isolation simply by adding some fresh air to the mix! Book your trip now by checking out the link above!
When: See available dates here
Where: See available tours above
Time: See times above
Cost: $599
CHECK OUT ONE OF CALGARY’S AMAZING ICE CREAMS SHOPS
Tis’ the season for frozen treats and waffle cones, but where to go? You could just go to your local convenience or grocery store and just buy a litre of vanilla… or you could go to one of the cities top-notch shops. Really crush that craving, and melt with the spirit of the season by checking out one of the 10 best ice cream shops in Calgary, which you can find in the link above!
TAKE PART IN SPORTCHEK’S MOTHER’S DAY WALK, RIDE AND RUN
Walk, run or ride for mom this year during Sport Cheks annual Mother’s Day walk. This year, the event is going virtual meaning you can participate from anywhere anytime between May 7th and May 9th! Break a sweat and support Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the Calgary Health Foundation – Foothills NICU.
When: Friday, May 7th – Sunday, May 9th
Where: Online
Time: Various times
Cost: By donation
SPILL THE ‘TEA’ THIS MOTHER’S DAY WITH THE LOUGHEED HOUSE
This Mother’s Day it will be even harder than those before to take Mom out for brunch, lunch, dinner, or tea. Instead, bring the eats to her with High Tea from the Lougheed House! Not only does this experience include finger foods, desserts, and sips from Chef Judy Wood, it will include a virtual Q and A with Jimmy-Lee Vennard, a professional estate butler – who will lead a high society gossip sesh.
When: Saturday, May 8th and 9th
Where: Online
Time: 2 pm
Cost: $65
BINGE NETFLIX’S MAY RELEASES
From documentaries comedies and originals, Netflix will be delivering hours of entertainment to get us through another month of craziness. This May, those who would prefer to stay indoors can binge their way through isolation with a ton of new releases! Enjoy!
CHECK OUT A YYC DOG PARK
Whether you’re looking to bond with your furry pal, get some exercise, or just to pup watch, there’s really nothing better than grabbing a coffee and wandering one of Calgary’s dog parks! Not sure which one you should check out? Click the link above for our favourites.
DINE IN BANFF’S 360° DOME
This spring, indulge outdoors in their brand new 360° Dome dining room! An unbeatable private venue with unreal food and a spectacular view. Located on their Upper Garden Terrace, the dome will feature a gourmet brunch, afternoon charcuterie, and an extravagant 5-course menu. Check out the pricing above!
When: Year-round
Where: 405 Spray Avenue Banff, AB
Time: See times above
Cost: $125+
TAKE A HIKE
The sun is out and the snow and ice have melted. That can only mean one thing! Spring is here and the mountains are calling our name! This month lace up your hiking boots, pack up the car and head to the Rockies where trails aplenty await. Click the link above for the most beautiful hikes you can do near Calgary this May!
GO FOR A SCENIC ALBERTA DRIVE
Grab some snacks and hit shuffle on that ‘road tunes’ playlist of yours! We live in a beautiful province and one of the easiest ways to really experience its beauty is from behind the wheel. Bundle up and start your engines – because we’ve put together a list of the 10 most scenic drives in Alberta. Click the link above for more information!
WANDER THE NIKKA YUKO JAPANESE GARDEN
Established in 1967, Nikka Yuko was “was built to recognize contributions made by citizens of Japanese ancestry to the multi-cultural community of Lethbridge,” and emulates the many authentic gardens overseas. This place by far one of the most beautiful spots in all of Alberta and this May it finally reopens for the season! Check it out, Calgary.
When: Thursday, May 13th
Where: Corner of 9th Ave S &, Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge
Time: 9am – 5 pm
Cost: $7+
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN EARLY DURING MAY-HEM NIGHT AT COBB’S
If we had it our way, every day would be Halloween, but we’ll settle for a halfway to spooky day celebration. This month, check to Cobbs for an 18+ evening of costumes, haunted houses, and adorable baby animals.
Date: Saturday, May 15th, 2021
Location: 1500 84 St NE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $50
GO FOR A BIKE RIDE
After lounging our way through the winter months, we think that it’s safe to say that a lot of you are ready to stretch your legs and get back outside. One of the best ways to really make the most of the spring or summer? By taking a leisurely ride on a two-wheeler, of course! Check out the link above for the 10 best places for a bike ride in Calgary!
GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT
This spring, dine like the kings and queens that you are! Foodies In The Park are back, this time with a Royal-themed dining experience. Until May 16th, enjoy a romantic meal under the stars in one of Bow Valley’s unique, distance-friendly, backyard garden domes – because you deserve a little royal treatment!
When: Until Sunday, May 16th
Where: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary
Time: 5 pm, 7:05 pm, and 9:05 pm
Cost: $115+
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WATCH HIGH FLYING ACROBATS AT THE CIRCUS
Step right up, step right up… just mind the railing! This month, Hotels Live, the folks behind some of the coolest events we’ve seen since the beginning of the pandemic, presents what might be their best show yet. Don’t miss Le Cirque De La Nuit a high flying performance, unlike anything that you’ve seen in the last year.
When: Saturday, May 22nd
Where: Delta Calgary South – 227 Southland Drive SE, Calgary
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $99+
CHECK OUT THIS YEAR’S OTAFEST ONLINE
Featuring well-known cosplayers, voice actors, and more, Calgary’s Otafest Anime and Pop-culture Festival is back – but will take place online. Of course, this doesn’t mean it will be any less exciting! Don’t miss out, folks!
When: Saturday, May 22nd
Where: Online
Time: Times vary
Cost: Prices vary
GO GOLFING
It’s golf season again, so dust off those clubs, gather up some balls, and fasten that visor then check out the link above for some of the golf courses in Calgary that are open right now.
SHOP TIL’ YOU DROP AT THE LITTLE MODERN MARKET
This month, check out the Little Modern Market, a two-day celebration of local vendors, entrepreneurs, and artists, as well as the sunnier days ahead. The best part? This event is totally free to attend, so check it out!
When: Saturday, May 29th – 30th
Where: 11500 35 St SE #1000, Calgary
Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
HIT THE PATIO WITH YOUR FURRY FRIEND
This May, leash up your best furry friend and hit the town! Calgary is spoiled for choice when it comes to pet-free patios, so really, it’s just a matter of where and when! Check the link above for some of our favourite dog-friendly restaurants in YYC.
CHASE SOME WATERFALLS
From Lundbreck to Athabasca, where there are mountains, there are also plenty of breathtaking waterfalls. This spring we’d recommend seeing as many of them as you can, but not just because it’ll give you something to do. This season is actually the best time to go waterfalls watching due to the water pressure being so high from all of the ice melting and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on all of the action.
TAKE AN OPEN TOP TOUR
Anyone who has lived in Calgary for a while has likely seen Banff in every light, in every season, from every angle and at every time of day. This May, unless you’re a time traveler, see the Rockies like never before when you take an Open-Top Tour of Alberta’s favourite mountain town in a vintage-style coach. Hit the link above to book yours!
When: All Spring
Where: See locations here
Time: See times here
Cost: $45+
Whew, there you have it, friends. 25 things to do in Calgary this month. What will you check out first? Let us know and remember to stay safe, wash your hands and have fun. We’ll see you out there!
