Spring has officially sprung and though it might be hard to believe – warmer weather is on its way. Until then, of course, there are a ton of wonderful ways that we can keep ourselves busy, have some fun, and make a few memories. From festivals, tours, and openings – here are 24 things to do in and around Calgary this April!
OUTDOORS AND IN THE MOUNTAINS
TAKE AN EVENING ICE WALK THROUGH JOHNSON CANYON
Frozen waterfalls, stars, and hot cocoa? This April, take a magical walk through Banff’s stunning Johnson Canyon well after dark. From cleats to snacks and a headlamp, they will provide you with everything you need to take this incredible journey through the mountains – just remember to dress warm!
When: Thursdays – Sundays
Where: 211 Bear Street, Banff
Cost: $82
GO GLAMPING
It’s been a wild few years, why not go totally off the grid and spend a few nights under the stars? Sundance is a cozy ‘glampground’ with cute little huts for rent and comfortable, earthy amenities, hiking trails, and privacy.
SPOOK YOURSELF SILLY ON A BANFF GHOST TOUR
Halloween is still quite a few months away – but whos counting! This spring, wince, cringe, mix and mingle and visit Banff’s most “active” sights on a ghoulish ghost tour through the town. It’s Are you Afraid of the Dark, meets, “oh, that’s where we had dinner.”
When: Offered until October 31st
Where: 333 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB
Cost: $32
GET REVVED UP FOR AN OPEN-TOP TOUR
It’s back and we couldn’t be more delighted. This spring, experience the Rockies from the backseat of a uniquely vintage vehicle on an Open Top Tour. During this unusual ride guests will learn about the area’s active wildlife, the area’s colorful history, and their fellow passengers with the help of an interpretive guide.
When: Tours starting April 15th
Where: Mount Royal Hotel – 138 Banff Avenue
Cost: $41+
FOOD AND DRINK
INDULGE DURING FILIPINO RESTAURANT MONTH
We hope you’re hungry, Calgary! This month – all month long, Calgarians can check out the many restaurants participating in the first-ever Filipino Restaurant month – a celebration of traditional food, local businesses, and loyal customers like you. Sit down, eat up and – enter to win, because there are even some prizes up for grabs. You won’t regret it!
When: April 1st – 30th
Where: See above
DISCOVER A HIDDEN BAR
Looking to spruce up a night out with the girls, the guys, the fam, or your special someone? Calgary is home to a ton of hidden bars and speakeasies – each of which will offer you a seriously fun experience in addition, to delightful drinks and maybe a bite or two. Check out the link above for our faves.
Where: Click the link above for our picks
HIT THE HONKY TONK MARKET
Yeehaww! This month, Whiskey Rose will be hosting their first-ever HONKY TONK Market. There’s no tickets or cover charge – just a good old market full of locally sourced and sustainable vendors! From 11 am-7 pm there will be $10 redneck mimosas, 15 vendors upstairs, and live music all day. Followed by the wicked 8 pm kickoff to their afterparty (which is all open to the public) featuring the WINE SOAKED PREACHERS.
When: Saturday, April 23rd
Where: 1012 17 Ave SW, Calgary
Time: 11 am – 7 pm
Cost: FREE
EVENTS
PARTICIPATE IN AN EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA
Hoppy April, bunnies! This month, in celebration of Easter – check out the Calgary Zoo, where guests can visit with the animals, enjoy photo ops, a game zone, treat stations, surprises and of course, an easter egg hunt. How cute!
When: April 15th – April 18th
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Cost: $24.95
CATCH THE LYRID METEOR SHOWER
This month, look up for another spacey spectacle of meteors and madness! As long as the sky is clear, Calgarians will be able to catch the Lyrid shower between April 15th to April 29th Want to double your chances? Maybe take a drive out of the city on April the 22nd, the peak of the event.
When: Friday, April 15th – 29th (peak on Wednesday, April 22nd)
WITNESS A WAR ON THE CATWALK
This April, attend Calgary’s fiercest show – War on the Catwalk featuring some of the most beloved queens to have been featured on the hit show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. Hosted by Miz Cracker – this sickening even will have you out of your seat and dancing along with the best of them.
When: Monday, April 11th
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary, AB
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $70+
HAVE YOUR MIND BLOWN AT MASTERS OF ILLUSION
Featuring the best illusionists of our generation, this incredible experience showcasing sleight of hand, mind magic, and more, will have your jaws on the floor. Don’t miss it, Calgary! This one will really be something else. We can almost guarantee it!
When: Wednesday, April 13th
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW, Calgary
Time: 8 pm
Cost: $54+
CHECK OUT SPARK AFTER DARK
They say you’re supposed to learn one new thing every day, but we think that on the very first Thursday of every month, you should do it with a drink in your hand! The best place to do that? Telus Spark! This April, check out their many exhibits, then, hang by the bar and vibe to some music, or get interactive with this month’s “adult” display at Spark After dark!
When: Thursday, April 15th
Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Time: 5 PM – 10 PM
Cost: $26+
CATCH IMAGINE DRAGONS LIVE
Riding high on popular songs like Believer and Enemy – Rock-pop band Imagine Dragons, will take to Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome for an unforgettable show this April. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster and are selling fast – so don’t hesitate to snag yours!
When: Friday, April 15th
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $49.50+
POP SOME CORN AT THE CALGARY UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
It’s back, friends! Calgary’s Underground Film Festival returns for another year of incredible film, impressive writing, and local love. Tickets are on sale now – so check ’em out and enjoy! It’s going to be a good year, we can feel it!
When: Thursday, April 21st – May 1st
Where: 617 8 Ave SW
Cost: $119 for a season pass
SHOP THE 5TH ANNUAL SPRING MARKET
It’s that time of year again, Calgary! In celebration of the spring season, the Saskatoon Farm will be holding the 5h annual market featuring food, local vendors, live music, and more! Don’t miss it!
When: Saturday, April 23rd – 24th
Where: 80181 338 Ave E #20, Foothills County, AB
Cost: $5
HIT THE JULY TALK SHOW
Known for popular songs like Push + Pull and Picturing Love, singer-songwriters July Talk will take over the Grey Eagle Theatre for one night this month. Grab a drink and check it out Calgary! You won’t want to miss out!
When: Thursday, April 28th
Where: 3777 Grey Eagle Dr, Calgary
Time: 7 pm
Cost: $39+
AGGIE DAYS
Animals, learning experiences, food, and more! Aggie Days are back at the Stampede grounds and it’s totally FREE to attend with your family. This month, check out the Nutrien Western Event Centre for a spring event, unlike any others.
When: Wednesday, April 6th – 9th
Where: 1800 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary
Cost: FREE
ARTS & CULTURE
ROCK OUT AT THE BIG WINTER CLASSIC
Back and bigger than ever, Calgary’s Big Winter Classic returns for two more weekends this month. Check out bands, drink local beer, and support local artists at various venues throughout the city!
When: March 31st – April 2nd | April 8th – 9th
Where: See calendar above
Cost: $16.83+
ENJOY A NIGHT AT THE BALLET
The ballet is back – and this month Calgarians can enjoy a production of Cinderella at the Jubilee Auditorium. Based on the beloved children’s story – this beautiful show will delight audiences of all ages with familiar music, stunning costumes, and timeless magic. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, April 28th – May 7th
Where: 1415 14 Ave NW
Cost: $62+
HIT HERITAGE PARK FOR DINNER AND A MOVIE
It’s back, Calgary! Heritage Park’s Dinner and movie series will return this month with romcom classic Crazy Rich Asians Serving a themed meal and strong leads, this event will have you stuffed full of food and fun!
When: Wednesday, April 13th
Where: 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary
Time: 5:30 pm
GET POP-CULTURED AT THE CALGARY COMIC EXPO 2022
Featuring celebrity guests, movie reunions, local vendors, and more – the Calgary Comic Expo is back, bigger and better than ever. Tickets are on sale now, so don’t miss it! It’s going to be incredible.
When: Saturday, April 23rd – 24th
Where: 1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $22+
BINGE NETFLIX’S APRIL RELEASES
From documentaries comedies and originals, Netflix will be delivering hours of entertainment to get us through another month of craziness. This weekend, those who would prefer to stay indoors can binge their way through isolation with a ton of new releases! Enjoy!
EXPLORE MICHELANGELO’S SISTINE CHAPEL: THE EXHIBITION
This April, gaze upwards and inwards during Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition a celebration of one of the most famous Renaissance painters in history. From Melbourne and Frankfurt to Vancouver and Montreal, this incredible event has already brought the art of Michelangelo closer to audiences all over the world, and this spring, it’s Calgary’s turn.
When: Until April 15th
Where: 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Cost: $24+
VISIT THE GLENBOW MUSEUM’S SATTELITE EXHIBITION SPACE
It’s here! Though there’s no stand-in for the real thing, Calgary’s Glenbow Museum has opened its FREE short-term exhibition space which features incredible pieces from all over the world – and it comes pretty close! Check it out now and enjoy!
Where: 150 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
CHECK OUT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE
Learning – without any limitations! This month Calgary’s iconic National Music Centre will be shifting to a pay-what-you-can admission model to weekend guests! In addition to exploring five floors of exhibitions, you can catch regular weekend performances – it’s all included with the admission of your choosing. Check out the link above for more information!
Where: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB
Cost: Pay what you can
Whew, there you have it, friends. 24 things to do in Calgary this April. 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!
