Here’s what to see and do at Contemporary Calgary this November

As the days get colder and the outdoor event calendar slows down, there’s no better time to explore the indoor activities Calgary has to offer. If you’re hoping to get out and explore something different this November, Contemporary Calgary has a full schedule of events happening throughout the month.

Whether you’re looking to tour the space, join a creative workshop or catch a film screening, there are several ways to spend an afternoon at the gallery.

Here’s a further look at everything you can check out at Contemporary Calgary this month.

What to expect at Contemporary Calgary

What is Contemporary Calgary?

Contemporary Calgary is a public art gallery that is located in the former Centennial Planetarium in Calgary’s downtown west end. The gallery showcases contemporary and modern art made by local, national and international artists across a range of mediums.

Alongside its rotating exhibitions, the gallery hosts workshops, artist talks and educational activities throughout the year.

What exhibits are open this month?

Contemporary Calgary has five exhibits to check out this month, featuring artists from Calgary and around the world.

Here’s a closer look at all five exhibitions currently on display:

• Damien Eagle Bear: “when you see it”
  • Kainai filmmaker and artist Damien Eagle Bear turns his camera toward significant locations across Blackfoot territory, capturing landscapes with deep historical meaning. Through a series of portraits, the exhibit looks at how the land carries knowledge and stories that are often overlooked.
    • When: Running until June 27, 2027
• Jan Jin Kaisan: “Burial Of This Order”
  • Featuring three video works, this exhibition looks at the role of rituals, protests, and community movements in shaping society.
    • When: Running until Jan. 10, 2027
• Curtis Talwst Santiago: “worlds, worlds, worlds”
  • This exhibit features a collection of miniature dioramas that tell stories of Caribbean community life, personal memories, and shared histories.
    • When: Running until Jan. 3, 2027
• Ghazaleh Avarzami: “Churn, Earn, Burn and then Return”
  • Inspired in part by the board game Monopoly, this installation uses sculptures, textiles and familiar objects to examine power, labour and economic systems.
    • When: Running until Nov. 8, 2026
• Adelita Husni Bey: “Agency”
  • This video installation documents a role-playing workshop involving 35 high school students in Rome. During the workshop, students take on roles such as politicians, bankers, activists, journalists and workers, stepping into positions of power to explore how decisions are made and how society operates.
    • When: Running until Nov. 8, 2026

What events can I check out this month?

Alongside the exhibits, the gallery also has a full calendar of public programs and events taking place throughout November.

Here are all of the events you can check out throughout the month:

• Open Studio for 55+
  • When: Wednesdays throughout November
  • Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Cost: Free
• Free First Thursday
  • When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
  • Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Cost: Free (registration is required)
• Weekend Drop-in Art Making
  • When: Saturdays and Sundays throughout November
  • Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Cost: Free with gallery admission
• Contemporary Connections: Farsi Tour
  • When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
  • Cost: Free (with registration)
• Art Book Club with Simone Elizabeth Saunders
  • When: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
  • Time: Noon
  • Cost: $30
• Contemporary Connections: French Tour
  • When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
  • Cost: Free (with registration)
• Contemporary Connections: Ukrainian Tour
  • When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
  • Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
  • Cost: Free (with registration)
• Perspectives Film Series: “La Jetée”
  • When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026
  • Time: 5:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Free (with registration)

If your November calendar is looking a little empty, head over to Contemporary Calgary to explore the exhibitions or check out one of the many events happening throughout the month.

Contemporary Calgary

Where: 701 11th St. SW, Calgary, Alta.

Recent posts:
You can hop aboard Alberta’s very own Polar Express this holiday season
10 fun things to do in and around Calgary this week (Nov. 2 to 6)