Family Day Monday is just around the corner and we can practically feel Friday in our bones. Though there will still be a nip in the air, we’ve got plenty of reasons to bundle up and head outside – so get ready! Not sure what to do this time around? Here are 10 things to do in Calgary this long weekend.

ENJOY A FREE SKATE 

Lace-up Calgary! This Family Day Monday some of Calgary’s rinks will be open to the public and FREE to visit with your friends and family. click the link above for more information!

When: Monday, February 20th, 2023
Where: See above
Cost: FREE

CHECK OUT THE CALGARY WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

The long weekend is here and it’s about to get wild. From sloths and kangaroos, the Calgary Wildlife festival features a ton of animals, professionals and performers, some of which you can actually interact with! Don’t miss it!

When: Friday, February 17th – 20th, 2023
Where: Nutrien Event Centre – 1800 Stampede Trail SE, Calgary
Time: see times above
Cost: $17+

SPONSORED PICK: ALBERTA’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED WINEFEST RETURNS THIS WEEKEND

Winefest is back! Join thousands for an epic wine-lovers event where you can sample a vast array of wines from celebrated regions, try delicious hors d’oeuvres, and discover your new favourite drink.

It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about wine, and pairings to indulge your senses, and makes for an amazing group outing or a unique date idea. Tickets include all-inclusive wine sampling, small bites, and a take-home wine glass. 

When: Friday, February 17th – Saturday, February 18th, 2023
Where: BMO Centre, Calgary, AB
Time: Friday, Feb 17th, 7 pm – 10 pm | Saturday, Feb 18th, 2 pm – 5 pm & 7 pm – 10 pm
Cost: $121 – $128
Tickets: https://celebratewinefest.com/

SEE AN ABBA-INSPIRED SHOW

Drinks, laughs and music? This weekend, Calgarians can check out Jubilation Dinner Theatre’s ABBA-themed musical based on the band’s beloved music. For more information or to get your tickets, check out the link above!

When: Until March 25th. 2023
Where: 1002 – 37th Street SW Calgary
Cost: $69.95+

SPONSORED PICK: WINTERFEST X THE BIG JIG AT SYLVAN LAKE

Escape to the lake for a full long weekend of fun and check out Sylvan Lake’s biggest winter festival of the year.

Everything from a glowing ice slide, sleigh rides, Learn to Ice Fish workshops, and kids activities in the Kinabik Village. Plus, watch jumpers brave the icy waters at the Polar Dip, and taste your way through an epic poutine contest.

For the anglers out there – register for the BIG JIG ice fishing derby and have your shot at the $3,000 grand prize.

When: February 17-20, 2023 
Where: Access the Lake at Lakeshore Drive and 49 Street, Sylvan Lake, Alberta
Cost: FREE

SIP COCOA AT YYC HOT CHOCOLATE FEST

Thirsty? The annual YYC Hot Chocolate Festival has returned and with over 100 restaurants and cafes participating you won’t want to miss it. Hit one, hit a couple, or hit them all, the city is your oyster!

When: Until February 28th, 2023

SPONSORED PICK: GET YOUR FIRST WAX OR LASER FREE WITH FOXY BOX LASER + WAX BAR 

Everybody is a foxy body, even if you don’t know it yet. That’s exactly the motto behind Foxy Box Laser + Wax Bar,  a new laser and wax studio with two locations already in Calgary. 

At Foxy Box, you can get quick, fun & efficient services that leave you energized, refreshed, and like your foxiest self. Plus, Foxy Box is for everyone- services are based on anatomy, not gender, and first-time clients can get their first zap or wax session for free! Sounds like a win-win to us. 

When: Right now! 
Where: 1800 4 St SW #170 & 3921 University Ave NW 175

WATCH A FLAMES GAME

Toss on a jersey and head over to the Saddledome where you’re encouraged to grab a pocket dog and a beer, then cheer the Flames to victory when they take on the Philidelphia Flyers. For their tickets head to the link above.

When:  Monday, February 20th
Where: 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Time: 2 pm
Cost: $36

EXPLORE AN ALBERTA MUSEUM FOR FREE

They say that you should learn one new thing a day! On Monday, February 20th, families will be able to learn from and explore some of Alberta’s very best and brightest spots – all of which will fill your head and heart with memories and knowledge – for FREE! From the Royal Alberta Museum to the Lougheed House, the province will be offering free admission on Family Day.

When: Monday, February 20th

CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE ICE BAR 

It’s the long weekend, and the mountains are calling! From now until mid-April, check out the Chateau Lake Louise’s magically delicious ice bar and grab a cold one at their stunning ice bar,

When:  Until mid-April (weather permitting)
Where: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB
Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

There you have it, friends! 10 great things to do this long weekend in Calgary! Please be safe out there, be smart, and have fun.