10 things to do in Calgary this weekend (Jan. 9-11)

It’s the first full weekend of a new year, and we can’t wait to kick things off. Here are a few of the best ways: live music, renovation shows, and penguin walks galore.

There’s plenty to do and not much time to get ‘er done, so pull up a chair and make note of these happening events. Here are 10 things to do this Jan. 9 to 11 weekend in Calgary, Alberta.

Somnium: The Improvised Dream

Presented by the Kinkonauts and inspired by a conversation with the audience, this improvised montage goes to places usually only dreams will go.

When: Friday, Jan. 9 to Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: 834 11th Ave. SW, Calgary
Tickets: $11.30+

The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Calgary with their most legendary tour ever. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, experience the team that redefined basketball.

When: Friday, Jan. 9 to Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
Time: Varies by date
Where: Winsport Event Centre — 88 Canada Olympic Rd. SW, Calgary
Tickets: $44+

Calgary Renovation Show

Get inspired for your next home project with innovative products and fantastic deals in remodelling.

When: Friday, Jan. 9 to Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park — 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE, Calgary
Tickets: $6.50

Whimsical Dreams at Bella Concert Hall

Enjoy exciting works that push the boundaries of performance practices and sonic experiences, including Omar Daniel’s Giuco delle coppie, Gity Razaz’s The Strange Highway, Lera Auerbach’s Piano Trio No. 2, Michael van der Sloot’s Lux Aeterna, and Vincent Ho’s Celestial Garden.

When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
Time: 6:45 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Bella Concert Hall — 4825 Mt. Royal Gate SW, Calgary
Tickets: $37+

Puppet Pop Up – Sock Puppets

Kick off the new year with a burst of creativity at WP Puppet Theatre’s January Puppet Pop-Up, an afternoon of hands-on fun perfect for families and creatives of all ages.

When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Parkhill Community Centre — 4013 Stanley Rd. SW, Calgary
Tickets: $10

Printmaking Samples Workshop

Want to learn more about the world of printmaking? If you want to give it a go but have no idea where to start, this workshop was made for you!

When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: 460 42nd Ave. SE, Calgary
Tickets: $135

Annual Penguin Walk at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

It’s that time of year again! Each January, the king penguins at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo take centre stage as they waddle through zoo grounds for the beloved annual Penguin Walk.

When: Saturday, Jan. 10, to Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. daily (weather conditions permitting)
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, starting and ending in front of the Penguin Plunge building
Tickets: Free with admission

Busch Trio

Named after the legendary violinist Adolf Busch, this European ensemble has emerged as one of its generation’s leading piano trios.

When: Sunday, Jan. 11 to Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
Time: 7 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rozsa Centre: Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall — 206 University Ct. NW, Calgary
Tickets: $38

Southwood Winterfest

Enjoy sleigh rides, hot chocolate, free skate rentals, crafts, live music, face painting and more at this free and family-friendly event.

When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Southwood Community Hall — 11 Sackville Dr. SW, Calgary
Tickets: Free

28th Calgary Ukrainian Carol Festival

More than just a concert, the 28th Calgary Ukrainian Carol Festival will be an evening where every sound is steeped in love for Ukrainian heritage, and every note brings light and warmth to the new year.

When: Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
Time: 4 p.m.
Where: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church — 704 6th St. NE, Calgary
Tickets: By donation

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