From Mother’s Day to the Victoria Day Weekend, there is much to do and celebrate in Calgary. With the promise of warmer weather, this month is the perfect time to get out and participate in a new or favourite activity.
Mother’s Day Weekend (May 10 – 12, 2019)
Sport Chek Mother’s Day Run, Walk, Ride
When: Sunday, May 12
Where: CF Chinook Centre (6455 Macleod Trail S)
Cost: $55 for general, $50 for youth
Sport Chek’s family-friendly run, walk, and ride is back in support of the Calgary Health Trust’s NICU and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. For the past 11 years, Sport Chek has held this 5K and 10K race around Chinook Mall to raise support for children and youth in Calgary. Registration is open for individuals until May 9, and for teams until May 6. Race kits can be picked up starting on Thursday, May 9 ahead of the race at the Sport Chek in Chinook Mall. The race is open to all individuals, who are welcome to use strollers, wheelchairs, and handcycles. While there is parking available at the mall on the race day, parking is not guaranteed. C-train access is located close by at Chinook station.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Fort Calgary
When: Sunday, May 12
Where: Fort Calgary (750 9 Ave SE)
Cost: $45 for adults, $19 for children
Fort Calgary is celebrating Mother’s Day this year with a full buffet including hot and cold dishes like eggs benedict, pasta, made-to-order omelet station and more. The buffet starts at 9:30, and there are different seating times available from then until 1:00 p.m. The buffet is open to all ages, and the brunch tickets include free admission to explore the rest of the fort. Tickets must be purchased in advance online and brought to the event for entry.
Mother’s Day Splatter Paint Experience
When: Saturday, May 11
Where: Pinnovate DIY Studio (137 Mahogany Plaza SE)
Cost: $80-$150
This unique Mother’s Day activity encourages families to get creative together! Participants will start by choosing their size of canvas and paint time online in advance. Depending on the size of canvas chosen, the price may increase. On the day of the event, participants will be given their canvas and protective gear before they are allowed to start splattering paint however they want. Once participants are finished, they’ll be able to take their work of art home with them. This event is open to individuals and families, and has a variety of times available from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Victoria Day Weekend (May 17 – 20, 2019)
Season Opening at Heritage Park and Calaway Park
When: Saturday, May 18
Where: Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr SW), Calaway Park (245033 Range Road 33)
Cost: Heritage Park ($26.50 for general admission), Calaway Park ($41.95 for general admission)
The long weekend marks the opening summer season at Heritage Park and Calaway Park. Calgary residents are welcome to celebrate the May long weekend at two popular attractions as they open again after winter. Heritage Park will once again have their paddle wheeler on the reservoir for people to ride and will be opening their regular exhibits and shops so visitors can experience Alberta’s history. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online here. Annual passes are available as well as discounts for children, youth, and seniors. Calaway Park will be opening its gates for the summer during this weekend. Admission includes parking and access to the park’s rides, attractions, and live entertainment. Tickets are available for general admission as well as special rates for children, seniors and families. Season passes are also available for purchase in advance on their website.
When: Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre (120 9 Ave SE)
Cost: $55 for a weekend pass, separate rates available for individual days
The annual Otafest is back again to celebrate anime at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre. This festival is open to all ages and features a variety of panels, concerts, gaming tournaments, and exhibits. Popular anime stars and industry members will be at the event, and hundreds of local and industry vendors will be setting up in the main hall for visitors to view and purchase from. A full schedule of the events happening on each day over the weekend can be found here.
The Lord of the Rings, Two Towers with the CPO
When: Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 — 14th Avenue NW)
The Calgary Philharmonic Opera will be performing the popular score of the beloved fantasy movie with performances throughout the weekend at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Guests will be able to enjoy the second installment of the original franchise while listening to the orchestra perform the original score throughout the movie. Tickets are available starting at $44.50 and can be purchased online here.