Guide: 9 can’t-miss spring events to check out in Calgary


The sun is shining, the snow has melted, and it’s spring in Calgary (for now). We may not have much of a season in between “winter” and “construction”, but if there’s any way to enjoy the blooming part of the year, it’s by checking out these events. Stay tuned for 8 things you shouldn’t miss over the next couple months!
Great Canadian Sugar Rush Festival 2019
The Great Canadian Sugar Rush Festival is to celebrate the start of the Canadian Maple Season (cue stereotype jokes). We’ll be diving into maple syrup taffy, maple-inspired cocktails, and maple-themed outdoor activities, which means things are getting pretty sweet just in time for spring!
When: Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24
Where: Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge— 1 Centennial Drive
PLANTED Dinner Series Kick-Off Event
Whether you are a true blue meat eater, a long term vegan, or just an all-inclusive food lover, this event is about spreading the love of plant-based cuisine to foodies alike. Plus, after PLANTED is kicked off at WinSport, the PLANTED dinner series will continue on select dates and locations around the city!
When: Thursday, March 28 at 7PM
Where: Multi-purpose room in the Markin MacPhail Centre, WinSport; various locations in Calgary
Light It Up Calgary Run
Spring means outdoor running is back! In a fun twist, this run is done after the sun goes down– which means you’ve gotta don your finest headlamp, glow stick bracelet or flashlight to participate. Just drop $40 and get ready to grab some exercise and support cancer survivors!
When: Saturday, April 6 @ 8PM
Spring Fest 2019 – A Celebration of Beer
Enjoy pints from your fave breweries all day and night! Village Brewery, Trolley 5 Brewpub, Craft Spirits Collective, Wild Life Spirits and more will be there. Oh, and there will be snacks, soo.
When: Saturday, April 6
Where: Mill Street Brewpub Calgary– 219 17th Avenue SW
Where: 3K, 5K, 10K route maps available closer to race day
Fleetwood Mac
Dreams, Landslide, Go Your Own Way… the hits just don’t stop when it comes to Fleetwood Mac. You’d be absolutely bonkers to miss their concert, so grab a ticket and embrace the 70’s vibes.
When: Monday, April 15 @ 8PM
Thomas Rhett
Just in time to prep for Stampede, Thomas Rhett (and his pal Dustin Lynch) is coming our way. He’ll be playing all his huge songs from the Life Changes album, and probably some throwback jams, too… so don’t miss your chance to embrace your hick side.
When: Wednesday, May 8 @ 7PM
Otafest 2019
If you see a bunch of people walking around downtown with neon hair and slightly concerning weaponry, it’s probably time for Otafest. As Calgary’s celebration of Japanese Pop Culture, it’s the perfect opportunity to shop, cosplay, play games, watch anime, and more.
When: Friday, May 17 @ 1PM – Sunday, May 19
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre– 120 9 Avenue Southeast
PARKSHOW
PARKSHOW isn’t your average fashion show– it’s a cool fashion show. Enjoy the best of Canada’s emerging fashion designers, rising artists, musical performers, and culinary talents. We’re talking a gorgeous fashion show, a full market each night, and tons of local food to eat, people!
When: Friday May 24; Saturday May 25
Where: Manulife Place– 707 Fifth
Vintage Redefined Market
You into true vintage? Got a thing for collectibles? Get all flustered over a good antique? Us too. This market is decked out with over 25,000 sq. ft. of vendor space. What’s more, they’ve got a rad line up of incredible local and national vendors. Basically, you’ll have a toooon of stuff to look through.
When: Friday May 24 @ 5PM – 9PM (VIP ticket holders get in 1 hour early at 4:00pm); Saturday May 25 @ 10AM – 5PM
Where: Acadia Recreation Complex– 240 90 Ave SE
These are gonna make for some wicked pics, so don’t forget to tag us in all the Instas you post! Go forth and enjoy the warmer temps, Calgs. You earned a spring to remember!