22 Things To Do in Calgary this May
It may not look like it judging by the forecast, but May is here! What we lack in double-digit temps we make up for in wicked events. Keep reading for 20 things to do this month in Calgary!
Who’s In The Hall Wednesdays
If you’re looking for something to do to celebrate Hump Day, we’ve got the ultimate free event for you! Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame has launched a fun, new, and FREE event called Who’s In The Hall Wednesdays and it happens to be on the first Wednesday of every month. Explore the museum, hold an Olympic torch, touch artifacts, and absorb some wisdom from guest speaker Tom Higgins, former CFL player, and coach!
When: Wednesday, May 1
Where: 169 Canada Olympic Rd SW
California Wine Fair
California Wine Fair is a 1-day event, which means you do not have time to waste here. Buy your ticket and get the chance to sample 400 premium wines from 150 of California’s top producers!
When: Wednesday, May 1
Where: The Hudson
Free First Thursdays at the Glenbow
For the first Thursday of every month, The Glenbow will be offering free admission from 5:00 pm. to 9:00 pm. Plan your calendars and set your schedules accordingly around this one ’cause this event is poppin’ off.
When: Thursday, May 2
Where: Glenbow Museum
Cinco de Mayo Party
Is there anything better than Cinco de Drinko? Nope– especially when you’re enjoying a Mexican appetizer spread, refreshing bevvies, piñatas and good company at Julio’s.
When: Friday, May 3 @ 5:30pm
Where: Julio’s Barrio
Calgary International Beer Festival
Wanna increase your beer knowledge? What about finding a new go-to pint? Orrr, maybe you just wanna sample over 500 different brews? We don’t blame you. It’s time for Calgary International Beerfest! With beer seminars, People’s Choice awards, delicious food, and entertainment, this is a heck of a good time. Plus you get to take home your own CIBF mug, which is pretty fantastic if you ask us.
When: Friday May 3 @ 3PM; Saturday May 4 @ 2PM
Where: BMO Centre
Beerfest After Party
You’re not letting the party end, are you?! We didn’t think so. After you’re done beer’ing it up at the BMO, head to the Big 4 Roadhouse at Stampede Park for the International Beerfest after party! Admission’s free with your Beerfest ticket, so show it and enjoy a show by DJ Kav & Drum N DJ Show!
When: Friday May 3 & Saturday May 4 @ @ 9:30PM – 2AM
Where: Big 4 Roadhouse
Uncover Kensington
Our first food event, Uncover Kensington, is the perfect way to kick off May! Help us welcome Graywood Development’s The Theodore to the neighbourhood by trying a bunch of multi-course prix fixe menus ranging from $30 to $40! You have until Sunday, May 5th to affordably eat your way through Kensington’s food & drink scene, so you might as well get started now.
When: Runs until Sunday, May 5th
Where: Participating Kensington restaurants
Cinco de Mayo at GRETA
Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or you’re just having a regular ol’ Sunday Funday, head down to GRETA. Their drink prices are something to celebrate, ’cause all drinks are $5 bucks on Sundays, and all margs are $4 for Cinco!
When: Sunday, May 5
Where: GRETA, 213 10 Ave SW
Neko Case with Shannon Shaw
You know her from The New Pornographers, but now she’s playing on her own! Head to Mac Hall to hear Hell-On, a record “sealed by fire, filled with love and rage and dangers”. Oooh, scary. Extra bonus: $1 from every ticket will go to support the Urban Native Youth Association!
When: Monday, May 6
Where: MacEwan Hall
Thomas Rhett
The country music superstar has been slammin’ his guitar and breaking hearts all over the place for the last few years. Come get your pre-pre-Stampede fix.
When: Wednesday, May 8
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome
Cost: $47+
Grazer’s Grand Re-opening at the Zoo
This is one comeback we can’t wait for! Grazers, the restaurant next to the Zoo’s alpacas, is reopening on May 10! With a thoughtfully prepared, sustainable menu and unforgettable views, this is one dining experience you shouldn’t miss.
When: Friday, May 10
Where: Calgary Zoo
Rosé Soiree
Market Wines knows that parties are best done in pink. Join them as they celebrate moms and everything spring– you’ll be given fresh fruit, a rosé popsicle, and sips of 20 of the most delicious rosés ever. A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation!
When: Saturday, May 11 @ 7 pm – 9 pm
Where: 520 77 Ave SE
Mother’s Day Brunch at Hotel Arts
Skip the lame Insta post and take your mom to a decked out Mom’s Day Brunch! With chef-attended stations, dessert decorating stations and a kids’ buffet, Hotel Arts is covering all their bases with delicious hollandaise goodness.
When: Sunday, May 12 @ 9am – 1:30pm
Where: Hotel Arts
Mealshare’s Tonight For Tomorrow
This one-night fundraiser is all about eating and ending youth hunger– a slam dunk in our books! Dine at your fave restaurants for dinner and feel good knowing that for every $1 spent on food, $1 will be donated to grow Mealshare. Burwood Distillery, Blue Star Diner, Home & Away and tons more will be in on it, so make sure you take advantage, Calgary!
When: Wednesday, May 8
Where: Participating restaurants
Cavalry FC Games
The Flames season ended earlier than we thought, but Cavalry is back in action to keep our spirits up! Their games are popping off throughout May, so make sure to hit a couple with your vuvuzela in hand!
When: Saturday, May 4; Wednesday, May 8; Saturday, May 18; Wednesday, May 22; Saturday, May 25
Where: Spruce Meadows
Craft Spirit Collective’s Movers & Shakers 2019
It’s a disco party, people! With 12 craft spirits, 12 amazing bartenders, 12 delicious samples, and 1 winner, this is a can’t-miss event. You’ll be trying the best of the best of Canadian Craft Spirits and listening to wicked 70s tunes at Sub Rosa, what could be better?!
When: Sunday, May 26 @ 5pm – 9pm
Where: 200 8 Ave SW
CRAFT Mother’s Day Brunch
Show your mom you love her by treating her to a fantastic Brunch Buffet at Craft! With charcuterie and cheeses, classic breakfast items, seafood and carvery, desserts, and more, this is a heck of a feast. Only $29.95 per person and $12.95 for kids under 12!
When: Sunday, May 12 @ 10am – 3pm
Where: 345 10 Ave SW
PARK Shopping Night
PARK will be hosting a shopping night on May 23rd at ESPY Experience! Head down to the trendy Inglewood boutique to get some fashion tips from expert stylists and meet and mingle with Quebec designers. Event page coming soon!
When: Thursday, May 23
Where: ESPY Experience
DINE UNDER THE STARS 2019
You’ll be able to stargaze and take in the views of Fish Creek Park, all while chowing down on an elegant 4-course meal. There will be wine, champagne, and absolutely no chance of getting wet since the domes are weather protective. If this doesn’t sound like an ideal dinner for you, we don’t know what will.
When: Runs from Wednesday, May 1 – Friday, May 31
Where: Fish Creek Park
Top Drop Calgary
Hotel Arts’ annual grand tasting is back! Featuring international, terroir-focused wineries, craft breweries, cideries, and the people behind them, this is a can’t-miss event. Pro tip: get your tix early, since Early-Bird Ticket price is only $75 until May 5th! After that, you’re stuck with a $95 price tag. Don’t wait!
When: Tuesday, May 21 @ 7pm – 9:30pm
Moroccan Tent 5-course Dinner
North African eats? Don’t mind if we do. Dine in the Moroccan Tent with a set menu of soup, salad, appies, wine, dinner, and dessert! This event’s already 50% sold so don’t miss your chance to grab a spot Calgary!
When: Saturday, May 25 @ 6:30pm – 9:30pm
PARKSHOW 2019
At 7:00 pm on Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25, the doors at Manulife Place open and PARKSHOW begins! If you’re not one of the informed, fashionable types, you can expect a full market full of trendy vendors, tons of local food to eat, and plenty of Canadian designers to enjoy!
When: Friday, May 24 – Saturday, May 25
Congrats, you made it to the end of the list! Looks like you’re in for an amazing month, Calgary. As always, make sure you tag us in all your new adventures!
