10 Things to Do in Calgary During the May Long Weekend

Grab a drink at a Caesar festival, check out a Lego art exhibition, dine at a new brunch spot and more.

Vertigo Theatre's Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson - #2B. Photo by Fifth Wall Media and Dahlia Katz.

Watch a comedic play by Workshop Theatre

When: On now until May 18

Presented by Workshop Theatre, Moon Over Buffalo revolves around two 1950s movie stars who get word that they may have another chance at stardom thanks to a big director in town. Unfortunately, things begin to go wrong as they grasp at their last chance in the limelight in this hilarious comedy about fame and what we’re willing to do to hold onto it. This weekend is your last chance to see the show at Pumphouse Theatre.

2140 Pumphouse Ave. S.W., 403-263-0079, workshoptheatre.ca

 

Eat at Bar Gigi, a new restaurant with delicious share plates

Bar Gigi is a new Calgary restaurant from a team of D.O.P. alumni: Allessandro Chinea, Kayla Blomquist and Jaden Kanomata. Located inside the former Halibut Hut space just off Edmonton Trail (a neon “Bar Gigi” sign overlays the old sign), the restaurant focuses on small, shareable plates of worldly inspired cuisine like skate wing with herb butter, tiny raviolini served as a whole sheet, prawn toast and more.

336 9 Ave. N.E., 403-230-9021, @_bargigiyyc

 

Check out a Lego art exhibition exploring Black history and futures

 

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A post shared by Glenbow (@glenbowmuseum)

When: On now until May 19

Stop by Glenbow’s satellite location at The Edison to check out Building Black Civilizations: Journey of 2,000 Ships, an exhibition featuring Lego art by artist Ekow Nimako. The exhibit explores Abu Bakr II’s legendary 14th-century journey across the Atlantic — a journey that ends in mystery. Nimako imagines where the voyage may have gone and the future of Black civilizations. This is the final weekend to see this exhibition in Calgary.

Second floor of The Edison, 150 9 Ave. S.W., glenbow.org

 

Dine at a new brunch restaurant called The Sweatered Hen

The Sweatered Hen is the newest restaurant from local chef Andrea Harling, the culinary force behind Lil’ Black Rooster in Calgary Farmers’ Market West and VBurger (The Sweatered Hen has taken over VBurger’s former space on 17th Avenue S.W.). The Sweatered Hen serves upscale yet cozy brunch and lunch items like eggs Benedict and pancakes, a variety of tasty sandwiches and family recipes like cheese biscuits, housemade jams and jellies, and more.

819 17 Ave. S.E., 587-387-7272, @thesweateredhen

 

Celebrate Canada’s national cocktail at YYCaesarFest

When: May 18 and 19

YYCaesarfest is a culinary festival celebrating Canada’s national cocktail, which was invented right here in Calgary. Head to YYCCaesarfest at The Big Four building where there will be more than 40 Caesars to try, as well as other local craft beverages, Caesar-related merch and more.

20 Roundup Way S.E., calgarycaesarfest.com

 

Watch a Sherlock Holmes mystery set in modern times

When: On now until June 9

Set in 2021, Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – #2B spins the classic Sherlock Holmes formula on its head. In the play, Ms. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Joan Watson must work together to catch a murderer on the loose in London. The show combines humour and mystery with a modern look at the classic characters.

115 9 Ave. S.E., 403-221-3708, vertigotheatre.com

 

Go on a mural tour in the Beltline or Connaught

 

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A post shared by BUMP Festival (@yycbump)

When: May 18 and 19

BUMP Festival is a yearly Calgary art festival that brings muralists from around the world to brighten Calgary’s streets and walls with impactful artwork. Earlier this year, BUMP launched a program of walking mural tours, guiding you through Calgary and sharing the stories behind the artworks that are up in the city. This May long weekend, BUMP is holding two tours: The Connaught Tour will guide you through murals from past festivals in Calgary’s Connaught area on May 18, while the Classic Tour will show you murals in the Beltline on May 19. Tickets are available online.

yycbump.ca

 

Eat, drink and shop at Vitamin Boba

Vitamin Boba is Calgary’s newest boba shop. The Montgomery café offers a variety of bubble tea drinks featuring housemade boba pearls, fresh fruits and other ingredients. Vitamin Boba also has hand-made ice cream treats. What sets this shop apart is the retail section where you can buy all kinds of adorable boba-themed merch, including plushies, hats, phone cases, slippers and more.

4537 Bowness Rd. N.W., 647-574-7468, vitaminboba.com

 

Watch a musical based on a bestselling novel and hit film

When: May 18 to June 16

Based on the bestselling novel and subsequent blockbuster movie of the same name, Beaches the Musical follows childhood friends through 30 years of friendship. The duo are as different as can be, but continue to persevere through hardships like maintaining a long-distance friendship, quarrels over romantic interests and more. And it’s all set to an incredible soundtrack.

220 9 Ave. S.E., 403-294-7440, theatrecalgary.com

 

Learn more about Alberta’s historic buildings through an art exhibition at Lougheed House

When: On now until June 30

Restore & Revive: Featuring 10 Alberta Buildings is an exhibition at Lougheed House featuring paintings from Aeris Osborne that highlight some of Alberta’s historic buildings. The exhibition offers an interesting look into the past, and explores our connections to the past and the importance of preserving it. Access to Restore & Revive is included with admission to Lougheed House.

707 13 Ave. S.W., 403-244-6333, lougheedhouse.com

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