Discover a giant venus flytrap that spits flames
When: February 16 to 18
Created by the True North Absurdities team, Trippity Twitchit is a 15-foot, welded metal sculpture and interactive art piece that’s a true sight to behold. Modeled after a multi-headed venus flytrap, this sculpture invites patrons to participate by activating one of the three flame effects from each of the plant’s heads. The sculpture is set up in Olympic Plaza for Chinook Blast.
Olympic Plaza, chinookblast.ca
Eat burgers for a good cause during Burger it Forward
When: February 1 to 29
Burgers are great on a regular day, but they’re even better when you’re eating them for a great cause. Throughout February, check out Burger It Forward, a campaign where participating restaurants serve a special burger creation in support of Canadian food banks. There are 22 participating Calgary restaurants, including Major Tom Bar, River Café, Modern Steak and more.
Multiple locations, burgeritforward.ca
Try your hand at curling on St. Patrick’s Island
When: Daily until February 24
Ever seen curling on TV and thought, “I can do that?” Well, now you can try your hand at the iconic Canadian pastime thanks to a pop-up curling rink set up by East Village’s community association at Confluence Plaza on St. Patrick’s Island. Made from synthetic ice so weather isn’t an issue, these rinks are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
St. Patrick’s Island, chinookblast.ca
Try unique dumpling flavours at Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop recently opened in Inglewood and offers a new way to order food using automats (kind of like a food locker). Place your order at a kiosk or online, keep an eye on your locker, scan your barcode and grab your food when your order is ready. Expect unique, diner-inspired flavours like cheeseburger, mac n’ cheese, Korean barbecue, pepperoni pizza and more.
6, 1113 9 Ave. S.E., brooklyndumplingshop.com
Go on a self-guided restaurant tasting experience during Chinook Blast
When: Multiple dates
Taste the City offers self-guided culinary experiences around the city, and the company is offering a special Chinook Blast tour along Stephen Avenue. Take in the Chinook Blast lighting installations as you stop by three different restaurants for tasty bites at each one. Meals are meticulously planned ahead of time for you — all you need to do is book the tour, show up and enjoy.
Explore space at Telus Spark’s latest Digital Immersion Gallery
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When: On now until October
The latest exhibit featured in Telus Spark’s Digital Immersion Gallery, Space: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond takes you on a journey into the great unknown frontier. From a journey to the moon with the Apollo 11 team, past the rings of Saturn, through the constellations and beyond, this immersive exhibit puts you in the middle of it all. The exhibit is included with admission into Telus Spark.
220 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca
Explore resilience in a world in flux through movement and performance
When: February 9 to 17
This performance from the University of Calgary’s School of Creative and Performing Arts drama department illustrates an uncertain future through movement and sounds. Lights Out searches for answers for a world on fire through a script drawn from students’ personal experiences and writings. Tickets start at $22.
210 University Theatre N.W., arts.ucalgary.ca
Watch screenings of Oscar-nominated short films
When: February 16 to 18
For a fifth year, the Calgary International Film Fest is offering special screenings of Oscar-nominated shorts in three different categories: animated, docs and live-action shorts. Buy tickets for one screening package or buy a pass for all three at Globe Cinema.
Globe Cinema, ciffcalgary.ca
Eat at a French-inspired pop-up restaurant
A trip to France may not be in the books for everyone right now, but a trip to Francine’s could be. Francine’s is a new pop-up restaurant concept from chef Garrett Martin and bar manager Nate Wry that runs Wednesday to Saturday evenings inside of Meat & Bread. The menu of French bistro classics includes dishes like Parisienne gnocchi, steak au poivre and “Chateau Blanc” (a riff on White Castle) cheeseburgers, accompanied by Old World-style cocktails like Francine’s take on a martini or French 75.
821 1 St. S.W., 587-226-2237 (text only), francines.ca
Celebrate Family Day at Lougheed House
When: February 19
If you’re looking for a fun and free activity for Family Day, stop by the Lougheed House for family-friendly activities like hot chocolate making stations and a Métis beading workshop. Guests can also explore the historic building with free admission from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
707 13 Ave. S.W., 403-244-6333, lougheedhouse.com
Check out the first Calgary location of a famous cookie chain
Crumbl is a major deal in the U.S., and now Calgarians can experience the popular cookie chain for themselves. Pop into the new Quarry Park shop for cookies that come in ever-changing flavours like lemon glaze, chocolate chunk and red velvet.
218, 163 Quarry Park Blvd., 403-910-5473, crumblcookies.ca