Learn about the arctic at a new Telus Spark exhibit
When: October 31 to January 24
This winter, escape the cold outside to learn about the arctic inside at Telus Spark’s newest travelling exhibition, Arctic Voices. Get a timed ticket and start exploring to learn more about the arctic’s culture, animals, weather and more.
Telus Spark, 220 Saint George’s Dr. N.E., 403-817-6800, sparkscience.ca
Commemorate Remembrance Day at a field filled with thousands of crosses
When:Â November 1 to 11
As you travel along Memorial Drive N.W. this month, take a minute to honour the memory of the Southern Alberta soldiers who sacrificed their lives. More than 3,500 white crosses will be set up in fields along the road from November 1 to 11 as part of the Field of Crosses Memorial Project. While the public can still visit the site to pay their respects leading up to Remembrance Day (though with restricted access due to the pandemic), this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony will take place virtually instead of being an in-person event.
200 Memorial Dr. N.W., fieldofcrosses.com
Enjoy a coffee in Sought x Found’s new dining room expansion
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Local roastery and coffee shop Sought X Found has expanded its space and now has a new dining room called The Gallery by SxF. The new space also doubles as the atelier for Kokedama, which means you’ll be surrounded by beautiful plants during your visit. You can book a table to enjoy some coffee and snacks in this new space on Sought X Found’s website.
916 Centre St. N.E., 403-830-7278, sxfcoffee.square.site
Take part in Venezuelan Culture Days online
When: November 7, 8, 11, 12 and 14
This year’s Venezuelan Culture Days will take place online over the first half of the month. Don’t miss activities like a virtual concert by Toronto’s Venezuela Ensemble on November 7, a movie night on November 12 and more. Stay tuned for more details.
instagram.com; venezuelandays.com
Go shopping at a holiday craft market
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting local by checking out a virtual or in-person market over the next few weeks. More than two dozen holiday and art markets are taking place in and around Calgary in November and December, leaving plenty of opportunities to pick some locally made art, ceramics, home decor and more.
Read more: Holiday Arts and Crafts Markets In and Around Calgary
Watch movies from around the world during the Calgary European Film Festival
When: November 7 to 15
Like many film festivals this year, the Calgary European Film Festival will be heading online for its 2020 edition. Pop some popcorn, settle in on the couch and get ready to stream films from 20 countries including Albania, Finland, Romania, Serbia and more from November 7 to 15. Each film costs $10 to stream and English subtitles will be provided.
Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave. S.W., calgaryeuropeanfilmfestival.ca
Make a reservation at one of the city’s newest restaurants, Orchard
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Orchard, one of Calgary’s newest restaurants, is garnering lots of buzz with its striking plant- and chandelier-filled interior and menu of “classic European dishes with an Asian flair.” Make a reservation to try dishes like the cheese stuffed garlic bread, tiger prawn, linguini vongole, Rougie duck breast, shishito peppers and more.
Read more: New Calgary Restaurant Orchard is Filled with Plants and Chandeliers
134, 610 10 Ave. S.W., 403-243-2392, orchardyyc.com
Tune in for the Canadian Online Jazz Festival
When: November 8 to 15
Jazz festivals from across the country have teamed up to offer the Canadian Online Jazz Festival this month. JazzYYC kicks things off on November 8 with a collaborative show featuring four pairings of jazz musicians with non-jazz musical artists. After that, two festivals will present each night, with performances coming in from more than a dozen cities including Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Regina, Medicine Hat and more.
Show your support for The Alex at a virtual fundraiser
When: November 19
On November 19, The Alex is holding a virtual fundraiser called Press Play. Dave Kelly will be hosting the event, which will feature a virtual tour of The Alex’s Youth Health Bus, music performances, a 50/50 draw and more. Guests can watch the live stream for free but you can support The Alex’s youth programs by donating during the event.
Take a trip down to the mountains now that it’s officially fall
Make the most of the fall season with a visit to the mountains. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, some spa time or new restaurants, we’ve got the scoop on travelling to the mountains right now.
Read more: How to Travel in the Mountains This Fall
Go see the Calgary Zoo decked out in lights
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When: November 20 to January 3
Every winter for around a month and a half, the Calgary Zoo stays open in the evenings and invites the public to explore its grounds, which are decked out in two million colourful lights for its annual Zoolights event. It’s a magical experience complete with family-friendly activities like skating, fire pits, axe throwing and more. This year, pre-purchased tickets are required to ensure staggered entry times for physical distancing.
Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com
Watch a flick online during a local animation festival
When: November 19 to 29
Quickdraw Animation Society‘s annual Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival (aka GIRAF) is taking its 16th edition online this month. The line-up of independent animated films and events hasn’t been released yet, but you can expect exciting online film screenings and plenty of awesome animation talent.
Locations vary, giraffest.ca
Dine at a local restaurant during the Taste of 17th food festival
When: November 20 to 29
It’s no secret that the area around 17 Avenue S.W. is full of great restaurants, and this month, many are offering special dining experiences and deals during the Taste of 17th food festival. Butterblock, Calcutta Cricket Club, Heaven, Ten Degrees Chocolate and Trio Restaurant and Cafe are just a few of the local eateries taking part. Check out their festival menus online and start making dinner plans.
Get a head start on your Christmas baking at this cooking class
When:Â November 22
For many of us, the holidays mean breaking out our pots and pans to do some Christmas baking. But if you’re looking to make something a little different this year, consider taking The Cookbook Co. Cooks’ morning Christmas baking class on November 22. Who knows, you may just discover your new favourite holiday treat.
The Cookbook Co. Cooks, 722 11 Ave. S.W., cookbookcooks.com
