Learn more about Serbian culture
Calgary’s 4th annual Serbian festival takes place this weekend. On Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 head to Marda Loop to get a better understanding of this country’s culture. Watch folk dance performances, sample traditional Serbian food (think roasted meats and kebabs) and listen to live music. The entire weekend is dedicated to sharing Serbian heritage. Admission is just $5 and children under 8 can enter the festival for free.
(Marda Loop Communities Association, 3130 16 St. S.W., serbianfest.org)
Get a free pancake breakfast and celebrate an anniversary
This weekend is Heritage Park’s opening weekend. But, not just that, it’s also the start of the park’s 50th summer season. On Saturday, May 17, the first 500 guests through the doors of the park will be treated to a free pancake breakfast in Gunn’s Dairy Barn. As well as visiting the perfectly preserved heritage buildings and homesteads, be sure to visit the park’s brand new, train-themed playground. There is also a special Victoria Day afternoon tea taking place at the Wainwright Hotel, but act fast – the tickets are selling fast.
(Heritage Park, 1900 Dr. S.W., 403-268-8500, heritagepark.ca)
Admire the beauty of the mountains from above
This is not for the faint-hearted. The Jasper Glacier Skywalk officially opened on May 1, and with the three-day weekend, now might just be the perfect time to take a trip to Jasper. Their special opening celebration took place last weekend, so you’ll miss the crowds but still be one of the first to experience this new attraction. The Skywalk, which is a glass-floored walkway hanging 280-metres above the Sunwapta Valley, will get the adrenaline rushing this long weekend. Park at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre and take the shuttle bus to the Skywalk. Adult tickets are $24.95.
(Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, Trans Canada Hwy, Jasper, 1-800-760-6934, glacierskywalk.ca)
Celebrate 141 years of work by the RCMP
For those who don’t want to seek out great heights this weekend, head to Fort Calgary instead. Victoria Day is Mountie Day at Fort Calgary, where 141 years of service is celebrated. Learn more about the history of the RCMP – formally the North West Mounted Police – and meet members of today’s RCMP.
(Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1875, fortcalgary.com)
Calgary Folk Festival/Ship and Anchor Songwriter Contest Final
Can’t wait until Folk Fest in July? Get a taste of festival season this long weekend. For the duration of the entire weekend, listen to original songs created by young Albertan musicians. The finalists from this competition are performing at the Ship and Anchor, competing for a range of prizes and titles. Bands competing for the “Beaver Tales” and “Untapped Newcomer” title on Saturday, May 17; bands competing for the “Youth” and “Upstart” title perform on Sunday, May 18 and bands competing for the “Hindsight” and “Pros and Prose” title perform on Victoria Day. Fingers crossed for sunshine so that the pub’s great patio can be used too.
(Ship and Anchor, 534 17 Ave. S.W., 403-245-3333, calgaryfolkfest.com)
Appreciate the wildlife in our city
Expect to see more species of bird than you knew lived in Calgary during this field trip. Nature Calgary’s Victoria Day 100+ Species in Calgary event exposes Calgarians to the wealth of wildlife living in the city limits. If you’re lucky, you’ll see more than 100 varieties of bird. Walkers should meet at Votier’s Flats and expect a full day of adventuring. No preregistration is required.
(Votier’s Flats, Fish Creek Provincial Park, naturecalgary.com)