Dress up in cosplay for Otafest
When: May 16 to 18
This celebration of Japanese anime and pop culture is back and better than ever. The festival promises plenty of fun with events like anime screenings, an exhibitor hall, gaming tournaments, a Sketch Drive where you can get your portrait done and more.
Calgary Telus Convention Centre and Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel , otafest.com
Order a pizza from Lucky Ace Pizza
Craving some pizza this weekend? Visit this new pizza joint that uses a 40-year-old family recipe to make its pizzas, which come in flavours ranging from bacon cheeseburger to chicken pesto. Add an order of donair egg rolls or garlic knots to your order to complete the meal.
145, 20 Copperpond Passage S.E., 587-943-8255, luckyacepizza.ca
Relax in the sauna at Offline Wellness Club
If you’re craving rest and relaxation, head to Offline Wellness Club in the Beltline. The team behind the local run club has officially opened a sauna and cold plunge facility that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Pricing options include one-time drop-in passes and club memberships.
1214 11 Ave. S.W., offlinewellnessclub.com
Go downhill karting at WinSport
When: Opens May 17
Get ready for a rush when Downhill Karting returns for the season this weekend. Book a time to race from the top of a chairlift terminal down the 1,800-metre track at WinSport. Choose from individual packages offering two to four rides, or get a shareable ride pass to share 12 or 15 rides.
WinSport, Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., downhillkarting.ca
Grab a bite at Mezza Lebanese Kitchen’s first Calgary location
This Lebanese restaurant chain just opened its first Western Canada location in Calgary. Swing by Mezza Lebanese Kitchen to try dishes like a chicken shawarma or donair plate, a falafel wrap, a shawarma bowl and more. Be sure to order the Dubai chocolate crunch bar for dessert.
4130, 4 Royal Vista Way, 403-453-9923, ordermezza.com
Cheer on Calgary’s new professional women’s soccer team
When: May 18
Wild FC is Calgary’s brand-new professional women’s soccer team. Fans can cheer on the team at the next home game against the Montréal Roses FC at McMahon Stadium on May 18.
McMahon Stadium, calgarywildfc.com
Shop for records at a local store
Calgary music fans have no shortage of great record shops where they can pick up new and used vinyl, turntables, speakers and more. Over the long weekend, spend some time at a local shop to find your next musical favourites.
Read more: 9 Cool Record Stores to Check Out in Calgary
Buy a book at a huge book sale
When: On now until May 18
If you love reading, don’t miss the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, which The Rotary Club of Calgary puts on in support of childhood literacy. During the sale, the Calgary Curling Club will be full of tables with thousands upon thousands of books to peruse and purchase, all for a great cause.
Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, Calgary Curling Club, 720 3 St. N.W., bigbooksale.ca
Celebrate all things creative during the new InglewooDIY Festival
When: On now until May 25
Calgary’s newest festival is about creativity. The InglewooDIY Festival is all about embracing your inner artist and maker. There are opportunities to sign up for classes and workshops for activities like punch needle embroidery, chocolate making, hand lettering and more.
Start a new gardening project
Now that spring is well underway, it’s the perfect time to dig into some new gardening projects. Thankfully, there are plenty of Calgary gardening centres where you can get everything from plants and trees to fertilizers and tools.
Read more: Garden Centres in Calgary