Expand your home library at Calgary Reads Big Book Sale
When: May 8 to 17
Browse more than 200,000 gently used books across all genres at this annual spring sale. During the final weekend, most items are buy one, get one on May 15 and 16, or you can fill a box with your favourite picks for $20 on May 17. Proceeds support childhood literacy initiatives.
Calgary Curling Club, 720 3 St. N.W., bigbooksale.ca
See a courtroom thriller at Vertigo Theatre
When: May 9 to June 7
Spend an evening at Vertigo Theatre watching The Verdict, a play based on Barry Reed’s best-selling novel. Written for the stage by Margaret May Hobbs, the courtroom drama follows a struggling lawyer taking on a powerful medical establishment.
Vertigo Theatre, Suite 161, 115 9 Ave. S.E., vertigotheatre.com
Check out a new dirty soda shop
Dirty sodas, which are soft drinks mixed with cream, flavoured syrups and fruit juices, have been gaining traction in Calgary for awhile now. Phizzy Dirty Sodas is the city’s latest dirty soda shop, and you’ll find it inside Fresh Kitchen in Marda Loop. Stop by to try a fun and creative drink.
770, 2402 34 Ave., S.W., @phizzydirtysoda
Celebrate queer art and cinema at Fairy Tales Queer Art & Film Festival
When: May 13 to 17
Presented by the Calgary Queer Arts Society, the Fairy Tales Queer Art & Film Festival returns for its 28th year, making it one of Canada’s longest-running queer film festivals. This year’s lineup features 42 films from 20 countries, including themed short-film packages and feature screenings throughout the weekend. The festival also extends beyond screenings with live performances, drag shows, DJ sets and interactive art activations.
Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St. S.W., queerfilmfest.ca
Connect with fellow anime fans at Otafest
When: May 15 to 17
Founded in 1999, Otafest has grown into a multi-day celebration of anime and pop culture. Dress up as your favourite character, meet voice actors and creators, visit the exhibitor hall and more.
Calgary Telus Convention Centre, 120 9 Ave. S.E., otafest.com
Cheer on Calgary’s professional women’s soccer team
When: May 16
Calgary Wild FC take on Montréal Roses FC over the long weekend as the Northern Super League season continues. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into the game, it’s a good chance to get out and support this local soccer team.
McMahon Stadium, 1817 Crowchild Tr. N.W., club.calgarywildfc.com
Try a new hot pot spot in Kensington
HiiPot Hotpot has opened its second location in Kensington. Build your own bowl with more than 90 ingredients and 10 signature broths to choose from. Whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a family outing, it’s a tasty dining option for the weekend.
302 10 St. N.W., @hiipot.hotpot
Shop for local goods at the Easy Days pop-up market
When: May 16
Take a walk along the Bow River and stop by this pop-up market in East Village featuring home goods, vintage clothing, jewellery and handmade products from more than 40 local vendors. Run by All Things GQ, this is the first Easy Days market of the season. Community-driven and free to attend, it invites visitors to shop for cool products, grab some food and enjoy the day outside.
618 Confluence Way S.E., @easydaysyyc
Take to the skies at Kite Fest
When: May 16 to 17
Make the trip to Granary Road for the first Kite Fest. At this family-friendly celebration, you can build your own kite, take flying lessons from the pros and enjoy the (finally) warm days.
Granary Road, 226066 112 St. W., Foothills County, granaryroad.com
Explore new exhibits at the National Music Centre
The National Music Centre continues to expand its exhibition lineup, and there’s something for the whole family. One new addition is the 2026 Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee: Nelly Furtado exhibit, which celebrates the Canadian artist’s sound and style through stage outfits, archival photos and installations. There’s also the new PlayLab: DIY Sound Factory, which offers the opportunity for younger visitors to experiment with instruments and create their own sounds.
Studio Bell, 850 4 St. S.E., studiobell.ca