Dress up in cosplay for Otafest
When: May 19 to 21
There’s never been a better time to check out Otafest, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Japanese anime and pop culture festival promises plenty of fun with events like a masquerade ball, anime screenings, an arcade, an exhibitor hall and singing competitions.
Telus Convention Centre, otafest.com
Grab your clubs and spend a day golfing
It’s officially golf season, and whether you want to visit the driving range, take a lesson or spend a day on one of the city’s golf courses, there are plenty of ways to get outside with your clubs. There are even special events and deals you can try, including family nights and times where you can play for a reduced fee.
Dine at the newly opened Clique & Sounds Restaurant in Sunridge
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A new addition to Calgary’s dining scene, Clique & Sounds Restaurant celebrated its grand opening on May 5. The Sunridge restaurant specializes in Filipino and Western cuisine, with dishes like adobo pork belly, burgers, seafood cioppino, rib-eye steak and more. You can also listen to a live jazz band while you eat on Friday nights from 6 to 10 p.m.
2121 36 St. N.E., cliqueandsoundsrestaurant.com
Go downhill karting at WinSport
When: Starting May 20
Get ready for a rush when Downhill Karting by Skyline Luge Calgary returns on May 20. Book a time to race from the top of a chairlift terminal down the 1,800-metre track at WinSport with some friends or family. Choose from individual packages offering two to four rides or get a group package to share multiple rides.
WinSport, Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., downhillkarting.ca
Sip on a cocktail at YYCaesarfest
When: May 20 and 21
Calgary’s most iconic drink, the mighty Caesar, will be celebrated in all its glory during YYCaesarfest. The sampling event and market is featuring more than 40 Caesars, as well as other drinks, food, merch and more. Single day passes are $25 or get a weekend pass for $45.
The Big Four, Stampede Park, calgarycaesarfest.com
Pick out a romance novel at Slow Burns Books
Calgary’s newest bookstore is dedicated to one literary genre: romance novels. Located within The Henry Block in Marda Loop, Slow Burn Books carries books in a wide variety of romance sub-genres, so there’s sure to be something for every reader. Pop in to grab a new read and check out the other shops and eateries in the newly launched Henry Block while you’re at it.
115, 1934 34 Ave. S.W., slowburnbooksyyc.ca
Check out a new exhibition about the ocean at Glenbow at the Edison
When: On now until May 21
Immerse yourself in the ocean and take in the magnificent creatures who live there at The Living Sea, the latest free exhibition at Glenbow at the Edison. The Living Sea examines sea life biodiversity and ocean pollution through large-scale, underwater photographs by Prince Hussain Aga Khan. The exhibit closes on May 21, so this is your last chance to check it out.
Glenbow at the Edison, second floor, 150 9 Ave. S.W., glenbow.org
Ride your bike on the new West Confederation Bicycle Pump Track
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Calgary’s roster of bike pump tracks, which are “progressive circuits where riders use an up and down pumping motion to propel the bike forward instead of pedaling,” just gained a new addition. Located in the southeast corner of West Confederation Park, the newly opened West Confederation Bike Pump Track offers a mix of beginner and intermediate tracks to try, as well as seating where friends and family can sit and watch you ride.
2836 Canmore Rd. N.W., parksfdn.com
Watch a musical about Edgar Allan Poe
When: On now until June 4
Edmonton’s Catalyst Theatre brings the story of popular American writer Edgar Allan Poe to Calgary with this production of Nevermore: The Imaginary Life & Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe. Running until June 4, audiences can expect “a whimsical and chilling musical fairy tale.”
The Playhouse, vertigotheatre.com
Check out a new exhibition all about Canadian guitarist and singer Randy Bachman
If you love the music of Canadian guitarist and singer Randy Bachman, you won’t want to miss the National Music Centre’s newest temporary exhibition. Check out Randy Bachman: Every Guitar Tells a Story, which features more than 80 instruments, video stories and even kiosks where you can take a guitar lesson to learn one of Bachman’s songs.
Studio Bell, 850 4 St. S.E., 403-543-5115, studiobell.ca