Celebrate winter at the final weekend of Chinook Blast
When: February 13 to 16
It’s the last weekend of Chinook Blast programming, so head to Eau Claire Plaza and check out the festivities before it’s too late. Throughout the weekend, see a number of performers on the Rise Up Calgary Community Outdoor Stage, watch for the LED performers from Bravo Circus wandering around the park, check out the lighting installations and more.
Meet cute wildlife at a wildlife festival
When: February 13 to 16
At the Wildlife Festival, meet rescued animals like porcupines, sloths, kangaroos and more. There will also be three exhibits: Destination Africa, featuring animals from the continent; Depths of the Jungle, with snakes and other reptiles; and Diversity of Living Things, an educational exhibit where you learn about the similarities of living creatures.
Nutrien Western Event Centre, wildlifefestival.ca
Play darts at a new high-tech lounge
PinPointe Social is a new lounge and bar in the Beltline that features innovative technology for the game of darts. Choose between a number of different games with interactive graphics and animations. There are also food and drinks menus to enjoy while you play.
Read more: There’s a New High-Tech Darts Lounge in the Beltline
1129 Olympic Way S.E., 587-393-7779, pinpointesocial.com
Cast a line and learn all about Calgary’s fish at Fishtival
When: February 14
Taking place at Bow Habitat Station, the 14th annual Fishtival is a great place to bring the family to learn all about the wonders of Calgary’s fish. Cast a line in the fishing pond, play some family-friendly games and tour the Bow Habitat Station discovery centre.
1440 17a St. S.E., 403-297-6561, bowhabitat.alberta.ca
See lion and dragon dances at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
When: February 14, 15, 21 and 22
At the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre, celebrate the year of the horse with lots of cultural activities during the centre’s Chinese New Year Festival. Running from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. each day, the free event will feature lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, photo booths, tasty treats and more.
197 1 St. S.W., 403-262-5071, culturalcentre.ca
Go on a culinary tour of Asia at a new restaurant
Ibu (meaning “mother” in Indonesian) is a new restaurant owned by father and son duo Jeff and Joel Matthews, who also own Expatasia in Fresh & Local Market & Kitchens. Ibu offers dishes inspired by the pair’s combined 30 years spent living in Asia, like a katsu wedge salad, roasted crispy pork with nam phrik, braised beef rendang and charred garlic chicken.
2915 14 St. S.W., 403-899-8894, ibuyyc.com
Enjoy free admission and activities on Family Day at Lougheed House
When: February 16
If you’re looking for a fun and free activity, Lougheed House is offering free admission on Family Day. Tour the Archival Animals exhibit to learn about the Lougheed family’s many pets and take part in the Family Day programming, which includes crafts and free tours of the house, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is recommended.
707 13 Ave. S.W., 403-244-6333, lougheedhouse.com
Surround yourself with music at Studio Bell on Family Day
When: February 16
Experience the power of music at Studio Bell and the National Music Centre with free admission on Family Day. Dress up and participate in the ‘80s costume contest, bring your children to a kids’ jam session, watch live performances from new wave group BETABOYS and check out exhibits like Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson.
850 4 St. S.E., 403-543-5115, studiobell.ca
Peruse photography from local and international artists at the annual Exposure Photography Festival
When: On now until February 28
This popular annual festival showcases the work of local and international photographers. At Contemporary Calgary, see the festival’s Emerging Photographer’s Showcase and International Open Call exhibitions. There are also plenty of other exhibitions on display at partner venues throughout the month.
Multiple locations, exposurephotofestival.com
Have a warm drink and baked goods at a new café in CF Chinook Centre
If you love Alforno already, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s a new spot to grab all of your favourites from the local bakery and café. Alforno’s new CF Chinook Centre location is now open, offering the bakery’s baked goods like cookies, pastries and more to enjoy on your next shopping trip.
6455 Macleod Tr., alforno.ca
