Try to snag a seat at the newly opened After Eight
Local restaurant Eight is notoriously difficult to get into with only eight seats a night. But now, After Eight, the newly opened cocktail bar partner to Eight, gives you an extra chance to try one of chef Darren MacLean’s exclusive concepts. After Eight is an opulent speakeasy (also only offering eight seats) serving world class cocktails using rare spirits and local ingredients celebrating Canada’s culinary landscape. Access to After Eight is offered to diners of Eight, but any remaining spots are available to the public for walk-ins — add yourself to the waitlist through the special phone in the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village lobby, or through Open Table on Eight’s website.
Inside Alt Hotel Calgary East Village, 631 Confluence Way S.E., 403-457-2153, eightcdn.ca, @aftereightcdn
Check out some live music during Block Heater
When: February 14 and 15
Presented by Calgary Folk Fest, Block Heater is an annual winter music festival that’s celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Don’t miss musical performances by artists like Black Mountain, Begonia and Theia at venues throughout the city. The full 2025 lineup is available online.
Multiple Calgary venues, calgaryfolkfest.com
Enjoy Caribbean flavours at a dinner event at Jane Bond BBQ
When: February 14, 15, 21 and 22
Stop by Jane Bond BBQ for a culinary tour through the Caribbean islands. The Tour Caribbean Tasting Dinner starts with a three-course meal (each accompanied by a cocktail) taking you through the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica. Afterwards, the party begins with more cocktails, steel drums and more food in the form of an island-style buffet.
Jane Bond BBQ’s Venue Glamp-Shack, 230 11 Ave. S.E., 403-333-5203, janebondbbq.com
See horse-drawn skiers take on obstacle courses and jumps
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When: February 15 and 16
Join Skijor Canada for a family-friendly celebration of a one-of-a-kind sport. Skijoring involves horse-drawn skiers being pulled through obstacle courses and over jumps. The athletes will perform twice a day, plus you can enjoy fondue stations and food trucks, a maker’s marketplace, a photobooth and more. Tickets are required.
750 9 Ave S.E., 587-288-1406, theconfluence.ca
Tuck into some pasta or pizza at a new Beltline restaurant
Scarpetta Cucina Italiana, which already has a location in Horizon, has opened another location in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood that serves a variety of pizzas, pastas and other Italian dishes. Tuck into dishes like the caprese stack, arancini, linguine alle vongole or one of the 10 pizza flavours.
645 10 Ave. S.W., scarpettaeatery.com
Go on a mural tour with a hot chocolate in hand
When: February 15, 16, 22 and 23
Join BUMP Festival and YYC Hot Chocolate Fest for a unique tour combining two great things: murals and hot chocolate. On The Art & Cocoa Tour, you’ll learn about some of the giant murals that have gone up during BUMP Festival from a tour guide. Along the way, you’ll stop for a gourmet hot chocolate at one of the eateries participating in YYC Hot Chocolate Fest.
Head to Lougheed House for Family Day
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When: February 17
If you’re looking for a fun and free activity, Lougheed House is offering free admission on Family Day. Tour The Return of Restore and Revive exhibit to learn about the meticulous restoration of the Lougheed House and take part in the Family Day programming from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is recommended.
707 13 Ave. S.W., 403-244-6333, lougheedhouse.com
Shop and eat at Koko Japanese Eatery + Convenience
Created by the team behind Ryuko, this new convenience store and eatery on 17th Avenue S.W. is a one-stop shop for Japanese snacks and takeaway food. Order a sushi burrito, poke bowl or some ramen to go, and grab some packaged snacks and drinks for later.
620A 17 Ave. S.W., 825-882-3208, @eatkoko.co
Relax in the sauna at a new Nordic spa
Relax, clear your mind and wash your worries away at the new Clear Nordic Spa, a semi-private spa featuring hot and cold plunge pools, multiple saunas, a Zen Social Room and peaceful relaxation zones to chill out after you’ve chilled out.
5629 Signal Hill Centre S.W., 403-700-4332, clearnordic.ca
Enjoy free admission to Studio Bell on Family Day
When: February 17
Experience the power of music at Studio Bell and the National Music Centre with free admission on Family Day. Check out the silent disco, a Kimball Theatre organ demonstration, exhibitions like From Me to You: The Beatles in Canada 1964-1966 and more.
850 4 St. S.E., 403-543-5115, studiobell.ca
