Things to Do in Calgary this May

The time has passed for Spring showers, now it is time for May flowers!

It is in May that the city of Calgary truly comes alive! Those warm rays of sunshine will be soaked in by every patio-goer and child at the playground because spring has sprung! It is within these next months that events begin to become a daily opportunity. Particularly, May is a time where local events, fundraisers, farmer's markets, and so much more become available to Calgarians giving them an endless list of things to do!

In addition to enjoying the warm weather at outdoor events, Calgarians are often out and about in May to enjoy Mother's Day outings, get organized for upcoming weddings, and simply enjoy this sunny season to the fullest! Take a look at the upcoming shows, markets, concerts, and activities that you can take part in this May and plan out each day as if it was your last day to BBQ!

Food & Drink Events in Calgary

Dine Under the Stars 2019 — May 6-28th (select dates)

Taking place in Fish Creek Provincial Park, you have the opportunity to enjoy a lavish dinner while gazing up at the stars under a protective and beautifully decorated Garden Dome. At Dine Under the Stars, you will experience an evening that includes an elegant 4-course meal crafted by Chef Daryl Kerr and Jenny Kang of Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant. Each Garden Dome fits 4-6 guests and is available for reservation online.

Mother's Day Brunch — May 12th

Take time to celebrate how amazing your mom is with a delicious brunch buffet fit for her, provided by the WinSport team of chefs, including Chef Liana Robberecht. The Mother's Day Brunch is your chance to get your fill of the best breakfast, lunch, dessert, pastries, and other delectable foods at this mom-focused event! The brunch will also include a funhouse for the kids! Purchase your tickets online at WinSport.ca.

Kids & Family Events in Calgary

CBC Calgary Reads: Big Book Sale — May 10-12th

If the thought of adding new books to your shelf or the smell of pages gets you excited then you will not want to miss on this book worm event! Calgary Reads is hosting their annual Big Book Sale that gives Calgarians the chance to peruse through thousands of gently used books to find their next favourites! The event will take place at the Calgary Curling Club and a $2 donation is required to enter the book sale.

Day Out with Thomas — May 11th

Does your child love Thomas & Friends? You will want to make sure to visit Heritage Park to see Thomas the Tank Engine on May 11th! This event allows kids to take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and meet the show's Sir Topham Hat, in addition to other activities including face painting, the imagination station, and music. Purchase your tickets online for a specific train ride time and enjoy the adventure at Heritage Park.

Calgary Medieval Faire & Artisan Market — May 24-26th

Described as "olde time fun for the whole family," the Calgary Medieval Faire and Artisan Market is putting on its first annual event. This will be an exciting time of face painting, costumes, noodle jousting, sword fighting and other medieval activities. The event activities and featured artisan market vendors will be located at Crossroads Market Grounds, and the event is free for the whole family!

Specialized Festivals and Events in Calgary

Pathways and River Clean Up 2019 — May 5th

Spring cleaning doesn't only apply to our homes! This month, join the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society to come together and clean up the rivers and pathways. Each person participating in the clean-up will be provided with litter-grabbers, bags, and refreshments to assist them throughout the day. The event will begin at 10am and end at 12pm. To register, contact the event host on the main website.

Etsy Calgary Spring Market — May 11th

The famous e-commerce powerhouse of Etsy has become one of the most popular places to find handmade goods, crafted with love. On May 11th from 10am until 5pm, Etsy will be hosting the Calgary Spring Market to showcase over 40 different local community vendors. At this market you can find jewelry, handbags, home décor, and plenty other handmade goods! Admission will be $3 at the door (cash only), and children under the age of 12 are free.

Inglewood Parade of Garage Sales — May 25th

With spring cleaning also comes the opportunity for garage sales! On May 25th, head down to the 24th Avenue area to explore the Inglewood Parade of Garage Sales! Using the online map or app, you can hit up every home partaking in this massive garage sale, and look for those hidden gems and treasures that will shock and awe! For those interested in taking part in the garage sale, be sure to register before May 21st. More information can be found on the main website.

Water Lantern Festival — May 25th

One of the most magical experiences will be taking place this May in Calgary — the Water Lantern Festival! This family friendly event will give you and your family the chance to decorate a lantern and cast it into the water to watch the water light up the night! The evening will include time to enjoy the community, local music, and food trucks in the area. Tickets to participate in this unique event are available on Eventbrite.ca.

Music and Entertainment Events in Calgary

George Canyon at the Bella — May 7th

Canadian country legend and multiple JUNO Award winner George Canyon will be coming to Calgary to perform his Hit After Hit 2019 Tour. The evening will take place at the Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University and will feature his best hit songs that will have you swaying and singing along! Tickets are available for purchase on the Mount Royal University website.

Cher: Here We Go Again Tour — May 28th

Often referred to as the "Goddess of Pop," the American singer and songwriter Cher has announced a visit to Calgary for her Here We Go Again Tour! This memorable concert will take place at the Scotiabank Saddledome and the evening will feature guests Nile Rodgers & Chic. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.ca.

Charity Events in Calgary

Scotiabank Marathon Charity Challenge for AARCS — May 26th

Hosted by the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, the Scotiabank Marathon Charity Challenge is a charity race that will support animals in need. Take part in the event by sponsoring or joining the AARCS Rescue Racers team in a variety of races of differing lengths. The event will take place at the Stampede Park grounds. Register to join the event and run for animals via the AARCS website!

Get the most out of summer with these many diverse and exciting events located throughout the city! Looking for more? For a more detailed and fully comprehensive list, visit the City of Calgary's event page, the Calgary Tourism page, Eventbrite, and search for local events on Facebook to find more May events and activities.