Calgarians will have a chance to take in a weekend of beautiful September weather with numerous weekend activities and festivals.
LWC has selected some surefire hits for the weekend, but a complete listing of events going on in the city can be found at livewirecalgary.com/events.
Friday, Sept. 13 kicks off with a trio of conversation-starting theatre shows from Theatre Calgary, Handsome Alice Theatre, and Front Row Centre Players that are sure to make audiences laugh and think.
Calgary’s Chinatown is also hosting its annual and much-attended Lantern Festival, which celebrates the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with food, music, and vendors.
If true crime is more to your liking, The Confluence is hosting a twilight tour of startling stories about murders, crime, and executions that occurred in Calgary’s early days.
Saturday, Sept. 14 events emphasize animals, pets, and community.
The Calgary Cat Festival and Market is coming to the Downtown Core, while a short hop-skip-and-swim away is the Alberta Biodiversity Festival put on by the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and the Bow Habitat Station at the Inglewood hatchery.
Calgarians looking to celebrate the Bow River will get a chance at RiverFestYYC, which is being held at John Hextall Park.
Heritage Park is celebrating its Railway Days through the weekend, letting visitors get an up-close chance to see the heritage of rail—and to take a ride on the park’s steam train.
Saturday is also the diamond jubilee for the park, which will be celebrated in style during the evening with Gems of the Park featuring all of the roaring opulence of the 1920s.
If it’s a little more rustic and a little less Great Gatsby that Calgarians are looking for, Calgary and District Square and Round Dancers Association is holding a free learn-to-square-dance evening at McDougall United Church.
Sunday, Sept. 15 starts with the third edition of La French Run, which shares the original French-Canadian history of Mission, along with a fun run.
Calgarians can also join in celebrating another of the city’s historic communities with the re-opening of Marda Loop’s 18 Street SW, with a block party from Marda Loop Brewing Company.
For those individuals looking to get one last weekend chance at enjoying the good weather, the University of Calgary’s One Health is hosting a talk and walk at Fish Creek Park to teach Calgarians to keep their pets and children safe outdoors—all in support of Parachutes for Pets.
Take in the theatre
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Theatre Calgary presents The Play That Goes Wrong, at the Max Bell Theatre
Welcome to The Cornley Drama Society’s production of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where the actors are unprepared, the set is falling apart, and the leading lady is unconscious. The Play That Goes Wrong is Noises Off meets The Mousetrap, a comedic play-within-a-play that celebrates the old adage: despite the hilarious consequences, the show must […]
More details on The Play That Goes Wrong here -
Front Row Centre Players presents Nunsense: A Musical Comedy, at the Pumphouse Theatre
A zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue presented by the Little Sisters of Hoboken, Nunsense is a hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God. Thus, the remaining nuns – ballet-loving Sister Leo, street-wise […]
More details on Nunsense: A Musical Comedy here -
Handsome Alice Theatre presents Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers, at the Big Secret Theatre
Handsome Alice and Verb Theatre present A Tarragon production, in association with Black Theatre Workshop, based on the current original production. Slimm, a seventeen-year-old Black boy in a hoodie suddenly finds himself in the first moments of his afterlife. He calls out for God. God does not respond. What happens next is a sacred journey […]
More details on Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers here
Catch a festival
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Calgary Chinatown BIA presents Chinatown Lantern Festival 2024, at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre
September 13, 2024, 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
One of Calgary’s most anticipated street festivals is returning this September to Chinatown. The Chinatown Lantern Festival celebrates China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, with displays of lights and lanterns. Vendors, food trucks, and performances from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
More details on Chinatown Lantern Festival 2024 here -
Bow Habitat Station and The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo presents Alberta Biodiversity Festival, at the Bow Habitat Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery
September 14, 2024, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
From bull trout to great horned owls and wild roses, Alberta’s landscape is filled with rich and diverse flora and fauna. Developed in partnership with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the Alberta Biodiversity Festival highlights the amazing biodiversity in our province and the meaningful actions we all can take to protect our diverse ecosystems. On Saturday, […]
More details on Alberta Biodiversity Festival here -
Calgary Cat Festival and Market presents Calgary Cat Festival and Market, at the The Westin Calgary
September 14, 2024 - September 15, 2024, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Calgary Cat Festival and Market, is an event that brings together cat lovers from all over the city to celebrate and support animal rescues. This exciting festival is a wonderful opportunity for cat owners to connect with like-minded individuals and share their experiences and stories about the joys and challenges of living with these […]
More details on Calgary Cat Festival and Market here -
Heritage Park presents Railway Days, at the Heritage Park
September 14, 2024 - September 15, 2024, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
All aboard for Railway Days! This is your chance to see trains, ride trains, and discover everything you wanted to know about trains! Experience the thrill of riding an authentic steam train, explore fascinating exhibits, and embark on interactive adventures for the whole family. Railway Days is the perfect outing for families, friends and train […]
More details on Railway Days here -
RiverFestYYC presents RiverFestYYC: Art in the Park, at the John Hextall Park
September 14, 2024, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Art in the Park is a free interdisciplinary event presented by RiverFestYYC at John Hextall Park on September 14, 2024 from 1-4pm. This celebration of the River will include an Indigenous History and Site Walk with Jared Tailfeathers, river education messages with Frank Frigo, art installations by Ryan Smitham, Be.Trit, Nicole Wolf, a new documentary […]
More details on RiverFestYYC: Art in the Park here -
Marda Loop BIA presents Marda Loop Block Party, at the Marda Loop Brewing Company
September 15, 2024, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join us on Sunday this coming weekend at Marda Loop Brewing’s block party as we celebrate the exciting re-opening of 18th Street! Sep 15, 12:00 – 6:00 pm West side of 18th Street (lots of parking & sidewalks) Let’s get this party started!
More details on Marda Loop Block Party here
Celebrate a good cause
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Heritage Park presents Gems of the Park, at the Heritage Park
Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Heritage Park Join us on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, as we celebrate Heritage Park’s 60th Anniversary with a spectacular evening of dining, entertainment and fundraising. This is our annual fall fundraising event, a chance for our valued donors and new friends to experience the magic of Heritage Park. Join us […]
More details on Gems of the Park here
Run and dance away the weekend
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Maharlika Women's Association presents Dances of the World: A Multicultural Dancefest, at the Marlborough Park Community Association
September 14, 2024, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join us for an unforgettable journey of dance and music at Dances of the World, A Multicultural Dancefest, presented by Maharlika Women’s Association, also known as Maharlika Divas, in collaboration with Alberta Culture Days. This event brings together talented performers from around the world, showcasing their unique dance styles and techniques. Don’t miss the opportunity […]
More details on Dances of the World: A Multicultural Dancefest here -
Calgary and District Square and Round Dancers Association presents Reconnect and Discover Square Dancing, at the McDougall United Church
September 14, 2024, 7:30 pm
Here’s your chance to Square Dance! Square Dancing is a great form of exercise. You will put steps on your activity tracker and meet new friends! No dance experience is required. Individuals & couples are welcome. An experienced caller will give you step by step instruction. Experienced dancers are also there to help.
More details on Reconnect and Discover Square Dancing here -
AllianceFrancaise Calgary presents La French Run: Third Edition, at the Rouleauville Square
September 15, 2024, 10:30 am
La French Run 5k/10k takes you on a beautiful journey through the historical Francophone neighbourhood of Calgary: Rouleauville (now known as Mission) and its surroundings. As a special treat, after crossing the finish line, participants can relish in a tasting and degustation of authentic French pastries. Truly an “Oh là là!” experience!
More details on La French Run: Third Edition here
