Free This Week
Calgary’s arts scene shines with launches, concerts, and readings
With tons of free events taking place this week, there is something for everyone. Calgary’s creative voices take over the spotlight with special readings, concerts, launches, pop-up sales, and more. Get ready to explore!
Marda Loop Justice Film Fest
Until November 17, 2019
Various venues
Free admission
This free festival is all about film with a social edge. Screenings include post-show discussions with local and international artists and experts, as well as opportunities to interact and connect with community.
justicefilmfestival.ca
Métis Week at the Library
Until November 17, 2019
Central Library (800 3rd St. SE)
Free admission
Métis Week is an annual celebration of Métis people, their culture, and their contributions. Celebrate with live music, performances, children’s activities, genealogy programs, cultural workshops, and much more.
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ProArts Presents Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Program Ensemble
November 13, 2019, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission
Providing up to eight young singers with the opportunity to study and perform under a professional staff of teachers and performers, see this cohort perform live at a free lunch hour concert.
proartssociety.ca
Lifelong Learners
November 13, 2019, 2:30 – 3:15pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended
Seniors are invited to join in for a tour and discussion of the Esker’s current exhibitions in a relaxed, social environment. Explore new ideas and engage creatively with arts and culture.
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Masterclass with Nicolas Namoradze
November 13, 2019, 2:45 – 5:30pm
TransAlta Pavilion, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)
Free admission, registration required
In a special partnership with Mount Royal University, watch as conservatory students participate in a masterclass with 2018 Honens Prize Laureate Nicolas Namoradze. The session is free and open to the public but be sure to register.
eventbrite.ca
Second Chances Panel
November 13, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission
Join Shelf Life Books for a reading and panel discussion about addiction and recovery with author Kerry Gladue, James Pender, and Kelly Schuler. Second Chances shares Gladue’s journey from trauma to transformation to helping others.
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Laid/e: The Toulouse-Lautrec Project
November 13 – 23, 2019
cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free admission, registration required
Join Theatre Encounter for a look at how Henri Toulouse-Lautrec’s famous depictions of the underbelly of Paris take on a bold new life in an intimate cabaret-style performance.
eventbrite.ca
The Butter Dish
November 14, 2019, 5:00 – 8:00pm
Alberta Craft Gallery – Calgary, cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free admission
Dawn Deterando uses her ceramics expertise to curate a diverse selection of over 20 butter dishes. This exhibition demonstrates the variety of processes and techniques that artists “churn” out from their studios. Check out the reception during the cSPACE King Edward Showcase Series.
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Inspiration Intuition Artist Reception
November 14, 2019, 5:00 – 8:00pm
cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free admission
Sharyn Roit Miller presents her latest exhibition featuring 50 new works of art of mixed mediums. The artist hopes to engage guests to interact and relate with the pieces in a meaningful way.
cspacekingedward.com
With Bells On
November 14, 2019, 5:00 – 8:00pm
cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free admission
‘Tis the season to celebrate so come down to cSPACE King Edward this Thursday and get into the spirit of the arts with live music, open artist studios and receptions, festive cocktails, and more.
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Sikh Spirit Through Time
November 14, 2019, 6:00 – 7:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended
Join Asian studies scholar Sukhdeep Sembi and dive into texts of the 18th century, drawing out key underlying themes that manifested in politics and arts as Sikhs began to form kingdoms in South Asia.
eventrbrite.ca
Rebirth: Zine Anthology Launch
November 14, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission
Celebrate Panel One’s anthology launch and learn how Panel One decided on an anthology, what it took to make it happen, and more. Proceeds from the zine sales go to support the Panel One Comic Creator Festival.
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Raise Your Voice
November 15, 2019, 5:00pm
Doolittle Studio, University of Calgary (Craigie Hall F206, 2940 University Way NW)
Free admission, registration required
Make some noise and join sopranos Laura Hynes and Lizz Windnagel, pianist Jennifer Szeto, and director Aria Umezawa in a workshop performance of Raise Your Voice, a social justice recital for the age of #MeToo. Don’t miss it.
events.ucalgary.ca
Contextural Christmas Artisan Sale
November 15 & 16, 2019
Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 8th St. SW)
Free admission
Contextural is a group of professional artists who come together to support each of their individual fibre practices. From hand-dyed clothing and home decor to woven items, printed and painted fabrics, embroidery stitching, and more, explore their work at this upcoming sale.
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Southern Alberta Art Alliance Fall Art Show
November 16, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Holy Cross Anglican Church (2828 19th St. NW)
Free admission
Local artists from the Southern Alberta Art Alliance present their new work at the group’s annual fall art show. Come to view original works of art in varied mediums and styles by local artists. You can meet the artists, ask them questions, and find out what inspired their work.
saaa-artists.ca
Air Salt
November 16, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission
Enjoy a gala afternoon reading featuring the launch of Ian Kinney’s new book of poetry, Air Salt. The afternoon is hosted by Helen Hajnoczky and includes readings from Colin Martin, Natalie Simpson, Suzette Mayer, and Paul Zits.
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Home Grown Opening Reception
November 16, 2019, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Wallace Galleries (500 5th Ave. SW)
Free admission
This exhibition illustrates the diversity and talent in our province with works by William Duma, Robin Smith-Peck, Jim Stokes, Robert Lemay, Diana Zasadny, and more. Be sure to check it out at this opening reception.
wallacegalleries.com
Hand Made Here
November 16 & 17, 2019. 10:00am – 5:00pm
Triwood Community Hall (2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW)
Free admission
This year’s Hand Made Here sale features arts and crafts by local artists including Steve Dozois, Joanie Chisholm, A. S. Helwig, Susan Kristoferson, and many more. There is plenty of free parking onsite and admission is free so be sure to swing on by to enjoy this gift shopping experience.
facebook.com
Accordion Association of Calgary Concert
November 17, 2019, 2:00pm
Southwood Community Hall (11 Sackville Dr. SW)
Free admission
A concert for all Accordion Association of Calgary members and their affiliated teachers, hear accordion and piano music highlighted by upcoming local musicians. Admission is free, so check out some great music performed by great students!
accordion-now.com
Red Dress Day
November 19, 2019, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Central Library (800 3rd St. SE)
Free admission
Raising awareness of the ongoing national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), attendees have the opportunity to meet with Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society staff and community advocates with a personal connection to MMIWG, and take part in a Red Dress workshop.
facebook.com
The Poetry of Robert Kroetsch
November 19, 2019, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission
Post-glacial is a collection featuring Robert Kroetsch’s iconic poems alongside rare and unpublished works. The evening includes appearances by Richard Harrison, Aritha van Herk, Weyman Chan, Anne Sorbie, and Laurie Anne Fuhr.
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