Free This Week
Squeeze in a few last-minute events this year with these free offerings
It might be close to the end of the year, but Calgary’s arts community is still pumping out awesome events and festive favourites. If you have a spare moment over the next few weeks, why not check out these sweet freebies?
Northern Reflections
Until December 31, 2019
Various venues
Free admission
Buds Collective has once again paired local businesses with artists and animators to bring Calgarians a unique opportunity to participate in an immersive art experience. Celebrate the magic of wintertime and search out painted windows with the help of the AUGLE app. You only have a few more weeks to check it out so be sure to go explore.
facebook.com
ProArts Presents Rocky Mountain Symphony Brass Quartet with Organ
December 18, 2019, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission
The Rocky Mountain Symphony presents a special concert of seasonal music for four trombones and organ. Join ProArts for this fantastic lunch hour treat.
proartssociety.ca
Language Open House
December 20, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Join the Esker team and volunteer family for a multi-language open house. Volunteers fluent in a diverse range of languages will be on hand to answer questions about the gallery and the current exhibitions.
eskerfoundation.com
Christmas Market Saturdays
December 21, 2019, 10:00am – 1:00pm
cSPACE King Edward (1721 29th Ave. SE)
Free admission
A special Christmas market version of its weekly farmers and makers market, head to cSPACE King Edward this week to find tons of things for your wish list. You can even grab a selfie with Santa at the last market of the year. Don’t miss it!
farmersmakersmarket.ca
Mysteries of Chinese Opera Revealed
December 21, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Central Library (800 3rd St. SE)
Free admission
Initiated by Facet Music and supported by the Central Library and the Calgary Chinatown Lions Club, this series aims to reach Chinese and Western audiences to spark their interest in the art of Kun opera!
facebook.com
Holiday Party in the Park
December 21, 2019, 3:00 – 6:00pm
Central Memorial Park (1221 2nd St. SW)
Free admission
Celebrate the season with winter games, library crafts, a special edition of Reading with Royalty, fire pits, and free hot chocolate. The City of Calgary is throwing this little shindig just before the holidays and you should swing by. There’s even a warm clothing drive so bring a spare pair of mitts or two.
calgary.ca
Kaley Bird & Todd Stewart
December 21, 2019, 7:00pm
King Eddy, National Music Centre (438 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Head to the Eddy for twice the folk tunes, courtesy of Kaley Bird and Todd Stewart. Bird has shared the stage with the likes of Steve Earle, Kathleen Edwards, and many others, while Stewart is the songwriter and front man of western roots group the Northern Beauties. The artists will be collecting donations for the Calgary Emergency Women’s Shelter.
facebook.com
Kick Off Your Heels
December 29, 2019, 3:00 – 5:00pm
Alexandra Centre (922 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission
Kick Off Your Heels is a free drop-in improv class for female and non-binary individuals. This beginner-friendly class is designed to provide a safe space to explore who you are as improvisers! Stumbling blocks that women and gender minorities in improv face are also discussed.
kinkonauts.com
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
December 31, 2019, 11:00am – 1:00am
Multiple locations
Free admission
The City of Calgary caps off the decade with a day of activities for all ages, and, of course, fireworks. From the outdoor skating and music at Olympic Plaza to Christmas lights, fire pits, and extended hours at Bowness Park, it all wraps with a fireworks display at midnight from the Calgary Tower.
calgary.ca
New Year’s Eve at the Library
December 31, 2019, 12:00 – 4:00pm
Central Library (800 3rd St. SE)
Free admission
A year this good deserves an even better send off! Explore everything the amazing Cenrtal Library has to offer with a free tour, pop-up performances, and a family fun dance party. You can even ring in the roaring 2020s with an early afternoon countdown for families and kids.
facebook.com
