Free This Week
Looking for something fun to do in Calgary this week? From hands-on workshops with artist Leia Guo, to an engaging book launch all about Persian folklore, and a musical extravaganza served by Ammolite Opera, you won’t be disappointed with this week’s free offerings!
Jeremy Gignoux Acoustic Trio
August 21, 2024, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
Jeremy Gignoux’s (violin, viola) main project is an acoustic ensemble playing lyrical, instrumental music that defies genre classification, stretching from Parisian swing to folk experiments. Catch him with Keith Rodger on double bass and Wayne Garrett on guitar for a noon-hour concert, presented by ProArts Society!
proartssociety.ca
Music in the Plaza
August 21, 2024, 6 – 8pm
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to attend
Discover free live music at Music in the Plaza featuring live local bands! This week, check out The Woodshed, an Alberta-based modern folk duo made up of acclaimed roots songwriters John Wort Hannam and T. Buckley.
heritagepark.ca
Book Launch: Dr. Manijeh Rabiei — Persian Garden of Imagination
August 21, 2024, 7 – 8:30pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4 St. SW)
Free to attend
Join Shelf Life Books for the launch of Dr. Manijeh Rabiei’s Persian Garden of Imagination Iranian Myths, Fairy Tales, and Folk Tales. There will be a reading followed by a conversation with the author about the process of creating the book, live Persian music played on the Santour, and refreshments!
shelflifebooks.ca
Behind The Scenes Exhibition Tour
August 22, 2024, 6 – 7pm
Esker Foundation (4th floor, 10111 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
Join a behind-the-scenes tour of our current exhibition Deanna Bowen’s Black Drones in the Hive, with Esker Head Preparator Doug Haslam and Curator/Director Naomi Potter.
eventbrite.ca
Solar Powered Art
August 23, 2024, 1 – 2:30pm
Carya Village Commons (Suite 201, 610 8 Ave. SE)
Free to participate, registration required
Discover the magic of creating art with sunlight in this hands-on workshop designed especially for kids. Kids will create their own artworks using sunlight, paper and fun objects. This special youth workshop is part of Carya’s AIR program with artist Leia Guo.
caryacalgary.ca
The Market @ cSPACE Marda Loop
August 24, 2024, 10am – 2pm
cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
From handmade crafts to farm-fresh produce, the market offers something for everyone. Families can enjoy free kids’ activities led by professional artist-teachers from Jube School, while live performances by artists in Calgary’s exciting local music scene add to the atmosphere.
cspacemardaloop.com
Music in the Garden
August 24, 2024, 1 – 4pm
Twin Views Communal Garden (2951 26 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Check out a family-friendly summer concert series and interactive art at Dover’s Twin Views Communal Garden. They’ll have live local musicians and vendors. Make sure to stop by!
facebook.com
In-Conversation: Terrance Houle and Migueltzinta Solís
August 24, 2024, 2 – 3pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
join Contemporary Calgary for an informal conversation with Terrance Houle and Migueltzinta Solís, exploring some of the intersecting themes across both artists’ practices. During this performative talk, Solís will be reading Houle’s tarot cards, marking the very first time that Houle’s cards are read.
contemporarycalgary.com
Market Nights
August 24, 2024, 3 – 9pm
Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free to explore
Get ready for Market Nights! Shop for a wide variety of artisan products made by local vendors. From one-of-a-kind jewelry to mouthwatering treats and a whole lot more, there’s a diverse array of discoveries waiting for you every week at Heritage Park’s front plaza.
heritagepark.ca
Festival of Pins
August 24 & 25, 2024
Centennial Legion (9202 Horton Rd. SW)
Free to explore
Trade, buy, sell and browse at the 34th annual Festival of Pins hosted by the Calgary International Pin Club. This year’s theme celebrates the 100th anniversary of the RCAF. Admission is free but they will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items for the Veteran’s Food Bank.
calgaryinternationalpinclub.com
Ammolite Opera: Red Chair Music Series
August 25, 2024, 2 – 3pm
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Calgary Central Library (800 3 St. SE)
Free to attend
Enjoy a free and inclusive musical extravaganza presented by artists from Ammolite Opera. Catch a glimpse into the artistic life with conversations between performers, while taking in classical piano and vocal performances.
calgarylibrary.ca
Summer Cinema Club
August 26, 2024, 7 – 9:30pm
Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (10 Ave. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
The sixth and final week of Summer Cinema Club is subtitled Current Affairs. Watch a film and then stay for a discussion led by CSIF’s Kyle Marshall on how a recent movie can still play with form and content to surprise an audience.
csif.org
Cyanotype Keepsakes
August 27, 2024, 10am – 11pm
Carya Village Commons (Suite 201, 610 8 Ave. SE)
Free to participate, registration required
This summer, Carya’s artist-in-residence Leia Guo is hosting free cyanotype making workshops as part of a community art project. Calgarians are invited to create art prints using the sun, water and their own special mementos. Make art with anything!
caryacalgary.ca
Square Dance Rocks!
August 27, 2024, 6:30pm
Winston Heights Community Centre (527 27 Ave. NE)
Free to attend
Square dancing is just walking to music! Get acquainted during Calgary & District Square & Round Dancers Association’s intro hours. No partner necessary. An experienced caller will introduce you to the basic steps. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes.
squaredancecalgary.com
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.