Free This Week

Get ready for another busy week ahead as August heats up

  • Location: Various Venues

Mid-month brings a bunch of fresh options to check out and this week you can even see a spectacular concert of Chinese traditional music at Saturdays in C-Square. Add in the Taste of Calgary, the Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival, and Marda Gras and you have a full calendar.

ProArts Presents Allen Reiser

August 7, 2019, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission

Allen Reiser has performed with various orchestras in England and Canada, and recital engagements have taken him to nearly every major centre in Western Canada. A pianist of diverse musical interests, see him at this free lunch hour concert with ProArts@Noon.
proartssociety.ca

The Gender Queery

August 7, 2019, 5:00 – 6:30pm
Humainologie Gallery + Store (1514 7th St. SW)
Free admission

This series of vibrant oil paintings by Jane Pierce explores the evolving concept of gender, expanding from a narrow binary understanding, to embracing a more diverse, fluid spectrum. Swing by this opening reception to learn more.
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Music in the Plaza

August 7, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park Historical Village (1900 Heritage Dr. SW)
Free admission

Did you know that Heritage Park’s awesome free concert series returns for an eighth season of live music this summer? It continues with L’omelette’s unique sound of indie rock, garnished with funk, folk, and a heaping spoonful of jazz.
heritagepark.ca

Sunnyside Salsa Wednesdays

August 7, 2019, 6:00 – 9:00pm
containR Art Park (1020 2nd Ave. NW)
Free admission

The hottest dance party of the summer is back every Wednesday until the end of August. Enjoy all your favourite vacation rhythms and get your social dance groove on with music by DJ Henry Palma of Latin Sound Productions.
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Breakfast at Esker

August 8, 2019, 7:00 – 10:00am
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Join the Esker Foundation and special guests for a live radio broadcast of CJSW 90.9 FM’s The Palgary Almanac with host Peter Oliver. The show features interviews on art, politics, and community, along with thoughtfully curated new music spanning the genres of experimental, avant-pop, electronic, folk, world, and hop-hip. There’s even a continental breakfast generously provided by Bite Grocer + Eatery.
eskerfoundation.com

ArtRecruits Opening Reception

August 8, 2019, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Studio C, cSPACE King Edward (235, 1721 29th Ave. SW)
Free admission

Join Studio C for an exhibit by ArtRecruits, a program that uses art to connect individuals with mental health barriers to employment. Featuring mixed media artwork and a mural collaboration with the Royal Bank of Canada, don’t miss your chance to check it out at this opening reception.
studiocprospect.ca

Artist Talk and Beading Demonstration

August 8, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Contemporary Calgary, Centennial Planetarium (701 11th St. SW)
Free admission, registration required

Hear Alberta Rose Williams/Ingnuk discuss her practice and demonstrate beading techniques on a loom. Guests even have the opportunity to tour Alberta’s studio and experiment with techniques on a selection of looms.
eventbrite.ca

Taste of Calgary

August 8 – 11, 2019
Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free admission

Calgary’s festival of food and drink offers sensational samples from Calgary’s most interesting restaurants and beverage companies. There’s even live music so be sure to make a day of it.
tasteofcalgary.com

Inglewood Night Market

August 9, 2019, 5:00 – 11:00pm
Inglewood (9th Ave. & 10th St. SE)
Free admission

This market hosts over 50 local vendors selling diverse goods from handmade craftsmen items to vintage clothing, artisan eats, and more! You’ll also find singer-songwriters, bands, dancers, and other fun things to check out.
inglewoodnightmarket.ca

Artist Talk with Kablusiak

August 9, 2019, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free admission, registration recommended

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition of their work in both Qiniqtuaq and Among All These Tundras, hear Kablusiak discuss their artistic practice as a whole.
eventbrite.ca

Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival

August 9 – 11, 2019
North Glenmore Park (7305 Crowchild Tr. SW)
Free admission

On the water, teams participate in the 2,000-year-old traditional rowing sport. On land, spectators get to cheer them on while experiencing the music, dance, and food of China. The Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival draws over 1,850 competitors, 4,000 spectators, and an abundance of excitement and cultural experiences.
calgarydragonboatsociety.com

Chinese Traditional in the Square

August 10, 2019, 1:00 – 4:00pm
Celebration Square (4th St. & 7th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Head down to East Village’s beautiful plaza for the second instalment of Saturdays in C-Square featuring Musesica Trio and Harmony Guzheng Ensemble. All performances are weather permitting.
studiobell.ca

Art in the Garden

August 10 & 11, 2019, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Art in the Garden (3443 Kerry Park Rd. SW)
Free admission

Featuring work by Rosemary Bennett, Linda Lalonde, Fran Sayles, Gloria Chow, and guest artist Sharron Bowen, find framed and unframed paintings in many mediums as well as art cards, matted prints, and stained glass. Be sure to bring a donation for the Calgary Food Bank.
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Marda Gras

August 11, 2019, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Marda Loop (33rd & 34th Ave. SW)
Free admission

The Marda Gras Street Festival attracts some 35,000 people to Marda Loop for a fun-filled and family-friendly event that embraces the culture and cuisine of New Orleans.
mardagras.ca

Sunnyside Open Stage Tuesdays

August 13, 2019, 6:00 – 9:00pm
containR Art Park (1020 2nd Ave. NW)
Free admission

Every Tuesday throughout the summer, head to #SOSTuesdays for the Sunnyside Open Stage, hosted each week by Eugene Saunders and guests! Swing by to support local talent or share something yourself.
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