Free This Week
From artist talks, to open mics, to winter festivals, this week’s lineup has something for every kind of culture lover. Catch artist talks at Nickle Galleries, get jazzy with the David Lavoie Quartet at Congress Coffee or kick off winter fun with Chinook Blast’s opening weekend (read our full Chinook Blast preview). Plus more in the roundup below!
Nickle@Noon – Kristine Zingeler: In The Balance
January 29, 2026, 12 – 1pm
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (435 Campus Lane NW)
Free to attend
Artist Kristine Zingeler discusses her ceramic work inspired by wasps, and how motherhood and observation of the natural world shape her practice. The talk offers insight into the vessels on view for her exhibition in Esker Foundation’s Project Space and Zingeler’s interdisciplinary approach to art.
events.ucalgary.ca
Marigold Santos: Fragments Gathered (Artist Talk)
January 29, 2026, 6 – 7:30pm
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (435 Campus Lane NW)
Free to attend
Interdisciplinary artist Marigold Santos explores heritage, cultural identity, folklore, motherhood and decolonization through painting, sculpture, tattoo and sound, embracing multiplicity shaped by diasporic experience.
events.ucalgary.ca
Speak Up!
January 29, 2026, 5:30 – 7pm
San K Tjuri Buks, Marlborough Mall (3800 Memorial Dr. NE)
Free to attend
Speak Up! returns with an open mic for all to share, featuring Calgary-based mixed Vietnamese Canadian nonbinary artist Vĩ. Their work explores queer, refugee and intersecting identities through poetry, dance, cosplay and more.
instagram.com
Vessels Closing Reception
January 30, 2026, 6 – 9pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4 St. NE)
Free to attend
Join Wasakamapiwak Collective for a closing gathering and group discussion for their group residency, offering an opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their creative processes, experiences and the stories behind their work
sparrowartspace.com
David Lavoie Quartet
January 30, 2026, 8 – 10pm
Congress Coffee (1A, 215 36 Ave. NE)
Free to attend
Don’t miss a free show with this incredible jazz quartet, featuring David Lavoie (trumpet, EVI), Joanna Borromeo (keys), Adam Pettigrew (upright bass) and Nate Chiang (drums)!
congresscoffeeshop.com
Archival Animals: Photos from the Lougheed Family Album
Opens January 30, 2026
Lougheed House (707 13 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Explore a charming outdoor photo exhibit featuring the Lougheed family’s beloved animal companions, on display as part of the Exposure Photography Festival. Viewable during daylight hours in the Lougheed House green space, with pets welcome.
lougheedhouse.com
Chinook Blast — Weekend One
January 30 – February 1, 2026
Eau Claire Plaza (101 Barclay Parade SW)
Free to attend
Chinook Blast brings three weekends of free winter programming to downtown Calgary from January 30 to February 16. Expect public art, live performances, outdoor skating and rotating markets at Eau Claire Plaza and beyond.
chinookblast.ca
ProArts@Noon: Early Music Voices
February 4, 2026, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
Early Music Voices presents concerts from Bach’s time and before, performed by specialists in early music from Calgary and around the world.
proartssociety.ca
An Evening with Carmen Maria Machado
February 4, 2026, 7:30pm
Flanagan Theatre, The GRAND (608 1st St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Join in An Evening with Carmen Maria Machado, the Calgary Distinguished Writers Program 2025-2026 Distinguished Visiting Writer. Featuring a reading and talk, an in-conversation with Dr. Joshua Whitehead, Q&A, book sale and signing.
events.ucalgary.ca
East Village Live: Vintage Night Market
February 4, 2026, 4 – 9pm
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (750 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Kicking off the East End Cold Spell winter festival, the East Village Vintage Night Market is a curated evening of local vendors, retro fashion and one-of-a-kind finds. Each weekend of the festival brings a fresh fashion moment.
evexperience.com
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
