Free This Week
Looking for something fun (and free) to do in Calgary? There’s plenty to discover in this week’s lineup. Explore the influence of religious storytelling with Durga Kale at Nickle at Noon, attend the launch of Monica Kidd’s new novel, enjoy a Spring Community Night at Esker Foundation with family-friendly art activities and more!
Nickle at Noon: Durga Kale
March 20, 2025, 12 – 1pm
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (435 Campus Lane NW)
Free to attend
Durga Kale explores the power of religious storytelling in shaping South Asian port towns, drawing from medieval texts and ethnographic research. A cultural anthropologist and podcast host, she shares insights on making research more accessible and equitable. Check out her Nickle at Noon talk!
events.ucalgary.ca
Book Launch: The Crane
March 20, 2025, 7 – 8pm
The Plaza Theatre (1133 Kensington Rd. NW)
Free to explore
Calgary author Monica Kidd will be at the Plaza Theatre to launch her latest novel, The Crane, while fellow Breakwater author and Calgarian Rod Moody-Corbett will also read from his novel, Hide. Opening music provided by The Kennedy Brothers.
eventbrite.com
Candlelight Concerts: Tribute to Taylor Swift
March 21, 2025, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Library (800 3 St. SE)
Free to explore
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Calgary. Discover the music of Taylor Swift at Calgary Central Library under the gentle glow of candlelight.
calgarylibrary.ca
Spring Community Night
March 21, 2025, 6 – 8pm
Esker Foundation (4th Floor, 1011 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Join Esker Foundation for an evening of family-focused exhibition tours, fun in-gallery and art-making activities for kids and adults! Plus, refreshments provided by Lina’s Italian Piazza and Cafe Gravity and a special one-night only discount at The Bookshop at Esker.
eventbrite.ca
Artists’ Reception
March 22, 2025, 1pm
Rotary Park (617 1 St. NE)
Free to attend
Join in for an artists’ reception and celebrate the Crescent Heights Mini Galleries exhibition Beyond Making: Stories Crafted in Art. Featuring artists from Calgary’s largest makerspace, Fuse33, this exhibition celebrates craftsmanship, creativity and personal storytelling.
fuse33.com
Backstory Blue
March 22, 2025, 8pm
Congress Coffee (Suite 1A, 215 36 Ave. NE)
Free to attend
Formerly Side of Fries, Backstory Blue is a roots and blues band that smokes in the licks and harmonies departments. Don’t miss this free all-ages show at Congress Coffee!
congresscoffeeshop.com
Le Procès du Chien
March 22, 2025, 10am
Globe Cinema (617 8 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Le Franco Festival Calgary, in collaboration with Société CinéMAgine de l’Alberta, invites you to a special screening of Le Procès du Chien as part of their Film of the Month series. The film will be shown in French with English subtitles.
eventbrite.ca
Earth Hour Calgary
March 22, 2025, 6pm
Calgary Central Library (800 3 St. SE)
Free to attend
Celebrate Earth Hour with free family fun. There will be Indigenous performances, a chance to give items a second life with Repair Exchange Calgary, interactive booths, pedal power bikes and a dance party once all the lights go out at 8:30pm.
calgarylibrary.ca
Sky Narratives
March 25, 2025, 6 – 8pm
The Alcove Centre for the Arts (244 7 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Join the ASCN: Calgary Hub for an engaging workshop where participants will explore their connections to Calgary through storytelling and collaborative art. Guided by artist Pablo Muñoz, attendees will weave together personal narratives and creative expression to envision a more inclusive and connected city.
eventbrite.ca
Ruthie Purves Smith
March 26, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SW)
Free to attend
Ruthie Purves Smith delivers an adventure with her heartfelt original music, taking you to unexpected places and weaving stories that capture the depth and breadth of our times. Join ProArts for a close-up solo performance with Ruthie and her gems.
proartssociety.ca
Pass Me By: Lily Book Launch
March 26, 2025, 7pm
Shelf Life Books (100, 1302 4 St. SW)
Free to attend
Exploring family, loss, tragedy, identity and self-discovery, the third book in the award-winning Pass Me By series is Lily, a heartfelt tale about how our stories carry through time and how we come to terms with change. The event is hosted by Louie Fermor
auarts.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
