Free This Week
From insightful art talks to hands-on workshops and live performances, Calgary’s creative scene is thriving this spring. Make monster puppets with your family at Sparrow Artspace, check out artist John Will’s latest exhibition at Norberg Hall or discover emerging voices at the first ever Speak Up open mic.
Read on for more free events!
I Dream In Shapes And Shadows II
Until March 31, 2025
Nvrlnd Boutique (1048 21 Ave. SE)
Free to explore
I Dream in Shapes and Shadows II is a visual art exhibition inspired by local scenery that combines intricate paper sculptures with their shadows. Visitors are encouraged to become part of the interactive story featured throughout March. The exhibition is part of the Festival of Animated Objects.
dreaminshapesandshadows.com
Nickle at Noon: Dick Averns and Kim Geraldi
March 27, 2025, 12 – 1pm
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (435 Campus Lane NW)
Free to attend
In this Nickle at Noon talk, Dick Averns and Kim Geraldi discuss their exhibition Propaganda: Harbingers For Today, and how Second World War propaganda shaped Canada in a global context, catalyzing expansive development of the nation during the 1920s and ’30s, raising topical questions that are still pertinent today.
events.ucalgary.ca
John Will | As Good As Gold — Opening Reception
March 27, 2025, 5 – 7pm
Norberg Hall (333b 36 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
John Will, a painter, printmaker and performance artist for over 60 years, is a trickster and wordsmith exploring his origins. His satirical, text-based works reconstruct language fragments into profound, sometimes uncomfortable interpretations. Check out his latest exhibition!
norberghall.com
Speak Up
March 27, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30pm (open mic sign-up 5:30-6pm)
San Tjuri Buks, Marlborough Mall (3800 Memorial Dr. NE)
Free to attend
Speak Up is a new monthly spoken word open mic night for emerging and experienced poets of all ages. The inaugural event features spoken word artist aloT of Poetry. Sponsored by The Writers’ Guild of Alberta in partnership with Sankturji Buks.
instagram.com
India Film Week
March 28 – 30, 2025, see website for showtimes
Globe Cinema (617 8 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Check out free Indian film screenings as part of India Film Week! Don’t miss hits like Hellaro, ZNMD, English Vinglish & more! Presented by the Consulate General of India and the Edmonton Movie Club!
ticketspi.com
Christine Pedersen
March 28, 2025, 7 – 8:30pm
North Mount Pleasant Art Centre (523 27 Ave. NW)
Free to explore
Join North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre for a night with Calgary-based artist Christine Pedersen. Working in metal and clay, she creates smaller-scale, one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces as well as public artworks. Through her work, she explores social ideas that capture her attention.
facebook.com
Courage Journey for Kids
March 29, 2025, 9:30am – 12pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4 St. NE)
Free to attend, registration required
Inspired by Anna Llenas’ The Colour Monster, families will create their own colour monster puppets and explore how emotions take shape. In a fun and creative session, you’ll bring our puppets to life through movement, storytelling and shared imagination.
events.humanitix.com
Vintage Collectibles and World Textile Sale
March 29, 2025, 10am – 3pm
Inglewood Community Association (1740 24 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Discover a curated selection of vintage collectibles, ethnic fabrics, jewelry, artwork, comics and glass at this unique multi-vendor market. Enjoy a day of shopping, free admission and on-site parking while exploring one-of-a-kind treasures!
facebook.com
Efflorescence/The Way We Wake — Exhibition Tour
March 29, 2025, 5 – 6pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Check out an interpretive tour of Rajni Perera & Marigold Santos: Efflorescence/The Way We Wake, led by Dianne Miranda. Drawing on their experience as a Filipinx Calgarian and sharing personal insights into the work, Miranda will connect both artists’ practices and experiences.
contemporarycalgary.com
Contemporary Kids: Hummingbirds, Homes & Journeys
March 30, 2025, 1 & 3pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Join Contemporary Calgary for a kids’ workshop inspired by the exhibition Hummingbird Guided Meditation, where children (ages 5-12) create papier-mâché nests and explore the migration journey of hummingbirds. This hands-on program encourages imagination and learning through engaging art activities.
contemporarycalgary.com
Can You Hear Me Now?
April 1, 2025, 7pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4 St. SW)
Free to attend
Can You Hear Me Now? is excited to be hosting an in-person monthly poetry event! Join them for this poetry open mic and slam. All ages and poetry styles are welcome, sign-up will be on arrival the night of the event.
shelflifebooks.ca
Derek Chiu with Kevin A. Lefohn
April 2, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SW)
Free to attend
Experience the beauty of Beethoven’s Spring Sonata and Dvořák’s Romance in F minor in a captivating performance by violinist Kevin A. Lefohn and pianist Derek Zhi Guang Chiu. This special noon-hour concert showcases their refined collaboration, blending technical mastery with expressive artistry.
proartssociety.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
