Free This Week
From art openings to late-night markets and local poetry, get out there and explore what’s on offer in Calgary’s arts scene this week. Check out a vibrant afternoon of Indigenous music and art at The River is Medicine, browse artist-made goods at Shoppers Art Mart, or settle in for powerful poetry at Single Onion #211, plus more!
Flavours & Finds Night Market
May 15, 2025, 6 – 10pm
Studio Theatre, cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Shop, snack and celebrate local with a curated lineup of vendors offering art, handmade goods and one-of-a-kind gifts. Enjoy refreshments, live demos and a cozy, vibe-filled atmosphere designed for lingering.
eventbrite.ca
Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story
May 15, 2025, 6:30 – 9pm
Contemporary Calgary (701 11 St. SW)
Free to attend
Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story explores the legacy of Sister Nancy, the woman behind the iconic reggae anthem Bam Bam, through electrifying tour footage, rare archives and artist interviews. Join Contemporary Calgary for this documentary screening!
contemporarycalgary.com
Single Onion #211
May 15, 2025, 7pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4 St. SW)
Free to attend
The Single Onion is Calgary’s longest-running poetry reading series. Join them as they present four great poets for their May event: Nikki Sheppy, Jaspreet Singh, Sarain Frank Soonias and Kevin Stebner.
shelflifebooks.ca
Shoppers Art Mart
May 15 – 17, 2025, 10am – 6pm
The New Gallery (208 Centre St. S)
Free to explore
Head down to Shoppers Art Mart to find a joyful jumble of prints, artist editions, stickers, publications, apparel and more! At Shoppers, shopping isn’t just shopping — it’s supporting the arts, funding creativity and snagging some seriously cool stuff at the same time.
thenewgallery.org
The River is Medicine
May 16, 2025, 1:30 – 3:30pm
The Bounce Outdoor Basketball Court (439 8 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
The River is Medicine is a community event presented by Creator’s Path, hosted by East Village, with sound provided by BUMP Festival. This celebration marks the beginning of Alex Kwong’s upcoming murals along the river in East Village, honouring the river’s deep significance in Indigenous culture.
evexperience.eventcalendarapp.com
Dia del Niño Festival
May 17, 2025, 10am – 1pm
CASA Mexico, cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Join Casa Mexico for Día del Niño at Casa Mexico! Celebrate kids and families with a fun-filled morning of music, games, crafts and performances. Free and open to all!
casamexico.ca
Kípaitápiiyssinnooni (Our Way of Life) Grand Opening
May 17, 2025, 1 – 5pm
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (750 9 Ave SE)
Free to attend
Check out this defining new permanent exhibit at The Confluence! More than 50 Blackfoot Elders, Knowledge Keepers and artists contributed to the exhibit, which brings together contemporary art and traditional practice in honour of Blackfoot life and harmony with all living things and the universe.
theconfluence.ca
Asian Heritage Month in Chinatown
May 17 & 18, 2025
Sien Lok Park, Chinatown (Riverfront Ave. & 1 St. SW)
Free to attend
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month this May with a full lineup of cultural experiences every weekend in Calgary’s Chinatown. From free morning Tai Chi and guided tours to Mahjong in historic Tong buildings, Chinese language lessons and more!
yycchinatown.com
Hong Kong Journey of Time — Bun Festival
May 17 & 18, 2025, 11am – 7pm
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1 St. SW)
Free to attend
Experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Hong Kong with a 16-foot real bun tower, live music, and nostalgic street snacks. Don’t miss photo zones, handcrafted exhibitions, a parade and lots more fun!
hkersac.ca
Irish Cultural Society of Calgary Choir
May 21, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SW)
Free to attend
The ProArts@Noon Concert Series presents The Irish Cultural Society Choir, which performs and entertains at various venues in and around Calgary. Join them as they share their Celtic heritage at this noon-hour concert!
proartssociety.ca
Embraced by Mystery of the Sun
May 21, 2025: Workshop 12 – 3pm, Opening 4 – 8pm
NVRLND. Arts Foundation (1048 21 Ave. SE)
Free to attend/participate, registration required for workshop
Alagir Art Academy presents an inspiring exhibition featuring 13 students and their works alongside their mentor, international artist Yuliya Alagir. In the afternoon, check out a free masterclass workshop with Alagir on creating textured surfaces, and in the evening, attend the opening.
alagirart.com
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
