Free This Week
- Price: Free
This week’s roundup of free finds you won’t want to miss includes the moving documentary We Were Taken, the launch celebration for Esker Foundation’s Spring/Summer exhibitions, handmade treasures at a variety of outdoor markets, plus plenty more!
Piano Project YYC
May 22, 2025, 12pm
Fifth Avenue Place (420 2 St. SW)
Free to attend
Take a mid-day break with a dynamic lunchtime performance as Honens’ Artistic Director Jon Kimura Parker brings world-class piano music directly to you during this free pop-up concert!
honens.com
We Were Taken — Documentary Screening
May 22, 2025, 7 – 9pm
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (750 9 Ave. SE)Fifth Avenue Place | 420 Second Street SW
Free to attend, registration required
Join John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights and the Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society for a special screening of We Were Taken: Director’s Cut, a powerful documentary capturing the healing journeys of Sixties Scoop survivors during a 2023 gathering in Kananaskis.
eventbrite.ca
Spring/Summer Exhibitions Launch
May 23, 2025, 6 – 9pm
Esker Foundation (4th floor, 1011 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
Join Esker Foundation to celebrate the launch of its Spring/Summer exhibitions by Caroline Monnet and Babak Golkar, with Megan Feniak’s With All Our Vernal Suns in the Project Space until June 8. Enjoy treats from Lina’s Italian and drinks from local providers as you take in the exhibitions.
eskerfoundation.com
Little Wonders Festival
May 23 & 24, 2025, 9 & 11am
Martha Cohen Rehearsal Hall (215 8 Ave. SE)
Free to attend, registration required
Little Wonders Festival invites curious kids (ages 1 – 6) and their families to a joyful day of creativity, storytelling and play. In collaboration with UCalgary’s School of Creative and Performing Arts, this hands-on event sparks imagination through art and interactive experiences.
artscommons.ca
Foundation to Future Opening Weekend
May 23 – 25, 2025, times vary
Lougheed House (707 13 Ave. SW)
Free to explore, registration required
Celebrate the opening of Foundation to Future, a new core exhibition at Lougheed House that explores the building’s rich history and its evolving role in Alberta. Join a weekend of special events, including a launch party, behind-the-scenes tour and expert panel discussion.
lougheedhouse.com
Unveiling of Mandala Reflections
May 24, 2025, 2pm
Green space by Columbus Manor (McDougall Rd. & 12 St. NE)
Free to attend
Don’t miss the unveiling of the Mandala Reflections Art Installation! Celebrate community, creativity and connection as you witness stunning collaborative artwork and hear from the artist.
eventbrite.com
Dalhousie Spring Into Summer Farmers’ Market
May 24, 2025, 10am – 3pm
Dalhousie Community Association (5432 Dalhart Rd. NW)
Free to explore
Find over 28 vendors with products ranging from fruits and vegetables, local specialties, art, jewelry, crochet and so much more!
dalhousiecalgary.ca
Farmers and Makers Market
May 24, 2025, 10am – 2pm
cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to explore
Discover local art, live music, artisanal foods, fresh produce and hands-on activities at the Farmers & Makers Market. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of community and creativity.
farmersmakersmarket.ca
InglewooDIY Every Nook & Cranny Makers Market
May 24, 2025, 11am – 4pm
Inglewood (923 9 Ave. SE)
Free to explore
Discover unique treasures at the InglewooDIY Every Nook & Cranny Makers Market, featuring handmade goods, art and treats by local artisans. Join them for a fun-filled day of shopping, creativity and community spirit.
facebook.com
Strings Attached — Artist Reception
May 24, 2025, 11am – 4pm
Alberta Craft Calgary, cSPACE Marda Loop (2nd floor, 1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Join Alberta Craft Gallery and artist Tyler Sambo for the opening of his SPOTLIGHT exhibition, Strings Attached, a tribute to the art of handcrafted electric guitars. Each piece tells a story of sustainability and creativity, built from materials reclaimed or diverted from local waste streams.
facebook.com
Asian Heritage Month in Chinatown
May 24 & 25, 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
Asian Creatives YYC Showcase & Market
May 25, 2025, 11am – 4pm
Festival Hall (1215 10 Ave. SE)
Free to attend/explore
Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with a vibrant showcase and market featuring local Asian artists across illustration, craft, film, animation, music and more. Enjoy a day-long screening of short films and shop unique works directly from Calgary’s Asian creatives.
asiancreativesyyc.carrd.co
Flower Power: Poster Exhibition & Artist Flea Market
May 25, 2025, 11am – 4pm
Burnt Toast Studio (Bay 5, 215 36 Ave. NE)
Free to explore
Join Burnt Toast Studio for Flower Power! Their poster exhibition showcases the incredible talents of emerging artists and designers, while the Artist Flea Market invites you to discover and support local artists selling their original artwork, handmade goods and creative supplies.
burnttoaststudio.com
Dave’s Big Art Show #5
May 25, 2025, 11am – 5pm
Westgate Community Association (4943 8 Ave. SW)
Free to explore
Check out a fantastic display of creativity! Explore a variety of artworks from talented artists. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this event is perfect for everyone. Mark your calendars and be part of this exciting art extravaganza!
clawanddagger.com
Calgary Civic Symphony’s Rising Stars
May 28, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
Get ready to be inspired by the future of classical music at this special lunch-hour showcase of four outstanding young pianists who are winners and runners-up of the Rotary Calgary Concerto Competition!
proartssociety.ca
U/D Night Market
May 28, 2025, 5 – 9pm
Central Commons Park, University District (4410 University Ave. NW)
Free to explore
University District kicks off its Summer U/D Night Markets with over 35 local artisan vendors, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Groove to sounds by Southwest Electric, Duke Domino, Joash Charles, plus The Jason Circus Variety Show at this free outdoor event.
myuniversitydistrict.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
