Free This Week
Exciting exhibitions, intimate concerts and hands-on workshops has this week brimming with ways to experience creativity. Celebrate Asian Heritage Month, create zines in 500 Collective’s workshop, get lost in wax and pigment at Len Collins’ exhibition, journey through baroque soundscapes with String Theory Music Collective, and more!
CanAsian Arts On the Move
May 8, 2025, 6 – 8pm
Como Se Dice Studios (110 3 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
CanAsian Arts on the Move is a national showcase celebrating Asian artists with live-streamed performances and Q&As from five cities during Asian Heritage Month. Calgary’s free in-person event features a projection installation by Jose Macasinag, with food and drinks from Chinatown.
amaas.ca
State of Art YYC Fine Art Show
May 9, 2025 from 6 – 9pm, and May 10, 2025, 10am – 4pm
Strathcona Community Centre (277 Strathcona Dr. SW)
Free to explore
A fine art show featuring local artists, showcasing all new artworks that will be for sale. Find paintings, jewelry, glassworks, sculpture and more! Free admission and free parking.
stateofartyyc.com
Baroque Odyssey Pop-Up Concerts
May 9 – 11, 2025
Calgary Central Library, YMCA Seton & YMCA Rocky Ridge
Free to attend
Baroque Odyssey is a multimedia journey through time and space featuring live music performed by Calgary’s visionary Baroque ensemble, String Theory Music Collective. This family-friendly, 30-minute concert celebrates the curious mind and explores connections between history, music, art and science.
stringtheorymusiccollective.com
ESCAPE | Life Happens. Art Heals.
May 9 – 11, 2025
Nvrlnd Boutique (1048 21 Ave. SE)
Free to explore
Don’t miss this deeply personal exhibition by Len Collins, marking a decade of healing through creativity. Through bold textures and quiet moments in wax and pigment, this show invites you to step away from the noise, connect with emotion and experience the transformative power of art.
nvrlnd.ca
Robin Arseneault | If I is a monster, so be it — Opening Reception
May 9, 2025, 5 – 7pm
Norberg Hall (333b 36 Ave. SE)
Free to explore
Robin Arseneault’s work explores the space between failure, discomfort and humour using a wide range of materials. Through bold shapes and playful references to the body, she creates pieces that are both emotional and tactile. Check out the opening of her latest exhibition!
norberghall.com
Painters Spring Art Show & Sale
May 10, 2025, 10am – 4pm
McKenzie Lake Community Centre (16198 McKenzie Lake Way SE)
Free to explore
The Passionate Painters Art Group features 12 Calgary artists presenting a variety of styles and mediums. Make sure to check out their work at the group’s annual Spring Art Show and Sale!
passionatepainters.ca
Zine Workshop
May 10, 2025, 12 – 3pm
500 Collective (Suite 500, 321 50 Ave. SE)
Free to participate, registration required
In this three-hour workshop with 500 Collective, learn about the history of zines, self-publishing and the resurgence of zines as “art objects.” Whether you’re a seasoned zine-maker or a complete newbie, this workshop is for you! Materials are provided.
eventbrite.ca
The New Age of Choral Music
May 10, 2025, 7 – 9:30pm
Parkdale United Church (2919 8 Ave. NW)
Free to attend
Vocal Latitudes World Music Choir presents The New Age of Choral Music with Director Krishan Power and pianist Faye White and Buchanan Children’s Choir. Hear new arrangements of Indigenous music, classical, gospel and Canadian folk songs to awaken spring!
vocalatitudes.org
Asian Heritage Month in Chinatown
May 10 & 11, 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
Art of Mother Earth Nature Workshop
May 11, 2025, 1 – 4pm
Sparrow Artspace (36 4 St. NE)
Free to participate, registration required
Celebrate Mother’s Day by reconnecting with the Earth through creativity and community. Guided by Lesia T. Bear, The Art of Mother Earth Workshop invites you on a journey to honour both Mother Earth and the mothers in our lives (past and present).
sparrowartspace.com
Film “Noire”
May 12, 2025, 6 – 10pm
Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers (Suite 100, 1725 10 Ave. SW)
Free to attend, registration required
Join CSIF for a screening of Film “Noire,” a 1960s Senegalese film, as part of the society’s International Flavour series. The screening is followed by discussion of the film’s historical and cultural impact.
csif.org
Jon McCaslin Jazz Trio
May 14, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SW)
Free to attend
Jazz drummer and composer Jon McCaslin presents his latest trio project featuring Aaron Shorr (guitar) and Jeff Gammon (bass). This group will perform McCaslin’s original compositions, works by his favourite jazz composers and pieces from the American songbook.
proartssociety.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
