Free This Week

Literary arts shine with launches and readings

  • Price: Free

With tons of free events taking place this week, there is something for everyone. But it’s the literary arts that take the spotlight with special readings, launches, and more.

Here’s what we’re checking out this week:

Marda Loop Justice Film Fest

Until November 18, 2018
Multiple locations
Free

This festival is all about film with a social edge. Screenings include post-show discussions with local and international artists and experts, as well as opportunities to interact and connect with community.
justicefilmfestival.ca

ProArts Presents Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program Ensemble

November 14, 2018, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free admission

In the first of three programs at Pro Arts this season, join Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program Ensemble for a performance of engaging arias and comic ensembles. Experience the intrigues of young lovers, the wiles of heroes and heroines, and some good-humoured vocal fun.
proartssociety.ca

As Long As the Sun Shines

November 15, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Mohawk/Tuscarora poet and spoken word artist Janet Rogers brings her sixth poetry collection As Long As the Sun Shines to Calgary’s coolest literary spot for its local launch. Enjoy an evening of relaxed poetic offerings and performed poems.
facebook.com

Single Onion #154

November 15, 2018, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission

The Single Onion’s November event features readings from Jenna Butler, Weyman Chan, Laurie Anne Fuhr, and Joshua Whitehead, so trust us when we say you won’t want to miss it!
facebook.com

Poster for Single Onion #154

E-Gré Winner’s Tour

November 16, 2018, 12:00pm
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary (206 University Court NW)
Free admission

Violinist Amy Hillis, winner of the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, performs with pianist Katherine Dowling as part of the E-Gré Winner’s Tour. This free concert highlights Canadian music and includes a composition by MMus’15 alumna Carmen Braden.
arts.ucalgary.ca

Christmas Launch & Open House

November 16, 2018, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Lougheed House (707 13th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Launch your Christmas season with a free party at the most festive mansion in town! It’s your first chance to see how six of Calgary’s best interior designers have decorated the Lougheed House. The evening includes carolers, Christmas-themed family games and activities, a cash bar, a silent auction, and shopping opportunities.
christmas.lougheedhouse.com

Contextural Fibre Arts Cooperative Christmas Artisan Sale

November 16 & 17, 2018
Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 8th St. SW)
Free admission

A textile-focused sale providing the opportunity to meet the artists and makers of silk-screened, EcoPrinted and hand-dyed scarves, pillows and bags, and art pieces, swing by and grab something for someone special.
contextural.ca

17 Ave SE Street Party

November 17, 2018, 12:00 – 2:00pm
International Avenue (Between 31st St. & 32nd St. of 17th Ave. SE)
Free admission

Unveiling the new look of 17th Ave. SE, join the International Avenue BRZ for this fun block party featuring buskers, mascots, music, and more.
facebook.com

Exploring Oil Sands History

November 17, 2018, 2:00 – 4:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free admission

Head to Shelf Life Books for this reading and discussion with authors Chris Turner and David Martin. Turner’s latest book, The Patch: The People, Pipelines and Politics of the Oil Sands, was the winner of 2018 National Business Book Award, and David Martin’s debut poetry collection, Tar Swan, was awarded the CBC Poetry Prize.
facebook.com

Poster for Exploring Oil Sands History at Shelf Life Books

Handmade Here Holiday Show & Sale

November 17 & 18, 2018, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Triwood Community Hall (2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW)
Free admission

A boutique group sale, Handmade Here returns for its 14th year and features 25 local artists and craftspeople. Look for creations in diverse mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, fibre and textiles, blown glass, fused glass, wood, jewelry, ceramics, and more.
handmadehere.ca

Bee Kingdom Holiday Glass Sale

November 17 & 18, 2018, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Bee Kingdom (427 22nd Ave. NW)
Free admission

Visit Bee Kingdom’s glassblowing studio and let them amaze you with live demonstrations. You can even shop from a great variety of glassworks that are perfectly suited for meaningful, holiday gifts. Discover scotch and wine glasses, super colourful Christmas ornaments, whimsical bowls and vases, unique art glass, and much more.
facebook.com

Chamber Music

November 19, 2018, 12:00pm
Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary (206 University Court NW)
Free admission

The Chamber Music Program at the University of Calgary offers a rich experience for qualified performers regardless of instrument. You can get a taste at this free lunch hour concert featuring graduate and undergraduate performers.
arts.ucalgary.ca

Big Secret Book Launch

November 20, 2018, 6:00 – 7:30pm
Mikey’s on 12th (918 12th Ave. SW)
Free admission

Join One Yellow Rabbit’s own Denise Clarke as she launches her new book, The Big Secret Book: An Intense Guide for Creating Performance Theatre. The evening includes a book signing, snacks, pop-up entertainment, and more.
facebook.com

An Evening with Amitav Ghosh

November 20, 2018, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
MacEwan Ballroom, University of Calgary (402 Collegiate Blvd. NW)
Free, registration required

The Calgary Distinguished Writers Program’s 25th anniversary celebrations continue with its annual Distinguished Visiting Writer event, featuring Amitav Ghosh. Hear Ghosh give a public reading, followed by a book-signing.
eventbrite.ca