Free This Week
Get your fill of arts and culture as we head into November! Hear stories from Captain Sheldon Smith on Canadian cavalry during the First World War, explore spooky family fun at Creatures of cSPACE, celebrate heritage and culture at Casa México’s Day of the Dead festivities, and lots more!
Nickle@Noon: Captain Sheldon Smith
October 30, 2025, 12 – 1pm
Nickle Galleries, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free to attend
At this talk, Captain Sheldon Smith offers a rare glimpse into the lives of Canadian cavalry during the First World War, revealing their endurance through modern warfare fought with old-world methods. Hear untold personal stories and striking new statistics from the front lines of France and Belgium.
events.ucalgary.ca
Creatures of cSPACE: October Showcase
October 30, 2025, 6 – 8pm
cSPACE Marda Loop (1721 29 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
This October, the halls of cSPACE Marda Loop awaken with creatures. Head over there for free all-ages fun featuring ghost tours, art activities, all-levels dance class, trick-or-treating and more!
eventbrite.ca
Jam Session featuring Natalia Chai
October 30, 2025, 7 – 9pm
Alcove Centre for the Arts (244 7 Ave. SW)
Free to attend/participate
Alcove’s Thursday Night Jam Session is a welcoming space for musicians, poets, singers and attendees to play non-stop music with one another in an open circle, “living room” setting! Even if you don’t jam, you can get crafty during the show with access to a variety of art supplies.
alcoveartscentre.ca
Halloween Spooktacular
October 31, 2025, 9am – 5pm (South Market) & 9am – 7pm (West Market)
Calgary Farmers’ Market (West & South)
Free to attend
Celebrate Halloween at the Calgary Farmers’ Market with a day full of family fun! Enjoy trick-or-treating, live entertainment, kids’ crafts and a vendor pumpkin-carving competition that captures the spirit of community creativity and spooky delight.
calgaryfarmersmarket.ca
A Christmas Artisan Fair
November 1, 2025, 10am – 4pm
Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association (5600 Centre St. N)
Free to explore
Join the members of the Calgary Rock & Lapidary Club as they showcase local handmade arts and crafts for sale. If you enjoy handmade jewellery, sculpture, paintings, rocks and stones for healing and more, this is your show!
crlc.ca
Fall Fine Art Show & Sale
November 1, 2025, 10am – 4pm
McKenzie Lake Community Hall (16198 McKenzie Lake Way SE)
Free to explore
Discover the work of over a dozen local artists at the Passionate Painters Art Show, featuring a vibrant mix of styles from realism to abstraction. Explore floral, landscape, still life and wildlife pieces created by a talented collective of professional artists.
passionatepainters.ca
Group Art Society’s Fall Show & Sale
November 1, 2025, 10am – 4pm
Parkdale United Church (2919 8 Ave. NW)
Free to explore
The Group Art Society of Calgary presents its Fall Show and Sale, featuring original paintings in a variety of styles, mediums, sizes and prices. Browse the works, meet the artists and enter to win a door prize!
facebook.com
Day of the Dead Festival
November 1 & 2, 2025 (see website for schedule)
Various venues
Free to attend
Celebrate heritage and remembrance at Día de Muertos 2025, hosted by Casa México. Experience traditional ofrendas, art exhibits, storytelling, culinary tastings, a Catrinas parade and a gala dinner honouring Mexican culture and memory.
casamexico.ca
Springbank Christmas Market
November 1 & 2, 2025, 11am – 5pm
Springbank Community High School (32226 Springbank Rd.)
Free to explore
Enjoy a Christmas Market showcasing art, handmade gifts, baking, woodworking, quilting and more. It’s the perfect opportunity for some early holiday shopping and festive fun!
facebook.com
Christmas Pottery Market
November 2, 2025, 10am – 4pm
Triwood Community Hall (2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW)
Free to explore
Explore beautiful, handmade ceramics at the Mount Pleasant Potters’ Guild’s Annual Christmas Pottery Market. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts ranging from delicate and whimsical to bold and functional, all crafted with care by local artists who love working with clay.
calgarypottery.com
Songs From This and That Country — Book Signing
November 2, 2025, 1 – 3pm
Owl’s Nest Books (815A 49 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Join author Gail Sidonie-Sobat for a signing of Songs From This and That Country, an intergenerational tale blending history, myth and family drama. Spanning centuries, it explores identity, conflict and the echoes of war through the eyes of a Serb-Canadian opera singer.
owlsnestbooks.com
Carl Janzen (Solo Guitar)
November 4, 2025, 11am – 1pm
Servus Credit Union Inglewood (1328 9 Ave. SE)
Free to attend
A versatile guitarist celebrated for his mastery across genres, Carl Janzen brings over 15 years of professional experience to the stage. From rock and jazz to folk, country and bluegrass, his solo guitar work promises rich musical storytelling during this free JazzYYC Canadian Festival performance.
jazzyyc.com
Ship Hop Fall Showcase
November 5, 2025, 8pm
The Ship & Anchor (534 17 Ave. SW)
Free to attend
Ship Hop highlights upcoming Calgary acts and provides a platform for those who want to sharpen their pen through open mic or test their freestyle skills during our rap games and cypher. This month’s featured artists are Nick Wise, Kindé and Tanajah (NYC).
facebook.com
ProArts@Noon: Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artists
November 5, 2025, 12:10 – 1pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1 St. SE)
Free to attend
The next generation of Canadian opera stars perform operatic arias full of passion, pathos and pizzaz! A not-to-miss event showcasing the very best of emerging Canadian opera talent.
proartssociety.ca
Have a free event that’s not listed? Email us at events@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or fill out this form.
