Free This Week
Immerse yourself in Calgary’s arts community on the cheap
- Price: Free
Spend a bit too much at the Grounds? Don’t worry. Calgary’s amazing arts scene has you covered for entertainment this week with free offerings including pancakes, concerts, markets, and more.
Here’s what we’re hitting up:
The Painted Windows Exhibition
Until July 15, 2017
Throughout Bridgeland-Riverside, East Village, and Victoria Park
Free
A twist on a Calgary tradition, Buds of Buds presents this very cool exhibition featuring a variety of artists’ work on local business owners’ windows. Expressing what Alberta culture and heritage means to each artist, take an afternoon to walk around and explore. You can even vote for your favourite one—the artist who painted the window with the most votes will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize. Other awards include a $1,000 Jury’s Selection and a $500 Celebrity’s Choice.
facebook.com
WILD: Fabricating a Frontier
Until July 15, 2017
Multiple locations
Free
Exploring interspecies relations, the intersectionality of the frontier, and feminist and Indigenous discourses, WILD: Fabricating a Frontier is presented by Contemporary Calgary in partnership with the Calgary Underground Film Festival and M:ST Performative Art Festival. An intensive 10-day festival, WILD features nightly performances, film screenings, and discussions by local, national, and international artists, filmmakers, curators, and writers, as well as an exhibition running until August 26 across three separate venues.
contemporarycalgary.com
Live Plein Air Painting
July 12, 2017, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Stephen Ave Mall outside of Scotia Centre (225 8th Ave. SW)
Free
Join the Stardale Women’s Group for its pop-up exploring the Indigenous culture of the Stardale girls. Enjoy Stampede and western themed art, and visit with the Stardale artists as they create original paintings on canvas.
stardale.org
ProArts@Noon Presents Charlie Hase & Craig Aikman
July 12, 2017, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free
Pedal steel guitar wizard Charlie Hase joins roots/rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter Craig Aikman to create Cha-Cra. Expect these two veteran musicians to perform experimental improvisations exploring the relationship between their two instruments in this free lunch hour concert.
proartssociety.ca
Fluor Rope Square
July 12 – 15, 2017
Olympic Plaza (228 8th Ave. SE)
Free
Join the Calgary Stampede Downtown Attractions Committee as it hosts visitors and Stampede fans alike in Fluor Rope Square. Every day starts with a bacon pancake served hot off a chuckwagon or smokie, followed by free activities including live entertainment, square dancing, clowns, horse drawn rig rides, and more.
calgarydowntown.com
Guided Walks of the Painted Windows Exhibition
July 13, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Meet at Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE)
Free
It’s your final chance to join Love Art in Calgary for this free guided walking tour of Buds of Buds’ Painted Windows Exhibition. It all starts in the East Village before heading to Bridgeland and Victoria Park. Be sure to download the Buds of Buds App, vote for your favourite window, and learn details about each artist and business.
facebook.com
EV Junction Pop-Up Retail Park
July 13 – 16, 2017
EV Junction (4th St. & 8th Ave. SE)
Free
Head to the East Village every Thursday through Sunday until October 1 and hit up the food trucks, live music, performances, pop-up art, and much more. This Thursday enjoy a performance from the Genevieve Phillips Duo, part of the Creative Living Room Series, and check out Junction Jams with BassBus Friday night.
evexperience.com
Calgary Turkish Festival
July 13 – 16, 2017
Eau Claire Festival Plaza (139 Barclay Parade SW)
Free
Get a taste of Turkish culture with art, folk dance, music, and gourmet food. Celebrating 10 years in 2017, visitors are invited to celebrate, learn, and savour Turkish hospitality, culture, heritage and cuisine.
calgaryturkishfestival.com
Genesis Centre’s Annual Stampede Breakfast
July 14, 2017, 9:00 – 11:00am
Genesis Centre (7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE)
Free, family-friendly
Food and fun for the whole family, head to the Genesis Centre for a morning of live country music, pony rides, showbands, and much more!
facebook.com
So You Didn’t Get Out of Town for Stampede
July 14, 2017, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Christine Klassen Gallery (200, 321 50th Ave SE)
Free
A quick glance of Blake Chorley’s black and white images could easily be misinterpreted as vintage photographs of the Canadian landscape, but closer inspection reveals much more at play. Explore this show alongside the annual group showcase CHROMA at Christine Klassen Gallery’s sixth annual So You Didn’t Get Out of Town for Stampede cocktail hour. An artist talk is scheduled for 6:00pm.
facbeook.com
#ideasforawall Opening Reception
July 14, 2017, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Illingworth Kerr Gallery, Alberta College of Art + Design (1407 14th Ave. NW)
Free
In response to the recent solicitation issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office Customs and Border Protection, the Illingworth Kerr Gallery is inviting artists to imagine a prototype wall structure to be placed “in the vicinity of the United States border with Mexico.” Artists were asked to reflect on the meaning and implications of this solicitation, and imagine possible alternative scenarios for the future of this wall.
acad.ca
Inglewood Night Market
July 14, 2017, 5:00 – 11:00pm
Inglewood (Between 9th Ave. & 10th St. SE)
Free
Back for July, head to Inglewood this Saturday for a leisurely stroll, shop, or nosh. With live music, artisans, food, and surprises to be had, there’s something for everyone at this fun bazaar.
facebook.com
First Annual Stampede Night Market
July 14, 2017, 5:00 – 11:00pm
Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free
Featuring local vendors, local eats, dancing, and much more, this market offers visitors and locals alike a chance to grab unique gifts this Stampede.
facebook.com
Master Class for Families
July 16, 2017, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential
Join the Esker Foundation for an afternoon of family fun and delve into new mediums with art projects that relate to the current exhibitions. This is an educational, energetic, hands-on program for kids aged five to 10 years old. An adult is required to stay for the duration of the workshop. All materials will be provided.
eventbrite.ca
