Free This Week

From festivals to museums, this week is packed with great free events

  • Price: Free

Does anyone else feel like the year is flying? It’s November already and our city is exploding at the seams with amazing free events. Here’s what we’re checking out this week:

Intersite Visual Arts Festival

November 2 – 5, 2016
Multiple locations
Free

Intersite Visual Arts Festival actively engages an unsuspecting public for surprising contemporary art events. Advocating for contemporary art practices through the decentralized presentation of visual art outside of the traditional gallery setting, a number of unique sites have been set up around Calgary including the main foyer of Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, and the Memorial Park Library.
intersite.tumblr.com

ProArts Presents Deborah Nyack, Harp Angel

November 2, 2016, 12:10pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free

With beginnings at Carnegie Hall to London’s Royal Opera House and many other worldwide venues, Harp Angel has received rave reviews for her mastery technique, depth of expression, and extraordinary improvisational capabilities as a solo harpist. Hear her perform at this free lunch hour concert.
proartssociety.ca

Lifelong Learners

November 2, 2016, 2:30 – 3:15pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

On the first Wednesday of every month, seniors are invited to join the Esker Foundation for a tour and discussion of the current exhibitions. Explore new ideas and engage creatively with arts and culture.
eskerfoundation.ca

Where the Truth Lies

November 2, 2016, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free

Join Shelf Life Books for the launch of Where the Truth Lies – Collected Essays by Rudy Wiebe. Bringing together 40 years of essays and speeches that Wiebe has crafted, he provides a look behind the curtain, revealing his thought processes as he worked on many of his great books.
facebook.com

Mini Masters

November 3, 2016 11:00 – 11:45am
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration essential

Calling Calgary’s newest contemporaries! Join the Esker Foundation on the first Thursday of every month for a hands-on art class. Parents and guardians are invited to bring their little ones, ages 2 to 5, to explore art making in this fun and social program. All are welcome to participate, just dress for mess!
eskerfoundation.com

Free First Thursday Nights

November 3, 2016, 5:00 – 9:00pm
Glenbow (130 9th Ave. SE)
Free

So many new exhibits, so little time! Take advantage of this month’s Free First Thursday at Glenbow to see the new sights including the amazing look at the Beaver Hall Group in 1920s Modernism in Montreal.
glenbow.org

SelfLove365

November 3, 2016, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Loft 112 (112, 535 8th Ave. SE)
Free

Belinda Fireman’s original paintings are characterized by inspiration, colour, fun and vulnerability. SelfLove365 is inspired by portraits of people in Fireman’s life, surrounded by the writings of her vulnerable and relatable thoughts. Through the month of November, her images and words will be on exhibit at Calgary’s Loft 112, presented by FosterMAK, and you can join them for this artist reception.
fostermak.com

Experience Inclusion: Artist Studio Portrait Exhibition

November 3, 2016, 6:30 – 8:30pm
In-Definite Arts Society (8038 Fairmount Dr. SE)
Free

Stemming from an annual City of Calgary initiative to help build an inclusive workplace and promote diversity, see portraits produced by City employees and In-Definite Arts artists. Celebrate this unique paring at the reception this week. Light refreshments will be provided.
indefinitearts.com

Literary Double Header: Rea Tarvydas and Beth Everest

November 3, 2016, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free

Join Shelf Life Books for a double book reading by two Calgary-based writers—Beth Everest and Rea Tarvydas.
facebook.com

Bring The Baby Art Tour

November 4, 2016 12:00 – 12:30pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

Bring your baby to Esker Foundation for a tot-friendly discussion on this relaxed, social tour.
eskerfoundation.com

Calgary Christmas Night Market

November 4, 2016, 5:00 – 11:00pm
Eau Claire Market (200 Barclay Parade SW)
Free

Start your Christmas shopping early at the only night market happening in Calgary during fall/winter months. Enjoy late night shopping in the heart of downtown alongside local music and live entertainment.
facebook.com

G. Willow Wilson and Ms. Marvel

November 4, 2016, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Bella Concert Hall, Mount Royal University (4825 Mount Royal Gate SW)
Free, registration required

Smash cultural boundaries and warp through stereotypes! Co-creator and writer of Ms. Marvel—the first teenage, Muslim and female superhero comic book—G. Willow Wilson is coming to Mount Royal University. This discussion will focus on how graphic novels can effectively grapple with tensions between the west and east and contribute to positive dialogue. An autograph session will follow the talk.
mru.ca

CCAG Fall Show & Sale

November 5, 2016, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Montgomery Community Centre (5003 16th Ave. NW)
Free, donations to the Veteran’s Food Bank gratefully accepted

The Calgary Creative Arts Guild is hosting is annual fall show and sale featuring original works from local artists.
facebook.com

ATB Day at the National Music Centre

November 5, 2016, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE)
Free for all ATB Financial customers

ATB invites you to visit Calgary’s newest and most exciting cultural institution on the house. All ATB Financial customers can visit Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, for free on November 5 (two adults and two kids per ATB card holder). Look for family-friendly performances, giveaways and prizes throughout the day.
atb.com

Mount Pleasant Potters’ Guild Christmas Sale

November 6, 2016, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Triwood Community Association Hall (2244 Chicoutimi Dr. NW)
Free

See works from members of this not-for-profit potters’ guild. This sale features the work of nearly 30 local potters who work out of the North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre—a facility operated by the City of Calgary. Look for a wide selection of functional and decorative pottery for sale, as well as specialty pieces such as Raku and Wood Fired Pottery, all at excellent prices.
calgarypottery.com

Fitzcarraldo

November 6, 2016, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended

This 1982 West German surreal adventure-drama film was written and directed by Werner Herzog and stars Klaus Kinski as the title character. One of Herzog’s best known films, it has become a classic. There will be a short intermission halfway through the film.
eskerfoundation.ca