Free This Week
Artsdance returns, Culture Days heats up, and October arrives
- Price: Free
September goes out with a bang thanks to a ton of free arts events. From screenings to book launches to the return of Artsdance, there is something for everyone to check out this week.
ProArts@Noon Presents Aya Mhana
September 27, 2017, 12:10 – 12:50pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer (604 1st St. SE)
Free
Aya Mhana grew up in Suwayda, Syria, where she volunteered for the Syrian Arab Red Cross assisting children at a refugee camp. Now living in Calgary, she performs as a soloist on an Oud and with her band, Hymn.
proartssociety.ca
The Cinema Travellers
September 27, 2017, 7:00pm
Gallery Hall, Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free for students with ID, community entry by donation
Movies That Matter returns from its summer break with a screening of The Cinema Travellers. A film by Shirley Abraham and Amit Madheshiya, it follows a group of showmen riding cinema lorries who bring the wonder of the movies to faraway Indian villages. But seven decades on, as their cinema projectors crumble and film reels become scarce, their patrons are lured by slick digital technology. A Skype Q&A follows.
facebook.com
Artsdance 2017: Conversations
September 28, 2017, 3:00 – 7:00pm
St. Patrick’s Island Park (1300 Zoo Rd. NE)
Free
An afternoon of interactive programming and conversations to develop relationships and collaborative potential between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and arts organizations, don’t miss Artsdance. A place to share creativity, influence one another’s work, and build relationships and collaborations for 2018, the second annual Intertribal gathering includes a Tipi raising, workshops, and more.
facebook.com
Late Night Thursday I Love Dick TV Series Marathon
September 28, 2017, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Contemporary Calgary (117 8th Ave. SW)
Free, registration recommended
Featuring a marathon of the popular TV series I Love Dick, head to Contemporary Calgary and enjoy drinks, snacks, and Kevin Bacon. Viewer discretion is advised.
eventbrite.ca
Treacherous Terrain: A History of the U.S.-Mexico Border
September 28, 2017, 7:00 – 8:00pm
Esker Foundation (1011 9th Ave. SE)
Free, registration recommended
A controversial place that has changed dramatically over the past century, this talk with Dr. Mary E. Mendoza discusses how both human migration and the natural environment have played a critical role in that process.
eventbrite.ca
Myrl Coulter and Norma Dunning Book Launch
September 28, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free
A reading from two great Canadian writers with new books from the University of Alberta Press, join Shelf Life Books for Myrl Coulter and Norma Dunning’s dual book launch.
facebook.com
East Village Junction Hibernation Preparation
September 28 – October 1, 2017
EV Junction (4th St. & 8th Ave. SE)
Free
It’s your final chance to head to the East Village and hit up the food trucks, live music, performances, pop-up art, and much more. Check out a performance from The Jazzlib this Thursday as part of the Creative Living Room Series and don’t miss the Alberta Culture Days carnival on Saturday.
facebook.com
Art Now: Rolande Souliere
September 29, 2017, 10:00 – 11:30am
Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary (410 University Ct. NW)
Free
Presented by the University of Calgary’s Department of Art, Art Now is a visiting artist and scholar series that kicks off with Alberta College of Art + Design 2017 artist in residence Rolande Souliere. Souliere discusses how the choice of materials such as headlights, lampshades, street barriers are selected for their materiality, and used as a vehicle to address socio-political and cultural issues pertaining to Indigeneity.
art.ucalgary.ca
Maxwell Bates and Fellow Expressionist William Leroy Stevenson
September 29, 2017, 5:00 – 7:00pm
Gallery 505 (505 8th Ave. SW)
Free
This window gallery features exceptional works by both Maxwell Bates and William Leroy Stevenson including pieces from both Glenbow and The City of Calgary Public Art collections. See Nancy Townshend’s most recent curatorial work and her newly published essay at this book launch and opening reception.
calgaryalliedartsfoundation.ca
AlterNATIVE: A Celebration of 2-Spirit and IndigiQUEERS Through Film and Performance
September 29, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00pm
West Village Theatre (2007 10th Ave. SW)
Free, registration required
Presented by EMMEDIA as part of Elephant Artist Relief’s Umbrella Visual Arts Conference 3, Danielle Black/Sui Taa Kii of the Treaty 7 Film Collective curated this screening for the AlterNATIVE Indigenous Film Series.
emmedia.ca
Alberta Culture Days
September 29 – October 1, 2017
Throughout the province
Free
Our province is throwing its largest celebration of arts, heritage, and community spirit ever! Its the 10th anniversary of Alberta Culture Days and in Calgary alone there are 77 activists scheduled including a free Culture Days Kick Off Party at cSPACE King Edward and a public printmaking festival from Alberta Printmakers.
albertaculturedays.ca
The Backyard Alley Party
September 29 – October 1, 2017
Behind 17th Ave. (Between 4th & 5th St. SW)
Free
Hang out in The Backyard for one final weekend as 17th Ave. partners with local businesses, the Beltline Neighbourhoods Association, and The City of Calgary to throw an end of summer alley party. Catch an outdoor movie with Quickdraw Animation Society, see local art from Blank Page Studio, or simply relax on a patio.
17thave.ca
How can you think that?!? A Political Bookclub
September 30, 2017, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free
A book club for conservatives and liberals who want to get out of their bubbles and bridge the great divide. Buy the book, read it, and join in this lively discussion. This month’s book is The Great Divide: Why Liberals and Conservatives Will Never, Ever Agree by William D. Geirdner, and discussions will be led by Julie Sedivy, a local scholar and writer.
facebook.com
Calgary Stampede Community Fall Fair
September 30, 2017, 10:00am – 2:00pm
ENMAX Park, Stampede Park (Elbow River Pathway)
Free
Enjoy a day of fall festivities with the Calgary Stampede including a free pumpkin spice pancake breakfast, music and entertainment, kids’ activities, and a market featuring local produce and handmade goods.
calgarystampede.com
YYC Diversity Fest
September 30, 2017, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Genesis Centre (7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE)
Free
Get to know the diversity of Calgary’s people, this event is a great opportunity to engage in understanding and learning of other cultures, faith groups, practices, and more. Enjoy over 30 interactive cultural booths, ethnic foods and beverages, entertainment, and artist showcases.
canadianculturalmosaicfoundation.com
30th Anniversary Show Reception
September 30, 2017, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Wallace Galleries (500 5th Ave. SW)
Free
In celebration of 30 years in business, Wallace Galleries is hosting a very special exhibition featuring every artist currently represented in the gallery. Featuring brand new works, check out the show at its reception.
wallacegalleries.com
Poetic Justice Photography Exhibition
September 30, 2017, 4:00 – 7:00pm
St. Louis Hotel (430 8th Ave. SE)
Free
A photography exhibition of new portraits by photographer Wilmer Aburto, this one-time only pop-up features musical guests Oaitse Hellard and Rondel Roberts. The images in this exhibition do contain nudity and are intended for mature audiences.
facebook.com
Airdrie Public Library’s Author Series
September 30, 2017, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Airdrie Public Library (304 Main St. S, Airdrie)
Free, RSVP required
Featuring author Garry Ryan, this series offers the perfect excuse to check out the Airdrie Public Library. Author of the popular Detective Lane Mystery Series, Ryan was born, raised, and lives in Calgary, and has published ten novels since 2004.
airdriepubliclibrary.ca
Bee Kingdom Glass Fall Sale
September 30 & October 1, 2017, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Bee Kingdom (427 22nd Ave. NW)
Free, family-friendly
With glassblowing demonstrations and a sale, this weekend is a great time to visit the Bee Kingdom. Pick up your own piece of cute, funky art or simply watch how it’s made.
facebook.com
Art Series I
September 30 & October 1, 2017, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Maillot Homes Showhome (129 Sliverhorn Ridge, Bearspaw)
Free
FosterMAK.com partners with local builder Maillot Homes for this showcase of amazing local art. Taking place in a showhome in Silverhorn in Bearspaw, tour through over 8,000-sq.-ft. while taking in over 100 pieces of art created by local artists. Each piece, and the home, is available to purchase.
fostermak.com
Build an Orchestra with The Civic
October 1, 2017, 10:00am
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre (850 4th St. SE)
Free, family-friendly
Bang a drum, strum a harp, take a selfie posing with a cello, and help build an orchestra at Studio Bell with the Calgary Civic Symphony. Adults and children can visit with orchestra members and look at musical instruments up close before hearing a short concert. Thanks to Studio Bell, the first 500 people will receive free entrance to enjoy the full range of events and exhibits.
calgarycivicsymphony.ca
Can You Hear Me Now?
October 3, 2017, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Shelf Life Books (1302 4th St. SW)
Free
Calgary’s all-ages poetry slam and open mic, don’t miss your chance to check out poets sharing their words competitively in the slam or non-competitively at the open mic.
facebook.com
