10 of the best things to do in and around Calgary this weekend (May 1-3)

It finally feels like Calgary’s weather is about to behave this weekend. After weeks of spring being unpredictable, the forecast is looking pretty good. According to the Weather Network, temperatures are forecast to climb to around 22 degrees on Sunday, giving you the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the city.

From local events to outdoor activities, Calgary has no shortage of things going on this weekend, and we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites.

If you want something more exciting than your usual weekend plans, Circo Fest is definitely worth checking out. It is a full-on celebration of aerial arts, circus, and dance.

When: Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: Times vary
Where: The Grand – 608 1st St. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $18.63

Alberta Notre Dame de Paris is not your typical night out. Think powerful storytelling, dramatic choreography, and a kind of performance that keeps you locked in from beginning to end.

When: Friday, May 1, to Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: Showtimes at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Ave. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $102

The Calgary International Beerfest kicks off tomorrow!

Explore hundreds of Canadian-made beverages, spirits, meads, and more, all paired with food from some of YYC’s finest restaurants. But it is more than just a tasting event; it’s a full-scale celebration of Canadian craft.

For the best experience, go with the Beerfest Package. VIP includes entry, $40 in sample tokens, after-party access, and additional perks, making it the best value for the event.

Limited tickets are available for select sections, so if you’re planning to go, now’s the time to grab your tickets.

When: Friday, May 1 to Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday After Party, 9:30 p.m.to 2 a.m.; Saturday Afternoon, noon to 4:30 p.m; Saturday Evening, 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Saturday After Party, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: BMO Centre – 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE., Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Tickets, $29.99+ GST; Packages, $89.99+ GST

Storybook Theatre is bringing Broadway’s biggest hits to the stage in a totally unexpected way.

Local performers will step into roles they would not normally play, performing some of the most iconic musical theatre songs, with a fresh and entertaining twist.

When: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: Times vary
Where: The Storybook Theatre – 375 Bermuda Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $63

Brad Williams, an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his high-energy sets and sharp storytelling, is bringing his Tall Tales Tour to the city.

He is well known for incorporating his personal experience living with achondroplasia into his comedy, delivering honest and unapologetically funny performances.

When: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3775 Grey Eagle Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $56

Looking for a family-friendly plan this weekend? Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll! is rolling into Heritage Park for a full day of activities. Kids can ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and check out live shows, games, and hands-on activities throughout the park.

There is also a music corner to keep the energy going, plus plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Tickets start at $32.95 and include the train ride. Just note that the Heritage Club membership discounts do not apply to this event.

When: Saturday, May 2 to Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: Train Times at 9 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 10:20 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:40 p.m., 12:20, 1 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:40 p.m., 4:20 p.m. (Gates open at 8:30 a.m.)
Where: Heritage Park  – 1900 Heritage Dr. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Single Ticket: $32.95 + fees

This is not your typical night out. The whole company at The Kinkonauts is taking over the stage for a full 26-hour improv marathon, with nonstop rotating shows happening every hour. Some are classics, some are brand-new, and some will only ever happen once.

It is a pay-what-you-can style event, and you can come and go as you please while the performers attempt the full 26-hour stretch.

When: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: The Kinkonauts – 834 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free

LOOK26 Gala: Off the Path is taking over Contemporary Calgary with a night of art, music, and performance, presented by MMAWER. The event transforms the space into a surreal, forest-inspired world created by Dave and Jenn.

When: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Contemporary Calgary – 701 11th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $41.90

If you’re looking for a night out that feels a little more meaningful, Kindred Live: A Night of Connection at The Ampersand is an amazing option. The event features live performances from award-winning Alberta artists, including Dan Davidson, Mariya Stokes, and JJ Shiplett, bringing a high-energy music experience to the city.

More than just a concert, the night is also focused on supporting Kindred’s mental health and parenting programs, adding a purpose-driven layer to an already stacked lineup.

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: VIP program starts at 6:30 p.m., Main Concert experience starts at 8 p.m.
Where: The Ampersand – 112 4th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $150, with VIP experiences starting at $250

Erik Santos is bringing a stacked lineup to the city for a night that celebrates some of the biggest names in OPM. Joined by Jona and Christian Bautista, plus special guests Jessica Sanchez and Sofronio Vasquez, this is set to be a powerful showcase of talent.

When: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3775 Grey Eagle Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $88

Recent Posts:
Alberta has a hidden cave hike that most people don’t know exists
Big Four Roadhouse announces 2026 Calgary Stampede lineup