Let’s all give a BIG welcome to a new month… and keep our fingers crossed we get some May flowers. In the meantime, if you’re carving out space on your social calendar, this month has a lot going on. From beer festivals to night markets, here are all the best things to do in and around Calgary in May.
Experience the power of generosity through the inspiring story of one man’s 600 km journey to make a difference. This special screening is hosted in partnership with Give A Mile as they launch their 2025 fundraising campaign.
When: Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Globe Cinema, 617 8th Ave. SW, Calgary
Cost: Free with RSVP
Beer lovers rejoice! It’s time to sip and savour craft brews at Canada’s BIGGEST craft beverage festival! Check out over 700 local brews, spirits, meads and more, alongside bites from Calgary’s top restaurants. There will also be live music, sports lounges, games, unique activations and more throughout the event.
When: Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, 2025
Where: BMO Centre, Stampede Park, 1912 Flores Ladue Parade SE, Calgary
Cost: Starts at $64.99
Enjoy this free walking festival and make new connections in your community. Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of community-led walking conversations that takes place on the first weekend of May every year.
When: Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4, 2025
Where: Locations across Calgary
Cost: Free to attend
For a limited time, you can try a brand new dish at Thaï Express! Enjoy the new and delicious Lobster Pad Thai dish for a fresh take on seafood at your favourite lunchtime spot. It’s a limited-time offer, so try it while you can!
When: For a limited time this spring and summer
Where: All Thaï Express locations
Cost: Varies by meal combo or ordering platform
Market Collective will be returning this spring with the Motherlode market, a massive showcase featuring 55 artists, designers, and makers. Browse one-of-a-kind items and find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.
When: Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4, 2025
Where: Contemporary Calgary, 701 11th St. SW, Calgary
Cost: $8 per weekend, free entry for kids 12 and under
There’s a huge career fair and expo for beauty professionals coming to Calgary. Learn about new developments in the field and connect with fellow beauty pros, all while shopping exclusive deals, not to mention a free swag bag!
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: The Genesis Centre — 7555 Falconridge Blvd., NE #10, Calgary
Cost: $9.80+
Escape the crowds and enjoy wide open spaces in Waterton. You’ll find everything from stunning lakes, hikes, and wildlife. With over 200km of hiking trails and plenty of spots for canoeing and paddleboarding, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise!
When: All season long
Where: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Cost: $11 per adult per day, or included with an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass
The beloved Inglewood Night Market will return to Calgary this year. Shop artisan and handmade goods from local vendors while you enjoy music, street food, and a killer outdoor atmosphere. There will be dates every month until September, so keep an eye out!
When: Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: 10th Ave. and 10th St. SE, Calgary
Cost: Free to attend
The Calgary Reads Big Book Sale returns this May with over 200,000 gently used books for sale. Browse rows upon rows of wonderfully organized titles from every genre imaginable.
When: Friday, May 9 to Monday, May 19, 2025
Where: Calgary Curling Club — 720 3rd St. NW, Calgary
Cost: $3 to $5 event fee per adult added to purchase on exit
Shop artisan and handmade goods from local vendors at this quaint community market. There will be everything from apparel to beauty, jewellery, crafts, treats, and more.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2025; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Festival Tent at WinSport, Canada Olympic Rd. NW, Calgary
Cost: Entry by donation to The Canadian Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research
A massive career fair is coming to Calgary this spring, and it’s the best place to learn about new opportunities and network with fellow professionals.
When: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: BMO Centre at Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary
Cost: Free to attend with RSVP
Calling all fans, cosplayers, and manga enthusiasts: a huge anime festival is coming to Calgary next month, and it’s a three-day paradise for anyone who loves Japanese pop culture.
When: Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18, 2025
Where: Calgary Telus Convention Centre — 120 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
Cost: $58.69+
Celebrate a vibrant expression of the Serbian spirit in Calgary. The Serbian Festival will feature tasty delicacies, cultural performances, traditional dances, and more. Stop by and get a taste of what Serbia has to offer.
When: Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 18, 2025
Where: 16025 243 Ave. E, Calgary
Cost: $5 per person
Experience memorable shows and amazing laughs for 11 days and nights of comedy. Shows will take place at multiple venues, including theatres, hotels, and pubs. Each show features six performers with up to two hours of non-stop laughter.
When: Thursday, May 29, to Sunday, June 8, 2025
Where: Various venues in Calgary
Cost: Varies by event
Learn about the most iconic murals packed into the heart of Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood on the Classic BUMP Mural Tour. Discover local talent alongside global influences from diasporic Canadian artists. Tours are available to book on Thursdays and Fridays.
When: Thursdays and Fridays throughout spring
Where: Meet at High Park, 340 10th Ave. SW, Calgary
Cost: $50 per adult
Enjoy a thrilling evening of mystery, music, dinner, and a murder most foul at the Wainwright Hotel! Set in 1922, during the Prohibition era, this exciting three-act murder mystery, hosted at Heritage Park, makes for the ultimate date night in Calgary.
When: Select dates throughout spring
Where: Heritage Park
Cost: $120 + GST
The Pyramids of Giza have arrived in Calgary — at CF Chinook Centre, to be specific. This immersive virtual reality experience takes you back to the golden age of ancient Egypt. Explore the depths of the iconic pyramids, decipher hieroglyphics, and relive the reign of King Khufu.
When: Now until Sunday, May 31, 2025
Where: CF Chinook Centre, 1st Floor, North Court — 6455 Macleod Tr., Calgary
Cost: $35
Why not take an evening to try dinner AND a show? Jubilations Dinner Theatre presents Jukebox Legends, a performance that pays homage to music legends from throughout the decades, spanning all corners of popular music.
When: Now until Sunday, May 31, 2025
Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre, 37th St. SW, Calgary
Cost: $75+
Take a stroll through the Kiyooka Ohe Arts Centre and Sculpture Park, a year-round, sustainable, art-in-nature destination. Self-guided tours are free, but donations are always welcome.
When: Open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 244034 Horizon View Rd., Calgary
Cost: Free or $25 for a guided tour
Telus Spark is bringing a new exhibit to Calgary, and it’s all about the science of food. Explore the world of gastronomy with an immersive exhibition that “serves up” the science of food. Whether you’re a science nerd or just love a good meal, you don’t want to miss this one.
When: Now until Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
Where: Telus Spark Science
Cost: $32.95 for adult general admission
Have a great month, friends!
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