There is so much to do this month in YYC – from enjoying local art to indulging your inner foodie, here are 25 of the best dates in our city this November.
1. Lest We Forget
October 24th to November 12th at Various Times
Lunchbox Theatre, 160 9 Ave SE
Website
In November, continue to celebrate and remember the efforts of our veterans and military personnel with Lunchbox Theatre’s production, Lest We Forget. Using music and song to journey from WWI to the present day, this show examines the lives of soldiers, their families, and the way lives are impacted by war. Featuring original songs from a multitude of Canadian composers, Lest We Forget will be a musical ride through time that honours all that makes us proud to be Canadian.
2. Barney Bentall and the Cariboo Express
November 4th from 7pm to 9pm
Max Bell Theatre at Arts Commons, 240 9 Ave SE
Website
Come hang out with some of Canada’s finest roots and country musicians on Friday, November 4th. The Cariboo Express is about laughter, storytelling, and the timeless sound of contemporary songwriters with great respect for tradition. Performed by an exceptional roster of friends and guests including Kirby Barber, Dustin Bentall, Ridley Bent, Wendy Bird, Kendel Carson, Matt Masters, Leeroy Stagger, the Gold Rush All Star band, and the occasional special guest, this is a concert you definitely won’t want to miss. Funds raised from this benefit concert will support under served classrooms in Alberta and provide them access to the Classroom Champions program. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
3. Fresh Hop Takeover
November 4th from 3pm to late
National Westhills, 180 Stewart Green SW
Website
Don’t miss out on the wettest hops of 2016. This harvest only happens once a year, and National Westhills has asked 6 brewers to bring their freshest brews for a Fresh Hop Takeover on November 4th. You’ve only got a limited time to sample these special fresh-off-the-vine hops so hurry over and taste the vibrancy.
4. ATB Day at the National Music Centre
November 5th from 10am to 5pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, 850 4 St SE
Website
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 5th (two adults and two kids per ATB card holder). Look for special performances, giveaways and prizes throughout the day.
5. #LoveYYC Wrap Party
November 5th at 7pm
Double Zero Core, 751 4 St SW Suite 100
Website
Double Zero Core is showing their love for YYC on November 5th and they want to celebrate this great city with you. Join them at Double Zero Core for the official #LoveYYC Wrap Party. Pizza, prizes, drinks and DJs. Come by at 7 pm, and then keep the party going with a DJ and dance party at 9 pm. Every bottle of wine purchased after 9pm comes with a free pizza.
6. Succulent Arrangements Workshop
November 8th at 7pm
Amborella Floral Studio, 2515 90 Ave SW
Website
The lineup for Amborella Floral Studio’s Fall and holiday workshops are up and they look pretty incredible. On November 8th at 7pm, come hang out at the studio and learn how to create a succulent arrangement for $75 that you’ll get to take home, show off to your homies, and help liven up your crib’s fall decor.
7. Phillips Brewmaster Dinner
November 10th from 6pm to 8pm
National on 8th Taproom, 255 8th Ave SW
Website
Join National on 8th and Phillips Brewing Co. for a family style feast with beer pairings. Phillips’ brew masters will be on hand to talk about the brewery, share their brewing knowledge, and answer any questions you might have about the brewing process, etc. National Brand Culinary Director Justin Labossiere will be preparing hand crafted dishes that pair perfectly with Phillips selected brews.
8. Taboo Naughty but Nice Show
November 10th to 13th at Various Times
Big Four Building, Stampede Park, 1410 Olympic Way SE
Website
Everything from your heart’s desires to inconceivable delights. The Taboo Naughty but Nice Show provides an upscale adult playground dedicated to enhancing lifestyles, encouraging romance, personal betterment and all things Taboo. Enjoy provocative and educational seminars, unique shopping, high-energy entertainment and LIVE demonstrations.
9. Potted Potter
November 10th to November 27th at Various Times
Boyce Theatre, 1410 Olympic Way SE
Website
Playing to sold out houses all over the world, the Olivier Award nominated POTTED POTTER – The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. Even if you don’t know the difference between a horcrux and a Hufflepuff, POTTED POTTER will make you roar with laughter. Created by two-time Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, Potted Potter is perfect for ages six to Dumbledore.
10. Etsy Foothills: Holiday Market
November 12th from 10am to 6pm
Okotoks Elk’s Club, 62 Elizabeth St., Okotoks, AB
Website
On November 12th, come get festive with some local Etsians and their crafty friends at the Okotoks Elks Club. Vendors will be selling unique handmade and vintage presents to help you start crossing names off your shopping list. Admission is $2 at the door.
11. Oceanwise Chowder Chowdown Calgary
November 17th at 7pm
Hyatt Regency Calgary, 700 Centre St SE
Website
Join Canada’s growing sustainable seafood movement as Calgary’s top chefs compete head-to-head for the title of 2016 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown Champion. Sample delicious ocean-friendly seafood chowders paired with beer and vote for your favourite – all in support of sustainable seafood.
12. Aaron Pritchett
November 18th at 8pm
Flames Central, 219 8th Ave SW
Website
Aaron Pritchett is bringing the dirt road in him to Flames Central. Break out your cowboy boots and get on back to your roots at this awesome show November 18th.
13. 2016 Chinook DanceSport Classic
November 19th from 12pm to 8pm
Marlborough Park Community Centre, 6021 Madigan Drive NE
Website
Need a date idea that isn’t dinner and a movie? How about a Ballroom and Dance
Competition – Latin style. On Saturday, November 19th, DanceSport Alberta is hosting the inaugural Chinook DanceSport Classic. The evening will have a flair similar to Dancing With The Stars, only with a twist. There will be up to 7 couples on the floor at once showing off incredible dance moves of all genres (waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, quickstep, etc.) to make it an evening to remember. Polish up your dancing shoes – lets get this party started.
14. Dogfest and Christmas Marketplace
November 19th from 11am to 4pm
North Glenmore Park Community Association, 2231 Longridge Dr SW
Website
Bring Fido to join in on the Christmas festivities at the Dogfest and Christmas Marketplace on November 19th. There will be treats for your pup from local vendors, an indoor heated play area for dogs, and the opportunity to snap a professional holiday photo of you and (wo)man’s best friend for $15.
15. Calgary Expo Holiday Market
November 19th and 20th at 10am
BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SW
Website
If you’re dreaming of a Nerd Christmas, or if you have a comic book and sci-fi loving nerd on your shopping list, you’ll want to check out The Expo Holiday Market. Deck the Halls with Boughs of Starships or enjoy Walking in a Nerdy Wonderland as you peruse aisles of comic book vendors, toy dealers, collectible retailers, and more.
16. Pop Up Kitchen ft. Darren Maclean of Shokunin
November 21st from 6pm to 9pm
Phil & Sebastian – Mission, 2207 4 St SW
Website
An event you won’t want to miss. On November 21st, a kitchen takeover will happen at Phil & Sebastian’s Mission location featuring culinary mastermind Darren Maclean, Owner and Executive Chef at Shokunin. Walk-ins only. Limited service.
17. Adulting 101
November 22nd from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Mill Street Brewery, 219 17 Ave SW
Website
It’s all fun and games until you can’t go on a weekend bender without suffering a week-long hangover – aka, you’re getting older. But that’s not to say all the good times are behind you – there’s something incredibly satisfying about that moment you can confidently proclaim “Wow, I’ve got my shit together.”
The Adulting 101 series is going to help you make sense of this whole ‘being a grown up’ thing. This month, just in time for the holidays, the theme will be Creating a Personal Budget – Holiday edition. Come get your shit together with us and make your momma proud on November 22nd at Mill Street Brewery.
18. A Christmas Carol
November 24th to December 24th at Various Times
Theatre Calgary, 220 9 Ave SE
Website
This season, Theatre Calgary celebrates a remarkable thirty years of bringing A Christmas Carol to Calgary. Stephen Hair returns as Ebenezer Scrooge in the annual production that the Calgary Sun called “the best of all possible versions of A Christmas Carol.” Filled with music and spectacle, there’s no better way to fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas.
19. Dinner in the Dark
November 24th from 5:30pm to 9pm
TELUS Spark, 220 St George’s Dr NE
Website
Join Light Up The World at TELUS Spark on Thursday, November 24th for an evening to benefit families living in energy poverty. Hosted by Calgary’s Dave Kelly, the event will include an incredible three-course dinner, a live and silent auction, as well as a unique opportunity to create change for families living in energy poverty. Do some good in the hood, make some memories with your date, and leave a lasting impact on your community.
20. Speed Dating
November 24th from 7pm to 9pm
Website
On Thursday, November 24th, try something a little out of your comfort zone and join us for Speed Dating. We have approximately 16-20 men and 16-20 women at each event. The women stay in the same seat and the men rotate. Each date will last 3 minutes. You can practice your flirting skills and meet new people. We collect your matches at the end of the night and will contact you with your matches the following day. This is so you don’t have to have the awkward phone number exchange at the end of the conversation. Your contact info is only shared with permission and if you have a match.
21. Mindful Dinner + Movie Night
November 25th from 7:30pm to 10pm
Raw Eatery and Market, 1145 Kensington Crescent NW
Website
On November 25th, grab a date, bring your appetite, open your mind, and head over to Raw Eatery and Market in Kensington. Mindful eating experts and local foodies Sally Powis-Campbell and Mia Shettler will teach you how to bring awareness to eye hunger, cellular hunger, and heart hunger as you savour a nourishing vegan meal curated by nutritionist Megan Pope. Afterwards, sit back, relax, grab a bag of superfood popcorn, and enjoy a screening of the popular food documentary, Forks Over Knives.
22. 2016 Banff Craft Beer Festival
November 25th to November 26th at 5:00pm (extra Saturday afternoon session at 12:00pm)
Cave and Basin, 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB
Website
Beer lovers rejoice. Join Alberta Beer Festivals as they introduce “The World’s Most Beautiful Beer Festival,” in the birthplace of Canada’s National Parks. Banff Craft Beer Festival is hitting town on Friday, November 25th and Saturday, November 26th. Get your tickets now – it’s guaranteed to be a party to remember.
23. Beard Run
November 26th at 10:30am
Starting Line: 553 Riverfront Ave SE
Website
On November 26th, enjoy the inaugural 5km Beard Run. The race is dedicated to celebrating living a healthy, bearded lifestyle while raising awareness for mental health. All beard types are welcome. If you aren’t bearded, no sweat – they’ve got a fun surprise in your swag bag that’ll make sure you’re living the bearded life, even if it’s only for a day. Registration is $50 and includes a beer ticket for post-race mingling, a custom event trucker cap and bib, as well as a unique finisher medal.
24. The Brick Teddy Bear Toss
November 26th at 2pm
Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Website
Come cheer on the Calgary Hitmen as they take on the Lethbridge Hurricanes on November 26th at the Scotiabank Saddledome for the annual Teddy Bear Toss. If you’re new to this tradition, make sure to bring a few teddy bears along with you. After the Hitmen score their first goal, the toys will be thrown onto the rink and then donated to various hospitals and charities around the city as Christmas presents.
25. Trivia Night: Battle of the Sexes
November 29th from 7pm to 9pm
Wurst, 2437 4 St SW
Website
Join us for a night of cocktails and a little healthy competition on Tuesday, November 29th at Wurst for Trivia Night: Battle of the Sexes edition. Ladies will be duking it out with the guys over a little Sex and the City vs. Entourage trivia battle and whoever comes out victorious will earn ultimate bragging rights. Tickets are $20 and include one drink.
