Written by: Lauren Steeves
Why April’s the new July
If you are anything like us, you’re itching for summer. You’ve already bought some cute summer clothes, you’ve committed to sweat sessions to get your beach body on, and more importantly, you’ve started training your liver for the season of endless patio drinks.
But before you get too far ahead of yourself, we’re here to give you a reality check – April is bringing its A-game to YYC. But seriously, this month has so much going on from music, to sports, to food and one-of-a-kind events like hip-hop karaoke, we guarantee you won’t find yourself bored at home. If anything, consider April your month of preseason summer conditioning.
1. 4th Annual Taste of Bragg Creek
April 1, 2016 from 5-9 p.m.
Bragg Creek, AB
While this event is technically out of city limits, it’s oh-so-delicious that we’re willing to bend the rules a bit to fit it on our list. Taste of Bragg Creek features over 15 food and wine merchants that each serve up an incredible in-house special. Unlike past years, this year’s event will be held at restaurants all over Bragg Creek, meaning you get the opportunity to explore all that this beautiful hamlet has to offer. We promise you’ll leave with a full stomach and wine strained lips.
2. Fresh Notes: A Festival of Musical Comedy
April 1 & 2, 2016 with show times at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Café Koi 1011 1 Street SW
If you’re looking for an ab workout without hitting the gym, then you need to check out Fresh Notes. This event brings together Canada’s funniest musical comedians for two nights of an unbeatable combo of freestyle rap and improv comedy. Plus, you won’t need to break the bank to attend – all tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Looks like we’ll see you there.
3. Spring Fever Pop-up Patio Party at National
April 1-2, 2016 from 2 p.m to late
National on 8th 225 8th Avenue SW
National is opening its patio doors one month early, and no, this is not an April Fool’s joke. With the weekend temperatures set to hit the twenties, there’s no chance you’ll want to be indoors. And with a free rock and roll show and a 25-cent Happy Hour on Friday from 2-6 p.m., there’s no chance you’ll want to miss it either.
4. MakeFashion 2016
April 2, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Telus Spark 220 Saint Georges Drive NE
“Imagine a world where your clothes regulate your body temperature, monitor your vital signs, and your necklace begins to glow when the sun goes down.” Um, come again? Well this type of imaginary world becomes an actual reality with MakeFashion, a gala that combines innovative fashion technology with theatre and performance. Some 2016 garments include dresses that change light patterns as you move your head and a brainwave controlled LED dress that changes according to your brain activity. This is bound to be a unique fashion experience that would even blow Lady Gaga away, and let’s not forget that she once wore a meat dress.
5. Juno Fan Fare
April 2, 2016 from 12-3 p.m.
CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Trail SW
This is one of the few events where you can be a total fangirl or fanboy and you won’t get judged for your behaviour. As a part of Juno Week celebrations, hmv Canada is giving Canadian music fans the chance to meet their favourite artists like Alessia Cara, Dear Rouge, Shawn Hook, Scott Helman and Walk Off the Earth just to name a few. There will be artist interviews, autograph sessions, live performances and prize giveaways. If you already got your free ticket consider yourself lucky as the event is already sold out. But if you don’t have a ticket, not all is lost because you can still hit up the mall to listen to some sweet tunes.
6. The 2016 JUNO Awards
April 3, 2016 at 5 p.m.
Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise SE
This year YYC is home to Canada’s biggest night in music, the JUNO Awards. With music heavyweights like The Weeknd, Alessia Cara, Dear Rouge and Coleman Hell performing, this is not a night you’re going to want to miss. Plus, who doesn’t want the chance to get dressed up, drink some bevys and get an exclusive look at what really goes on behind the scenes. So go and tell your friends all about it – you’ll find us over here.
7. The After Party on Music Mile
April 3, 2016 from 7 p.m to way late
Various locations in Inglewood
Then after the show it’s the after party, and after the party it’s the hotel lobby… or a three-day hangover, you pick your poison. But in all seriousness even if you didn’t get the chance to party at the JUNOS, you can still catch the party vibes at seven great locations in Inglewood. Performers like John Rutherford, Romi Mayes and Aaron Polleck will be playing blues, roots and folk music all night long. Chances are you won’t be at the office on Monday morning. #sorrynotsorry
8. The Flames’ Final Home Games
April 5, 2016 at 7 p.m. (LA Kings)
April 7, 2016 at 7 p.m. (Vancouver Canucks)
Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE
If you haven’t got the chance to be a part of the C of Red this season, now are your last couple chances to. Unfortunately the Flames aren’t making playoffs this year, but that doesn’t mean that they no longer need your support. These last couple games are sure to bring the all the energy and intensity, and more importantly, all the Dome Foam.
9. Buyer and Cellar
April 5-23, 2016
Martha Cohen Theatre, 220 9 Avenue SE
This is one play that will legitimately have you laughing out loud. The story follows an out-of-work actor in LA who takes a job working in a private mall in Barbra Streisand’s basement. We couldn’t make this shit up if we tried. Just when you think this play can’t get any better, you realize one actor plays all the parts, showing us just how ridiculous our dreams of making it big can be.
10. Fielding Estate Wine Dinner at Yellow Door Bistro
April 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Yellow Door Bistro 119 12th Avenue SW
This is an event that you are going to want to come to hungry and very, very thirsty. For only $75, you can enjoy a mouthwatering five-course menu with Fielding Estate wine pairings. Fielding Estate Winery has been named one of Canada’s Top 10 wineries twice, so you know this wine night is definitely worth it.
11. Canmore Uncorked
April 6-17, 2017
Canmore, Alberta
Canmore Uncorked is an award-winning food and drink festival that is 12 days of all the food and all the booze you could imagine. This festival hosts numerous culinary experiences, special set-price menus, beer, wine, spirits and whisky festivals and even offers cooking classes. The mountains, food and alcohol? You can count us in.
12. Art on the Rocks: Bowties with Kat Marks
April 8, 2016 from 7-9 p.m.
Glenbow Museum, 130 9th Avenue SE
Looking for something fun and creative to do? This month at the Glenbow, fashion designer Kat Marks and artist Patrick Moskwa join forces to demonstrate how to make handcrafted bowties. Even if you don’t consider yourself a creative, there’s no need to panic, because there will be a live DJ spinning and cocktails flowing all night long, so you really have no excuses.
13. Bright Young Things Calgary
April 9, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Paul Hardy Design Studio, Bay 5 2501 Alyth Road SE
Bright Young Things Calgary is seriously on pointe. This event brings together ballet, music, fashion, and food and drinks all under one roof. You’ll get the chance to see innovative performances by the Alberta Ballet, listen to an incredible violinist and witness fashion exclusives from designer Paul Hardy. We’re willing to bet that this is one event that will keep you on your toes.
14. Star Wars Night with the Roughnecks
April 9, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise SE
The Roughnecks need your help defeating the Empire on April 9, as they fight against the Stealth. This special Star Wars themed game helps benefit STARS Ambulance and is bound to up the ante on its regular games. If you haven’t had the chance to catch a game this season, you’re seriously missing out. May your Dome Foam game be strong and the force be with you.
15. Calgary Underground Film Fest
April 11-17, 2016
The Globe Cinema, 617 8 Avenue SW
What do Nuts, Men and Chicken and Everybody Wants Some all have in common? If you guessed that they’re all films at this year’s Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) then you’re right. Every year, CUFF brings together a killer roster of films that you aren’t likely to find at a Cineplex Theatre. From horrors to thrillers, to fantasy and comedy, CUFF’s got it all and then some.
16. Adulting 101
April 12, 2016 from 7-9 p.m.
Last Best Brewing and Distilling, 607 11 Avenue SW
When you’re suffering three-day long hangovers and you’re social media is blowing up with weddings and pregnancies, it’s safe to say you’ve joined the world of being an adult. Now comes the next challenge, getting your shit together. Thanks to the Adulting 101 series, you are not alone in this struggle. First order of business: creating a personal budget. We are kicking off this adulting session like any adult would, with some brown liquor. Kai Green, our jack daniels ambassador is pouring four whiskeys for you to ease the pain. Things are about to get real, but your momma will be real proud.
17. Farmer’s Market on Stephen Ave
April 12 & 26, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Stephen Avenue- Centre Street SW 1 Street SW
What do you get when you mix city and farm life? A Farmer’s Market on Stephen Avenue, that’s what’s up. Starting this month, every second Tuesday you can pick up the freshest produce and meats, the coolest spices and sauces and the tastiest treats in the downtown block of the Telus Convention Centre and Winners and Goodlife. It looks like this summer the concrete jungle gets helluva lot fresher.
18. Gin + Juiced Hip Hop Karaoke
April 13, 2016 from 7-10 p.m.
PRLR Lounge, 124 10 Street NW
Join us and PRLR Lounge for a night of hip hop infused karaoke fueled by a more grown up version of Snoop’s favourite drink. In partnership with The Botanist Gin, you’ll have just the right amount of liquid courage to step up to the mic and drop it like it’s hot. Each ticket comes with one hand crafted gin cocktail. It won’t take much to have you three sheets to the wind because you’re gone with the gin.
19. WinSport Legacy Gala
April 14, 2016 from 6-11 p.m.
Markin MacPhail Centre, 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
They say, “Sometimes the only way to stay sane is to go a little crazy.” Well mark your calendars for April 14 because the circus is coming to the city and it’s bringing all the crazy with it. This year’s WinSport Legacy Gala boasts theatrical artists, authentic midway games, a live cuisine and the best damn cuisine in YYC. So forget about all the rules and all your responsibilities for one night and let your freak flag fly. Because when the circus comes a calling, you better come a running.
20. An evening with Piper Kerman from OITNB
April 14, 2016 at 6 p.m.
Telus Convention Centre, 120 9 Avenue SE
Are you guilty of binge watching an entire season of Orange is the New Black in one sitting? Us too. We know it’s not healthy, but the show is just so damn addicting. On April 14, you have the chance to get to know the real life inspiration behind the epic Netflix show by meeting Piper Kerman. Kerman is set to speak on what life is truly like behind bars and shed light on what it’s like to be given a second chance. Our verdict is it’s worth attending.
21. Adults-Only night at Telus Spark
April 14, 2016 from 6-10 p.m.
Telus Spark, 220 St Georges Drive NE
Who said science can’t be fun? The second Thursday of every month Telus Spark hosts an adults-only night, so you can explore all that the science centre has to offer without having to deal with screaming kids and angry parents. And the best part of it all? It has a bar on the second level, so you can drink a beer while keeping an ion the exhibits.
22. Calgary Poutine Week
April 15-23, 2016
Various restaurants throughout the city
From April 15-23, it’s time to ditch your diet and indulge in cheesy, greasy goodness, a.k.a poutine. During Poutine Week, you can feast on poutine guilt free because every poutine sold from a participating restaurant provides a free meal to someone in need through Mealshare. Yes, this is real life. So put on your stretchy pants and poutine with purpose.
23. Downtown Haunted Pub Walk
April 16, 2016
Wouldn’t you like to know
Just because it’s not Halloween, it doesn’t mean you can’t get spooked. On April 16, Calgary Ghost Tours is taking you on a creepy crawl to two of our city’s most haunted bars and taverns. At each location, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a bevy or two and learn more about YYC’s haunted history. For only $20 a ticket, you can go for the thrill and stay for the boos.
24. Candlelight Yoga: The Mind Body Movement
April 17, 2016 from 7-9 p.m.
The HQ 2501 Alyth Road SE Studio Bay 3
If Sunday funday isn’t your jam, you can bring your mat over to the HQ for an hour of yoga and an hour of self-development. Branded Magazine’s life coach Marin McCue will be teaching you about the happy chemicals that fuel you daily, what “resistance” really is and how to create a healthy routine and supportive environment – the perfect class to help you to tackle the week. Namaste.
25. Rihanna: The Anti World Tour 2016
April 21, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Scotiabank Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Our favourite good girl, gone bad is coming to run this town with Travis Scott on April 21. Known for her sultry dance moves, signature Island sound and shock value one can only expect a performance that will have you entertained all night long. Chances are we could all use a night off after all our work, work, work, work, work.
26. Climb and Run for Wilderness
April 23, 2016 8 a.m. to noon
Calgary Tower, 101 9 Avenue SW
If you’re looking for a unique sweat session, you might want to consider the Climb and Run for Wilderness. At this event, you get the chance to climb all 802 stairs in the Calgary Tower while raising all the funds for Alberta’s wilderness. You can sign up individually or as part of a team for either the Endurance climb or Fun climb. If you’re a fitness junkie, the Endurance climb is your jam challenging you to compete for most stair climbs in three hours. But if you’re still working on your fitness, you can sign up for the Fun Climb where elevator rides are allowed. Either way, the stairs will make you sweat.
27. Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials Art Sale
April 29-30, 2016, open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials, 1518 7 Street S.W.
If you’re looking to unleash your inner artist, you might want to Gogh to Mona Lisa Artists’ Materials on April 29 and 30 for its epic annual sale. All regular priced items are 25 per cent off, making everything a real steal of a deal.
28. Annie: The Musical
April 26-29, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Avenue NW
We may not be in the business of weather, but we know the sun will be coming out April 26-29 with the arrival of the touring show, Annie. One of the world’s most-loved musicals is hitting the stage to sing classics like “It’s a Hard Knocked Life,” “Easy Street,” and “Tomorrow”. You’re going to want to buy your tickets quick, otherwise you might miss the chance to hear the story of your favourite little orphan.
29. 2016 YYC Taco Fiesta
April 29-May 5, 2016
Various restaurants throughout the city
This is one fiesta that you’re going to want to taco bout all year. The city’s first YYC Taco Fiesta heats up on April 29 with incredible restaurants like Anejo, Home and Away, Midtown Kitchen and Bar and The Mission serving up specials on your favourite food all week long. And there’s no need to feel guilty about chowing down because proceeds support Calgary charities like Calgary Homeless Foundation, Kids Up Front and the Calgary Food Bank. This fiesta has us feeling #blessed.
30. M83 with guests
April 30, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
Good news for all indie music lovers out there, as M83 is coming to YYC on April 30. Hot off the release of their newest album, Junk, this French electronic music band is sure to bring all the energy and synth sounds to keep you dancing all night long. If you need more convincing, just listen to their hit “Midnight City”. We’re willing to bet you’ll have it on repeat.
*BONUS* YYCFoodTrucks Spring Frenzy
Apr 23 at 11am – Apr 24 at 7pm
East Village Calgary
