The month we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Bust out those sunnies, hit up the patios and get yo’ cold drinks flowing.

May is an exciting fun-filled month that promises to have you exploring activities all month long.

1. All of Us (The Tragically Hip Ballet)
May 2nd – May 6th at 730pm (and 2pm on May 5th and 6th)
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW
Website

Inspired by the Tragically Hip’s most loved songs, this post-apocalyptic rock ballet is the newest creation by the Alberta Ballet’s Jean Grand-Maître. Experience this artistic masterpiece celebrating the legendary Canadian group, The Tragically Hip. Make sure you grab your tickets quick before they sell out, the show is only playing in Calgary from May 2-6.

2. Sign up for Battle of Alberta – Sylvan Lake Beach Volleyball Tournament
Registration opens May 2nd, Tournament June 23rd
The Pier in Sylvan Lake, AB
Website

In this event, 18 teams from Calgary and 18 teams from Edmonton will battle for provincial domination and bragging rights at one of the most well-known Sport & Social Club events ever. Plan a road trip with your squad, bring your best beach volleyball game, and party it up all night long with other competitors. Act fast – this tournament typically sells out within hours of registration opening.

3. Canmore Uncorked
May 3rd – May 13th at Various Times
Various locations in Canmore, AB
Website

Canmore Uncorked returns from May 3rd to 13th for another 11 days of incredible dining experiences. Expect three-course prixe fixe menus and specials from Canmore restaurants and innovative events that showcase the talent of local chefs including a Long Table Dinner (May 3rd), The Grande Brunch (May 6th), Bistro Tour (May 10th) and more. For drink enthusiasts, there will be a Canmore Wine Festival (May 5th), Whisky & Spirits Festival (May 11th) and a Craft Beer Festival (May 12th).

4. BC Tap Takeover
May 3rd from 11am – 11:59pm
National on 10th, 341 10 Ave SW
Website

Join National on 10th on their main floor for a special BC Tap Takeover featuring 7 of their best loved BC breweries. Mingle with the brewers while you learn about the beers and sample some delicious drinks. Pair the brews with a Clive Burger for $17 that day while supplies last. It might just be the best way to spend Friday Eve.

5. Calgary International Beerfest
May 4th from 3pm-10pm and May 5th from 2pm-10pm
BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SW
Website

Calling all beer lovers : The 2018 Calgary International Beerfest returns to YYC on May 4th and 5th. As Western Canada’s largest beer festival, you’ll get educated on all things beer related while sampling hundreds of premium beers, both domestic and international. Meet new people, sample delicious foods, enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment, and most importantly have a great time. Use promo code BEER20 to receive a 20% discount on tickets.

6. Calgary Bike Swap
May 5th from 8am-4pm
City Centre Parkade, 340 10 Ave SW
Website

If you’re looking for a bicycle for all your Summer adventures, then the Alberta Bike Swap is the event for you. On May 5th, they’ll be taking over the City Centre Parkade where you can choose from one of the hundreds of pre-loved bicycles at an affordable price. You won’t want to miss it.

7. Barre West Grand Opening Party
May 5th from 830am-1pm
Barre West, #420 7337 Macleod Tr
Website

On May 5th, Barre West will be celebrating the opening of their flagship studio with an awesome party. Join in for bubbles, classes by donation and a pop-up shop starring some of your favourite local vendors like Hemm, Tits By T, Go At Things, Juice Because and The Gut Lab. 100% of class proceeds this day go to support the Women In Need Society so make those plans and reserve your spot now.

8. Mother’s Day Brunch
May 5th and May 12th from 10am – 12pm
Calcutta Cricket Club, 340 17 Ave SW
Website May 5th and Website May 12th

Join The Ace Class at Calcutta Cricket Club on May 5th for the first edition of their Mother’s Day brunch featuring Jessica Janzen, Jodi Tilley, and Kristin Hallett. These incredible women will be sharing an intimate dialogue as they interview one another on all the things being a mom entails. From the lows to the highs, at the end of the day, it’s all worth it with the rewards of motherhood.

The second edition of the brunch on May 12th will feature Jilaine Bedoe, Kiki Lally + Jill Drader. As part of the programming, there will also be music and poetry by the talented Lynn Maric and Audrey Lane.

9. Canadian International Film Festival (CANIFF)
May 5th starting at 10am
Glenbow Museum Theatre, 130 9 Ave SE
After party at Le Germain Hotel, 899 Centre St S
Website

This is a unique one-day festival dedicated to fashion film lovers. Starting from 10am, guests in attendance will be watching screen filmings of popular fashion films at the Glenbow Museum Theatre. The evening will include red carpet awards honouring things like best styling, best hair & makeup, best score and best cinematography. There will also be an epic after party held at Hotel Le Germain to cap off the festivities.

10. Splash of Red Masquerade
May 5th from 7pm-1159pm
Fairmont Palliser, 133 9 Ave SW
Website

Do some good in your ‘hood all while having an incredible night out. On May 5th, you’re invited to join HIV Community Link for the Splash of Red Masquerade as they transform the Fairmont Palliser for the evening. Enjoy masquerade magic complemented by live music, drag shows & amazing entertainment from Bass Bus as you help raise awareness for important issues surrounding HIV. Come dressed in a Splash of Red, masques are encouraged.

11. Etsy: Made in Canada – Calgary Spring 2018
May 6th from 10am-5pm
Ross Glen Hall – Mount Royal University, 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW
Website

Etsy: Made in Canada hosts their inaugural Spring market on May 6th. Come shop from 46 amazing vendors including Ambrosial Cheesecake, Dixie and Twine, Friday Sock Co, Oxeye Floral Co, Stevie and Bean, The Lonely Avocado, and more. Family Squeezed Lemonade, Family Dogs, and Sticky Ricky’s will be on site serving up some good eats too. Admission is $3 (cash only) for adults and 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the ARF Alberta – Animal Rescue Foundation.

12. Beyond Scarf’s Sunday Afternoon Party
May 6th from 1pm-3pm
Beyond Scarf, #110 815 17 Ave SW
Website

You’re invited to a Sunday afternoon party. On May 6th, grab all the wonderful ladies in your life and bring them to Beyond Scarf’s 17th Avenue SW boutique for an afternoon of fun. Guests in attendance will learn how to properly tie and style a scarf while enjoying macarons and tea from Ollia. There will also be a Spring-themed photo booth and special offers and prizes offered throughout.

13. Wire Wrapped Crystal Jewellery Workshop
May 8th from 7pm-930pm
CIBO, 1012 17 Ave SW
Website

It’s all about good vibes only at this workshop. Come balance your chakras and draw in the positivity while you play with crystals, eat gourmet pizza and sip on some drinks with your squad. You’ll be getting an informative introduction to wire wrapping as you’re guided through how to create beautiful one-of-a-kind crystal jewellery.

14. Adulting 101: Budgeting
May 8th from 7pm-9pm
CRAFT Beer Market – Edmonton, 10013 101A Avenue
Website

Okay, this one’s technically not in Calgary – but we’re so excited we had to include it anyway. On May 8th, Adulting 101 is going to Edmonton. Join us and ATB Financial for a drink or two + some snacks as we help you make sense of the whole ‘being a grown up’ thing. This month’s theme is all about Budgeting so help us spread the word and let all your homies know. There will be swag bags ($50 value) and a chance to win 1 of 10 $25 Mastercard gift cards.

15. Vino for Bambinos
May 10th from 630pm-10pm
Calgary Zoo – The Enmax Conservatory, 1300 Zoo Rd NE
Website

On May 10th, come enjoy an evening of delicious food, tasty libations, and live music. Vino for Bambinos will include tastings from the city’s most popular restaurants and wine venues. Sip on samples of whiskey, vodka and beer while you check out an educational animal interaction and the beautiful butterfly exhibit. There will also be a silent auction and networking opportunities. Funds raised for the evening will support the 4 The Kids Future Foundation (formerly known as the Hayati Children’s Foundation).

16. CBC Calgary Reads Big Book Sale
May 11th to May 12th from 9am to 9pm and May 13th from 9am to 2pm
Calgary Curling Club, 720 3 St SW
Website

The CBC Calgary Reads Book Sale is back from May 11th to May 13th. Shop hundreds of gently used books at the Calgary Curling Club. The funds raised are used year round to support literacy programs and get free books into the hands of kids who have none so you’ll be doing some good while upping your bookshelf game.

17. DogFest Spring Fling
May 12th from 10am-4pm
Triwood Arena, 2244 Chicoutimi Dr NW
Website

If the name isn’t enough of a reason to convince you to go, there’s more. On May 12th, the TriWood Arena will be hosting DogFest Spring Fling and all pups are welcome. There will be indoor and outdoor doggy play areas, fantastic vendors offering great doggy products and services, a puppy fashion show, a people & their pooch look-a-like contest, a portrait studio and so much more. Trust us, you’ll want to be there for this.

18. Morin Music Studio Charity Concert
May 12th at 730pm
Leacock Theatre, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW
Website

On May 12th, treat your date to a fun-filled evening of music in support of the YWCA. Morin Music Studio Calgary will be hosting an incredible concert featuring exquisite performances on many instruments including piano, voice and cello. All proceeds raised through this performance will be donated directly to the YWCA in support of the many programs and services they offer to families and children in Calgary. No matter your music taste, this concert is sure to appeal to all music lovers.

19. Toast Volume 05. Relationships and Communication
May 15th from 730am-9am
ATB Financial, 102 8 Ave SW
Website

Invest in your best self with our morning mindfulness speaker series designed to showcase the foundations of successful living and provide valued tools to motivate our guests to live an intentional, empowered life. The Ace Class and ATB Investor Services are bringing you a new theme each month with a desire to activate bold conversations, cultivate connections and inspiration and empower you with the tools to be the best version of yourself.

20. Friends Trivia
May 15th from 7pm-9pm
Jamesons Pub Brentwood, 3790 Brentwood Rd NW
Website

21. Alberta Spotlight: Kent Sangster’s Obsessions Octet
May 18th from 8pm-11pm (Doors open at 7pm)
National Music Centre, 850 4 St SE
Website

The National Music Centre is proud to present Kent Sangster’s Obsessions Octet with opener, La Mosca, as part of its Alberta Spotlight series on May 18th at Studio Bell. Renowned saxophonist Kent Sangster brings together some of Edmonton’s brightest musicians to create an elegant blend of classical, tango and jazz. The group will perform works by Astor Piazzolla, Chucho Valdes, Cole Porter and a collection of Sangster’s original compositions. More info at studiobell.ca/whats-on.

22. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert
May 18th and 19th at 730pm with an additional 2pm showing on Saturday
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 1415 14 Ave NW
Website

On May 18th and 19th, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra will be bringing Harry Potter to life. Listen to the Calgary Philharmonic perform John Williams’ iconic score as you watch the film that started it all in high-definition. This event featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and all your favourite characters will have you bewitched by their world all over again.

23. EV Junction
May 18th – September 3rd
East Village Junction, 439 8 Ave SE
Website

Mark your calendars – round two of East Village Junction opens on May 18th. The innovative shipping container shopping hub is back with local retail shops, a stage, food trucks, music, art and more. This is the perfect place to be all summer while you work on your tan and indulge in all your favourite things.

24. Picnic in the Park – YYCFoodTrucks
May 19th – 20th from 11am-7pm
1st St and 11th Ave SE
Website

Join YYCFoodTrucks for the second Frenzy of the 2018 season on May 19th & 20th. Feast on 15 of your favourite YYCFoodTrucks, take in live musical performances from some of Calgary’s newest talents, relax with a cold drink and amazing food in a family friendly,  zero waste environment in the heart of our great city.

25. Old School Brunch
May 20th from 10am-2pm
Modern Steak, 107 10A St NW
Website

On Sunday, May 20th, Modern Steak will be throwin’ it back for some old school brunch. Join them for brunch while DJ Kav and DJ S. Dot bring you some of the best beats. The menu includes Modern Tartare, Modern Eggs Benny, Steak & Eggs, Wagyu Burger and more. There will also be a curated brunch menu inspired by some of your favourite hip hop artists like Snoop Dogg, Outkast, Lauryn Hill and others.

26. Speed Dating (Singles 25+)
May 23rd from 6pm-8pm
Bourbon Room, 341 10 Ave SW
Website

Put down your phone and join us for Speed Dating. Each event has 20 single women and 20 single men to connect with. The women stay in the same seat and the men rotate. Each date will last from 4-5 minutes. You can practice your flirting skills and game while meeting 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 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. Try something a little out of your comfort zone – your phone won’t miss you.

27. Vintage Redefined Market
May 25th from 4pm-9pm and May 26th from 10am-5pm
Acadia Recreation Centre, 240 90 Ave SE
Website

The Vintage Redefined Market is back on May 25th and 26th at the Acadia Recreation Centre. This two-day market takes over more than 25,000 square feet of space and includes vendors offering unique treasures that are sure to suit everyone’s tastes. Hunt for items like furniture, jewelry, collectibles, art, comics and more here.

28. Babes Who Brunch
May 26th from 10am-12pm
Teatro, 200 8 Ave SE
Website

Don’t let the cute name fool you, this is one bad ass brunch. On May 26th, join The Ace Class at Teatro for coffee, a two-course brunch and stimulating conversation led by keynote speaker, Maria Koutsogiannis, Founder of Food by Maria. Maria is a food stylist, recipe creator, photographer and writer for Food by Maria. She uses her platform to inspire others through food, community and through sharing her story.

29. East Town Get Down
May 26th from 6pm-1159pm
International Avenue, #250 – 3515 17 Ave SE
Website

Experience over 60 bands in one night. On May 26th, a brand new music festival will be taking over eight intimate venues on six blocks of International Avenue. Inspired by the thriving Calgary independent music scene, the lineup includes performances by The Dudes, Rae Spoon, Transit22 and more. Pick up a wristband for $25 which grants you access to all of the shows.

30. Seinfeld Trivia Night
May 28th from 6pm-8pm
CRAFT Beer Market – Southcentre Mall, $273A, 100 Anderson Rd SE
Website

Round your homies, brush up on all your favourite Seinfeld episodes and bring your ‘A’ game to CRAFT Southcentre on May 28th. There will be awesome prizes to win and hours of laughter that will bring you back to the most memorable Seinfeld moments.  They’ll also be offering $9 appies and local tasting flights all night long.

31. Wing Woman
May 30th from 6pm-8pm
Bourbon Room, 341 10 Ave SW
Website

Taking a speed dating format, Wingwoman’s monthly event is designed to connect women with other women in a fun, approachable and non-boring networking way – trust us, there will be no unflattering power suits or stuffy conference rooms here. Instead, this casual power hour will give you the opportunity to chat it up with other fierce, like-minded women for three minutes at a time, with the goal of finding the perfect match for what you’re missing in your tribe. Think of Wingwoman as the event that builds your coveted contact list, as opposed to your little black book. You can thank us later.

32. CIBO’s 6th Anniversary Party
May 31st from 5pm-9pm
CIBO, 1012 17 Ave SW
Website

Celebrate CIBO’s sixth birthday with them on May 31st. This grandioso event promises to be an incredible time with pizza and other tasty bites as well as beer, wine, and cocktail stations throughout the building. Tell all your friends – you’re going to want a ‘pizza’ this.