As we pull our chunky sweaters out from our closets and cozy up with more holiday treats than we care to admit, it’s time to see what this new month will bring. From the Willow Park Wines & Spirits’ Beer Bash to Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol, here’s what’s up this November in YYC.
Willow Park Wines & Spirits’ Beer Bash
November 1st from 7pm-9pm
Willow Parks Wines & Spirits, 10801 Bonaventure Dr SE
Website
One of the most talked about beer events in the city, Beer Bash returns this month with over 250 tasty beers to sample.Paired with delicious bites, this event is sure to impress. All attendees will receive a special Willow Park Wines & Spirits 25th anniversary beer tasting glass to take home.
Festival of Crafts
November 1st-4th at various times
BMO Centre, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE
Website
Over four days, the BMO Centre at Stampede Park will be showcasing some handmade goods from over 250 of Canada’s most talented artists and designers. The market will feature an incredible range of goodies from fashion, jewellery, and home decor to sculptures, glassware, natural body care, and delicious gourmet treats.
Central Library Opening Day Celebration
November 1st from 10am-8pm
Central Library, 800 3 St SE
Website
The new Central Library will be hosting an opening day celebration on November 1st. Come celebrate over live music, crafts, performances, tours and more. Activities include a ceremonial ribbon cutting, Pied Piper Storytimes, a giant Lite Brite and Indigenous Beading. LUKES will be providing free hot chocolate to the first 500 people in line. And in case you’re hungry, our food truck friends will also be on site from noon to 5pm.
TEDxCalgary “Navigators”
November 3rd from 9am-5pm
Rozsa Centre, University of Calgary, 206 University Crt NW
Website
Navigators are those special people among us who are pursuing the next wave of opportunity in technology, science, health, and education among others. On November 3rd, more than a dozen of them will be at the Rozsa Centre. Listen to these Navigators share their deep insights from the stage as you interact in their participant engagement zone. Build a playful robot, explore the stars in a portable planetarium, and meet others with similar interests. Refreshments and lunch will be supplied. In case you happen to be a University of Calgary alumni, use promo code UCalumni for a special discount.
The Little Vegan Fall Market
November 3rd from 10am-3pm
Marda Loop Communities Association, 3130 16 St SW
Website
Celebrate a day of vegan goodness in Calgary at The Little Vegan Fall Market. Whether you’re in search of delicious vegan food or products, with more than 30 unique vendors, this market is bound to have something for everyone. Admission to the market is free.
The Dude Show
November 3rd from 12pm-7pm
Big Four Building, 1801 Big Four Tr SE
Website
The Dude Show is a one-day men’s lifestyle expo and tradeshow in support of the Movember Foundation. Taking place from 12pm to 7pm on November 3rd, this expo will feature a wide range of vendors and activities designed for Dudes. Whether you plan to bring the family, bring your buddies, bring your rugby team, or bring your special someone, The Dude Show will have something for everyone.
Revv52 Icons Gala
November 3rd from 6:30pm-11:55pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, 850 4 St SE
Website
Join Revv52 for their 4th Annual Gala Fundraiser at the National Music Centre. The night will feature a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, and fabulous live entertainment by members of Revv52 as soloists, duets and in small groups. Cocktails will be available for purchase.
Cards Against Humanity Tournament
November 6th from 7pm-9pm
WURST, 2437 4 St SW
Website
Imagine: An entire beer hall playing Cards Against Humanity while drinking beer… #GoingUpOnATuesday. On Tuesday, November 6th join us in the Wurst Beer Hall for an evening of beer drinking and Cards Against Humanity. This is a ticketed event – your ticket scores you a well-curated night featuring a live DJ plus entry for some great prizes. Grab your posse and bring your A-game.
Chef To Be
November 8th at 5pm
SAIT Culinary Campus, 226, 230 8 Ave SW
Website
Chef To Be is one of the city’s most thrilling cooking competitions. This event will see six head chefs of popular Calgary restaurants team up with their students to compete and raise money for a $5,000 scholarship. Each team will get six specifically chosen ingredients to prepare for an audience of 130 people with no prior preparation. Participating chefs come from Bridgette Bar, Buffo, Char Bar, Hotel Arts, Our Daily Brett and Teatro.
Adults Only Night: Urban Survival
November 8th from 6pm-10pm
TELUS Spark, 220 St George’s Dr NE
Website
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a catastrophe struck and you could no longer rely on modern creature comforts, this Adult’s Only Night is for you. Explore a world without smartphones, microwaves, the Internet, or Tinder. Learn valuable skills like how to find to craft a modern-day survival plan and how to cover your basic needs.
Won’t You Be My Neighbour by Parts+Labor
November 8th from 6pm-10pm
The Pioneer, 117 8 Ave SW
Website
You’re invited to a special Parts+Labor celebration of community at The Pioneer on Stephen Ave. Watch a special film screening of the moving film Won’t You Be My Neighbour? accompanied with special treats and eats. This event will leave you with both full bellies and hearts. All of the evening’s proceeds will support The Alex – a Calgary-based organization that supports the city’s most vulnerable.
Millarville Christmas Market
November 8th-11th from 10am-5pm
Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, 306097 192 St W, Millarville, AB
Website
The Millarville Christmas Market returns for its 30th year. Spend the day enjoying fabulous light displays, food, hayrides, carollers, crafts, and of course, tons of your favourite seasonal vendors. Whether you’re looking to dress up your home for the holidays or find a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special, you’ll be in luck here. Dress warm to visit both the indoor and outdoor vendors.
Okotoks Christmas Market
November 9th-11th at Various Times
Foothills Centennial Centre, 204 Community Way; Elks Hall, 58 Elizabeth St, Okotoks
Website
The three-day Okotoks Christmas Market returns this year. Offering over 175 of the best artisans from Southern Alberta, interactive activities, photos with Santa, and live carolling, this market is one of the most anticipated holiday markets of the season.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
November 11th at 10am
Burnswest Theatre, Fort Calgary, 750 9 Ave SE
Website
Head over to Fort Calgary on Remembrance Day for a special service facilitated by the RCMP Veterans’ Association of Calgary. The emotional ceremony features bagpipes, readings and choral singers. Afterwards, tour their annual holiday Artisan’s Fair featuring over 60 local vendors. Entrance is free with a non-perishable donation to the Veterans Food Bank.
Art Market Art & Craft Sale
November 15th-18th at Various Times
Calgary Telus Convention Centre, 138 8 Ave SE
Website
Known as one of the largest art and craft sales in the city, this market will showcase goodies from more than 200 professional artists. Products offered include pottery, jewellery, home furnishing, clothing and so much more. Make a trip out on Thursday or Friday to enjoy a special two for one evening ticket on Thursday and Friday where you there will be bar service and live music while you shop.
Studio Bell After Hours: TONTO Edition ft. A Tribe Called Red
November 16th from 9pm-1am
Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre, 850 4 St SE
Website
The National Music Centre’s popular late-night series returns this month with special headlining performances by A Tribe Called Red, Smalltown DJs, DJ Heather, and more. The special edition of After Hours will be part of a week-long celebration of monster synth The Original New Timbral Orchestra (aka TONTO). Bring your most comfortable dancing shoes as NMC turns down the lights and turns up the tunes. With pop-up bars, interactives, music experiments and other activities celebrating TONTO, this will not be your typical night at the museum.
International Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
November 16th-18th, 23rd-25th, and November 30th-December 2nd
Spruce Meadows, 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
Website
Discover a magical world of scents, colours, and lights at the International Spruce Meadows Christmas Market. Browse from over 300 vendors spreading Christmas Spirit as you complete some holiday shopping and listen to performances from a choir or traditionally dressed carollers. New this year, stop by the Founders Pavilion where you’ll find 12 new vendors.
Toast Volume 3 – Own It
November 20th from 730am-9am
The Pioneer, 117 8 Ave SW
Website
This morning mindfulness series is designed to kick-start your day and help set intention for living your life to its fullest expression. Come nourish your body and mind with food and drink, have some conversation with like-minded women, partake in a mini-meditation, and silence that pesky cell phone while you listen to an empowering panel of women offering their insight on how to unlock your infinite potential. This month’s topic is focused on owning your sensuality and living a sexually empowered life.
Speed Dating (Singles 25+)
November 21st from 6pm-8pm
Bourbon Room, 341 10 Ave SW
Website
Put down your phone and join us for 3D Tinder. 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 couch won’t miss you.
Taboo: The Naughty But Nice Sex Show
November 22nd-25th at Various Times
BMO Centre, Hall B/C Stampede Park
Website
The Taboo Naughty but Nice Sex Show provides an upscale adult playground dedicated to enhancing lifestyles, encouraging romance, personal betterment and all things Taboo. Enjoy entertainment, provocative and educational seminars, unique shopping, fashion shows and live demonstrations.
Ignite: Burn Brighter
November 22nd from 8am-5pm
Kahanoff Conference Centre, 105 12 Ave SE
Website
Tricon Solutions will be hosting Ignite: Burn Brighter on November 22nd – and this time, they’re shining light on the amazing boss babes in our community. These leaders are sure to ignite your fire within and keep you motivated and inspired. Come connect with experts who will give you the tools and resources you need to propel forward. Get an insider look into countless businesses as you explore this year’s topic: Pennies, Personalities and Productivity (A.K.A. financial hurdles, HR issues, managing time and productivity).
Dinner in the Dark Gala
November 22nd from 530pm-830pm
TELUS Spark, 220 St. George’s Dr NE
Website
Join Light Up The World this month at TELUS Spark for the 4th annual Dinner in the Dark Gala – An evening to benefit families living in energy poverty. This year’s event will include a beautiful menu from local favorite – Charbar, auctions, and an opportunity to learn more about the organization.
Wreaths & Wines
November 22nd from 530pm-930pm
Festival Hall, 1215 10 Ave SE
Website
Get in the Christmas spirit over an evening of making wreaths and sipping wines. This fundraiser will feature an indoor night market with local artisans, a delicious wine and cheese pairing, Christmas punch tasting, festive appetizers, live jazz, and a surprise gift for all attendees. Proceeds will go towards Accessible Renovations for Kids (ARK), a charity that renovates homes for children with mobility issues.
Alberta Spotlight: The Dungarees
November 22nd from 7pm-10pm
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, 850 4 St SE
Website
The National Music Centre (NMC) is pleased to present 2016 Project WILD winners The Dungarees at the historic King Eddy on November 22. The next act to be featured as part of NMC’s Alberta Spotlight series, Edmonton’s The Dungarees are a true-grit country band who have a definitive musical mandate—take the undeniable lyrical styling, twangy telecaster and steel guitar of classic country, and inject them with harmony, modern intensity and pop sensibility.
Banff Craft Beer Festival
November 22nd-24th at Various Times
Cave and Basin National Historic Site, 311 Cave Ave, Banff, AB
Website
Escape to the mountains for the annual Banff Craft Beer Festival hosted by Alberta Beer Festivals. Over three days in the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, guests will sample ice cold brews and taste delicious foods from Banff’s most popular restaurants and pubs.Hailed as “The World’s Most Beautiful Beer Festival,” come discover what the hype is all about.
Banff Christmas Market
November 22nd-25th at Various Times
Warner Stables, 100 Sundance Rd, Banff, AB
Website
The Banff Christmas Market is a weekend-long celebration of all things merry and bright. This traditional European-inspired market will be filled with handcrafted gifts, tasty treats, Santa visits, carolling, hot drinks and more. Add to the festive fun by stopping by Park Distillery’s Outdoor Lounge Bar where you can get either a Christmas special-mulled wine or a hot chocolate spiked with a flavoured vodka shot.
Zoolights
November 23rd-January 5th from 6pm-9pm
The Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Dr NE
Website
The Calgary Zoo is back again this year to spread more holiday cheer. Come experience how over two million lights and 200 displays will instantly get you in the festive spirit. There will also be crackling fire pits to keep you warm, hot chocolate to purchase, and interactive activities to keep you entertained.
Babes Who Brunch
November 24th from 10am-12pm
Murrieta’s Bar & Grill, #200 808 1 St SW
Website
The November edition of Babes Who Brunch features local boss babe duo, Darby and MC (Marie Claire). Darby and MC are the creators behind Limbus Movement, a physical and emotional fitness class that challenges both the body and brain. Along with impactful takeaways from the keynote speakers, tickets include coffee, a two-course brunch, a curated gift bag.
Holidays in France
November 24th from 7pm-9pm
Market Wines, Calgary Farmers Market, 520 77 Ave SE
Website
If you’ve ever dreamed about what it would be like to spend the holidays in France, you’re in luck. On November 24th, Market Wines will whisk you away for an evening where you’ll sample over 20 different wines from the diverse wine regions in France. It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up and let the wine flow – just in time for the holidays.
90s + 00s Pop Culture Trivia
November 27th from 7pm-9pm
WURST, 2437 4 St SW
Website
Calling all the 90s kids – Join us for the comeback of our 90s + 00s Pop Culture themed trivia. Whether you grew up collecting Big Shiny Tunes or Now!, watching Fresh Prince or Saved by the Bell, putting Furby’s and Pogs on your Christmas wishlists, or following terrible trends like frosting your tips or wearing butterfly clips… we’ve got the perfect line-up of themes to take you back to the good ol’ days. Your ticket includes a chance to win some Date Night custom themed prizing & from Wurst.
A Christmas Carol
November 29th-December 23rd at Various Times
Max Bell Theatre, Arts Commons, 220 9 Ave SE
Website
Keep the holiday tradition alive by coming to see the 32nd annual telling of Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol at the Max Bell Theatre. Attendees will see the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they guide Ebenezer Scrooge on a voyage through time. This year is a cause for extra celebration as it will be lead actors 25th season playing Scrooge.
