From Remembrance Day to opera, tennis, hip-hop dance festivals and much more on this month
No. Hibernating is not allowed.
Not quite yet (although we’ll likely have this conversation again in
December.)
Yes, you want to, you want to wrap yourself in a comforter and shut out the frosty world outside of your iced-up, apartment window, but you still have a month or more to get acclimatized before you close everything down for the next five (?), seven (?) or ten months.
There’s too much to do this November — from professional tennis competitions, and a wine and spirit showcase to more solemn and sombre events surrounding Remembrance Day.
Whatever the case, whatever it is that stops you from settling in for a long winter’s, well, winter in your den, there’s much to keep you and the cubs entertained.
Here are some suggestions.
Field of Crosses
As you travel along Memorial Drive this month, take a minute to honour the memory of the Southern Alberta and Canadian soldiers that have sacrificed their lives. More than 3,500 white crosses will be set up in fields along the road from Nov. 1-11 as part of the Field of Crosses Memorial Project. The public can visit the five-acre memorial throughout that time, attend sunrise and sunset ceremonies until Nov. 10, or attend the Remembrance Day ceremony here on Nov. 11.
For more information, visit fieldofcrosses.com.
Calgary National Bank Challenger
Calling all tennis fans! Don’t miss the chance to see some of the incredible tennis players from the ATP, ITF and WTA World Tours at the Calgary National Bank Challenger from Nov. 5-12. The professional men’s and women’s tennis tournament takes place at the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre. Daily admission tickets are available, as well as weekend and weekly passes.
For more information, visit Calgary.nationalbankchallenger.com.
Grape Escape
Ever been to a bar or restaurant where they didn’t have the drink you were craving? That something, only thing to slake your thirst. Doubtful you’ll have that issue at what is described as, “Calgary’s largest premium wine, spirits and beer tasting event.” Taking place Nov. 17-18 at the BMO Centre, there are ample lectures throughout the weekend with wine- and spirits-guides, as well as more than 150 booths where you can sample brews and booze from far and wide, as well as food from some of the city’s best.
For tickets, please go to showpass.com/grape-escape/.
National Geographic Live: Andy Mann: From Summit to Sea
National Geographic Live casts a spotlight on some of the most interesting explorers, scientists, photographers and filmmakers in the world as they share their research and experiences with live audiences at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Covering everything from the rise of the T. rex to life in the arctic, the series’ 12th season kicks off with a presentation from filmmaker and photographer Andy Mann on Nov. 19-20 that will explore his experiences as a climber and diver.
For more information, visit artscommons.ca/whats-on/national-geographic-live.
Hadestown
Broadway Across Canada returns to Calgary from Nov. 21-26 with the first show of its 2023-24 season, the Tony Award-winning production of Hadestown. The musical takes on two love stories from Greek mythology, ushering guests into the underworld with Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as King Hades and Persephone. If that weren’t interesting enough, the show also has a unique local connection: Before taking the theatre world by storm, Hadestown was originally partly developed at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre. Please see story on P. 14 for more information.
For tickets visit calgary.broadway.com.
Beauty and the Beast
The Calgary Opera takes on a classic fairytale this month with the one-act opera Beauty and the Beast. Running from Nov. 24-Dec. 3 at the Mamdani Opera Centre in the Beltline, the production follows the story of Beauty, her two sisters and her father, and how Beauty’s life is turned upside down after she requests that her father get her a single rose on his travels.
For more information, visit calgaryopera.com.
Calgary Hip Hop and Street Dance Festival
It’s a cultural aspect of our city that, when you’re stuck in the ’burbs or just not looking for it, can be overlooked and under appreciated. Too bad, because Calgary’s hip-hop community really is one that’s as talented and welcoming as any other in this country. For the second year in a row, that talent will be on full display with this year’s fest, running Nov. 23-26 at several locations around the downtown core. From a kickoff show at The Palace, featuring a “Hip Hop Movie Night,” and an album release for artist Cee the Music, to a freestyle and choreo battles over the course of the weekend, there will be so much to take in, get entertained, and if needed, educated by.
For more information and tickets, please go to instagram.com/calgaryhhsdfest/.
Angeline Simon
Using large-scale photo-collages and hand-built ceramic sculptures, Lethbridge-based artist Angeline Simon explores the role and impact of food in Chinese-Malaysian culture and her own family’s experiences and memories. This exhibition is available to view for free at the Esker Foundation from Oct. 23, 2023 to Feb. 4, 2024.
For more information, visit eskerfoundation.com.
Taboo
Looking for the perfect gift for her/him/they this Christmas? Always good to start early, which means that the Taboo: The Everything to do With Sex Show Nov. 11-13 at the BMO Centre couldn’t come at a better time (stop it). Whether you want to just be a giggling, blushing lookie-loo or you’re looking to satisfy whatever kink you have, whatever partner(s) you have, there’ll be a vendor or presentation for you. Because, well, there ain’t nothing taboo.
Please go to tabooshow.com for more information.
