Artifact Small Format Film Festival
Calling all film fans! Celebrate the enduring art of celluloid filmmaking at the 30th Artifact Small Format Film Festival, presented by the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers. In 1992, the $100 Film Festival tasked filmmakers to shoot short-form film features on four rolls of Super 8 film, totalling the filmmakers $100. Today, the three-day festival continues to showcase international and local short-form films made on both Super 8 and 16mm, keeping the tradition of analogue storytelling alive. From April 3 to 6, catch a wild lineup of films, from the opening night feature Ovid, New York, to short films like Plastic Aortas, at different venues all over the city. Visit artifactfilmfestival.com for more information and a reel good time.
Calgary Creative Arts Guild Annual Spring Show
Discover vibrant creativity and local craftsmanship at the Calgary Creative Arts Guild Annual Spring Show and Sale. Hosted at the Montgomery Community Association on April 5, the event features original works from 30+ local artists and a unique range of art and hand-crafted paintings, wood and papercrafts. Explore and peruse gorgeous works of art to spice up your space, all while supporting the Calgary Food Bank, who are collecting donations to address food insecurity for Calgarians all over the city. Both parking and admission are free, with door prizes and a raffle to win an original piece valued at $300. Reserve your spot at the show at the Calgary Creative Arts Guild page on Eventbrite.
SUPERTRAIN 2025
All aboard for SUPERTRAIN 2025! On April 5 and 6, head over to the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary for one of Canada’s premier model train exhibitions. Presented by the Calgary Model Railway Society, the venue transforms into a train enthusiast’s paradise where attendees can explore over 70,000 square feet filled with intricate model railroad layouts, interactive displays and captivating exhibits. From seasoned train enthusiasts to curious newcomers, there’s something for everyone — even the kids can go nuts with LEGO trains and Thomas the Tank Engine attractions. Grab your tickets to the spectacular train displays, with adult admission for $15 and youth admission for just $5. Admission is free for train lovers under six, so bring the whole family. Learn more over at supertrain.ca.
Slow Burn Books Indie Author Market
Dive into Slow Burn Books’ first-ever Indie Author Market on April 6! Held at the Wild Rose Brewery, this event brings local indie authors together to showcase their latest works of steamy romance fiction. Engage in conversations with authors like Jade Everhart, grab signed copies of enchanting romance novels, and enjoy some delicious cold ones at the brewery — the Wraspberry Ale is always a winner! Entry is just $6, with $1 of each admission donated to the Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society, whose mission is to “empower and inspire storytellers to connect, learn, and develop their craft.” Check out the lineup and grab a ticket over at slowburnbooks.ca.
25th Annual FunnyFest Comedy Competition
Get ready for 10 hilarious nights with 50 standup comics fighting for $5,000 and the title of funniest comedian. FunnyFest promises fresh talent and gut-busting laughs, with six competing performers bookended by two headlining comedians at the beginning and end of every night. Tickets start at $10 for this laugh-filled extravaganza, with audience contests and prizes to win every night. From April 17 to 26, don’t miss this gut-busting laugh riot, a tradition in Calgary for over two decades. Find the venues and comedians performing at funnyfest.com.
Western Canadian Reptile Expo and Tropical Plant Show
Scale up your weekend plans at the Western Canadian Reptile Expo in Calgary. Visit hundreds of reptiles from around the world at the Acadia Recreation Complex and immerse yourself in a lush array of fauna and flora. Some reptiles to meet include snakes, geckos and all kinds of other new cold-blooded friends to make. Chat with knowledgeable breeders, discover unique plants, and explore a variety of specialized vendors offering top-quality supplies and enclosures for your scaly guy at home. From reptile lovers to budding botanists, this event promises something for everyone at any age. Spend your weekend hanging with critters and surrounded by plants on April 19 and 20. Crawl over to wcre.ca for more information.
Alberta Theatre Projects presents: Liars at a Funeral
ATP transforms dysfunctional family drama into pure comedy with Liars at a Funeral. In this laugh-out-loud play, a family matriarch named Grandma Mavis fakes her death to bring her divided family back together at her funeral. A mountain of lies is told, and family secrets unravel as the outlandish clan tries to, as The Beatles would say, “Come Together.” The play is written by Sophia Fabiilli, directed by Downstage’s artistic director Clare Preuss, and features five actors playing nine(!) characters. Catch all the crazy family antics at the beautiful Martha Cohen Theatre from April 22 to May 11. Visit albertatheatreprojects.com for more information.
Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts
Join Mayor Jyoti Gondek and toast the arts in style. Calgary is coming together at the Jack Singer on April 24 for the 2025 Celebration for the Arts, and everyone’s invited! Catch performances by a diverse array of Calgary performers and honour some remarkable accomplishments with the Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards. Keep the vibes going at the after-party and dance the night away with new friends — and maybe even a cocktail or two. This is a can’t-miss party for Calgary’s arts scene. Cheap and even free tickets are available to artists. Grab them now at artscommons.ca.
Reminiscing in Tempo by Decidely Jazz Danceworks
Celebrate four decades of Decidedly Jazz Danceworks with Reminiscing in Tempo. Since its debut in 1984, the company has produced more than 70 concerts; this production revisits highlights and revives dance choreography from across DJD’s 40-year history. A live band led by Kristian Alexandrov accompanies the show, and there’s even a “Relaxed Performance” on May 4 for the folks who struggle with sensory overload. The show runs from April 24 to May 11; tickets start at $30. Don’t miss the chance to experience the rich history and vibrant energy of the DJD Dance Centre. Sashay your way to decidedlyjazz.com for tickets and more information.
Justin Willman – Illusionati Tour
Whether you recognize his name or not, there’s a really good chance you’ve already seen comic magician Justin Wilman. He’s appeared on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Conan, Baking Impossible, Cupcake Wars … You get the point. But on top of all that, he’s the star and creator of Magic For Humans and The Magic Prank Show with Justin Willman on Netflix. Justin’s bringing his comedy/magic mashup show to Calgary on April 26 at Mac Hall, and in his own words, he “wants to melt your brain while making you laugh.” There are two performances — one at 4 and another at 7 p.m. — with meet-and-greet ticket options for the true illusion-heads. Conjure up some tickets on Justin’s website, justinwillman.com.
Calgary Expo 2025
Cowtown’s dorkiest weekend returns from April 24 to 27, bringing superhero, sci-fi, gaming, anime, and celebrity fans together for an unforgettable party at the BMO Centre. The comic/movies/games/everything Expo just gets bigger every year, and the POW Parade of Wonders is marching a new route from Victoria Park right to the steps of the BMO. Grab a picture with Nosferatu star Nicholas Hoult, pick Frank Miller’s brain about Batman, explore a massive vendor floor, watch a panel, and so much more. Whether you’re a die-hard collector, a casual fan, or a professional cosplayer, this is the place to geek out with fellow enthusiasts. Don’t miss Western Canada’s biggest pop culture event, and keep an eye out for The Scene at the event! For tickets and more information, visit fanexpohq.com/calgaryexpo.
