Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons
Pause your daily farming grind and take it into the real world with the Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons concert at the Jubilee Auditorium on September 5. Curated by game creator ConcernedApe himself, a 35-piece orchestra performs this touring concert, bringing the music that makes this game oh-so cozy into a stunning live performance. Hear the tunes that play throughout Pelican Town, down in the Skull Cavern, and on the far reaches of Ginger Island, and start the fall feeling like you do in the game: relaxed and ready to prepare an intricate schedule that optimizes the hours of 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets are going fast, so grab yours at stardewvalleyconcert.com before they’re gone.
Honens Piano Festival
Experience stunning piano performances from September 5 to 7 at the Honens Piano Festival. This two-day festival features multiple performances, offering affordable musical experiences with two shows priced at just $5 and two others that are completely free. On September 5, head over to Chinook Mall for Piano Project YYC, where piano students show off everything they’ve learned for the price of zero dollars. On September 6, catch the Classical Adaptations series at the National Music Centre, where you’ll hear familiar tunes at a sensory-friendly performance for only $5. Additionally, admission also grants access to the NMC museum. Go to honens.com for tickets.
The Confluence After Hours: True Crime at “Twilight” Tour
What’s scarier than a grisly true crime case? One that took place right on your doorstep. On September 5 and 12, enter The Confluence after hours and embark on a walking tour to the historic Fort Calgary and learn the stories of the executions, murders, and goings-on at the prison. Take a look at the grim reality of Calgary’s history, without the usual rose-tinted glasses. Tickets for the one-hour tour are $20, which runs twice on both evenings, from 6 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Trek over to theconfluence.ca for tickets and more information.
India Film Festival of Alberta
Catch over 12 flicks from all across India, with a special highlight on the eight states of northeast India, from September 12 to 14 at the India Film Festival of Alberta. This 11-year-old fest travels all over Alberta, and its Calgary leg takes place at the Globe Cinema. Craving a longing-filled historical drama? Check out Phule. If murder-revenge thrillers are more up your alley, Kadaknath will scratch that itch. And don’t worry if you don’t speak the language – there are subtitles, of course. Head over to 2025.indiafilmfestival.ca for the full festival schedule and to grab your tickets.
DandyFest
What was once just an excuse to sample the best beers that Canada has to offer is now an all-day party in the sun. DandyFest returns on September 13, and while you’ll still be sipping on some fine brews from across the country, the party – which runs from noon to 10 p.m. – also includes a lineup of killer musical artists performing across two stages, and unique local art on display. Check out acts like Chris Cohen, No Joy, and Carter Felker for the ticket price of $81.21, or grab a student ticket for $54.58 – just make sure you can prove it at the door. Check out thedandybrewingcompany.com for tickets.
Calgary Cat Festival
A cat lover’s dream is coming to Contemporary Calgary on September 13 and 14 – Calgary Cat Fest! Explore a marketplace full of vendors selling all kinds of goodies for your feline friends, plus all the gear you need to show off how much you love your fluffy roommates. The vendors are small business owners and local rescues and shelters, so you know your money is going to a good cause. Feeling competitive? Enter yourself and one friend into the Ravensburger Puzzle Tournament and compete to be the fastest to complete your puzzle. Tickets are $10 for general admission, or $35 if you want to compete in the puzzle contest. Kids get in free! Check out the full lineup of events at calgarycatfest.com.
Fall Harvest Sale
If the produce prices at the grocery stores these days are making you squirm, look no further than the Fall Harvest Sale at the BMO Centre on September 13 and 14. This event, hosted by the Calgary Produce Marketing Association, brings the fruits (and vegetables) of farmers’ efforts to Calgarians at a deeply discounted price. Admission costs $8 for a single day or $14 for the entire weekend, with free admission after 12 p.m. on Sunday. What’s available at the sale varies, since it’s based on the growing conditions this year, but what isn’t up to chance is where your money goes. The proceeds from the sale are redistributed to local charities, including the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary. Hit eventbrite.ca and grab your tickets.
Rick Mercer’s Stand-up for Canada Comedy Tour
Whether your Tuesday nights were defined by the Rick Mercer Report or you know the name through clips of 22 Minutes on TikTok, there are few Canadians who haven’t heard of Rick Mercer. Catch the Calgary leg of his Stand-up for Canada comedy tour at the Jubilee on September 14 at 7 p.m.. Mercer takes to the stage alongside Juno Award-winning Sophie Buddle, Juno-nominated Mayce Galoni, and writer/producer Julie Kim. Canadians are feeling a real sense of political angst these days, and Mercer is ready to bring the cathartic release we deserve. Head over to jubileeauditorium.com for more information.
Wordfest Presents: Bob Joseph
Author Bob Joseph returns to Wordfest on September 24 after his 2019 Imaginarium appearance for his book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. This year, he’s discussing his brand-new companion book, 21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act, which is set to be released on September 2. This event trades Wordfest’s usual venue of Memorial Library for the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall in Central Library. Joseph’s presentation is followed by a short interview, then an audience Q&A. Grab the book beforehand and prepare your questions, or pick it up right then and have it signed. Get your tickets at wordfest.com for $27.46 after fees.
Locked Library: Ghost Stories
Put on your detective hat and bring out the magnifying glass, because on September 26, it’s time to solve a mystery over at Central Library. This family-friendly escape room turns all four floors of the library into a ghost-themed whodunnit. Expect all the spooky vibes but none of the actual scares, so little ones enjoy the fun, too. Tickets are $40, and raise funds for the library’s programming and public initiatives. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the fun starting at 7:30 p.m. and running for approximately two hours. Who says Halloween can’t start in September? Grab your tickets over at libraryfoundation.ca. Each participant requires their own ticket. Teams of 2 to 4 are recommended for the best experience.
