Petri Dish by Beakerhead
November 6 to 8 | Multiple locations | petridish.sparkscience.ca
After a brief hiatus in 2025, Beakerhead has returned, though it looks a little different this year. Peer through the microscope at Petri Dish, the new format for Calgary’s science festival, which is smaller-scale and focuses on community engagement while still keeping the Beakerhead spirit at heart. The festival kicks off with the 18+ Beakernight, featuring medieval armoured combat, a rave and a live planetarium show. The main portion of the festival over the following two days takes place at the TELUS Spark, with more music and magnificent science displays, though there is plenty more fun to be had at other partner venues during the fest.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
November 10 to 15 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | calgary.broadway.com
Experience the magic of a beloved fairytale with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast from Broadway Across Canada. Featuring all the songs you love from the 1991 animated film, along with an additional six new songs, this stage adaptation perfectly captures the magic of the film. While the musical has toured stages for over two decades, this version of the production features entirely new sets and costumes, reinvigorating a classic.
Grey Cup Festival
November 11 to 15 | Multiple locations | greycupfestival.ca
The Grey Cup returns to Calgary for the sixth time this year — and there are more ways to celebrate than just watching the game. There are plenty of festivities to enjoy during the four days prior to the game on November 15, including the Suncor Street Festival, a pancake breakfast, an evening drone show and more. It’s bound to be a blast, because ever since 1948, Calgary football fans have set an example for how to really celebrate the big game.
Wax Poetic (Bring Your Own Vinyl Night)
November 11 | Establishment Brewing | establishmentbrewing.ca
Are you the friend that always gets AUX privileges on road trips? Do you think music simply sounds better when it’s coming from a record player? If so, you’ll want to head over to Establishment Brewing for Wax Poetic, where guests are invited to bring in their favourite vinyl record. Establishment Brewing’s DJs will throw on your record and play one side. If the rest of the room approves, then they’ll flip it and hear the whole thing. If you really think you’ve got killer music taste, this is the place to prove it.
Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival
November 11 to 15 (in person) and November 16 to 21 (online) | Globe Cinema | giraffest.ca
The Giant Incandescent Resonating Animation Festival (GIRAF) is an independent animation festival, celebrating the most inventive and unexpected animated films from Canada and around the world. This year marks the 22nd annual festival, which is hosted by Quickdraw Animation Society. This year’s spotlight artist is Kaho Yoshida, an award-winning animator and director based in Vancouver, whose stop motion and mixed media animation skills have been used by clients including Adult Swim, TED and Lego.
Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty
November 14 to December 19 | Vertigo Theatre | vertigotheatre.com
Vertigo Theatre is known for putting on thrilling Sherlock Holmes adaptations, and a new adaptation gets its North American premiere in Calgary this November. Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty is written by Nick Lane, who wrote the adaptation of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that took Vertigo’s stage by storm in 2023. The Hunt for Moriarty brings the famous sleuth’s most notorious villain to the stage in a thrilling battle of wits.
Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival
November 19 to 22 | Multiple locations | calgaryhhsdf.com
Calling all B-boys and B-girls! The Calgary Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival returns for its fifth annual festival this November. Watch incredible streetdance performances, take workshops with internationally renowned instructors and witness dance battles spanning multiple genres. Come for it all or just come for a little – tickets to the Hip Hop and Streetdance Festival are available by event, so you can pick and choose what you would like to attend. Early bird tickets for the festival’s workshops are available until November 13 for $35, so snag yours before they’re gone.
Art Market Craft Sale
November 19 to 22 | Telus Convention Centre | artmarketcraftsale.com
As we transition into the winter season, craft markets start popping up in the city and beyond so you can get started on your holiday shopping. The annual Art Market Craft Sale turns 40 years old this year and features over 200 artisans selling off their wares. Whether you’re doing some early Christmas shopping, looking for a new decor piece for your home or just like browsing great crafts, there’s plenty to be found at this market. Along with the shopping, this special 40th birthday market also features live music, demonstrations, giveaways and other surprises.
Lions Festival of Lights
November 21 to January 8 | Confederation Park | lionsfestivaloflights.ca
If you’re looking for a free way to get into the holiday spirit, check out the Lions Festival of Lights at Confederation Park. Running throughout the holiday season, this light display features hundreds of multicoloured lights arranged in stunning Christmas-themed displays. Every night until January 8, the lights come up at 5:30 p.m. and keep glowing until midnight, offering you plenty of time to wander and admire.
Diwali at the GRAND
November 22 | The GRAND | kensingtonsinfonia.com
Celebrate the festival of lights this year at The GRAND, where Madhuban Performing Arts and Kensington Sinfonia have arranged a party complete with live music and dance. The Kensington Sinfonia will premiere a new piece entitled “Ellora” by Colleen Athparia, supported by internationally renowned tabla player Abbas Janmohamed from Toronto, and Madhuban Performing Arts will showcase a dance performance. Regular tickets start at $35, but spending $100 for a VIP ticket gets you reserved seating, a special treat box and an exclusive dance class and photo opportunity with Madhuban Performing Arts.
Avenue’s Cookie Market
December 3 | Eau Claire Tower | avenuecalgary.com
Is there anything better than a delicious, freshly baked cookie? How about an entire market of the finest cookies Calgary has to offer? After the roaring success of Avenue’s 2025 market, the Cookie Market returns again this year, with even more vendors stocking even more cookies. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so be sure to come early, because these cookies sell fast.
