Here at The Scene, we think you deserve to celebrate love, family and friendships every day of this (very brief) month.
Here are some ideas for fun activities at different price points that you can plan all month long, no matter what stage of your own life’s movie you are in.
The “Falling In Love” Montage
There is nothing like a good falling-in-love montage in a romantic comedy, and while we vouch for this month being about all sorts of connections, you can also celebrate with the person in your life who gives you butterflies. The city can be the backdrop for romance in all its winter beauty.
Bundle up and take in some world-class photography… for free! This year, Exposure Fence: “Getting Home” is again presented in partnership with Chinook Blast and the Exposure Photography Festival, on display outdoors on Stephen Avenue until Feb. 17. Exposure also has the International Open Call exhibit and the Emerging Photographer’s Showcase happening at Contemporary Calgary and opening on Feb 6. Head to the festival’s website for more info: exposurephotofestival.com.
For an added layer of fun while you connect with art all around you, challenge your date to take artsy pictures of the city by writing a few prompts and going on a photo walk together to help you discover some of Calgary’s public art gems. You can also participate in the Calgary Public Art Trail initiative by Tourism Calgary, Calgary Arts Development and BUMP! The free pass gives you access to self-guided tours of murals and sculptures around the city, and it also allows you to “check in” and earn points while you visit the sites and take pictures. The points can be redeemed for stickers, prints and totes made by local artists. Sign up for your pass at visitcalgary.com.
These outings pair well with hot chocolate from the YYC Hot Chocolate Fest, which happens all month long. You and your date can try several entries,
rank them together, and share a warm fuzzy feeling knowing your date helps support Meals on Wheels. The fest’s website has an excellent map of the nearest participating cafe or restaurant. Find it at yychotchocolate.com.
CHINOOK BLAST is back for another year, highlighting Calgary’s creative energy and the spirit of winter and showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and arts scene. The festival includes several free options for everyone, including ice sculpture and winter art displays, live music and performances, outdoor activities and interactive art exhibits. If you’re on a date that includes the whole family, check out FISHTIVAL on Feb 15 and celebrate Alberta fish and waters at the Bow Habitat Station. Some of the highlighted experiences include the Native Trout Collaborative, where you can uncover the native trout of Alberta through a puzzle game and the Fishing Simulator. Chinook Blast has something for everyone, and it’s the perfect way to get outside during winter. Check out the calendar of events at chinookblast.ca.
For those looking for something different, your life’s montage wouldn’t be complete without a heartfelt batting cage scene. Go to Ball Star YYC, an indoor multi-sport simulator and batting cafe in N.E. Calgary and let out some rage as you hit some balls. Another classic falling-in-love activity is roller skating. Go to the House of Skate and attend one of their open skate nights, such as the Rewind Night with 70s and 80s music, the House Music Night, or the Mixed Tape open skate. (Pssst, on Feb. 27, they have a Sabrina Carpenter Skate party for all the pop girlies and “girly pops” alike.) More info can be found at houseofskate.ca and ballstaryyc.com.
For those searching for heart-pumping action, catch a Hitmen game on various dates throughout the month. Tickets start at just $27, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy some local junior hockey action, and who knows, maybe you will lock eyes with the love of your life while you both celebrate a goal.
If you are looking for more activities with your loved ones throughout the year, why not try birdwatching? It’s a peaceful (and low-cost) way to connect with nature and each other while enjoying some fresh air. Whether strolling through a local park or venturing into the mountains, birdwatching offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation and share the thrill of spotting a rare species. So grab a pair of binoculars, perhaps a warm drink, and enjoy a quiet date that’s anything but ordinary at one of our parks, such as Fish Creek Provincial Park or the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary — an urban nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary right in the heart of the inner city. If you are ready to commit to this hobby, you can check out Nature Calgary’s website, naturecalgary.com, to learn more about their knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Last but not least, live out a scene from a Richard Linklater movie: make a playlist for your lover and go for a walk while you both listen to the same music (perhaps share your AirPods or find more creative ways to share headphones). Or, visit a used bookstore (like The Next Page in Inglewood), buy each other a poetry book, and then head to your favourite café to read in silence while enjoying a warm drink — one of the most intimate activities you can do in public.
