Broadway Across Canada Presents Les Misérables
March 4 to 8 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | calgary.broadway.com
One of the world’s most popular musicals is coming to the city this March, presented by Broadway Across Canada. A testament to the human spirit, this story of a jailed man on a path to redemption has more than enough action to fill three hours of performance. The show will be held at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. The tickets are a bit steeper than usual, but the production value and experience of this classic musical make it all worth it. Check it out if you’re a big musical fan, or just if you want to switch up your usual activities.
Dance Dance Disco
March 6 to 7 | Jack Singer Concert Hall | calgaryphil.com
Get in the mood to boogie with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The Jack Singer Concert Hall is the place to be for two hours of dancing, disco infernos, and so much fun. With music inspired by the New York nightclub Studio 54, this unique gig features an orchestra alongside a diverse cast of talented vocalists. Put on your best disco outfit and start practicing the lyrics to ”Staying Alive” in preparation for these specifically Calgarian Boogie Nights. Tickets range from $33 to $97; get them before they’re gone, as this is sure to sell out.
Swan Lake
March 13 to 15 | Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium | albertaballet.com
The Alberta Ballet put their own spin on this classic tale by reimagining Benno as the true villain, adding depth to a character you might not expect. From breathtaking dance to classical music and immersive storytelling, this performance transports you into a world that feels ancient and familiar. Tickets for this event vary in price by day and time and are available for purchase on their website. Performances will take place on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at both 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Snag a ticket for you and your favourite ballet head … or perhaps the biggest Darren Aronofsky fan in your life.
YYC Food and Drink Experience
March 13 to 29 | Various locations |https://www.yycexp.com/
Attention foodies and snackers: this exclusive celebration of culinary art in Calgary is back. Over the course of two weeks (and some change), enjoy fixed-price, multi-course meals from some of the most mouth-watering restaurants in Calgary. Restaurants participating include (but are definitely not limited to) Barbarella, Continental, Native Tongues and Pigeonhole. With options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, YYCEXP offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience not only in restaurants but also at exclusive events around the city. Make sure to tuck your napkin into your shirt and get ready to dig into your feast!
Sumo Fest
March 13 and 14 | Nutrien Western Event Centre | sumofest.com
Nutrien Western Event Centre is hosting Canada’s largest sumo event, and everyone is invited. Featuring professional wrestlers Hiroki, Ramy, Waka, and Ichi, this event is packed with excitement and an exploration of Japanese culture. These wrestlers have competed at a high level in overseas and now take to Calgary’s dohyo (ring) to represent their country’s national sport. From 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, be a part of the non-stop sumo action. And while you’re at it, have a walk around the event centre for Japanese markets while you wait for the fights to begin.
Sage Theatre presents Reset
March 18 to 22 | Contemporary Calgary | sagetheatre.com
Imagine a future world where artificial intelligence is normal, and humans are not. Sage Theatre explores these ideas (and existential AI fears) in this immersive mystery performance. Help solve the mystery of what these people really are at Contemporary Calgary from Wednesday to Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Sage Theatre has three ticket levels, $15, $30, and $60, and you choose whatever one you can afford. Very cheapskate friendly, and a good way to prepare for the upcoming robopocalypse.
the theatre presents Appropriate
March 20 – April 4 | 101, 215 14 Ave. S.W | thetheatre.com
One of Calgary’s newest theatre companies continues its inaugural season with a production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s Tony-winning play, Appropriate. This script tells the tale of a dysfunctional family reunion and explores buried truths about race, legacy, and family mythology. The cast includes a mix of new-to-Calgary-stages performers and familiar faces. Just be sure to leave the kids at home for this one, as it’s full of sex, strong language, and many other pearl-clutching moments.
Calgary Gem Show
March 26 to 29 | Spruce Meadows | cangems.ca
CanGems, the largest gem and mineral company in Canada, stops in the Blue Sky City on its nationwide tour. Head down to Spruce Meadows from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Friday, or 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Whether you’re a crystal collector or just looking for something pretty to gift that one aunt of yours, stop by for this family-friendly event showcasing Canada’s finest gems, rocks, and minerals. Admission is $3 for singles, $7 for a family, and free for kids under five. Not only is this event fun and educational, but it’s affordable. What more could you ask for?
A Night of Stand-Up Comedy Featuring Sterling Scott
March 30 | Shane Homes YMCA | ymcacalgary.org
You don’t want to miss this night of laughs courtesy of Sterling Scott. Scott is the first-ever comedian to win the golden buzzer and become a finalist on Canada’s Got Talent, so the laughs are all but guaranteed. Spend your evening at Shane Homes YMCA for this gut-busting performance about fatherhood, relationships, family life, and awkward moments everyone can relate to. Tickets start at $23, and the show starts at 7 p.m. This Canada-based performer is a favourite, so get tickets before they’re gone and art it up in the suburbs.
Best Of The Rest
April 3 to 5 | Ace Athletic Centre | ucva.ca
One of the biggest growing volleyball tournaments in Calgary is back, featuring teams from across the country, and even some from the U.S. Spend your Easter weekend celebrating these teams as they face off in intense games. This all-day event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the weekend at the Ace Athletic Centre. The heated competition will keep both sports fans and interested newbies on their toes.
PARTICLE+WAVE
Until April 11 | Various venues | emmedia.ca
Alberta’s premier festival dedicated to media art returns, bringing together local and international creatives who are pushing the boundaries of art and technology through experimental, innovative artworks. The festival started on February 20, but it continues through March, with an audio workshop with sound artist erψn temp3st on March 7 at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, an exhibition of digital media curated by Mackenzie Bedford opening on March 27, and free gallery hours at EMMEDIA all the way up till the festival’s end on April 11.
