This is your last week to catch two vastly different plays in town. Calgary Opera’s production Bluebeard’s Castle / Gianni Schicchi — featuring two different one-act shows each night — has its final shows on Wednesday and Friday at the jubilee. And Lunchbox Theatre’s show Please Return to Empire Video, a new play from local writer James Wade, is running until Sunday at The Studio at the base of the Calgary Tower. Tickets are available on both companies’ websites — Experience the full breadth of our theatre scene!
Every monday, head to Bells Cafe for Queer Arts & Crafts night from 7 to 9 p.m. This event is perfect for newcomers looking to connect and enjoy a low-key start to the week! Bring your preferred craft project and socialize in an inclusive setting. Entry is free or by donation, and all are welcome.
Speaking of free, head to the Ship & Anchor on Tuesday for Punk Rock Bingo, hosted by the one and only Darren Ollinger. Drink specials, loud tunes, weirdo prizes and punk rock: name a better Tuesday night. It’s free because The Ship never charges cover; just be sure not to get Dobber ink on your arms.
Wednesday is Talespin Trivia’s monthly music game over at Dickens, Trivia Killed the Radio Star. Win minigames, earn bragging rights, pick from the prize table, and even win a bar tab if you go all the way. Talespin also hosts general trivia at Two Pillars on Thursday and classic Simpsons trivia on Saturday afternoon at Dickens, and entry to all events is only $5. Check out their Instagram or our latest issue of The Scene for their complete monthly listing of events!
The Russian punk rock feminist experiment lands in Calgary this Thursday. Pussy Riot is taking over the Palace with an “Activist Multimedia Experience” based on Maria Alekhina’s second book, and a message more timely then ever. The doors open at 7, and margø is opening. I caught Pussy Riot at Dickens several years ago and it was unforgettable, so you don’t want to miss this. Tickets are available over at thepalacetheatre.ca.
The weekend is for the animal lovers of the city. PetFest brings Corgi Races, a Dachshund Dash, a Mini-Animal Petting Zoo, a Reptilian Pavilion, and so much more to Spruce Meadows from Friday to Sunday. Meanwhile, over at Stampede Park, Aggie Days brings the farm back to the city with stock animals, Dog Competitions, and the Extreme Cowboy Race while interacting with Alberta’s agricultural scene. Petfest is only $5 for kids and $15 for adults, while Aggie Days is totally free!
If animals aren’t your scene, check out the Calgary Toy Show and Sale on Saturday at the Edgemont Community Centre. Browse dozens of vendors selling vintage action figures, baseball cards, LEGO sets, and so much more. The show goes until 3:30, kids get in free, and it’s $5 for a family. calgarytoyshow.com has more details for anyone hunting for an old Kenner Star Wars action figure.
Finally, Rock the Village on Sunday; literally. The National Music Centre is bringing the beats to the streets of East Village with three outdoor stages, and Ginger Beef, Brother Bicker Band, and Backyard Betties are set to perform at all the stages. Their times are staggered, and you’re encouraged to walk from stage to stage, enjoying the tunes while taking in the scenery. And there are lots of vendors as well!
For more events and things to do around the city, grab our April issue of The Scene.
