A new weekend in Calgary brings plenty of reasons to get out and make plans. From the cosplay-filled excitement of Otafest to cheering on a Calgary Wild FC match and enjoying spring fun at Spring at Calgary Farmyard, there’s something happening for every kind of outing. Whether you’re planning a family day, a fun night with friends, or just looking to try something new, this weekend’s lineup has you covered.
We’ve rounded up the best ways to spend your weekend so all that’s left to do is make some plans. Below is your guide to the top events happening in and around Calgary from Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17, 2026 featuring the 4th Street Night Market, free live music at 17th on 17th Sidewalk Concerts, and plenty more happening across the city all weekend long.
Scroll through, make your picks, and turn it into a weekend worth remembering.
Full List of events
Friday, May 15, 2026
Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi in Concert
📍 Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 14th Ave NW, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 15 & 16, 2026
💰 $58+
⏰ Fri: 7:30pm / Sat: 2:30pm & 7:30pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Feel — and hear — the Force around you in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi when the Calgary Phil performs John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score live-to-film! In the climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO, and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet.
Otafest
📍 Calgary Telus Convention Centre and Mariott Hotel Downtown (120 9th Ave SE, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 15 – 17, 2026
💰 $60+
⏰ 9am – 8pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Otafest Calgary is a vibrant celebration of anime, gaming, and Japanese pop culture, bringing fans together for cosplay, panels, artists, and live entertainment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious, it’s the perfect place to explore creativity, meet like-minded people, and experience something totally unique. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Calgary’s most energetic and colourful events!
Bow Habitat Station Discovery Days: Birds, Beaks and Beyond
📍 Bow Habitat Station (1440 17a St SE, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 15, 2026
💰 $6+
⏰ 9am – 3pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Ever wonder how far migratory species can travel? This May, spread your wings and follow these remarkable travelers as many journey back to Alberta just in time for the vibrant spring and summer seasons
High River Little Britches Rodeo
📍 High River Rodeo Grounds (Foothills No. 31, AB)
📆 May 15 & 16, 2026
💰 by donation
⏰ Fri: 6pm / Sat: 10am
🔗 Learn more here: Click Here
Round up your cow pokes and come-on-down to enjoy one of Canada’s most unique rodeos, plus a jam-packed roster of events.
The Little Britches rodeo is one of the main attractions, where kids can practice their cowboy moves in challenges such as calf roping, sheep riding and barrel busting.
Events Included:
Team Roping – Barrel Racing – Steer Riding – Pole Bending – Mutton Bustin – Goat Tying – Breakaway Roping – Wild Pony Race – Pig Scramble
Calgary Reads Big Book Sale
📍 Calgary Curling Club (720 3rd Street NW, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 08 – 17, 2026
💰 $5
⏰ Times vary by date
🔗 Learn more here: Click Here
Shop more than 150,000+ gently used books at the 19th Calgary Reads Big Book Sale!
Learn all about our special BOGO, fill-a-box and free book days + details about parking and more at www.bigbooksale.ca
Whatever you love to read, you’ll find stacks here! Most adult books are $4 and most children’s books are $2. Proceeds fuel the important work of local early literacy organizations so Calgary’s children can enjoy a bright start in school and in life!
Learn more and get your bags ready! Thank you for helping to grow a thriving reading community!
Saturday,May 16, 2026
Polar Bear Breakfast
📍 Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo(210 St George’s Dr NE, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 16, 2026
💰 $61+
⏰ 8am – 11am
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Bring your family and friends down for a fun and educational morning at the zoo! Admission to this event includes an exclusive before-hours viewing opportunity of our Wild Canada zone with a side of polar bear facts from our Conservation Education staff and volunteers. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about polar bears, what makes them so wonderful, why they are endangered, and of course, get a chance to see the bears in our care before their day begins. You’ll get to hear all the up-to-date polar bear news at this event for all ages.
Afterwards, enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, pancakes, and more. Your ticket includes complementary day access. Make sure to act fast – this event will sell out quick.
Wild After Hours: Penguins (18+)
📍 Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute (210 St George’s Dr. NE, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 16, 2026
💰 $130+
⏰ 5pm – 9pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Wander into the unknown with this adults-only evening experience at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo . Your ticket includes after-hours access to the Penguin Plunge habitat, a four-course dinner at Safari Lodge, and a captivating presentation on penguins.
Calgary Wild FC vs. Roses de Montréal FC
📍 McMahon Stadium (1817 Crowchild Tr NW, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 16, 2026
💰 $29+
⏰ 3pm
🔗 Get your tickets here: Click Here
Get ready, Calgary Wild FC is taking the pitch, and the energy is electric! Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a thrilling night out, there’s nothing like the roar of the crowd and the rush of live soccer action.
Heritage Park Opening Weekend
📍 Heritage Park (1900 Heritage Dr SW, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 16, 2026
💰 $28+
⏰ 10am – 5pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Step into history and board a train-ride to adventure at Heritage Park, officially open for the 2026 season from May 16 to October 12, 2026!
Explore the fully reopened Historical Village, take in views from the S.S. Moyie paddlewheeler and savour fresh summer flavours at the Selkirk. Feel the thrill of the Antique Midway and dive into Alberta’s rich arts and culture history with brand-new experiences that celebrate the stories and timeless spirit of the Prairies. It’s all part of a bigger, bolder season of historical fun, only at Heritage Park. Get your tickets today!
Michael Jackson HIStory Show
📍 Grey Eagle Event Centre (Grey Eagle Dr, Tsuu T’ina Nation 145, AB)
📆 May 16, 2026
💰 $40+
⏰ 8pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Don’t miss your chance to see Showtime’s The Michael Jackson HIStory Show – returning to Canada in 2026 to commemorate 30 years since Michael Jackson’s final, ground-breaking world tour: HISTORY.
Red Deer Canyon Ski Resort Alpine Coaster Opens for Season
📍 Canyon Ski Resort (38433 Range Rd 264A, Red Deer County, AB)
📆 May 16, 2026
💰 $27
⏰ 11am – 5pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
The Canyon Ski Resort gives you a reason to head to Red Deer this summer! There’s a family adventure to enjoy, with the Canyon Coaster, the Adventure Park, and Summer Tubing.
Come soar down the Luge track as you weave in and out of the ski slope and forest trails on the Brand New Canyon Alpine Coaster! This Coaster reaches over 1,300 meters in length with a total 440 foot vertical drop!
4th Street Night Market
📍 Central Memorial Park (1221 2nd St SW, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 16, 2026
💰 FREE
⏰ 5pm – 10pm
🔗 Learn more here: Click Here
Located in the heart of the city, the 4th Street Night Market combines beautiful green space with curated vendors and entertainment. It’s a perfect option for those seeking relaxed, all ages activities and unique things to do in Calgary on a summer evening.
Spring at Calgary Farmyard
📍 Calgary Farmyard (284022 Township Road 224, Rocky View County, AB)
📆 May 16 – June 21, 2026
💰 $25+
⏰ 10am – 7pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Get ready to kick up your boots and welcome spring at the Farmyard! As the sun shines brighter and the days get warmer, our farm bursts to life with bouncing baby animals, freshly planted fields, and plenty of good old-fashioned fun.
Spring is the season of new beginnings, and there’s no better place to celebrate it than here! Snuggle a baby goat, snap photos of colorful blossoms, and breathe in the fresh country air. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, the Farmyard is the perfect springtime adventure!
Granary Road Kite Festival
📍 Granary Road (226066 112 St W, De Winton, AB)
📆 May 16 & 17, 2026
💰 $35+
⏰ 9am – 5pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Explore the skies above in Granary Road’s first annual Kite Festival. With Kite building, flying lessons, spectacular shows, and a flying area to explore the skies at your own pace. There’s something for all in this wind-defying festival of colours.
Easy Days Pop-Up Market
📍 RiverWalk Plaza, Calgary, AB
📆 May 16, 2026
💰 FREE
⏰ 12pm – 5pm
Easy Days Pop-Up Markets are back in East Village! Hosted by All Things GQ, these markets showcase local designers, artists, creators, clothing curators and more.
With a full day of local businesses, live music and food trucks, Easy Days markets are free to attend and open to all!
Calaway Park Opening Weekend
📍 Calaway Park (Range Road 33, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 16 – 18, 2026
💰 $40+
⏰ 10am – 7pm
🔗 Learn more & get your tickets here: Click Here
Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park, Calaway Park, will open for 2026 season on Victoria Day Long Weekend.
As Western Canada’s Largest Outdoor Family Amusement Park, Calaway Park has been offering affordable, family- friendly fun and entertainment for over four decades.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Iron Horse Park Opens for Season
📍 Iron Horse Park (820 Railway Gate SW, Airdrie, AB)
📆 May 17, 2026
💰 $0+
⏰ 11am – 4pm
🔗 Learn more here: Click Here
Do you have a child who loves trains? Then you need to know about Iron Horse Park in Airdrie! This park is all about miniature trains that represent the Canadian Pacific Railway in the west. You can ride a 1/8th scale diesel or steam locomotive through tunnels and over bridges. Pack a picnic or buy snacks in the full-size replica CPR station. Admission to the park is free and train journeys are $3.
17th on 17th Free Sidewalk Concerts
📍 17th Ave & Tomkins Park (7th Street SW & 16th Ave SW, Calgary, AB)
📆 May 17, 2026
💰 FREE
⏰ 2pm – 3pm
🔗 Learn more here: Click Here
Summer on 17th is bringing you FREE summer fun, with events and entertainment at the 17th Ave Business District and Tomkins Park.
That’s your weekend, Wanderers. From the nonstop energy of Otafest and browsing the 4th Street Night Market to catching free live music at 17th on 17th Sidewalk Concerts, Calgary is packed with plenty of ways to get out and make the most of the weekend.
If you make it out to any of these events, tag us in your stories, we love seeing how our community wanders through the city. And if you want to make sure you never miss a week, subscribe to our website. We drop a new Calgary events roundup every week so you always know what’s worth your time.
Because we believe we are all made to wander, and Calgary keeps giving us reasons to. ✨
