Burlesque, Anti-Valentine's party, free skating: 5 things to do in Calgary this weekend
An instrument petting zoo for the kids, a Star Wars-inspired play and free swimming just a few options
It's that time again — time to put the worries and troubles of your week aside and start planning your weekend.
These are five things you won't want to miss, as highlighted by the Homestretch's Tracy Fuller.
1. Free and fun Family Day activities
The City of Calgary is putting on a host of free family activities, including free public swimming at Acadia, Bob Bahan, Glenmore, Inglewood, Shouldice, Thornhill, Village Square and Southland Recreation centres.
The timing varies from place to place, so check here for specifics.
If you'd rather spend some time on the ice than in the pool, a handful of arenas are offering free public skate times, including the Olympic Oval, Ernie Starr, Frank McCool, Murray Copot, Jimmy Condon, Shouldice and Stu Peppard.
When: Family Day. Check specific venues for details.
2. The Boys Own Jedi Handbook
Not so long ago, and not so far away, Calgary's Stephen Massicotte created a little play called The Boys Own Jedi Handbook about the galaxy-changing movie that changed cinema and schoolyards forever.
The play explores that unforgettable cultural moment — when the first George Lucas film came out — through the eyes of an imaginative 10-year-old.
When: Now until Feb. 21 at The Studio, Vertigo Theatre
3. Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery
This Valentine's Day, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is serving up an ideal date for classically-inclined families.
Arrive an hour before showtime to try your hand at the Instrument Petting Zoo, where kids can play different instruments and compose their own music, with the help of Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra musicians.
The show itself is an interactive mystery story featuring more than 25 excerpts from some of Vivaldi's most popular works, including The Four Seasons.
When: Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. at The Jube
4. Anti Valentine's Day Party
Here's something for all the singles out there who have no love lost for Valentine's.
Jameson's Pub on 17th Avenue is hosting an "Anti Valentine's Day Party" on Saturday night, complete with DJ, "single and loving it" wristbands at the door and a bar full of liquid courage.
When: Feb. 13 at 10 p.m. at Jameson's Pub.
5. Burlesque
The fifth annual Cinnamon Heartbreak Cabaret by Theatre Encounter promises another year of sexy, Valentine's Day fun!
The show offers scintillating burlesque from the Rhinestone Affair followed by Rockabilly beats with Stickshift Suicide.
Theatre lovers will also enjoy the sneak peek of Theatre Encounter's March 2016 production of Eugene Ionesco's The Lesson.
When: Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Distortion Live Music Venue.