Top Things To Do in Calgary This Weekend- May 16 - 18, 2025
- Allison Fitkowski
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Hey Wanderers!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in Calgary, packed with vibrant culture, family fun, and exciting events for every interest!
Dive into fandom at Otafest, Calgary’s premier anime and pop culture celebration, where cosplay, panels, and community come together in a high-energy celebration of creativity. Book lovers can discover amazing deals and hidden gems at the city’s giant book sale—a reader’s paradise with something for every age and interest. Stroll through bustling spring markets, brimming with handcrafted goods, local eats, and seasonal charm from talented artisans. Experience the thrill of live action as Calgary’s soccer teams hit the pitch, bringing fans together for high-energy matches and unbeatable stadium vibes.
And that’s just the beginning—this weekend is bursting with opportunities to explore, connect, and celebrate the season. Whether you’re geeking out at Otafest, filling your tote with market finds, or cheering in the stands, Calgary has something magical waiting for you.
Friday, May 16, 2025
The Highfield Food & Beverage Market Fest
Where:
City & Country Urban Winery (544 38A Ave SE, Calgary, AB)
When:
May 16 - 17, 2025
Cost:
FREE entry
Details:
Discover the Brewery belt of Calgary, Alberta (Manchester/Highfield SE Calgary) with over 30 vendors, live entertainment and surprises!
Discovery Days: Take Flight
Where:
Bow Habitat Station (1440-17A Street SE, Calgary, AB)
When:
May 16, 2025
Cost:
$6+
Details:
Soar on over for an exhilarating journey into the world of migratory birds! Explore the remarkable travels of these winged adventurers across ecosystems and over fields, mountains, and water to return for Alberta’s breathtaking spring and summer seasons. Celebrate the beauty of nature and connect with the world of birds and winged friends as they make their way home.
Spring at Calgary Farmyard
Where:
Calgary Farmyard (284022 Township Road 224, Rocky View County, AB)
When:
May 16 - June 29, 2025
Cost:
$24+
Details:
Spring is the perfect time to meet our newly born barn babies and explore all the great attractions at the Farmyard. We have the cutest Barnyard Animals in Calgary (YES you can pet, play with and feed almost all of them!) Most of the animals on our farm are born here, and remain here so you can visit them each year!
We have the cutest barnyard animals, plus hours of great attractions to keep you entertained for hours.
Otafest 2025 – Calgary’s Premier Anime Festival
Where:
Calgary TELUS Convention Centre & Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel (120 9th Ave SE, Calgary, AB)
When:
May 16 - 18, 2025
Cost:
$59+
Details:
Otafest is a 3-day Japanese Cultural and Animation Festival at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.
Shop. Cosplay. Play games. Watch anime. Join a community. Even meet your favourite stars – autograph signing fees are on us!*
Check out over 100 hours of programming facilitated by fans, members of our community, special guests, and staff, our huge Exhibitor Hall and Artist Alley for amazing art and merchandise, autograph signings, guest meet & greets, concerts, photo booth, video game tournaments, Pokemon league, Maid Cafe, and much more!
What to expect:
Workshops (seminars focused on interactive learning and skill-building) hosted by community members,
Panels (open ended discussions involving a pre-determined topic) hosted by community members,
Celebrity guest autograph and interaction opportunities,
Anime screenings throughout the day,
Free-play video gaming,
Card and board gaming,
Community booths to learn about other local events and organizations,
A Maid & Butler Cafe, where you’re served by volunteers in cosplay before watching a specially choreographed dance performance,
Cosplay contests,
Hobby-specific events (such as gunpla – model kits depicting the mecha machinery and characters of the fictional Gundam multiverse),
An Exhibitor Hall featuring companies, distributors, and/or other proprietors selling their newest products to fans,
Artist Alley (within the Exhibitor Hall) where artists sell their crafts, drawn art, self-published books or video, fanzines, etc.
Sketch Drive – an Otafest-original event where you can have a caricature drawn while supporting charity,
The CONbini, a pop-up mini-convenience store featuring Japanese snacks and drinks,
and more.
How to Train Your Dragon In Concert
Where:
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (1415 14 avenue NW, Calgary, AB)
When:
May 16 - 17, 2025
Cost:
$48+
Details:
DreamWorks’ How To Train Your Dragon is a captivating and original story about a young Viking named Hiccup, who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes — a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Featuring John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture, this concert is a thrilling experience for all ages!
Serbian Fest Kickoff Party
Where:
Hitman's Bar (421 12 Avenue Southeast Calgary, AB)
When:
May 16, 2025
Cost:
$20
Details:
Start your Serbian Fest weekend with a bang! Join us on Friday, May 16 at 9 PM for an epic night of the greatest and latest hits.
Chinatown Scavenger Hunt
Where:
Various locations
When:
May 01 - 31, 2025
Cost:
FREE
Details:
Get ready to explore the vibrant heart of Calgary during Asian Heritage Month, as the Chinatown Scavenger Hunt is back for the month of May! It’s free to join the fun and win prizes. Simply download the Goosechase app and use code upi52m (recommended for ages 8+) to embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure through Calgary’s Chinatown, uncovering hidden gems, discovering delicious eats, and celebrating the rich culture.
Calgary Reads Big Book Sale
Where:
Calgary Curling Club (720 3rd Street NW, Calgary, AB)
When:
May 09 - 19, 2025
Cost:
$0+
Details:
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 on our website.
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!
Workshop Theatre presents "Prescription: Murder"
Where:
The Pumphouse Theatre (2140 Pumphouse Ave SW, Calgary, AB)
When:
May 09 - 19, 2025
Cost:
$25+
Details:
Workshop Theatre proudly presents:
“Prescription: Murder”
By William Link & Richard L. Levinson
Directed by Hamish Crawford & Ron Brouwer
New York psychiatrist Dr. Roy Flemming has it all: a successful practice, a loving wife Claire, and an enviable lifestyle. But he has grown tired of Claire and has fallen in love with his patient Susan Hudson. So Flemming plots the perfect murder and, with Susan’s help, executes it. The case is turned over to an unconventional homicide detective, the shabby but brilliant Lt. Columbo, to whom no detail is too trivial. Flemming engages in a duel of wits against Columbo to conceal his brilliant crime, with Susan a helpless pawn in the middle. The inspiration for the classic TV series.
StoryBook Theatre: Once On This Island the musical
Where:
Beddington Theatre Arts Centre (375 Bermuda Dr NW, Calgary, AB)
When:
May 09 - 31, 2025
Cost:
$28+
Details:
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Once on This Island, a Caribbean reimagining of The Little Mermaid, brought to life by the Tony Award-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, this Olivier Award-winning musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island. But their love is tested by the gods who rule the island, wagering on whether love or death is stronger.
As Ti Moune pursues her love, she faces societal barriers and ultimate sacrifice. Her enduring spirit, however, transforms her into a symbol of unity, as the gods turn her into a tree that breaks the walls dividing their societies. With its vibrant score and compelling story, Once on This Island garnered eight Tony nominations, including Best Musical, Book, and Score. Don’t miss this captivating and deeply moving theatrical experience!
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Sunday, May 18, 2025
We can’t wait to see where you wander this week!
Be sure to tag @WanderingInYYC / #WanderingInYYC in your stories and posts—we love following along with your adventures around the city and seeing how you make the most of May 16th - 18th.
Have a blast, and happy wandering!
