Comics, jazz, poutine and more: What to do in Calgary this weekend
The weekend is almost here and that means Homestretch director Tracy Fuller has a few entertainment options around Calgary.
Comic expo
Let's start with what's likely on the minds of many fangirls and fanboys. Today makes the start of the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo. For many, it's the equivalent of, well, Christmas.
The expo takes over Stampede Park for four action-packed days. The doors are open now and the fun's just getting started.
Organizers are looking for around 80,000 fans to stream through the doors and in addition to the stars and the cosplay, there are hundreds of vendors and exhibitors and some incredible panel discussions and workshops.
The Pow! Parade of Wonders gets underway at 10:30 a.m. Friday ending at Olympic Plaza. Last year 10,000 fans cheered on 2,200 cosplay participants in the parade.
Tickets are still available for most days of the expo but Saturday is almost sold out and tickets must be purchased online, not at the door.
You can find all the details including ticket information on the expo's website.
Jazz Day
Sunday is International Jazz Day but there are events going on starting Thursday.
Did you know Herbie Hancock is the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for International Jazz Day? The day is about united people all over the world through jazz music.
Calgary's jazz collaborative, JazzYYC, has put together a full day of events and concerts at different venues, in every corner of the city with a particular concentration along the music mile. All events are free.
While there are daily, Sunday gets going at 11 a.m. with a Jazz Brunch at the Cornerstone Cafe in Deer Ridge.
Catch all the details right here.
Poutine week
There's a burger week, a pizza week and even a hot chocolate week. How about a poutine week? Poutine is a bar snack that originated in Quebec that traditionally involves French fries, squeaky cheese curds and gravy.
Poutine Week in Calgary is all about artisan poutine. There is a vegetarian samosa poutine, fried chicken poutine, breakfast poutine, Ukrainian poutine, Mediterranean poutine, pizza poutine, poutine burritos and the list goes on.
If you enjoy an official Poutine Week poutine, you're also providing a free meal to someone in need through the Mealshare program.
All the delicious details are right here.
Hana's Suitcase
Looking for something a bit more serious, Storybook Theatre presents Hana's Suitcase. It's the true story of siblings Hana and George Brady in Czechoslovakia when the Second World War broke out. It's for children 10 and older.
The story follows George's journey, retracing the steps of his sister who dies in the war. It's a moving play about the Holocaust, so it's serious, but's it's produced with children in mind. It's a thoughtful and sensitive way to talk about history.
Hana's Suitcase runs until May 6 at the Beddington Heights Theatre on Bermuda Drive N.W.
Get all the details right here.
Broadway sing-along
The Cowtown Opera's latest show is a Broadway sing-along. It's called NYC Meets YYC and it's the story of Ken and Patti, a Calgary couple embarking on a "baby moon" with a trip to the Big Apple.
All your favourite musical theatre gems from the Sound of Music to Les Mis, Westside Story and My Fair Lady have been wrapped up in this original story. And the best part? Singing along is encouraged.
NYC Meets YYC opens Thursday and runs this weekend and next weekend at the Mamdani Opera Centre.
Tickets and times can be found right here.
