Hot air balloons, drive-in concerts and highway art: What's on this weekend in Calgary
Organizations are continuing to come out with fresh and creative ways to entertain Calgarians, and this weekend is no different.
There's good eats, concerts and multiple art shows that highlight local talent.
Ellis Choe from The Homestretch on CBC Radio has compiled some of those offerings, so check out the events below!
Food
There's a pop-up marketplace celebrating prairie food this weekend that also ensures gathering people safely.
The Prairie Grid Market will have over 50 local food and drink vendors at the Carter Cadillac car dealership on Heritage Drive in southeast Calgary.
Dan Clapsen, the organizer of the event, says a majority of the stalls are operated by local restaurant and bar owners.
"There's a really interesting build-your-own-cocktail kit booth setup by Cannibale, which is a popular cocktail bar in Bridgeland. Bridgette Bar has made a line of dried pastas," he said.
On Saturday and Sunday, there will be music and art for patrons to enjoy.
It's recommend you pre-book your visit online, given the limited capacity and physical distancing required.
Balloon Festival
The 8th Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival is underway in High River, but due to COVID-19, only Canadian balloons are participating.
The festival was scheduled to take place from Wednesday through Sunday, although high winds have forced cancellations. As of 2 p.m. on Friday, it was unclear whether they'd be able to take off at 5 p.m. Friday. If not, there are three more chances depending on the weather: Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m. Check the festival's Facebook feed to see if it's a go.
The committee says that while no passengers or spectators will be allowed at the launch site, you can volunteer to be part of the field crew and get a front row seat.
Karen Williamson, the committee vice-chair, says that while there's no guarantee, the pilot may let you be a passenger on board as well.
And for those who don't volunteer, head to the northwest corner of High River to see them launch.
Arts
If you like road trips and art, you can catch the Most Beautiful Art Tour in Alberta, which is a part of Alberta Culture Days.
Along Highway 22 and Highway 2A, otherwise known as "Cowboy Trail," there is a community of artists opening their studios and galleries to the public.
Catch artwork in Millarville, Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Okotoks to learn more about the diverse group of artists working outside of Calgary.
The open studio events will be on from Friday to Sunday, but each gallery has different operating hours.
And if you like your art paired with a movie, the Indefinite Arts Centre is holding an open house/movie night.
You can check out the artwork of artists with disabilities, as well as the screening of Infinity — a documentary about the world-renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, famous for her polka dot installations.
The free event is on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., but make sure to reserve a spot.
Music
And finally, some concerts in the Calgary area! Grab your social circle and attend the drive-in concert at Telus Spark.
"Rise Up Weekend" is brought to you by local organizations, including Calgary ReggaeFest, Folk Fest and Stampede.
Patti Pon, one of the organizers as well as president of Calgary Arts Development, says the event is all about the coming together of six organizations presenting six concerts.
"We wanted to find a way to create some amazing art experiences, albeit smaller settings with fewer people," she said.
Tickets are $25 per car for up to four guests.
The first show is Friday at 6:15 p.m., when Calgary Folk Fest presents Sargeant X Comrade and the Blake Read Band.
For something more contemporary, the National Music Centre is continuing its hybrid live music and virtual concert series, RBC Live, from the King Eddy.
You can attend the free event in-person or stream from the comfort of your home.
The first show is Friday at 8:30 p.m. and features Lucette, an alt-pop artist from Edmonton.
And then for another virtual concert experience, you can stream Early Music Voices, a local group that presents music from the medieval, Renaissance and baroque periods.
The group is kicking off its season with a virtual concert featuring Calgary musician Benjamin Narvey, who plays the lute.
Enjoy the music this Sunday at 7:30 p.m., and listen to a pre-concert talk at 7 p.m.
With files from The Homestretch
