The end of winter is prime time to step out and stretch your legs—and Northwest Calgary is ready to help you embrace the season with some inspired activities to suit all ages.
We know the season can be unpredictable here in Calgary, and whether spring brings rain or shine (and possibly some late-season snow), we’re not letting the weather deter us from enjoying all there is to see and do in our neighbourhood.
When it comes to finding something new to do this spring, there’s no shortage of weather-proof activity in the Northwest. Whether you’re looking for fitness-focused classes, locally sourced shopping or causes seeking support, you might just find it in our lineup of favourite things to do this season in our community.
Credit to YYC Poutine Week and Waffles & Chix
What’s better than poutine? Poutine with purpose!
Calgary Poutine Week is on from April 20 to 28, with more than 70 local restaurants offering unique spins on the classic dishes, including picks like lobster and hickory-smoked pork. The best part? Each serving of poutine sold is matched with a meal donated by Mealshare to hungry Calgarians, which makes splurging on one feel a little more guilt-free. Last year, Calgary Poutine Week sold 8,000 servings. With your support, this year will be even bigger, better and cheesier.
Some of our Northwest neighbouring restaurants will participate this year like Hexters, Big T’s BBQ and Bowness Pub, so visit them to have your fill of poutine while supporting a good cause. Which of your favourite local restaurants are participating? Check out the full listing of restaurants here.
When: April 20 to 28 — times vary with restaurant hours.
Where: Varies — see participating restaurants here.
Cost: Varies — see individual restaurants.
TREAT YOURSELF TO TACOS FOR A CAUSE
From April 27 to May 6, tacos are the talk of town. YYC Taco Fiesta invites Calgarians to satisfy cravings for a good cause. To participate in the 10-day event, order one of the special tacos (or if you’re feeling ambitious, taco platters) offered at participating restaurants. Best of all, eaters can feel even better about dinner choices during YYC Taco Fiesta as sales benefit two worthy organizations in Calgary: Kids Up Front and Calgary Homeless Foundation.
When: April 27 – May 6 — times vary with restaurant hours.
Where: See participating restaurants here.
Cost: Varies depending on restaurant.
SHOP LOCALLY AT A CURATED SPRING MARKET
Credit to Melanie Reimer of Mel’s Metal Market, a participating vendor.
Bowness Community Hall hosts a Curated Spring Market with more than 70 local makers and curators from around YYC! The Curated Spring Market is made by, for and in support of creatives including bakers, ceramicists, jewelers, soapmakers, home decorators, florists and artists of all shapes and sizes. Support local artisans and get a taste of uniquely Calgarian creations by paying the all-ages market a visit.
When: Friday April 13, 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday April 14, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Bowness Community Hall 7904 43 Ave NW
Cost: $4 admission at the door or online
Whether it’s natural soaps, wooden decor, paper goods, or even cheesecake that you’re looking for, you might just find it at Tangled Tree Arts Spring Artisan Market. The market returns to NW Calgary for a fourth year and will be showcasing everything from all-natural home goods to vintage, up-cycled clothing, children’s apparel and beyond. Each of the 21 vendors participating make their goods by hand, all the more reason to stop by and see what’s being created right here in Calgary.
When: Saturday, April 21 from 10 am. to 3 pm.
Where: Bearspaw Lions Hall | 25240 Nagway Rd. NW
Cost: Admission is free.
Credit to CBC
We’re feel-ine good about this one.
Calgary’s first cat cafe is offering yoga classes alongside four-legged friends! Regal Cat Cafe invites us to combine our love of fitness and animals with Cats & Yoga classes with adoptable rescue cats from Calgary’s MEOW Foundation. Ages 18+ are welcome, and yoga-goers are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to reserve a space.
When: April 11, 12, 22, 25 and 26 — morning and evening classes available.
Where: Regal Cat Cafe | 303 10 St. NW
Cost: $25
VISIT THE WORLD’S LARGEST YMCA
Credit to Calgary Herald
That’s right, Northwest Calgary is now the home of one of the world’s most impressive YMCA locations. Recognized as a community hub where Calgarians of all ages can meet, connect and be active, the new YMCA’S facilities include a 250-seat theatre, art-making spaces and a library. More amenities include a pool and adjoining lazy river, custom-designed rock climbing wall, a leisure and an NHL-sized ice rink, child minding services, and a variety of group fitness classes.
Be sure to check out YMCA’s website for a full listing of all the exciting new programming, opportunities and events for some fitness-focused inspiration.
When: Monday-Friday from 5:30 am – 10:30 pm, Weekends & Holidays from 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
Where: 11300 Rocky Ridge Road NW
Cost: See pricing details for drop-ins here.
ENJOY COMMUNITY-FRIENDLY PROGRAMMING AT VECOVA
Credit to Vecova
Since 1977, Vecova Recreation Centre has been committed to providing recreation and leisure opportunities to Calgarians of all ages and abilities.
Their barrier-free facility in the heart of Northwest Calgary features a warm salt-water pool, a full size gymnasium, three studios and three multi-purpose rooms. Vecova offers a wide variety of inclusive activities including swimming, preschool programs, birthday parties, fitness classes for limited mobility, day camps and more.
When: Monday-Thursday: 6:45 am-9:00 pm, Friday: 8:45am-9:00 pm, Weekend: 7:45 am-8:00 pm
Where: 3304 33 St NW Calgary
Cost: Varies — see 2018 recreation schedule here.
Credit to Fly Right Swing
Let’s dance!
Mount Pleasant Community Centre offers neighbours a chance to learn some new dance moves with the Fly Right Swing dance classes. No experience or partners are needed to attend; just bring your dancing shoes and be prepared have some fun! Each class begins with beginner-level instruction before moving into a social evening showing off your new dance moves.
When: Friday at 8:30 pm
Where: Mount Pleasant Community Centre 602 22 Ave NW
Cost: $10 for general admission, $7 for students
Jump into spring Calgary and put your best foot forward and share with us your top spring activities and tag us on social media with #UDlife to be profiled. And now that warm weather is on the way, be sure to stop by at our Discovery Centre to learn about our latest developments and enjoy a coffee with us!
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
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