By Sarah Sussman
Calgary is gearing up for a fun-filled weekend of park openings, theatre performances, cinema experiences, wine tastings and more over the Victoria Day long weekend. Here are eight things to do this year during the Victoria Day long weekend. [Image credit: trec_lit]
Heritage Park, Canada’s largest living historical museum. celebrates its 53rd summer season opening May 20 through 22. Explore Canadian history from 1860 all the way through to 1950 with costumed interpreters, interactive exhibits, midway rides and more. Admission to the park is $13.50 for children (ages three to six), $18.75 for youth (ages seven to 15), $26.25 for general admission and $20.50 for seniors (ages 65 and older).
If you’re a fan of biking, vintage, or both, register to participate in the annual Victoria Day Tweed Ride. This casual inner-city cycling event encourages participants to dress up in vintage or tweed as they cycle the city in style. Registration is pay-what-you-want, with proceeds going to support Bicycles For Humanity. The event kicks off at Village Ice Cream with registration starting at 2 p.m. Wrap up the evening at the event’s official afterparty at Oak Tree Tavern.
On May 19 and 20, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents a special live orchestrated screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The classic John Williams score becomes an fully sensory experience as the CPO plays the score live in sync with the movie. Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase online.
If you’re looking for the ultimate 18+ long weekend celebration, head to the Kensington Wine Market May 18 and 19 in celebration of the store’s 25th anniversary. On May 18, enjoy a storewide tasting with accompanying charcuterie courtesy of Peasant Cheese. On May 19, drop by during the day for a tasting of the market’s special 25th anniversary bottles, or come by in the evening for an exclusive tasting paired with hors d’oeuvres from Cured Delicatessen and Peasant Cheese.
Since its inception in 1982, Calaway Park has been essential to every Calgary kid’s summer experience. Victoria Day long weekend marks the park’s seasonal grand opening. Take a whirl on the park’s new Dizzy Dragon ride, or get yourself soaked silly on the park’s new Timber Falls log ride. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, line yourself up for a ride on The Vortex. The Vortex is a massive corkscrew rollercoaster with a 65-foot drop that’ll give you enough adrenaline to get you through the rest of the summer.
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A must-attend for Shakespeare aficionados, the classic tale of Macbeth is getting the theatrical treatment at Vertigo Theatre this month. Presented by the Shakespeare Company, Macbeth shows at 7 p.m. daily during the long weekend, as well as at 2:30 p.m. on May 20 and May 21. There will be no performances on May 22. The play is directed by Craig Hall, and features Haysam Kadri in the role of Macbeth. Tickets are available for purchase online.
If you consider yourself a trekkie, you need to make a trip out to Telus Spark to check out Star Trek: The Starfleet Academy Experience. The ongoing interactive exhibit has been at Telus Spark since February, but is coming to an end in June – so if you haven’t had a chance to check it out, you’re missing out on a chance to fully immerse yourself in the science behind the science fiction. Learn to speak Klingon, conduct a planetary survey, try some phaser target practice and more. While you’re there, make sure to drop in to the newly opened Social Eatery restaurant, headed by chef Roger Mooking.
Entering its 19th year, Fairy Tales Festival is an annual film festival that celebrates queer culture, while creating a platform to foster discussion and change. Kick things off at the festival’s soft launch of Thursday night with a showing of Kings, Queens and Inbetweens at Dickens Pub. The documentary takes viewers through the story of drag queens, kings and transgender performers in Columbus, OH and wraps at 9 p.m. with a drag show performance by Calgary’s own Fake Mustache Drag King Troupe. The festival screens films daily at various venues until May 27.
With so much going on around Calgary for the May long weekend, celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday in style by allowing yourself to kick back and have some fun. Whether you decide to spend it with the kids at the amusement park or with some friends at Calgary’s premier queer film festival, make sure you get out and enjoy yourself for Victoria Day.
