What to Do in Calgary: November 2015

Welcome to our monthly round-up of events in, around, and connected to our community in Calgary’s NW. Each month as University District continues to come together we ask our team what they’re looking forward to in the month ahead. Here is what we’re excited about in Calgary for the month of November.

Follow along using the hashtag #UDistrictYYC as you explore our city this month.

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes presents: The Daisy Theatre 
Big Secret Theatre, Arts Commons (15 minutes drive from University District)
November 1 – 17^th, 2015
$40 (+taxes & fees)

The Daisy Theatre brings Calgary fan favorite Ronnie Burkett back home and sets him loose: unleashed, unscripted, by the seat of his pants and living up to his full potential for sass and storytelling. Manipulating and voicing his incredible marionettes through variety acts, impromptu monologues, musical numbers and audience participation, it’s no wonder why this Alberta export has received international acclaim and Canada’s highest artistic honours. The Daisy Theatre is in Calgary with a cast of 40 marionette characters for this limited engagement. MORE.

The Walrus Talks – Resilience

Theatre Junction Grand (15 minutes from University District)
November 1, 2015
$25 General Admission / $17 Students

“Eighty minutes of lively, thought-provoking ideas on how cities and communities build themselves to thrive through difficult times”

This round of Talks will include Craig Alexander (C.D. Howe), Ritu Bhasin (Bhasin Consulting Inc.), Lisa Charleyboy (Urban Native Magazine), Ross Curnter (MaRS), Janice Price (The Banff Centre),  Doug Saunder (The Globe and Mail), Chris Turner, award-winning journalist and more. MORE.

Broadway Across Canada Presents: Once 
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (8 minutes drive from University District)
November 3 – 8, 2015
$39.20 – $111.00

Winner of 8 2012 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, ONCE makes its first tour appearance in Calgary this November.

“Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights… but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.”

Hot tip: be there when the doors open and head for the stage. ONCE has one of the most memorable Broadway welcomes in stage history. MORE.

WATCH: Preview the national touring cast of ONCE

GREEN CALGARY presents: How to make your own compost tea
#100 301, 14^{th ST} NW (8 minutes drive from University District)
November 5, 2015
$20: Members, $30: Non Members (cost includes all materials)

By the end of this workshop you will know how to fertilize your garden the pesticide free way, learn how to brew compost tea, and make some of your own to take home – how’s that for informative? Get ready to get hands on – your garden, lawn, shrubs and trees will thank you for it. MORE.

Olympic Oval Monday Toonie Skate
Olympic Oval (3 minutes from University District
Monday Nights, from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM weekly
$2, with donation of non-perishable food item

Each monday, we ordinary citizens have the chance to fly on the “The Fastest Ice in the World™” for the cost of a toonie. Each skater is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the University of Calgary Food Bank. Last year, these donations supported over 150 families.

Rememberance Tea & Talk with CWAC Veteran Rose Wilkinson
Lougheed House (15 minutes drive from University District)
November 9, 2015
Lougheed House volunteers & members, $9; general, $20. Two for one senior discount.

Did you know that WWII code breaking happened beyond Bletchley Park? Hear the story of Canadian Women’s Army Corps Veteran Rose Wilkinson, who served as a cipher decoder, using the Enigma machine recently covered in the Oscar-nominated film The Imitation Game. The talk will be led by Lougheed House Curator Trisha Carleton and light refreshments will be provided.

Fort Calgary Artisan Fair 2015
Fort Calgary (15 minutes from University District)
11:30 onwards – November 11, 2015
Free, with donation to the Veteran’s Food Bank

Fort Calgary’s 13th annual Artisan Fair offers local artists and crafters an opportunity to exhibit and sell their handmade goods to the public on Wednesday, November 11. This year will feature a stunning variety of woodworkers, art jewelers, photographers, authors, crafters, textile artists, potters, and natural bath and body product producers. Christmas shopping begins now.

Beakerhead: Engagement, Cheese, and The five E’s
University of Calgary, Gallery Hall – Taylor Family Digital Library (4 minutes from University District)
November 19, 2015, 12:00-1:00 PM
Free

“Since its inception, Beakerhead has immersed Calgarians in a wonderful world of fun and whimsy, and allowed the city to experience science, engineering and the arts in a brand new way… truly is nothing like it.” – Mayor Naheed Nenshi

Beakerhead has put Calgary on the map as a beacon for science and art. How? Visit the U of C on the 19th for a lunchtime presentation by Jasmine Palardy, Beakerhead’s intrepid Director of Programming. Jasmine is been the driving force of this fabulous festival so its inception in 2012. Check out her talk for a dose of enthusiasm and creativity sure to fuel your spirit for until… well, until the next Beakerhead! MORE.

Charlie Brown’s Christmas featuring Jerry Granelli’s Trio
Central United Church (15 minutes from University District)
November 28, 2015, 2:00 PM
Tickets $15 in advance, $18 at the door.

“Maybe Lucy’s right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you are the Charlie Browniest.” – Linus.

Christmas time isn’t here quiet yet, but the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas makes you feel warm and fuzzy all year round. Renowned drummer Jerry Granelli – the only surviving member of the Vince Guaraldi Trio, who wrote and performed the film’s soundtrack – will perform at this special concert, alongside a charming local children’s choir. It is never too early for Christmas cheer. MORE.

WATCH: A Charlie Brown Christmas finale

Devonian Gardens’ Children’s Nature Program
Devonian Gardens in The CORE Shopping Centre, 317 7^th Ave SW (10 minutes from University District)
November 1-December 16, 2015 (excluding Rememberance Day)
Free

Looking for some free, weekday family entertainment? Drop by Devonian Gardens on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for The City of Calgary’s Wonders of Devonian Gardens children’s nature program. Children aged 3-12 (must be accompanied by an adult) can learn and explore through nature-inspired games, crafts and stories ranging from Fancy Fish to the Secret Lives of Ladybugs Topics will rotate on a weekly basis. Come play and learn at this modern indoor oasis. MORE.

Glenbow Museum presents: Paul Hardy’s Kaleidascopic Anamalia 
The Glenbow Museum (12 minutes from University District)
October 17, 2015 – May 22, 2016.
Admission $10-$16

Acclaimed Calgary-based fashion designer has been exploring the collections of the Glenbow Museum as its Artist in Residence all year. The result: a spectacular exhibtion combining pieces from Glenbow’s expansive catalogue and new fashion creations inspired by them. Hardy based the exhibition on a common thread he found between Glenbow’s vast collection – animals. Each an every culture, country, and era has an unique attachment to the animal kingdom. The exhibition will be open until May, with many events throughout.

READ: Paul Hardy Tackles Museum Experience, Calgary Herald

Do you know of an organization that should be included on this list? Contact us!