Cities/YYC

DRINK YYCAESARFEST
Where: The Big Four Building, Stampede Park (1801 Big Four Trail SE)
When: Thurs., May 19 & Fri., May 20
Tickets: $28.92 to $56.76
calgarycaesarfest.com

It’s as Canadian as hockey and maple syrup. In 2010, the federal government actually declared the Caesar Canada’s National Cocktail. Invented in Calgary in 1969 by Walter Chell, the city pays homage to its at YYCaesarfest. Come sample from over 40 versions of the classic Canadian Clamato-juice cocktail that has been made with everything but the kitchen sink in the glass, from string beans to lobster. The two-day, Caesar-lovers dream also has merch and other related goods. YYCaesarfest also has offerings for those who don’t like the clam juice-infused drink from food to craft beer.

CALGARY SNEAKER SWAP
Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (197 1st SW)
Sat., May 14
$6.32 to $11.62 on EventBrite
bit.ly/3v1GA3w

Bring in your sneakers for the biggest sneaker marketplace in the city, where you can trade, buy, compare, price, boast and admire all things sneakers. YYC SOLEdiers — a private sneaker collector Facebook Group created in 2012 that now has over 17,000 members in its discussion group and online marketplace — started the first annual public swap in 2015. The organizers are sneakerheads Albert Myles Mejia, Andrew Phung and Adam Kereszte. A+++

THE CALGARY MARATHON
Starts and ends at Stampede Grandstand (3 St. SE)
In-person Sun., May 29 or a virtual from Sun., May 29 to Tues., June 28
calgarymarathon.com

If you haven’t been off your couch in two years, advice from Next is maybe walk this one. If, however, you kept up or kicked off a fitness regime, then run right into Canada’s first-ever marathon, created in 1963 then held annually since 1971. Registration is required. Fees vary.

OTAFEST
Calgary Telus Convention Centre (136 8 Ave. SE)
Sat., May 21 & Sun., May 22
Tickets: $10 – $175; free for caregivers (with valid proof) and children 5 and under
otafest.com

If you are deep into anime or just anime-curious, Otafest is the annual anime convention to attend. Quite simply, anime is Japanese animation, either hand-drawn or computer- generated, that has a distinct look. Come see what it’s all about. Over two days, the non-profit, all-ages event, dedicated to Japanese anime and pop culture since 1999, will include panels, exhibitions, screenings, cosplay contests, concerts, autograph stations, charity auction and voice actors. Dress in your favourite character.

ROYAL CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS
CrossIron Mills (261055 Crossiron Blvd.)
When: Fri., May 27 – Sun., June 5
Tickets: $35 – $50
royalcanadiancircus.ca

Feel like a kid under the big top again with these pure, human feats. The Royal Canadian International Circus does not employ animals. Just good old-fashioned tightrope walking, balancing acts, extreme bending, aerials, hoops and troupes.

GREASED
Jubilations Dinner Theatre (1002 37th St. SW)
Now until Sat., May 28
Tickets: $38.95 – $75.95
jubilations.ca

The cast parody the film and stage classic Grease, complete with the songs from the 1950s-style soundtrack. Tell me more, tell me more. Okay: the themed dinner menu items includes Ham-A-Lama Ding Dong and Beef Lightnin’.

POSSIBLE WORLDS: A TALK BY ALEXANDER NAGEL
Contemporary Calgary Dome Theatre (701 11 St. SW)
Thurs., May 19
contemporarycalgary.com/whats-on

For something a bit more highbrow, take in this in-person lecture (or livestream) by Alexander Nagel, the Craig Hugh Smyth Professor of Fine Arts at the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU. Reception and exhibition to follow.

THE CALGARY MAKER FAIRE
Where: BMO Centre on the Stampede Grounds (20 Roundup Way SE)
When: Sat., May 14 & Sun., May 15
calgary.makerfaire.com

From artisans to inventions, creators of all-ages can show off their STEM projects, art and hobbies at this two-day event from Roots2Stem. There are exhibits, workshops and demonstrations from students to adults, scientists to crafters, geniuses to experimenters.

CALGARY BEER FESTIVAL
BMO Centre, Stampede Park (20 Roundup Way)
Fri., May 6 & Sat., May 7

Leave the car at home for this international beer fest, boasting more than 700 beers from over 200 breweries, and see if you can leave with a more developed palate. Experts will be on hand to tap their knowledge (pun intended).

JEFF FOXWORTHY
Where: Grey Eagle Resort and Casino (3777 Grey Eagle Dr.)
When: Sat., May 28
Tickets: $74.99 – $89.99

The iconic comedian, known for his blue-collar schtick, has a new Netflix special called The Good Old Days, his first in 24 years. Maybe don’t watch it until after you see him live, just in case he’s recycling jokes.