YYC May Event Guide: What's Happening This Month

Updated: May 2, 2026 | 2:33 PM

May is officially here, and the city is moving. We’ve done the digging, so you don’t have to. Whether you're looking for world-class brews, niche community races, or a place to support local makers, this is your month.

If you’re reading this on Saturday afternoon, put down the phone and get out there. Some of the best events of the month are happening at this exact moment.

HAPPENING RIGHT NOW (MAY 2–3)

Don't wait. These events are live in the city as we speak.

• 10th Annual Chihuahua Races (Century Downs): STARTED AT 12:45 PM! The tiny-dog heats are underway. Stick around for the Kentucky Derby viewing at 5:00 PM.

• Ogden Indoor Highland Games: ON NOW until 4:00 PM. Head over to TransAlta Studios for pipes, drums, and a beer garden. Admission is by donation!

• Calgary Maker Faire (Acadia Rec Centre): Open until 5:00 PM today and all day Sunday. Go see what Calgary’s most creative inventors are building.

• Day Out with Thomas (Heritage Park): Perfect for the kids and running all afternoon. (He's back May 3, 9, and 10 if you miss today) .

• Calgary International Beerfest (BMO Centre): Doors open at 5:00 PM tonight for the final session. Sample over 200 breweries and local food.

• Evening Vibes: Tonight also features the LOOK26 Gala at Contemporary Calgary and Alberta in Harmony at Jack Singer Hall.

💐 MOTHER’S DAY & NIGHT MARKETS (MAY 7–10)

The ultimate weekend to support local "hidden gems".

• Gin Cocktail Workshop (Confluence Distilling): Thursday, May 7. Level up your home bar game.

• Inglewood Night Market: Friday, May 8 (5 PM – 10 PM). The quintessential YYC market experience at 10th Ave & 10th St SE.

• Calgary Reads Big Book Sale: Starts May 8 at the Calgary Curling Club. A book lover’s paradise.

• Mother’s Day Tea & Brunch (May 10):

  • The Zoo: Specialty Brunch at the Wilder Institute.

  • Lougheed House: Traditional Tea in a historic setting.

  • Spruce Meadows: Massive Brunch Buffet for the whole crew.

  • The Hangar Flight Museum: Mother's Day at the Hangar.

🎢 SEASON OPENERS & THE LONG WEEKEND (MAY 15–18)

Summer vibes are officially arriving.

• Otafest (Telus Convention Centre): May 15–17. Calgary’s premier festival for Japanese art and pop culture. The cosplay is unmatched.

• Full Season Openers: Heritage Park, Calaway Park, and Cobb’s Adventure Park all kick off their full 2026 seasons this weekend.

• Stamps Football: Catch the pre-season action as the Stampeders take on Saskatchewan at McMahon Stadium on Victoria Day Monday.

🏃‍♂️ MARATHONS & STREET PARTIES (MAY 22–31)

Closing out the month with pure energy.

• East Town Get Down (International Ave): May 23. A multi-venue music festival that takes over 17th Ave SE. This is the definition of "Homegrown".

• Servus Calgary Marathon: Sunday, May 24. From the 42K to the "Diaper Dash," the energy downtown is electric.

The Barn Artisan Market (Shawnessy Barn): May 24 & 31. Two floors of local makers in one of the city's coolest historic venues.


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