By Jonathan Lawrence
April showers bring May flowers – and some of the best festivals of the year in Calgary. Each of the following four festivals is a wonderful opportunity for Calgarians to emerge from their winter slumber and connect with others over shared interests, even if that interest is a cold glass of beer. [Photo credit: 4th Street Festival Society]
It may be springtime, but thanks to the 14th annual Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF), getting some sun is optional – there are films to watch! From April 17 to 23 at the Globe Cinema, immerse yourself in a carefully-curated collection of unique, funny and often downright weird films you likely won’t see screening at the local multiplex. With audience rates steadily growing each year, audiences are clearly enjoying it.
The opening film on April 17, The Little Hours – a hit at Sundance – will feature an appearance by director Jeff Baena and actress Aubrey Plaza. After the film, head across the street to The Derrick for an afterparty. Make sure to check out the 15th anniversary screening of FUBAR, which will have director Michael Dowse and actor Dave Lawrence in attendance. Then, in the spirit of the film, "just give'r" at the Ship & Anchor Pub during the heavy metal karaoke afterparty.
Throughout the festival, enjoy a film with your selection of Big Rock Brewery beverages or party down on April 22 at The Palomino. However you get involved, CUFF is a great opportunity to meet fellow filmmakers and film fanatics alike. For a full schedule, visit the CUFF homepage.
If there’s one thing people like more than a festival, it’s a free festival – and the Lilac Festival is a fantastic one at that. The one-day event, scheduled for June 4, has been running on 4th Street for more than 25 years. Every year, the festival runs rain or shine, averaging more than 100,000 visitors.
4th Street merchants from One Cycle Spin Studio to Mercato will line the streets to promote their local businesses along with more than 500 vendor booths, ranging from arts and crafts to food and fashion. Plus, a bounty of local food trucks will be on site to serve up delicious and unique offerings. With six stages set to host more than 30 unique performances, Lilac Festival brings life and entertainment back to the city after a long winter hibernation. The day begins with a bang at 10 a.m. with a parade starting on 25th Avenue SW – don't miss it!
Ask just about anyone what the best thing about spring is and they’ll likely mention outdoor patios and cold beverages. Beer enthusiasts who want to expand their horizons should visit Calgary International BeerFest (scheduled May 5 and 6) held in the BMO Centre. With more than 700 different brews to sample and enjoy, this is a beer lover's dream.
Plenty of the beers on offer are brewed in Calgary, such as Banded Peak Brewing Co., Last Best Brewery and Distillery and Tool Shed Brewing Company. In addition to the frothy goodness, BeerFest features interactive entertainment, live music and tons of great food from amazing restaurants such as Booker’s BBQ Grill and Crab Shack, CRAFT Beer Market and Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub.
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Calgary will prove once again that it is a true nerd’s domain during the annual Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. To those with an affection for comic books, television, film or video games, this is paradise. As always, the Expo features appearances from pop culture royalty, including Billy Dee Williams, the man behind the smooth-talking Lando Calrissian from Star Wars, and Nathan Fillion, star of Firefly and Castle. For those who don't meet their favourite stars, check out Celebrity Connections for all your autographed memorabilia needs – just one of hundreds of vendors that will be on site.
For board game enthusiasts, check out Pips Board Game Café. For hobby game aficionados, visit Myth Games and Sentry Box. For those interested in video game design, visit the booth for the Calgary Game Developers Academy for Youths. One of the featured exhibitors, Kensington Art Supply & Instruction, will surely be a destination for aspiring artists.
With tons of amazing merchandise and artwork for sale, tournaments, photo opportunities and Q&A sessions, this is not an event you want to miss. Prices range from $35 to $50 depending on the day and children under seven get in free. Feel free to dress up in costume – it is highly encouraged.
Whether you like beer, films, video games, art or music, there’s something for everyone at one of the many festivals coming to Calgary this spring. And if you don’t, well, spring is a time of new beginnings!
