Calgary Attractions

Hot Dogs & Hot Takes on History: Polite City, Loud Streets: Protesting in Calgary
2026-02-19 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5E1, Canada
Event Date: Thursday, Feb. 19
Event Time: 7-8:30 pm | Doors open 6:30 pm
Cost: $15
Ages: 13+
Is Calgary really as politically quiet and conservative as its reputation suggests? Or has protest always been part of the city’s DNA — easier to overlook than to remember?
In the first installment of Hot Dogs & Hot Takes on History in 2026, Dr. Roberta Lexier peels back the layers of Calgary’s past to uncover a long tradition of protest and activism. From mass demonstrations during the Great Depression to anti-war movements, tuition protests, labour organizing, women’s rights, racial justice, and contemporary events responding to today’s political flashpoints, Dr. Lexier traces how Calgarians have repeatedly taken to the streets when economic crisis, war, or injustice demanded action.
Challenging the idea that activism belongs somewhere else, Dr. Lexier reframes Calgary as a city shaped not only by oil, agriculture, and the Stampede, but by dissent. She explores how protest has evolved across generations — who was allowed to gather, who was suppressed, and how the boundaries of acceptable resistance have shifted over time.
Come for the hot dogs, stay for the reminder that protest has always been part of this city — whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.

Penguin Walk
2026-02-20 10:30 - 2026-04-25 11:00, 2026-02-21 10:30 - 2026-04-26 11:00, 2026-02-22 10:30 - 2026-04-27 11:00, 2026-02-23 10:30 - 2026-04-28 11:00, 2026-02-24 10:30 - 2026-04-29 11:00, 2026-02-25 10:30 - 2026-04-30 11:00, 2026-02-26 10:30 - 2026-05-01 11:00, 2026-02-27 10:30 - 2026-05-02 11:00 and 16 more dates | Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo, 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7V6, Canada
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is excited to share that the Penguin Walk, presented by WestJet Cargo, is waddling back this January! Starting January 10th until March 15th, watch as up to thirteen king penguins step outside their habitat for a royal stroll through the zoo grounds each morning.
Penguin Walk is dependent on the birds’ desire to walk as well as the weather, but luckily for zoo guests, the colony loves to walk and usually chooses to!
When: January 10th – Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. daily (weather conditions permitting)
Cost: Penguin Walk is included with your Daily Admission Ticket to the zoo
Remember to get your tickets in advance to save big on daily admission!
*Please note: Penguin Walk will be cancelled if the temperature warms up to 5° C, drops to or below -25° C, or the winds are too strong.

Métis Beading Workshop
2026-02-28 10:00 - 17:00 | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5E1, Canada
Event Date: Saturday, Feb. 28
Event Time: 10 am-5 pm | Doors open 9:45 am
Cost: $100 (plus fees)
Ages: 16+
Step into creativity and learn a new skill! In this beginner’s workshop, Métis artisan Janis Laboucane will share the history and significance of Métis beading where you’ll learn how to follow a traditional flower pattern to use in other personal projects.
All materials are supplied and yours to take home if you don’t finish the flower during the workshop.
Bring your own lunch with you or add Spolumbo’s lunch to your ticket purchase for an additional $18 and we’ll deliver it during the workshop. Sandwich orders close February 26 at 4:30 pm.

Reel Talk Movie Club: Amélie (2001)
2026-03-05 18:30 - 21:00 | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5E1, Canada
Event Date: Thursday, March 5
Event Time: 6:30-9 pm | Doors open 6 pm
Cost: $15 (plus fees)
Ages: 18+
Movies aren’t just entertainment — they challenge us, inspire us and shape the way we see the world. Join us at The Confluence for Reel Talk Movie Club, where we dive into groundbreaking films that pushed boundaries, sparked conversation and redefined cinema. This year, we’re exploring a range of movies that inspire conversation and highlight the art of cinema. Each evening includes a film screening and a guided group discussion with fellow movie fans.
Tickets includes a screening in the Burnswest Theatre, a small popcorn and access to the cultural centre before the event begins.
2026 FILM LINEUP

March 5: Amélie (Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain) (2001)

July 23: The Truman Show (1998)

December 10: The Divorcee (1930)

Collage Art Workshop
2026-03-07 13:00 - 16:00 | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5E1, Canada
Event Date: Saturday, March 7
Event Time: 1-4 pm
Cost: $25 (plus fees)
Ages: 14+
Explore history in a new way – through collage art! Past meets the present in this two-hour program exploring the mixed media art form of collage, where you’ll break down and piece back together copies of historical photographs, modern magazines and other textile materials to create your own unique piece of art.
In this workshop led by Visitor Experience Lead, U of C Masters student and lover of collage Sam, attendees will create their own mixed media collages. Supplies such as photographs, magazines, paper, glue and scissors will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring any additional photographs or other materials, but it is not required.
Can’t make this date? Check out our other session on March 21!

How True is a True Story?: Frida (2002)
2026-03-07 18:30 - 21:00 | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5E1, Canada
Event Date: Saturday, March 7
Event Time: 6:30-9 pm | Doors open 6 pm
Cost: $17 (plus fees)
Ages: 16+
Movies “based on a true story” captivate audiences with the intrigue of history and the wonderment of how the film’s events could have transpired in real life. The reality is that these films love to blur the lines between fact and fiction in favour of cinematic storytelling. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “how much of this actually happened,” join The Confluence as we dig into the real events behind classic film and modern blockbusters
Each session kicks off with a 10–15-minute presentation investigating the true events that inspired the movie in the spotlight. Then we roll out the truth report card, giving you the chance to grade the film on how faithfully it sticks to reality. You might be surprised by what’s accurate… and what’s pure Hollywood. Spoiler alert: sometimes, the truth really is stranger than fiction!
Tickets include a small bag of popcorn, presentation and movie screening, and after-hours admission to The Confluence Cultural Centre. Additional snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available for purchase.

Collage Art Workshop
2026-03-21 13:00 - 16:00 | The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, 750 9 Avenue Southeast, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5E1, Canada
Event Date: Saturday, March 21
Event Time: 1-4 pm
Cost: $25 (plus fees)
Ages: 14+
Explore history in a new way – through collage art! Past meets the present in this two-hour program exploring the mixed media art form of collage, where you’ll break down and piece back together copies of historical photographs, modern magazines and other textile materials to create your own unique piece of art.
In this workshop led by Visitor Experience Lead, U of C Masters student and lover of collage Sam, attendees will create their own mixed media collages. Supplies such as photographs, magazines, paper, glue and scissors will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring any additional photographs or other materials, but it is not required.
Can’t make this date? Check out our other session on March 7!
