Costumes, choirs and crooners keep Calgary colourful this weekend

1. Greatest indoor show in Calgary

Calgary Expo an explosion of pop culture

8 years ago

Duration 0:33

Celebrity guests, comic book artists, writers, creators, toy vendors, cosplayers and more are in town for the Calgary Expo, which calls itself a four-day celebration of creative entertainment.

When:Thursdayuntil Sunday May 1at Stampede Park.

2. Musical moments of water

The 20th seasonofCalgary's Spiritus Chamber Choir is awash with beauty. All musical repertoire is inspired by a water theme.The programme includes traditional favourites likeDeep River,Shenandoah,The Water is Wide,and Wade in the Wateralong with several other pieces.Tickets are $25 foradults,$20 forstudents and seniors,and areavailable at the door or online atbrownpapertickets.com.

When:Saturday, April 30 at 8p.m.(Christ Church, Elbow Park, 3602 8 Street S.W.)

3. Arabian nights

Lights, camera, action! It's the 4th Annual Arab Nights Film Festival brought to you bythe Calgary Arab Arts and Culture Society.The festival featureseightfilms,including an animated film called The Prophetshowcasing the voices of Hollywood'sSalma Hayek and Liam Neeson. Bonusif you showup in a Calgary Expo costume, you will get $5 off your ticket. Double bonus William Shatner and Stan Lee are invited, so keep an eye out for those comic icons!Head to calgaryarabartssociety.ca for information.

When:Runs through Mondayat Festival Hall

4. Get 'jazzy' with it

The CBC'svery own Tim Tamashiro, host ofRadio 2's Tonic,takes to the stage for an International Jazz Day celebratingthe musical genre.He will take on many classic and reimaginedjazz classicsand will share the spotlight withCalgary'sAimee-JoBenoit, MarkDeJongand the MRU Alumni All-Stars.Tickets are $20 at the door or online attickets.mru.ca

When: Saturday April 30 at8 p.m. at the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts

5. Canadian Idol crooner

Hearthe vocal stylings offormer Canadian Idol competitor JennBeaupr.Get serenaded through song, and raise funds for Sunalta's Community Association. The night alsoincludesa cash bar, door prizes, and a 50/50 draw.Tickets available through brownpapertickets.comor get them at the door.

When:Doors open 7p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Saturday April 30 at the SunaltaCommunity Association

6. Lecture of a lifetime

In conjunction with the University of Calgary's 50th anniversary weekend, join award-winning Canadian novelist and University of Calgary English Professor Aritha van Herk as she presents her Lecture of a Lifetime. Raised in Alberta, van Herk is an insightful and creative writer with a distinctly Albertan voice. Her work has cultivated a more profound understanding of what being an Albertan means.

When:Reception at6:15 p.m., lecture at 7 p.mSaturday, April 30 at theTaylor Family Institute of Teaching & Learning (University of Calgary)

7.Hike for Hospice Calgary

Lace up your hiking shoes, collect your pledges, gather your family and friends and take positive steps toward providing compassionate support for families in need at the Hike for Hospice Calgary. Join CBC Calgary's Angela Knight for this family-friendly community walk in beautiful Fish Creek Provincial Park

When: SundayMay 1 atFish Creek Provincial Park; Glennfield Area A & B.9 a.m. Pledge Drop; 10 a.m. Hike Start