By Joel Dryden
Warm weather just can’t seem to officially make its way to Calgary without one last mini-snowstorm like the one we had in late April. Hopefully the sunshine is here to stay, especially because May in Calgary is packed with can’t-miss festivals. Here’s the best of our city this month. [Photo credit: istockphoto.com/GeorgeDolgikh]
Cotto Italian Comfort Food is the latest Italian eatery from Giuseppe Di Gennaro, who Calgarians might recognize as the brains behind Il Sogno, Capo and Borgo – three former beloved local Italian mainstays. Di Gennaro’s special touch has been missed – and at Cotto, he hopes to strike a balance between high-quality Italian food and a comfortable environment.
Po-ke has latched onto the latest food trend to hit the streets of Calgary, serving up the traditional Hawaiian dish of poke, which is a colourful mix of raw fish, vegetables and other ingredients. Po-ke’s bowls are customizable and other items, such as sushi burritos, offer up some menu variety.
We’re still recovering from the cheesy smorgasbord that was Calgary Poutine Week, but there’s no time to waste as the YYC Taco Fiesta runs until May 7. Check out our 9 picks, including selections from Native Tongues, the Blue Star Diner and Home & Away.
Having consumed a respectable number of tacos, take your pick of more than 500 brews at the Calgary International Beerfest, scheduled May 5 and 6 at the BMO Centre. Upon entry, guests are handed a mug which they can then use to sample beers like Alley Kat and Banded Peak.
Don’t forget that May 14 marks Mother’s Day – and if you’re hoping to treat mom to a delicious brunch, make sure you book early. Or, spoil mom with a thoughtful, handcrafted gift from local shops like the Rubaiyat Gallery or Moonstone Creation.
With Sled Island and the Calgary International Folk Festival on the horizon, Calgary is set to welcome some amazing local and international artistic talent. But that’s for the grown-ups. The best in kids’ theatre, dance and music will take over Arts Commons and Olympic Plaza May 24 to 27 at The Calgary International Children’s Festival (or Calgary Kidsfest for short). Kid stars like “kid-hop” artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo and the lively production of Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey will surely bring the roof down.
Warm summer weather is at a premium in our fair city, so make sure you get out there and enjoy it. There are plenty of ways to enjoy spring, whether you enjoy kicking back and enjoying a beer in the sun on one of Calgary’s great patios or whether you want to get set for summer by picking up some hiking gear.
Calgary is quickly becoming one of the best art hubs in the country, so you could do worse than spending a weekend checking out the best the city has to offer. Check out Contemporary Calgary’s new spot – housed in the former location of the Telus Spark – or check out the latest exhibit at the Glenbow Museum.
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Discover more things to do in Calgary:
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Summer is nearly here, but there’s no time to waste – May in Calgary promises to keep us all busy. From the Taco Fiesta to Kidsfest, there’s something for everyone this month.
