12 great things to do in Calgary this week: February 12-16

Valentine's Day is coming up this week and there are plenty of things to check out with your significant other (or best friends).

If you're still looking for some date ideas, we've rounded up some creative (and cheap!) date night ideas that are worth checking out.

If you're not a romantic, there are plenty of other non-holiday events to try.

City and Color, Nathaniel Rateliff and Night Sweats and Ruby Waters

What: Canada's own Dallas Green headlines this star-studded show featuring rock/soul act Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats and up-and-coming indie singer-songwriter Ruby Waters.

When: February 12 at 19.00
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome — 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Starting at $90; you can buy online here

Check out Chinook Blast

What: There's a lot to look out for at Chinook Blast, but the most fun comes in the amazing art installations and performances that pop up around town. It's a massive event with lots of free things to check out, including colorful light displays that can be very romantic.

When: February 2-19
Where: For a complete list of facilities throughout the city, click here

BHM Exhibition at Military Museums

What: A new exhibit at the Military Museums shows the vital role and sacrifices of black Canadian soldiers from the First World War to the present day. Running throughout February, there are plenty of opportunities to check it out for yourself.

Where: Military Museums – 4520 Crowchild Trail SW
When: February 2-29
Price: From FREE regular admission to $35 for a family ticket

Strumbellas

What: This Canadian rock band from Ontario is heading to Calgary this week.

When: February 13 at 8 p.m
Where: Palace Theater — 219 8th Ave., B.C
Tickets: Prices range from $95 to $525; you can buy online here

Chinook center mirror mirror

What: This interactive art exhibit has taken over the old Nordstrom building in Chinook. Mirror Mirror is an experience that Moment Factory describes as “a playground of immersive art that takes you into a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.” It is a delight for all the senses, being an installation that “brings together scenography, light, words, original music and interactivity to create a surreal and sensory playground of immersive art that reconnects us to our imagination.”

We checked it out ourselves and were blown away! Each individual room is a visual delight guaranteed to make the perfect photo backdrop.

When: Opens on February 2
Where: North Court Chinook Center
Price: $22 for adults and $18 for children

Da Vinci Exhibition at Telus Spark

What: Da Vinci fans won't want to miss this incredible exhibit at Telus Spark. The event says guests will have the opportunity to “experiment with da Vinci's advanced understanding of science, mathematics and nature through themed galleries showcasing his designs, from helicopters to visual city plans.”

When: From January 22 to May 5
Where: Telus Spark — 220 St. George Road Northeast
Price: $26 for adults and can be purchased online here

Sunrise at the Banff Gondola

@freshdailycalgary This is a must try! ✨ #banff #alberta #calgary #calgary_yyc #calgary🇨🇦 #yyc #yyccalgary #yyctiktok #christmasinbanff ♬ Sparkle of Hope – ZydSounds

What: It's hard to find a better view of Banff than from a gondola window. Not only is it beautiful to look at during the day, but there's nothing like seeing a city lit up under the night sky. Nightrise is a one-of-a-kind event that runs through the end of March, featuring a literal ice rink, visual and auditory storytelling, and more. included. When we checked it out ourselves, we couldn't get enough of the amazing experience and amazing food at Sky Bistro.

When: From November 18, 2023 to March 30, 2024
Where: 100 Mountain Ave., Banff
Price: Tickets start at $58; you can buy online here

Try a hot tub or sauna around Calgary

What: It may be warming up around town, but you might want to warm up even more by relaxing at a spa in Calgary. There are plenty of great spots around the city, so we've rounded up the most popular spots worth checking out here.

Tube in Winsport

What: If you want to get out and about but are looking for something a little more special, you can always go tubing at Winsport! With snow in the forecast, it could be a great week – if you, of course.

When: Fridays and weekends
Where: Winsport – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Price: Tickets are $18; you can order online here

Ice skating at the Olympic Plaza

What: There are several places in Calgary where you can skate outdoors for free, but skating at Olympic Plaza is a different experience, and it's free! Warm up before or after Calgary with one of these popular hot drinks.

Where: Olympic Plaza — 228 8th Avenue SE
Price: FREE