Courtesy / Telus World of Science

Things to do in Alberta: April 2023

By Allison Bench

We’ve got some great activities for you to check out this April, including live shows, science learnings, plus the return of AMA’s Shredding events to help kick off your spring cleaning.

Oh, Pretty Woman!

If you’re a fan of the classic ’90s romantic comedy, you’ll be a fan of the musical. Pretty Woman: The Musical is touring Alberta this April and will hit both Edmonton and Calgary. The show debuted on Broadway in 2018, led by Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Pretty Woman: The Musical plays in Calgary at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from April 4-9, and in Edmonton at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from April 11-16.

Corner Gas in Alberta

Canadian sitcom Corner Gas was hugely popular when it initially ran nationally from 2004 to 2009. And if you’re still jonesing for a fix, its creator—comedian Brent Butt—is set to host a series of stand-up shows around Alberta. Perhaps one of the most famous comedians to come out of Canada’s Prairies, Butt is planning to perform in Drayton Valley on April 21, Lethbridge on April 23, and Red Deer on April 24.  Get your tickets to the shows here.

A Whale of a Time

Looking for an opportunity to get up close and personal with a complete skeleton of a blue whale? Edmonton’s TELUS World of Science is hosting Out of the Depths: The Blue Whale Story, an exhibit that runs until April 10. The feature gallery display will give you a hands-on opportunity to learn about blue whales’ evolution, biology and more. Plus, as an AMA member, you’ll save 10% on admission for both TELUS World of Science and the feature exhibit itself.

Time to Shred!

Spring cleaning season is upon us, and it’s time to get rid of old papers and documents that are laying around the house. But it’s important to do it in a way that protects you from identify theft—and that’s where AMA comes in, with our member-exclusive Shredding events. Register ahead of time for our April Shredding events taking place in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer, and the Edmonton area, with more locations set for May and June. Admission is free but we encourage members to bring along non-perishable food or monetary donations for their local food bank as part of AMA’s Fill Our Fleet program.

It’s-a-Me, Mario!

Head to the big screen to check out The Super Mario Bros. movie with the whole family. The computer-animated film, out April 5, includes all your favourite characters from the video game series, voiced by an ensemble cast—with Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser. With charming visuals and elements from the games that will please both long-time fans and young new players, it’s a movie to bring the whole family out for.

If you’re looking for something a bit more adult, comedy-horror film Renfield comes out April 14, and features an always over-the-top Nicolas Cage as Dracula, with Nicholas Hoult as his long-suffering servant Renfield. Part of a push from Universal Pictures to bring its famous “monsters” like Dracula back into the spotlight, the film also includes some action-packed fight scenes to break up the comedy (and horror!)

Remember, your AMA membership will get you some sweet savings on movie passes for both Landmark and Cineplex theatres. Pick them up from your local AMA centre.

Egg hunts

Egg hunts are an April tradition all around the province, so it’s time to get your little bunnies hopping on a search for some tasty treats at these free events. Alberta’s egg hunt with the best view takes place at Banff’s Mt. Norquay on April 9, where thousands of chocolate treats are hidden in the snow at the mountain’s base. In the Edmonton area, the Sherwood Park Easter Egg Hunt and the Strathcona County Easter Egg Hunt both take place on April 8, and there will be no shortage of chocolate at either—with about 100,000 chocolate eggs at each hunt. Check with your local community league or organization to see if there’s an egg hunt planned for your area. And if you’re looking for a way to save on your own stash, AMA members save 10% on chocolates and other treats at Rocky Mountain Chocolate.