Whether you’re looking for independent cinema and blockbuster movie releases or outdoor adventures and culture experiences, April has something for everyone in Alberta. Here’s our roundup of events happening across the province this month.
Calgary Underground Film Festival
International independent cinema will be showcased at the Calgary Underground Film Festival from April 16–26, known as one of western Canada’s top indie film fests. The festival features films that defy convention and are rarely seen in theatres, and includes Alberta-made, Canadian, and international selections. Plus, each year the festival launches CUFFcade, an initiative that sees five new indie video games featured in arcade cabinets at the Globe Cinema, where they stay through the year.
Movies This April
And if you’re a blockbuster movie fan, this April has some big releases that will play in theatres across the province. For the whole family, the Super Mario Galaxy Movie—the second film in the animated Mario franchise—will see Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach head beyond the Mushroom Kingdom and into space on April 1. And if you’re looking for a black comedy, The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is set to come out April 3 from arthouse distributor A24. Grab movie passes at your local AMA centre, where you can save ahead of time for tickets at both Landmark and Cineplex.
Accessible Arts
A unique, inclusivity-oriented festival is set to take place in Edmonton this April. Sensory Canada is an inclusive event that brings together art, performances, and families with sensory-friendly programing. The inaugural event will include ASL interpretation, quiet zones, tactile art experiences, and fully accessible venues, making it a rare event that everyone can participate fully in. This community festival takes place on April 11.
Spring Takes Flight
Experience the magic of migration at the Snow Goose Festival in Tofield, taking place on April 25 and 26. The festival features guided bus tours and field hikes, allowing you to get up close and personal with the thousands of snow geese returning to Alberta for the warm season. Taking place in the Beaverhill Lake area, it’s an opportunity for seasoned bird enthusiasts or first timers to connect with nature—and be sure to check out the free trade show with market vendors at the Tofield Arena while you’re in the area.
PWHL Visits Alberta
Experience a rare opportunity to see the Professional Women’s Hockey League in action during its Takeover Tour, heading to both Calgary and Edmonton this April! The Toronto Sceptres will take on the Ottawa Charge in Calgary on April 1, and the Boston Fleet will face the Vancouver Goldeneyes in Edmonton April 7. This special showcase is visiting cities all across North America as the league continues to draw in more fanbase with its speed, strength, and energy.
Cosmic Voyages
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield is coming to Edmonton this April to share stories of his time as International Space Station commander. A five-time bestselling author, Hadfield was the first Canadian to walk in space and has gained a massive following for his social media posts—many of which were shared while orbiting earth. He still actively interacts with his fans online to share space, world, and science news, but your chance to see him in Edmonton is at the Winspear Centre on April 4!
And if space-themed music is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s special concert series at the Winspear Centre featuring music from science fiction movies and television shows. Think Star Trek, E.T., Dune, Star Wars and more. The Cosmic Voyage: Symphony in Space shows take place April 17 and 18. AMA members can save 10% on concerts at the Winspear, by purchasing through the Winspear Centre box office in person or by phone.
The Chris Hadfield: Reaching For the Stars event is not eligible for the AMA discount.
Calgary Expo
Science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo taking place April 17-20 at Stampede Park. Comics, cosplay, pop culture and celebrity guests bring fans together for four days of fandom. This year, the Lord of the Rings will be in the spotlight, with the four Hobbits—Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd—hosting a special event on April 25 in honour of the 25th anniversary of the first movie in the series. And for Smallville fans, Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum, who played Clark Kent and Lex Luther, will host Smallville Nights on April 25, where they’ll perform scene reads from the series and bring fans up to participate.