Winter is finally in the rear-view mirror. Sure, it might snow here and there during May; it’s the Alberta way! But don’t let that stop you from smelling the tulips, enjoying spring festivals, and spending quality time with family and friends outdoors.
CELBRATE UKRANIAN CULTURE
Kick off the 130th season at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village with its annual Celebration of Spring on May 23. Enjoy dance groups from all over the province while exploring the history of Ukrainian settlers in east-central Alberta. AMA members can save 10% on regular admission.
Staff will also be organizing a food drive to fill a vintage grain wagon for Edmonton-area food banks. The items collected will support war-displaced Ukrainians who are making Alberta their temporary home.
PEROGIES AND POLKA
Enjoy tasty perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht and other delicious treats at the uber-fun Ufest Edmonton Ukrainian Festival. The festival takes place over the weekend of May 27 and May 28 at Borden Park. Learn to craft traditional pysanka (decorative egg), then unwind at their beer gardens hearing polka bands play under the stars.
HONOUR THE CAESAR
Who would have thought clam juice would make for an ideal cocktail ingredient? Calgarian Walter Chell did, way back in 1969 when opening a new Italian restaurant. He mixed the fishy liquid with tomato juice, ice, Worcestershire sauce, and vodka to invent the Caesar—Canada’s national cocktail. On May 19, thirsty Calgarians will celebrate the iconic invention for National Caesar Day. Fans of the tangy beverage can sample and vote on which Calgary-area pub, restaurant, and distillery concocts the best version that day, and again on May 20 for YYCeasarFest. Remember to drink responsibly and don’t drive impaired.
MORE TO READ
Find out about Alberta’s passionate craft beer makers.
COVER UP IN A QUILT
Those who quilt until they wilt can show off their stitched masterpieces at Calgary Heritage Park’s Festival of Quilts. The event takes place on May 28 and May 29. As part of western Canada’s largest quilting festival, it’s an excellent opportunity for quilters to network as they look at new and colourful ways to craft a work of art. Handmade quilts of all shapes and sizes will decorate the park, with some lining fences along roadways to other beautiful blankets hanging high above the park’s main square. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the park’s antique midway, including a ferris wheel and carousel.
TAKE TO THE SKIES THIS MAY
Together, you and more than a dozen hot-air balloon pilots can touch the skies above Medicine Hat, May 26 to May 29. The Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival will include plenty of opportunities for photographers as the decorated balloons soar high above the southeastern Alberta city to raise awareness about mental health. There’s also a chance to see a glow event at night May 28 in the city’s Echo Dale Regional Park. That’s where the floating airships will be tethered to the ground at sunset as propane burners from each balloon cause it to illuminate.
LAST CHANCE FOR DEEP EXPLORING
You have until May 15 to discover one of the most important and least explored parts on Earth—right from the TELUS World of Science Edmonton. Since Nov. 6, 2021, the science centre has hosted this travelling exhibit featuring James Cameron and his adventures on the bottom of the ocean. Discover shipwrecks, including the Titanic, and see artifacts from the design and construction of Cameron’s submarine, Deepsea Challenger. It can withstand water pressure that’s about as heavy as a commercial airplane. AMA members save 10% on regular admission or 10% on an annual TELUS World of Science Edmonton membership.
MAY’S BIG-SCREEN DELIGHTS
May’s lineup of movies includes another superhero making super mistakes. Dr. Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, pushes the boundaries of the multiverse even further in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, opening May 6. If you’re looking for drama of a different sort, mark May 20 on your calendars. That’s when Downton Abbey: A New Era sees the entire cast reunited as they journey to the southern regions of France to unlock the mystery surrounding Dowager Countess, played by Dame Maggie Smith, and her newly inherited villa. AMA Members can save on Cineplex and Landmark movie passes for kids, adults and seniors when you pick them up from your local AMA Centre. You can also purchase a Cineplex gift card at any AMA centre.