Albertans are ready to get out and enjoy the province as we leave the cold season behind and welcome those May flowers. From hot air balloons to food and drink festivals to music, there’s something for everyone this month.
Film frenzy
In Edmonton, two sister film festivals are set to take over Garneau Theatre. First up comes Northwestfest, Canada’s longest documentary film festival. Running May 8-15, the event showcases the newest and most-talked about movies in the non-fiction, music, and made-in-Alberta genres. The same organizers run Rainbow Visions, Edmonton’s queer film festival, which runs May 16-18 and connects audiences with the newest and best in LGBTQ+ movies.
Cheers to beers
Get ready to sample some of the best beers in the country at Calgary International Beerfest! The largest beer festival in Canada will sample more than 700 types of beers, spirits, ciders and meads from May 2-3 at the BMO Centre. And for the foodies, dozens of local restaurants and eateries are set to join the event to showcase their top dishes. AMA members can save 30% on regular tickets and 20% on Beerfest packages.
Rock on in Drumheller Valley
The East Coulee Springfest is bringing the tunes to Drumheller Valley, where over 30 performances will hit three stages across two venues May 2-3. The family-friendly event—which includes an option to camp—is celebrating its 30th year and raises money to support the historic East Coulee School Museum. Whether you’re into blues, folk, rock or alternative, get ready to rock out.
Burn baby burn
Think you can handle the hot stuff? Test your endurance at the Taco & Hot Sauce Festival in Lethbridge! Tacos and hot sauce team up for a delicious event on May 3 at the Agri-food Hub UFA Hall (Farmers Market Hall). Food trucks, traditional Latino vendors, and hot sauce specialists will all be on hand to serve up a feast that will give you something to taco ‘bout. And this year, along with a bigger stage for live entertainment, the event is adding a wrestling ring that will feature shows from the Lethbridge Pure Power Wrestling Association.
Eyes to the skies
A wonderful sight is set to take over the skies in Medicine Hat during the area’s annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival. Dozens of hot air balloons will float to the sky in unison from May 22-25, including two whimsical evening glow events that allow you to see the balloons illuminated. Guests can book balloon rides during the festival, or check out the market, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
Storytelling through music
The Red Deer Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience the joy of storytelling through music with its Symphonic Storytelling show on May 24. Exploring folklore tradition, the orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s Romey and Juliet fantasy overture, then showcase modern tunes from Canadian icons like Joni Mitchell and Gordon Lightfoot.
For the kids, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra presents A Paintbrush for Piccolo, a puppet show that features music composed by Calgary Phil violist Arthur Bachmann. Come early for the May 11 afternoon performance and let your children explore the ‘Instrument Discovery Zoo’ in the lobby! AMA members save 15% on Calgary Phil tickets.