While many of us Albertans anxiously await spring, the province still has many great events and activities to help get us through that last cold period. From celebrating the Junos to watching one of the world’s most thrilling winter sports—skijoring—there’s a lot to look forward to in March.
Check out the Junos
The Juno Awards are taking place in Edmonton this year, with music and other celebrations taking place every week from March 9 to 13—with the awards showing as the week’s finale on the 13th. Canada’s largest celebration of music will be hosted by breakout Marvel star Simi Liu, who is back for his second year spearheading the show. The 2023 program will include live performances from Alexisonfire, AP Dhillon and a special presentation to induct Alberta’s Nickelback to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Tickets to the event at Rogers Place start at around $60, and you can snag your own spot for the star-studded event from Ticketmaster.
Celebrate music in candlelight
Enjoying live music is a great way to spend an evening, and a concert series will see two unique shows in Edmonton and Calgary performed under the glow of candlelight.
Let your cinephile side glow as bright as the candles in Calgary with a Hans Zimmer-themed show. Zimmer is one of the most celebrated and well-known composers of the modern era, with his work including the scores of Interstellar, Inception, The Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more. You’ll be able to enjoy his iconic soundtracks played live by the Calgary-based Listeso String Quartet team. The Candlelight Best of Hans Zimmer concert will serenade audiences a the Hangar Flight Museum on March 16.
In Edmonton, you can Go Your Own Way with a candlelight concert featuring Fleetwood Mac songs. One of the most famous groups of the ‘70s, Fleetwood Mac songs remain a staple in many music-lover playlists. The show in Edmonton features a violin and piano duo and takes place March 10 at the Betty Andrews Recital Hall.
Wheelie good news
When the Edmonton Motorcycle Show was cancelled for 2023, a grassroots group of bike enthusiasts rallied to host their own. The premiere YEG Motorcycle Show—being held March 11 and 12—will showcase vendors, motorcycle clubs, bike dealers and displays from across Alberta’s thriving powersports scene. Enthusiasts of all ages are sure to enjoy the community-driven event, billed as “the motorcycle equivalent to your favourite farmer’s market.” It’s all about fuelling connections and going full throttle on supporting local.
Head to the theatre for the next chapter
At the movie theatre in March, it’s the month of sequels, with the next installment of a couple popular series hitting the big screen. Shazam! Fury of the Gods on March 17 and John Wick: Chapter 4 on March 24 will send audiences through two different action-packed adventures that will hopefully show why these franchises warranted a second and fourth movie. While John Wick: Chapter 4 is expected to pack a violent punch that is undoubtedly not family-friendly, Shazam! Fury of the Gods is a more lighthearted superhero film that will entertain your tweens. Your AMA membership will also get you savings on Cineplex and Landmark movie passes from your closest AMA centre.
Alberta’s favourite pastimes—combined
Alberta is known for its cowboy culture, as well as its beautiful mountains and skiing opportunities. So, it’s not a surprise that Albertans have embraced the sport skijoring—which sees a skier pulled by a horse through various obstacles at high speeds. The sixth Pole & Spur event takes place on March 11 in the Crowsnest Pass and promises to be the “ultimate mashup of rednecks, horses and ski bums.” Shuttles will run attendees from downtown Blairmore to the event starting at 11 a.m., and admission runs just $5.
Dazzling dance
The Alberta Ballet presents Giselle this March, a romantic tale that is a masterwork in classical dance performance. The story follows a young peasant, Giselle, through heartbreak and madness and includes supernatural elements and other-worldly revenge. Alberta Ballet says it has created a “new interpretation of this masterpiece” to resonate with a new generation of ballet lovers. AMA members can save 15% on online ticket sales—with Giselle gliding across the stage in Edmonton from March 9 to 11 and Calgary’s performances running from March 16 to 24.
Sprint to St. Patrick’s Day
While St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 is often celebrated with a trip to the pub—this year, why not mix it up a bit and participate in a St. Patrick’s-themed run or walk? It will certainly get you in the spirit of the holiday as you run or walk alongside hundreds of other green-clad athletes. In Calgary, the St. Patrick’s Road Race takes place on Saturday, March 12 and includes a 10K or 5K route. Edmonton runners can participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Trail Run on Sunday, March 13, with a 10K walk or run and a 5K walk or run option.
And if you’re still feeling like a trip to the pub is more your style, remember that your AMA membership can get you 15% off on all food and beverages at Hudsons Canada’s Pub. Members can also earn 5% cash back when they purchase a Hudsons Canada’s Pub gift card online or from your local AMA centre. AMA members can also save 15% on food and beverages at Edmonton’s Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group.