It’s May! There’s such hope in May: the return of warmer weather, bright new leaves, and the excitement of the first long weekend of ‘summer.’ I love this time of year and all the possibilities of a fresh new season. (I also love moving the outgrown snow pants and dirty boots out the door.) All kinds of great things are happening in Calgary, especially as our favourite venues open for the summer season, so it’s time to get out and play! Keep reading to find terrific May events for your family.

May the 4th be with you! There are fun Star Wars events in May, especially on May 4, 2024, including FREE LEGO make and takes. But the fun isn’t limited to one day (it starts on May 1, 2024), so check out our Star Wars Day Guide.

Oh, I do love going to garage sales to find all the things I never knew I needed! Hunting for the best deals takes time, but when so many communities host a Parade of Garage Sales, you can easily hit lots of garage sales in one day, without a lot of driving. We’re compiling a list of community sales as we find out about them and you’ll find quite a few on Saturdays in May.

It’s time to stock up on summer reading! Head to the RESET Society Book Sale from May 2 – 5 and 10 – 12, 2024. The RESET Society of Calgary book sale raises funds to help women and girls who have been victims of exploitation and human trafficking.

FEATURED | That Very Useful Engine is coming back to town, ready to whisk you to the Island of Sodor. (Okay, he’ll just whisk you around Heritage Park, but that’s pretty cool, too.) During Day Out With Thomas at Heritage Park, from May 4 – 5 and 10 – 12, 2024, your train lovers can ride in a train pulled by Thomas himself, along with other train activities.

Calgary’s Anime Convention, Otafest, is from May 10 – 12, 2024, and celebrates Japanese art, culture, and media in the Canadian community.

Maybe I’m biased, but the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale needs to be on everyone’s calendar! It’s May 10 – 20, 2024. This annual Big Book Sale event is an important fundraiser, supporting literacy for children across Alberta. Get ready for a great summer of reading!

Mother’s Day is May 12, 2024, and we have a lovely Mother’s Day guide in the works to give you some fun ideas on what to do for the weekend. Plan brunch, a show, or a special family event!

Another favourite is when Stars on Ice comes to town! On May 19, 2024, get your tickets for figure skating’s hottest stars, where athleticism and artistry collide.

FEATURED | The Royal Canadian International Circus opens in Calgary on May 24, 2024. There’s nothing quite like the glamour, amazement, and magic of a traditional circus to bring us a night we’ll never forget. Use the discount code ‘familyfuncalgary’ to get 2-for-1 tickets!

FEATURED | Get your tickets for Arts Commons Presents Dinosaur World Live on May 25, 2024. This interactive show will bring enormous, life-like puppets stomping onto the stage to amaze your little dinosaur lovers.


There are lots of other events happening during May. Calgary is a great place for families to enjoy activities together. Be sure to check out our calendar to find more family fun. You can also submit your family-friendly event to us; just fill out our event submission form. Don’t forget to check out the new contests we are running and if you are planning your summer, take a look at our Summer Camp Guide. Enjoy the month, Calgary!

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We’ll see you there!