Penguins, planes, and perogies | Back for 2026

Good morning, Calgary.

Aren't we glad to be back in your mailboxes?

We are back to our usual twice-a-week schedule. We have big plans for this year: exclusive editorial pieces, more spotlights on local businesses, and—because you voted for it—a brand new Real Estate rubric coming in late January (to be honest, the Real Estate section is just a legitimate excuse for me to continue browsing real estate websites).

Beyond the housing scrolling, we are planning to host some live events this year because, why not? Calgary needs even more fun gatherings, so stay tuned for that. As always, we will keep finding the most exciting events and celebrating this beautiful city we get to live in.

I also want to start highlighting some of your emails to keep the conversation going. Here is a sweet note I received from one of our readers:

You're doing a great job and making those of us who visit Calgary want to move to Calgary!

Thank you so much and keep writing to us. We love chatting with you over email (even if it takes us a minute to reply!).

Finally, we want to bring more light to the unusual, fun places we have around town. Today we are shining the spotlight on The Hangar Flight Museum. It is a really fun, exciting place.

Welcome to 2026 and thank you for being with us. 

Let’s get to it.

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The Hangar Flight Museum sits in a historic Air Training drill hall at Calgary’s former airport on McCall Way. Inside, you find a collection that covers everything from wartime service to northern bush flying. The Avro Lancaster commands the room as one of only 17 remaining in the world, and the sheer scale of the wingspan puts the history into perspective immediately.

While the hardware is impressive, the volunteers often define the visit, with knowledgeable guides who know these aircraft inside out and share stories that go far beyond the text on the plaques. It is quieter than the Zoo and more intimate than Telus Spark, making it a solid spot for a date or a family outing.​

Where: 4629 McCall Way NE

When: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Plan your visit

This is Kevin Barkin. He is a one-year-old German Shepherd and Lab mix with a name that honestly deserves an award. Weighing in at 55 pounds, Kevin is the definition of "fun energy."

He already knows his basics—sit, down, and paw—and will happily show them off for a snack. He loves people, perhaps a little too much, so he is currently working on keeping his greetings polite rather than full-contact.

Because he is young and enthusiastic, he needs a home with older kids (10+) and humans who like going outside. If you want a hiking buddy who is smart, loyal, and ready to learn, Kevin is your guy.

How to adopt: Call 311 and ask to speak to Animal Services to book an appointment.  See his profile

Monday 

The Penguin Walk | The King Penguins march daily at 10:30 a.m. (weather permitting). Free with admission. Check status 

Extreme Sports at Spark | The "Beyond Human Limits" exhibit is open. Beat the weekend crowds and jump off a tower. See exhibit 

Comedy Cave Mondays | Start the week with a laugh and a buffet. Comics are testing new material tonight. Book a table

Tuesday

HPR: Ten Minute Play Festival | The 40th Rodeo kicks off at Martha Cohen Theatre. Six companies, 10 minutes each, pure chaos. Get tickets 

Board Games at Hexagon | Open late in Kensington. Grab a coffee and pick from over 600 games. Book a table

Wednesday 

Hitmen vs. Tri-City | Wednesday Night Hockey at the Dome. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. Grab seats 

HPR: Dream Machine | One Yellow Rabbit’s new show opens at the Big Secret Theatre. A trip into the minds of Beat poets. Get tickets 

ProArts @ Noon | A free 50-minute concert at the Cathedral Church on 7th Ave. Starts at 12:00 p.m. See lineup 

Winter Edit at CKG | A curated group show at Christine Klassen Gallery. Visit CKG 

Thursday–Sunday Lookahead 

HPR Openers (Thu) | The festival ramps up with three shows: SWAN? (Vertigo), DOT (Contemporary Calgary), and Performs Tom Waits (The Grand). See lineup 

Hans Zimmer Live (Fri/Sat) | The CPO performs the movie scores you know by heart at the Jack Singer. Runs Jan 16 & 17. Get tickets

Flames vs. Islanders (Sat) | A matinee game at the Dome. Puck drop is at 1:00 p.m. Check tickets 

Malanka YYC (Sat) | A Gala of Culture & Celebration at the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre. Dinner, dancing, and live music by Zryv. Get tickets

Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery (Sun) | A theatrical symphony show for kids (and adults) at the Jack Singer. Starts at 3:00 p.m. Book now

Want your event to be featured? Hit reply and send us the details. If it's cool, we'll share it with Calgary.