Many events throughout Calgary and in the surrounding areas have been cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, the Alberta government has mandated that no gatherings of more than 15 people are allowed in either indoor or outdoor locations, and those gathered in groups of fewer than 15 people must maintain a distance of two metres from one another.
Here’s a list of Calgary organizations, facilities and events that have been closed, cancelled or postponed in light of coronavirus concerns (in alphabetical order):
Alberta Ballet
The organization postponed all shows in the province due to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the production of Peter Pan in Calgary.
On March 18, the organization announced rescheduled dates for Peter Pan will be finalized soon.
Alberta Cheerleading Association
The head of the competitions cancelled the Alberta Schools Athletic Association elementary and junior high provincials.
The Stampede City Showdown scheduled for March 14, in Calgary has been postponed.
Alberta Indigenous Tourism Summit
Indigenous Tourism Alberta is postponing the Alberta Indigenous Tourism Summit at Grey Eagle Resort and Casino scheduled for March 19-20.
“At this time ITA plans to host the event later this year, however, will wait on making a decision on a new date,” a statement reads. “Tickets that have been purchased for the summit will be honoured when the new summit dates are announced.”
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Alberta Motor Association
The Alberta Motor Association announced on March 20 that all centres across the province will be closed for the first time in its 94-year history. The organization said it will continue to provide roadside assistance.
Alberta Palaeontological Society Symposium
The symposium was scheduled for March 21.
The event was cancelled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
Alberta Real Estate Association
Effective immediately, the Alberta Real Estate Association is prohibiting its members from hosting open houses to “protect public safety in response to COVID-19.”
The organization is recommending that clients use digital technology, such as virtual tours, video-conferencing and digital contract signatures for the foreseeable future.
Alberta schools
On March 15, Premier Jason Kenney announced the immediate cancellation of all kindergarten to Grade 12 classes and the closure of licensed child-care programs in the province.
In-person post-secondary classes are cancelled but campuses will remain open.
Grade 12 diploma exams required for university admission will go ahead, the education minister said, adding details were still being worked out as to how to administer those exams.
Alberta Soccer
Alberta Soccer postponed its provincial championships after a recommendation from the Alberta Soccer Risk Management Committee.
Senior provincials were set to be hosted in Calgary March 20-22.
Alberta Water Polo
Alberta Water Polo suspended all AWPA sanctioned events until further notice. The events include the John Csikos Alberta Open, the AWPA Provincial Winter League, the Calgary City League, the Edmonton City League and the Team Alberta Try-Outs.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
The organization announced on Friday it will “postpone any scheduled in-person events, workshops, and meetings until further notice.”
The next event was a digitally solid workshop scheduled for March 20.
Aggie Days
The 35th annual event was expected to have 25,000 guests. Calgary Stampede announced the cancellation on Friday due to the size of the event with the COVID-19 concerns.
The event was scheduled for April 1-5.
Arts Commons
All shows have been cancelled for the weekend of March 13-15 after recommendations from the government of Alberta.
The organization will re-assess the situation after the weekend.
Beltline Neighbourhoods Association, Ask Me Anything
The monthly event has been cancelled due to concerns over COVID-19.
Ask Me Anything was set for March 12 at the Mchugh House.
Bingo Barn
Effective March 17, the Bingo Barn will close its doors to the public.
The organization is expected to reopen March 30.
Bow Habitat Station
The facility closed its doors to the public on March 13 in “an effort to minimize the risk and spread of COVID-19.”
The Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery will remain open, however public tours have been suspended.
Calgary Auto and Truck Show
The Calgary Car and Auto Show closed as of 4:22 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 after a notice from Alberta Health advising any event with 250 people or more, or international participants, should be cancelled.
Calgary Baby and Tot Show
The show has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
It was scheduled for March 28 and 29.
Calgary Bluesfest
On Thursday, April 23, the organizer announced the cancellation of the annual festival. Organizers said, “we are forced to cancel Calgary Bluesfest due to the pandemic that faces us all.”
The event was scheduled to begin on July 30.
Calgary Board of Education
The Calgary Board of Education has asked all CBE schools to postpone or cancel events that include students and teachers from other schools, parents or other community members due to COVID-19. All in-school events will be cancelled until the end of March break, and officials said the school board will then re-assess the situation.
Events run outside of school hours will continue.
Calgary Chamber of Commerce
All Calgary chamber events scheduled for March and April have been cancelled or moved online due to COVID-19 concerns.
Both the Business After Hours event and an annual meeting are cancelled.
Officials said all events scheduled for May or later will be determined in the coming weeks.
Calgary Drop-In Centre
Effective March 13, the Drop-In Centre has cancelled all volunteer shifts and suspended any future volunteer opportunities as a precaution due to COVID-19.
The centre also asked the public to avoid dropping off donations at the emergency shelter until further notice.
Officials said all donations should be taken to the donation centre instead located at, 3640 11A Street Northeast.
Calgary Expo
The 2020 Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo was originally scheduled to take place from April 23-26, and later postponed to July 17-19, then cancelled as of April 21.
Officials say if you purchased a ticket for the event you will be receiving an immediate refund.
Calgary Folk Music Festival
The Calgary Folk Music Festival announced on Thursday, April 23, that its 2020 three-day main event has been cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The event was scheduled for July 23 – 26.
Calgary Food Bank
Effective March 16, the Calgary Food Bank will suspend all operations, including distribution from depots and warehouses and volunteer shifts.
Officials said the food bank will be closed for “as short of a time as possible to work to revise our safe food distribution protocols.”
Calgary Economic Development
The organization has closed its doors to the public effective March 16.
All programming and events organized by the organization have also been temporarily put on hold.
Calgary Human Society
The organization has closed its doors to the public effective March 16.
Officials said “all animals in-shelter at Calgary Humane Society will continue to be cared for as usual during this time.” The organization added there’s no evidence to suggest that companion animals can develop or transmit the virus to humans.
Calgary International Film Festival
All scheduled screenings for the organizations year-round programming have been cancelled.
Officials said tickets will be refunded.
Calgary Marathon
The annual Scotiabank Marathon has been postponed due to COVID-19.
The event was scheduled for May 31. A new date for the run has not yet been finalized.
Calgary Minor Soccer Association
The Calgary Minor Soccer Association postponed all 2020 indoor provincial championships after a recommendation from the Alberta Soccer Risk Management.
2020 Indoor Provincial Championships were scheduled in Calgary March 13-15.
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
All future concerts have been postponed.
The organization announced Thursday “in accordance with directives from public health authorities, Calgary Philharmonic concerts are cancelled until further notice.”
Calgary Police Half Marathon
The event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The run was scheduled for April 26. A new date for the event has not yet been confirmed.
Calgary Public Library Programming
The library has suspended all programming, events and outreach services, effective immediately.
The facility made the announcement on Friday and added the building will remain open.
Calgary Safety Expo
The City of Calgary cancelled the annual event as a precaution, citing safety concerns due to the rising number confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The expo was scheduled for March 11-12.
Calgary Sport Gala
The Calgary Booster Club has postponed the annual event due to COVID-19 concerns.
The gala was scheduled for April 19.
Calgary Stampede
Officials with the Calgary Stampede announced on Thursday, April 23, that the 2020 event has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in 100 years the event wouldn’t be held.
The stampede was scheduled for July 3-12.
Calgary Tower
Effective March 16, the Calgary Tower will be closed to the public. Officials said it will reopen “when it is deemed safe.”
The organization’s weekly 802 challenge has also been suspended indefinitely. The next challenge was scheduled for March 17.
Calgary WordFest
Organizers said after reviewing the health criteria and due to the “intimate” nature of many of their upcoming events, they’ve made the decision to suspend programming through the end of April.
Calgary Zoo
In light of recommendations by the government of Alberta, the Calgary Zoo has cancelled several upcoming events, including Safari Sunday Brunch, Easter Eggstravaganza, May the Fourth Be With Zoo and Planted Kingdom.
The zoo will be closed to the public effective March 16.
Chief Youth Courage Awards
The event was set to take place on April 29 at the Telus Convention Centre.
The awards have been rescheduled for Nov. 13.
Cineplex
Effective March 16, all 165 Cineplex theatres across Canada will be closed.
The closure includes all three locations in Calgary. Theatres are expected to reopen April 2.
City of Calgary
On March 15, the City of Calgary announced all city-owned and partner-operated facilities would be closed, including all public libraries and city-owned recreation facilities.
Officials stressed all city services will remain intact.
“Let me be clear: your water will keep running and your power will stay on. Transit will keep operating and if you have an emergency, you can still call 911 for help from fire, police and ambulance,” Tom Sampson, the director of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, said on Sunday.
Connect 2020 Conference
The conference was scheduled for May 1-2.
Organizers cancelled the event on Friday, and said it “will automatically provide full refunds for all registrations, within the next 14 days.”
Country Thunder
Organizers announced on Friday, April 24, the Alberta portion of its event will be postponed due to public health orders related to the pandemic.
Organizers said they will provide more details on the postponement on April 29.
The festival was scheduled to take place on Aug. 21 – 23.
Cowgirl Up
Due to COVID-19, officials said the show has been suspended until further notice.
The show was scheduled to take place April 15 to May 3.
Earth Science for Society 2020
The event was scheduled for March 15-17 at Stampede Park.
Organizers said the cancellation comes on the heels of government recommendations due to COVID-19 concerns.
Esker Foundation
The organization has cancelled all programming and events, effective March 14.
Officials said the cancellation will “support the efforts to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.”
Programs will be cancelled until April 4.
Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff National Park announced on April 8 it would be temporarily closing.
“This also includes include all guest services, as well as overnight stays, fitness centres and health clubs, food and beverage offerings, spas and event spaces,” the hotel tweeted.
Fashion with Purpose
Organizers cited the threat of the COVID-19 virus as the reason for postponing the fashion show.
The event was slated to take place on April 4, it has now been postponed to Nov. 21.
Foodies in the Park
The Foodies in the Park: Dine in Wonderland event has been postponed.
The event was scheduled to start on April 16 has been postponed until Oct. 1.
Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary will be closed temporarily effective March 16 due to the spread of COVID-19.
All programming and events will also be cancelled until further notice.
Glenbow Museum
Calgary’s Glenbow Museum announced it would close to the public temporarily as of March 13 “in the effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in Calgary.”
The Glenbow said there are no confirmed cases at the museum, but it’s trying to do its part in putting a temporary pause on exhibits, galleries, large group events and programs.
Great Escape
The annual festival was set for March 21 at Stampede Park.
Organizers said, “upon advice from the Alberta Government regarding large gatherings, we have decided to cancel our Grape Escape event. At this time we are offering all patrons a full refund.”
Grey Eagle Resort
All events at the Grey Eagle Event Centre have been postponed for the remainder of March.
Grey Eagle Casino and Hotel, as well as all restaurants in the facility, will remain open.
G.R.I.T.’s Annual Fundraising Gala
The society’s 25th-anniversary event has been cancelled due to recommendations to cancel events larger than 250 people. Organizers said, “G.R.I.T. Calgary Society’s Gala falls under this recommendation.”
The event was scheduled for March 14.
GYMVMT
Effective March 17, all GYMVMT and Her GYMVMT locations have been temporarily closed.
The Trū Ride and PWR X LAB boutique studios in Calgary have also been closed.
Heritage Park
The park will be temporarily closed to the public from March 16 until April 13.
Included in the closure is Gasoline Alley Museum, Wainwright Hotel, Railway Cafe, the Selkirk Grille and all retail shops.
Officials said the closure includes “the cancellation or postponement of all private bookings, public events, ticketed and food-related events.”
Hike for Hospice
The hike was scheduled for May 5, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was transitioned into a virtual event.
Organizers said that “Hospice Calgary will be running this virtual event throughout the next 45 days and announcing the fundraising total on May 5.”
IKEA
On March 18, IKEA Canada announced the temporary closure of all store locations nationwide as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing risk of COVID-19.
IKEA will remain open online at IKEA.ca, offering home delivery services as well as store Click & Collect pick-up between 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
International Speed Skating
The speedskating long-track Grand Prix and the speedskating long-track finale were slated to take place at the Olympic Oval. The international events were cancelled due to the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 in countries, or areas, where the University of Calgary has suspended travel.
The competitions were scheduled for March 14-15 and March 19-22.
Immigrants of Distinction Awards
After ongoing consultations with health authorities, organizers said “we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 24th Annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards.”
The event was scheduled for March 13.
Kerby Centre
Effective March 16, the centre will be closed to the public until further notice.
Outreach programs will still be in operation, including the grocery delivery program which is being expanded “to meet the needs of Calgary’s seniors.”
Kidney March EXPO
The expo was originally scheduled for April 5. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the expo has been transitioned to an online event.
The organization is scheduled to host an online webinar instead, featuring fundraising tips, training tips, and a Q & A period on April 5.
Lougheed House
The facility will be closed to the public effective March 16.
Officials said the closure will take place until further notice and will include both the restaurant and shop at Lougheed House.
All scheduled programs and events, including weddings and private events, have also been cancelled or postponed.
National Hockey League
The NHL announced it would pause the 2019-20 season, beginning with Thursday night’s games.
Calgary Flames issued a statement Wednesday, saying “the health, safety and well-being of our fans, staff and players remain the most important priority of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. CSEC is in full support of the National Hockey League’s decision to pause the 2019-20 season due to COVID-19.”
National Lacrosse League
All Calgary Roughneck games will be suspended until further notice.
The league said it has “determined that it is in the best interests of our fans, our players, our coaches and our staff to temporarily suspend play until further notice due to concerns over COVID-19.”
November Project
November Project workouts and social events in all cities have been cancelled “until further notice.”
The Calgary group offers weekly workouts online that people can do from home.
OpportuniTea Calgary
The event was scheduled for April 5.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been rescheduled for Oct. 4.
Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse
Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse said it has shut down all operations until at least March 31. This includes in-house dining and delivery service.
PGA Alberta Golf Shows
The PGA announced both the Calgary and Edmonton Golf Shows will be cancelled “as per Alberta Health Services Regulations and mandated from the government of Canada.”
The Calgary Golf Show was scheduled for March 21-22.
Plants, Pinot and Potions
The event was scheduled for March 27, at WinSport. Organizers made the decision to postpone the event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Plus 15 network
The City of Calgary has closed the Plus 15 network further notice to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
Pure Casino
Effective March 17, all Pure Casino locations across Alberta will be closed as a “precautionary and proactive measure.”
The organization said the closure will be in effect until further notice.
Rocky View County
The Rocky View County Hall will be closed from March 16-31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials said the office will re-open on April 1. Services to the county will continue to be available despite the office closure.
Rogers Insurance Run for L’Arche
The annual event has been cancelled due to “the rapidly increasing threat posed by COVID-19.”
The organization is hosting a “Virtual Run” instead, the event will take place from March 28 – Apr. 4.
For more information, click here.
Simons
Clothing store Simons said all of its stores in Canada will be closed for an “indefinite period.” However, the company’s website, as well as essential services, will remain open.
SoundOff Summit
Music Calgary has postponed the annual event, which was scheduled for April 1-5 at the ATB Branch.
A new date for the event has not yet been set.
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
When Alberta’s chief medical officer of health asked that all large gatherings of more than 250 people be cancelled, the decision was made Thursday to temporarily close the theatre “effective immediately.”
More information on ticket refunds and show rescheduling will be available in the coming days.
Thursday’s 7 p.m. performance of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert was cancelled.
Alberta Ballet’s Peter Pan scheduled for Mar 18-21 is also cancelled.
Spruce Meadows
The organization has cancelled its summer tournament season due to COVID-19 concerns.
The season was scheduled to begin on June 4.
Stage West Theatre
The organization announced it will be suspending operations and all shows effective March 16.
The closure is set to last until April 7.
Teatro Restaurant Group
All restaurants in Calgary operated under the Teatro Restuarant Group have been closed effective March 17.
Officials said “this decision came after hours of conversation, research, and watching other community leaders.”
Telus Spark Centre
All events and programming at the centre will be cancelled, effective immediately.
Officials said the closure is due to safety concerns surrounding COVID-19 although “there are no confirmed cases connected to Spark.”
The centre will be closed “temporarily” to the public.
The Lady Ball 2020
The event has been postponed due to safety concerns surrounding COVID-19.
The ball was scheduled for May 21. The organization will release a new date for the event once it has been finalized.
The Laugh Shop
The organization will be closing its doors to the public sue to COVID-19 concerns effective March 15.
All shows are cancelled until April 5.
The Ship and Anchor
The restaurant closed temporarily on March 16, officials said updates will be given to the public on reopening times in the coming weeks.
Theatre Calgary
The venue has postponed all upcoming shows, including the performance of the Million Dollar Quartet. The show was scheduled to run from April 21 to May 4.
Timbit Jamboree
Officials stated the event was cancelled “due to exceeding the threshold of a ‘mass gathering.'”
Other scheduled tournaments with Hockey Calgary are expected to proceed as scheduled.
The Jamboree was slated to take place March 14.
U Sports Volleyball Nationals
The women’s competition was scheduled to begin March 13 at the University of Calgary.
The event was cancelled Friday, “due to the evolving global situation regarding COVID-19.”
Vertigo Theatre
The Calgary theatre suspended all future performances, effective March 13.
Officials said, “as this is a rapidly changing environment, we cannot give specific details about the extent of this closure or any potential rescheduling.”
Western Hockey League
The 2019-20 CHL season has been paused until further notice due to concerns over COVID-19.
Calgary Hitmen games will not be played at this time.
WinSport Calgary
The organization has suspended all operations of its ski and snowboarding hill as well as its MacPhail Centre, including the Performance Training Centre and all arenas.
Officials said the closure is effective as of March 16 at noon. The facilities will remain closed until further notice.
Women as Agents of Change
Islamic Relief Canada has cancelled the event due to COVID-19 concerns.
The event was scheduled for March 20.
World’s Longest Hockey Game
On Tuesday, organizers of the World’s Longest Hockey Game, a marathon event that spans 12 days, announced the fundraising event will be postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19 outbreak, as well as economic turmoil in Alberta.
The event was set to be hosted in Calgary in July.
World’s Longest Indigenous Hockey Game
Organizers released a statement Thursday that cited safety concerns surrounding COVID-19 and economic turmoil as reasons for the cancellation.
The event was scheduled in Calgary in July, but has been postponed until 2021.
Youth Hiring Fair
The City of Calgary has cancelled the annual Youth Hiring Fair that was scheduled for April 2. The Youth Employment Centre will remain open.
City administration “determined that the risk of spreading COVID-19 was too high to safely hold the event.”
2020 Chuckwagon Canvas Auction
The annual event was scheduled for March 19.
Calgary Stampede announced on Friday it will be cancelling the event. Organizers said, “at this time the auction has not been rescheduled as the situation around the emergence of COVID-19 in our community continues to change.”
2020 COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup
The decision to cancel the competition was made on Tuesday, organizers said: “As hosts of the 2020 COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup event, this is a sad day. However, the safety of our community is paramount in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.”
The event was scheduled to take place in Canmore from March 20 to 22.
2020 Report to the Community
Calgary Economic Development made the decision to cancel the event on Friday, organizers said. “With more than 800 people expected to attend from businesses, education and government, we determined cancelling was the prudent thing to do.”
The event was scheduled for March 31.
2020 Sled Island Music and Arts Festival
The annual festival was scheduled for June 24-28. Organizers said the festival is being cancelled “based on a number of considerations, including travel restrictions issued by several countries where some of our scheduled artists are from.”
Organizers added that the event could not be postponed to a later date due to “limited financial and human resources.”
For the latest information and recommendations from Alberta Health on COVID-19, click here.
For the latest travel advisories from Health Canada, click here.
Alberta Health Services has shared information and resources online.
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