Things to do in Calgary this Family Day long weekend

The Family Day long weekend is here, and there’s lots to take in around Calgary.

Calgary’s signature snow event, Chinook Blast, continues right up until Monday, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy — from live music to sports, light and art installations, cultural experiences and night markets.

For more information on programming, visit chinookblast.ca

The Calgary Zoo is always a good idea too — your favourite Canadian species are back, along with some exciting new faces.

If you haven’t had a chance to see Baffin and Siku, the six and seven-year-old polar bears are quite the sight — check them out in the zoo’s new world-class enclosure.

Also at the zoo, a fan-favourite — the Penguin Walk — happens daily at 10:30 a.m., and on Sunday, you can enjoy the safari brunch.

More details can be found at calgaryzoo.com

If you want to see a sloth, hug a boa constrictor, or see the world’s largest porcupine, you can do all that and more at the Wildlife Festival, happening this weekend at the Nutrien Events Centre at Stampede Park.

You can save a few bucks with advance tickets online — that’s $16 for general admission, and kids three and under are free.

The Calgary Public Library is hosting an afternoon of fun — enjoy a selfie station, or a free family portrait at some locations.

Bring along your stuffies for story time and get creative with family-friendly crafts and activities from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday.

There’s also plenty of Team Canada action to watch this weekend, right in our very own back yard.

For the first time in more than 25 years, the city is hosting the World Speed Skating Championships.

Nineteen Canadians will test themselves across the world in 12 singles events and four team events at the Olympic Oval.

In skiing action, the Freeski Halfpipe World Cup circuit wraps up this weekend with the Snow Rodeo at Canada Olympic Park.

And, in curling, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts kicks off Friday and runs until Feb. 25 at WinSport.

For those planning to take transit to get around on holiday Monday, you can expect a few changes to the schedule.

The city will be operating buses, CTrains, and On-Demand on a Sunday level of service.

There will be free parking in on-street ParkPlus zones on Monday, with weekend rates applying at all Calgary Parking parkades and surface lots.

Regular rates will be in effect at the Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark, and Heritage Park.

There is also several free and paid public skating and swimming events across the city, if you’re looking for something to do.

For a complete list of everything happening this long weekend, head to calgary.ca