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Top picks for getting out Nov. 29 – Dec. 5 including Ilan Bluestone, The Snowman presented by CPO, David Johnston

It might not look (or feel) like it outside, but you know we’re into the holiday season! It’s all happening, festively speaking, and there’s lots to navigate when planning your social calendar. Here. Let me help.

Thursday: CUFF Docs takes place until Dec. 2 at the Globe — get down there and check out some of the most interesting documentaries you will ever see. Trust me. Fire Exit Theatre presents their latest production, Kodachrome over at the Engineered Air Theatre, which you should check out, but there’s also Dance Montage up at the University Theatre presented by SCPA.

Friday: It’s The League of Monsters presented by Alberta Dance Theatre for Young People over at the DJD Studio Theatre, and A Nat King Cole Christmas presented by the CPO at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Back up to the U of C, you can catch the SCPA’s production of Ionesco’s absurdist play, Rhinoceros at the Reeve Theatre, and at The Palace you will find Ilan Bluestone – The Scars Album Tour with guests Yula and Travis Lydian.

Saturday: Get your nerd on! Head down to the Calgary Expo Holiday Market at the BMO Centre Saturday and Sunday, and stock up on all of the geeky goodness that your loved ones will no doubt love to receive this holiday season! I’ll be there hoarding all of the Han Solo merch – deal wit it. But also on Saturday, it’s Charlie Brown’s Christmas featuring Jerry Granelli at Central United Church, and Improv: The Musical (Holiday Edition) presented by the Kinkonauts at the Rose Room, Alexandra Centre.

Sunday: ‘Tis the Season: Kid’s Holiday Special takes place at the Jack Singer featuring Making Light and The Snowman presented by the CPO. I’d go, but I would distract everyone with my weeping while intermittently singing snippets from Walking In the Air. I love The Snowman. So. Much. But enough about me and my freakish love for an animated snowman, Sunday night you can catch Pop Evil with Royal Tusk at The Gateway, or head to the Jubilee to see Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy present a Celtic Family Christmas.

Tuesday: Wordfest presents David Johnston, esteemed former Governor General with his latest book, Trust. There will be a Q&A afterwards — check out Wordfest’s website for info. If you’re downtown at all, check out the Northern Reflections Window Exhibition — download their app, walk around, look at window art, hold your phone up and learn about what it is you are looking at. Genius!

Wednesday: The CPO is busy. Tonight they present A Traditional Christmas at the Rocky Ridge YMCA, and then over at the Oak Tree Tavern it’s Jupiter Comedy.

There is so much more going on in this city than you can imagine. Check out all of the listings to plan your week ahead!

(If you would like to support independent local arts and culture journalism in Calgary, please consider becoming a patron of theYYSCENE by clicking here and donating to our Patreon campaign. Thank you.)

Kari Watson is a writer and former Listings Editor of FFWD Weekly, and has continued to bring The Culture Cycle event listings to Calgary through theYYSCENE. Contact her at kari@theyyscene.com.

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