By Giselle Wedemire
After the holiday season has wrapped up, it can often feel like winter is here to stay – and with very little to offer as far as entertainment goes. While the siren song of Netflix-binging can be strong in January, you might be surprised to learn that there are a few intriguing food and beverage-focused events happening in Calgary this January. Kick off the New Year right and say good riddance to cabin fever with these 7 fun and filling events. [Photo credit: iStock]
Though this isn't strictly a food or beverage-focused event, the ample amount of hot chocolate available at the fire pits near the skating rink at Zoolights make it a sweet and delectable winter bonding event perfect for any family looking to get out of the house. This family-friendly affair carries on for its seventh and final week in early January. Bask in the glow of 1.5 million Christmas lights, let loose with a bit of ice skating and snowman-building, and cozy up with a mug of two of hot chocolate this winter.
Looking to awaken your tastebuds with something other than last month's Christmas cheer? Look no further than Common Crown's brewery tour and tasting event. There, beer aficionados of all stripes will have the opportunity to tour the indie brewery's northeast facility and taste a flight of four locally-brewed beers while learning all about the steps involved in the brewing process. At $15, this hour-long event is not only budget-friendly, it's also a delicious way to learn more about an up-and-coming local brewer.
With chocolates, baked goods and eggnog around every corner, the holidays are a time for sugary excess – so it's understandable if you feel you need an official break from sugar once January arrives. With the free 21-Day Sugar Detox Program run by the folks at Community Natural Foods, you'll have the community support of fellow detoxers as you embark on a guided sugar-free journey that will provide education on how to adopt a whole-foods diet that doesn't rely on simple sugars or carbs. You'll be living your best life in no time (or in 21 days, to be precise).
Perfect for those who are hungry for food and culture, Calgary Opera's regular opera brunches offer art-lovers a hearty serving of both forms of sustenance. Combining a buffet-style brunch with live performances from the company's upcoming production of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's classic opera Eugene Onegin at the Calgary Petroleum Club's beautiful and opulent Devonian Room, this brunch promises to be a showstopper unlike any other you've ever attended.
Here to help you forget about your winter blues is the Big Winter Classic, a music festival created for Calgarians, by Calgarians. Spanning four days at a variety of venues – including at least one heated outdoor patio – the Big Winter Classic allows Calgarians to forget all about winter and party like it's already summertime again with the help of local music, homegrown beer and a crowd of locals who take pride in and appreciate all this city has to offer at any time of the year.
Just in case you didn't get enough rum with your festive rum and eggnogs in December – or perhaps because this gateway drink piqued your interest in the historic spirit – this tasting event will give you a crash course on everything you need to know about rum. And, of course, the event comes with lively discussion and an opportunity to taste several styles of rum that range from the cocktail-friendly white rums to the darkest, most full-bodied brews.
Men, take note: it's possible to boost your energy and libido through small changes made to your diet. This masculine wellness event teaches that by incorporating plant-based superfoods into one's diet, men of all sizes will become stronger and more vigorous. Education, recipes and tips for creating pre- and post-workout meals are all on the menu for this men-only event.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons not to stay cooped up all winter long. With all that’s going on in Calgary this month, it’s possible to banish cabin fever for good this winter.
