Calgary audiences are being invited to embark on a global journey of discovery without leaving the city. The Werklund Centre has unveiled its 2025-26 National Geographic Live series, transforming the venue into a hub for science-driven storytelling and world exploration.
A New Vision for Cultural Programming
According to Alex Sarian, President and CEO of the Werklund Centre, the series represents a significant shift in how culture is defined for Calgarians. He explains that the centre's recent transition has allowed them to integrate events like National Geographic Live into their core identity, moving beyond traditional performing arts.
"People define culture differently," Sarian states. "With September’s transition from Arts Commons to Werklund Centre, it gave us permission to take events like National Geographic Live and, instead of them happening secondarily to traditional arts performances, bake them into the DNA of who we are."
Sarian notes that Calgary has been identified as one of National Geographic Live's largest and most engaged North American markets. He attributes this to the deep, multi-generational connection many locals have with the iconic brand, often citing family collections of the famous yellow-bordered magazine.
The 2025-26 Season Lineup: From Butterflies to Bones
The new season promises a diverse array of presentations, each designed to connect Calgarians with critical global issues and scientific discoveries.
The series launches on February 1 and 2 with photographer Jaime Rojo and Chasing Monarchs. Rojo's presentation delves into the fragile migration of monarch butterflies, which he describes as a key environmental indicator. "Their migration is one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in North America," says Rojo. "They’ve been in decline for the last 40 years, so they may be telling us a bigger story about the health of our ecosystems."
On March 8 and 9, marine biologist Jess Cramp takes the stage with The Untold Story of Sharks. Cramp will highlight urgent conservation challenges, noting, "We are in trouble of losing some shark species in my lifetime, so designing timely, creative, collaborative and effective conservation is imperative."
Penguins become the focus on April 19 and 20 with conservation ecologist Heather Lynch's Penguins of Antarctica. Lynch emphasizes the interconnectedness of global ecosystems: "Although penguins may feel far away and Antarctica a distant world, we have one ocean. It all connects." She urges the public to help by fighting to keep pollutants out of oceans.
The season concludes on May 31 and June 1 with a presentation by palaeoanthropologist Lee Berger, described by Sarian as "National Geographic royalty." Berger's Cave of Bones shares new discoveries about human origins. "I believe we’re living in the greatest age of exploration ever," Berger asserts. "We’re not just going places and seeing things — we’re understanding things now for the first time. That’s true discovery."
Inspiring Action and Ensuring Accessibility
Sarian observes a growing trend among Calgary audiences: a shift from passive awareness to a desire for actionable solutions. "The number of times audience members ask, 'What can we do?' is inspiring," he remarks.
Each presentation is crafted as a masterclass in blending narrative with research and stunning visuals. To ensure the series is accessible to all, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available for the events.
Looking to the future, Sarian is excited about the Werklund Centre's evolving role. "Concerts and plays are celebrations of culture," he reflects. "But so is listening to stories from explorers." The National Geographic Live series exemplifies this broader, more inclusive vision for a cultural institution in the heart of Calgary.
The 2025–26 National Geographic Live season runs from February 1 through June 1 at Calgary's Werklund Centre. For detailed information and to purchase tickets, visit werklundcentre.ca/ngl.
