This past weekend in Calgary offered a diverse tapestry of events and moments, from artistic installations and sporting excitement to poignant farewells, all captured through the lenses of Postmedia photographers. The city buzzed with activity despite the ongoing winter season, showcasing community spirit and seasonal transitions.
Chinook Blast Illuminates Downtown Calgary
The Chinook Blast festival kicked off in Eau Claire, bringing vibrant light displays to downtown Calgary. On Friday, January 30, 2026, artists Paul Magnuson and Devin Giles from Big Art put the finishing touches on their installation, "The Tree." This stunning piece, standing approximately 20 feet high, features around two million LED lights and is housed inside a giant inflatable igloo, creating a mesmerizing winter spectacle.
Nearby, attendees like Matt Westlake, Katherine Marianos, and Adam Luciuk paused from a dry-tooling and ice climbing demonstration to admire "Prairie Fire" by True North Absurdities. This nine-and-a-half-foot-tall aluminum sculpture shoots flames from its nostrils, adding a dramatic element to the festival's atmosphere.
Olympic Torch Display Unveiled
Also on Friday, the Olympic Oval in Calgary hosted an unveiling ceremony for a display of historic Olympic torches. Former speed skater Gilmore Junio examined the torch from the Sochi Games, recalling his selfless act of giving up his spot to teammate Denny Morrison. Usman Jutt, who donated multiple torches including one from the 1988 Calgary Games, was present to celebrate this tribute to Olympic heritage.
Calgary Flames Secure Victory Over San Jose Sharks
Saturday brought NHL action to the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Calgary Flames faced off against the San Jose Sharks. The game was filled with intense moments, including a first-period goal by Flames forward Morgan Frost and a game-winning score by Joel Farabee in the third period. Goalie Dustin Wolf made crucial saves, and players like Kevin Bahl and Martin Pospisil engaged in physical battles, culminating in a scuffle that highlighted the competitive spirit. The Flames emerged victorious, delighting home fans with a hard-fought win.
Emotional Farewell at Angel's Cafe
Sunday marked a bittersweet day in Calgary as Angel's Cafe served its last customers due to water main construction. Owner Cathy Jacobs, along with family and staff, experienced an emotional final day filled with hugs, tears, laughter, and reflections. The closure underscores the impact of urban development on local businesses, leaving a void in the community.
Spring-Like Conditions at Prince's Island Park
Amidst the weekend's events, Calgarians enjoyed unseasonably warm weather at Prince's Island Park. A contrast in weather conditions was evident, with spring-like temperatures allowing residents to savor the outdoors, highlighting the city's dynamic climate even in February.
Overall, this weekend in Calgary showcased a blend of cultural festivities, sporting triumphs, and community milestones, all documented by Postmedia's photographers to preserve these fleeting moments in the city's ongoing narrative.
