Celebrate Family Day at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, with a jam-packed day of fun for all ages! Admission is free.
50% off NMC Memberships!
We're offering 50% off all NMC Memberships for one day only on February 16.
Memberships will be available for purchase in person and online.
Bring your family together through the power of music! Explore five floors of exhibitions, enjoy all-ages activities, and experience live performances, including headlining sets from new wave group BETABOYS.
Calgary’s BETABOYS embrace mid-1980s synth-pop nostalgia with open arms and full hearts. They don’t know how to dance, but that’s never stopped them, and they hope it doesn’t stop anyone on Family Day. Families are encouraged to dust off their best ’80s outfits, and embrace their most awkward dance moves as BETABOYS set the tone for a day of retro fun!
The full-day celebration will feature interactive activities, including:
- ‘80s costume contest with the chance to win an NMC prize pack
- Kids' jam sessions welcoming all ages and abilities to experiment with making music
- Interactive scavenger hunt where families explore the museum while completing creative challenges
- Awe-inspiring demonstrations of the Kimball Theatre Organ
- Sheldon Zandboer playing the songs of Oscar Peterson in NMC’s exhibition, Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson
After exploring Studio Bell, head across the street to the King Eddy for more music and a bite to eat. The restaurant and live music venue will feature free, family-friendly performances from acoustic ukulele duo The Crickettes.
Family Day Schedule
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Drop-in Kids' Jam | Level 1, PlayLab |
| 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Music Odyssey Goosechase (Scavenger Hunt) | Level 1, Canada Music Square |
| 10:30 am - 11:00 am | Kimball Theatre Organ Demonstration | Level 3, Sound Affects |
| 11:00 am - 11:30 am | The Music of Oscar Peterson Live with Sheldon Zandboer | Level 5, Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson |
| 11:30 am -12:00 pm | Kimball Theatre Organ Demonstration | Level 3, Sound Affects |
| 11:30 am - 12:15 pm | The Crickettes | King Eddy |
| 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm | The Music of Oscar Peterson Live with Sheldon Zandboer | Level 5, Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson |
| 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm | BETABOYS | Level 2, Performance Hall |
| 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm | The Crickettes | King Eddy |
| 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm | Kimball Theatre Organ Demonstration | Level 3, Sound Affects |
| 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm | The Music of Oscar Peterson Live with Sheldon Zandboer | Level 5, Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson |
| 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm | BETABOYS | Level 2, Performance Hall |
| 3:15 pm - 3:45 pm | Kimball Theatre Organ Demonstration | Level 3, Sound Affects |
| 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm | The Music of Oscar Peterson Live with Sheldon Zandboer | Level 5, Timeless: 100 Years of Oscar Peterson |
Studio Bell
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Address: 850 4 Street SE Calgary
King Eddy
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm
Address: 438 9 Avenue SE Calgary