Chris Hadfield, Banff beer and teddy bears on tap this weekend in Calgary

If you're not planning to spend all your time at Black Friday sales this weekend, you may be looking for a few bright ideas to get you out of the house.

And that's where CBC The Homestretchdirector Tracy Fuller comes in.

1. Chris Hadfield

Canada's favourite astronaut is returning to Calgary this weekend for a keynote concert. It's Chris Hadfield of course. He'll be performing at the Bella Concert Hall inthe Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts at Mount Royal University on Saturday.

Inside sources say he's bringing his guitar and some of the fabulous conservatory musicians will be on hand to back him up.

The downside is the concert sold out months ago, but there might still be a way to get in on the action.

Simply "like" the Mount Royal University Conservatory Facebook page, then add a comment to the photograph of Hadfield titled "Win Tickets to see Chris Hadfield in our space."

A winner will be chosen randomly on Friday.

When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Mount Royal University's Bella Concert Hall

2. Banff Craft Beer Festival

Any plans to head west to the mountains this weekend? It's a good time to do it, especially if you happen to be a beer lover.

The Banff Craft Beer Festival goes Friday and Saturday,and this year it will be taking place at Canada's first national park: The Cave and Basin National Historic Site.

Organizers are billing it as the world's most beautiful beer festival.

There will be shuttles depart from Banff Ave Brewing Co. and High Rollers to the Cave and Basin every 15 minutes while the brews are flowing.

Tickets, schedules and a lot more information is available online.

When: Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m

If beer isn't your thing, Nakiska Ski Resort is having its preview long weekend opening starting Thursday for those who have been itching to hit the slopes.

3.A Ceremony of Carols

What about people who are embracing the Christmas spirit already?

Calgary's Spiritus Chamber Choir has put together an entire concert of holiday works called "A Ceremony of Carols."

This year they're focusing on newer arrangements of some traditional favourites.

Tickets cost$25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. You can find more information online.

When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Christ Church Elbow Park.

4.Calgary Hitmen Teddy Bear Toss

The first Hitmen goal triggers the toss, and they collect more and more bears each year. Last year the organization pulled in almost 29,000 bears.

The bears go to children in need in the city.

These games often sell out, so it's not a bad idea to get tickets in advance.

When: Game starts at 2 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome when the Hitmen host the Lethbridge Hurricanes

5. Dance Montage

This is not your average recital.

Now in its 47th year, the production of the University of Calgary's School of Creative and Performing Arts includes more than 115 dances performed by students and alumni, who range from beginner to pro.

There are ten different works in the show, including a tribute to Shirley Murray, one of Calgary's leading dance educators who passed away earlier this year.

Experimental Flamenco, Men's Physical Theatre, Hip Hop and a Hawaiian Hula are also on tap.

Tickets cost$15 for adults and$10 for students. They can be purchased online.

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. at the University Theatre.

With files from The Homestretch