

From Sharks to Big Cats and Bon Jovi: An Exciting 2025-26 Awaits
Kiani Evans, May 23, 2025
Buckle up, Calgary! Our 2025-26 series at Werklund Centre takes you to the far corners of the Earth with National Geographic Live (monarchs and sharks and penguins, oh my!) then flies right back to Calgary for some seriously iconic tunes with Classic Albums Live and top-tier local musicians. Single tickets are on sale June 25th, so mark your calendar and don't miss a single beat –– or discovery!
First up, have your sense of wonder ignited with our National Geographic Live series. If you've joined us before, you know this isn't your average lecture. We bring world-renowned explorers, scientists, and conservationists to the stage to share their incredible stories and breathtaking visuals. These are the folks on the front lines of discovery, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the planet and its inhabitants. Be inspired, challenged, and maybe even a little awestruck.
Jaime Rojo: Chasing Monarchs
February 1 & 2, 2026
Fifty years after the startling discovery that monarch butterflies spend winters in the forests of Mexico, photographer and National Geographic Explorer Jaime Rojo reveals this winged wonder of the insect world in new ways with never-before-seen visuals.
Jess Cramp: The Untold Story of Sharks
March 8 & 9, 2026
Sharks have roamed the planet’s waters since before the dinosaurs, but only recently are we understanding the lives of these powerful ocean predators. Discover the 20th-century women leading shark science and dive into the cutting-edge conservation work of shark researcher and National Geographic Explorer Jess Cramp.
Heather Lynch: Penguins of the Antarctic
April 19 & 20, 2026
Go on assignment to the frozen continent with quantitative ecologist and National Geographic Explorer Heather Lynch. Meet the many species of penguins that waddle and swim through the freezing water, along with an abundance of other life, on a journey to the bottom of the world.
Lee Berger: Cave of Bones
May 31 & June 1, 2026
The discovery of an early hominid ancestor in 2008 by paleoanthropologist and National Geographic Explorer Lee Berger helped clarify and complicate the origins of modern humanity. Now this groundbreaking paleoanthropologist and National Geographic Explorer is back in the headlines with another and even more monumental find—a new species in South Africa that made tools, art, and even buried its dead.
Pssst! Want more National Geographic? We're also bringing world-renowned big cat conservationists Beverly and Dereck Joubert to Calgary for a Special Presentation on October 26th! Wondering what makes them so renowned? Think of your favourite African cat documentary… and know it was probably made by them.
Next, get ready to rock out with the return of Classic Albums Live. This series is a pure celebration of the albums that shaped generations, performed live, note-for-note, cut-for-cut by some seriously talented musicians. Think of it as the ultimate listening party in the acoustically superb Jack Singer Concert Hall. It's a chance to experience these iconic records in a way you never have before – with the energy of a live performance and the precision of musicians who truly love this music.
Bon Jovi: Slippery When Wet
November 1, 2025
Get ready to rock as Bon Jovi’s breakout album comes to the Jack Singer Concert Hall – performed lovingly in its entirety by Classic Albums Live musicians. With timeless hits like “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin' on a Prayer” it’s easy to see how this album made music history.
Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here
January 29, 2026
Lose yourself in the sonic tapestry of Wish You Were Here. From the mournful refrain of “So you think you can tell heaven from hell, blue skies from pain” by Roger Waters to the cynical cry of “riding the gravy train” by guest vocalist Roy Harper, Wish You Were Here is a transportive ride through Pink Floyd’s experimental soundscape.
Supertramp: Breakfast in America
May 14, 2026
Move over disco, Breakfast in America is here! In a time dominated by Saturday Night Fever, Supertramp’s prog rock juggernaut was a surprise hit, taking over the charts with catchy melodies. Hear the band's unforgettable hits performed live and rediscover the brilliance of this iconic record.
So whether you're eager to explore the wonders of our planet with National Geographic's incredible Explorers or ready to rock out to the classic albums that defined a generation, we've got something truly special in store for you. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for Special Presentation announcements (and pre-sales, if you're a subscriber or on our newsletter list!), and get ready to experience the extraordinary.

Kiani Evans
Kiani Evans is the Manager of Digital Communications for Arts Commons. She grew up in the rural Cariboo region of British Columbia and acquired diplomas in both Fine Arts and Art History on Vancouver Island (and refuses to give them back). She is delighted by all things art and takes joy in small moments, like finding lost change or missing socks. Kiani had trouble writing this bio, so she Googled “how to write a bio.” It didn’t help.