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Cyclepalooza kicks off its fifth anniversary on Friday with another loose collection of events that are as creative as ever. To mark the occasion, here are five highlights of this year’s festival:

Bike Prom

This event, the semi-official kickoff to the festival, is simply an excuse to have some fun. Participants dress for the prom (this year’s theme: Neon disco) and ride through the Beltline and downtown with a few choice stops along the way. The ride winds up at the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre for, well, a prom, featuring music from I Am the Mountain and The Bitterweed Draw. More information here.

Art on Wheels

There’s no better way to explore some of Calgary’s public art than on a bike. At night. This ride will hit some of the city’s most interesting examples of public art in the dark, when they are at their most delightful. More information here.

If this interests you, check out the 4th annual bike sculpture tour, which will visit some of the city’s most interesting.

Girl’s Bike Ride to Chestermere

This event is intended to help women get over the macho/gearhead culture that can sometimes seep in to bicycle culture. But mostly it’s to have some fun. Women will gather in the city for a two-hour easy ride to Chestermere where they will camp for the night. A return ride the next morning caps the events. More information here.

Cyclepalooza Bike Polo

Bike polo is just what you think it is: like polo, but with a bicycle instead of a horse. It’s also a lot of fun, and this event is perfect for noobs who are yearning to try the sport. In fact, newbies are promised some prizes just for showing up. More information here.

YYC Bike Awards

The first event of its kind in the city, the YYC Bike Awards is a red-carpet event that will offer prizes to six people and organizations who are making the city friendlier to bikes. Hosted by yours truly, it should be a fun event recognizing some of the big changes the city is going through. More information here.

Drop me a line on Twitter at Twitter.com/TomBabin, on Facebook at Facebook.com/tom.babin, or by e-mail at tbabin@calgaryherald.com.

Check out my new book Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling.