23 things to do in Calgary this week: July 23 to 29

Jul 19 2018, 12:11 pm

Don’t blink, because summer will be over before you know it.

This week we are all about the C-H-I-L-L vibes! Relax and head to the museum, enjoy a show at Folk Fest, take a rejuvenating float down the river, or spend the day at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.

If hanging around Calgary isn’t quite your jam, we recommend heading out of town for an exciting adventure in the Canadian Rockies. It’s the middle of summer and there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t take a moment to enjoy the beautiful warm weather.

We have gathered together 23 of the best things happening in an around the Calgary area for you to enjoy this week.

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Monday, July 23

Tour de Calgary

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What: Celebrate all things French right here in YYC and experience the city by bike as you make your way through this hunt. Your first step is you pick up your ‘ticket’ at any of the participating businesses (Truve Wines, Suzette Bistro (either location), Ollia Macarons, and Tea or Velo Cafe).

Visit each location to try a sample, receive a discount, and fill in your ticket. Don’t forget to photograph your journey and post your photos on social media and tag them with #TOURDECALGARY to be entered to win some exciting prizes from each of the businesses.

When: July 16 to 29

Where: See a map of the participating businesses here

Cost: free to participate

Have a Museum Day

What: Come out to see some seriously awesome works of art at one of Calgary’s favourite cultural centres.

Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master – June 16 to September 9

One New Work Gwenessa Lam: Who Magic – June 16 to September 9

Recent Acquisitions 2018 – June 30 to December 9

The Artist’s Mirror: Self Portraits – March 10 to January 2019

Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9tth Avenue SE

Cost: Regular admission to the museum

Check out Phase 2 of the Kananaskis Nordic Spa

What: Looking for a quick escape from the everyday grind? This brand new spa combines the tranquil rejuvenation of a traditional Nordic Spa and the Alpine stillness of the Canadian Rockies. Opened in March, the spa has taken the last month off to add some exciting new additions to its facilities for summer. Come out for a relaxing experience and the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.

Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis

Tuesday, July 24

Grab some fresh produce at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market

What: Grab your weekly haul of delicious produce, eggs, baked goods, meats, preserves, florals, and more, all grown and produced on farms right here in Alberta. You can enjoy live entertainment and other fun activities happening at this quaint community farmers market. The market will go on rain or shine, so come prepared!

When: Every Wednesday

Time: 3 to 7 pm

Where: 1320 5th Avenue NW

Admission: FREE

Macaron 101 

What: Ever wondered how to make a French macaron? Look no further. Everyone’s favourite macaron shop, Ollia, hosts Macaron Baking Classes, offering exclusive lessons on how to properly engage in some macaronage, get the perfect shell, and create a variety of flavours. Bon appetite!

When: Tuesday, July 24

Time: 6 pm

Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW

Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100

The Market on Stephen Avenue 

What: Shop up to 60 vendors offering fresh food, spices, sauces, treats, art, fashion, and more. Enjoy shopping the walk!

When: Tuesday, July 24

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Stephen Avenue – 1st Street SE to 2nd Street SW

Admission: FREE

Wednesday, July 25

Hang out with the Pandas

What: The long wait is finally over. The Calgary Zoo has officially welcomed four pandas, two adults and two cubs, into their newly built habitat, The Panda Passage. These furry black and white friends are charming and have a ton to teach us in the five years that they will be with us before returning to China.

Where: The Calgary Zoo — 210 St. Georges Drive NE

Admission: Regular admission to the zoo

Shakespeare by the Bow 

What: Your favourite outdoor theatre is back for yet another summer of dramatic and comedic performances. Watch as they perform a light-hearted take on the tumultuous friendship between Proteus and Valentine in Shakespeare’s ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona.”

When: June 29 to August 19

Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 7 pm; Sunday, 2 pm and 7 pm

Where: Prince’s Island Park

Admission: Pay what you can

Thursday, July 26

Calgary Folk Music Festival

What: The Calgary Folk Fest is back for another year and bigger than ever. They are bringing some big names to the city, such as Passenger, Lee Ann Womack, Scott Cook and the Second Chances, Wallis Bird, and more.

When: July 26 to 29

Time: Thursday, 4 to 11 pm; Friday, 4 to 11 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 10:30 am to 10 pm

Where: Prince’s Island Park

Tickets: Online, $25 to $75

NOtaBLE Hour

What: Head to one of Calgary’s favourite eateries for some after-work libation for only $8 a glass. This deal includes the Moscow Mule Grilled Grapefruit Swizzle, a pint of Village Brewery No Bull beer, or a glass of wine. They will also be offering a chicken dinner for two for only $30, which includes half a wood-fired rotisserie Happy Chicken, with NOtaBLE signature salad and bottomless fries on the side – sign us up.

When: Tuesday to Thursday

Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm

Where: 4611 Bowness Road NW

Friday, July 27

Summer Market Presented by Southcentre + Curated 

What: Southcentre Mall and Curated market have partnered up together to bring four unique artisan markets to YYC this summer. You can look forward to shopping from many talented makers and artists, treating yourself to delicious foods from YYC Food Trucks, and enjoying live entertainment, all in the south parking lot of Southcentre Mall!

When: July 27 and 28

Time: 5 to 10 pm

Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE

Admission: FREE

Jim Jefferies: The Night Talker Tour 

What: Be prepared to laugh well into the night as you spend your evening with this well-known Australian comedian.

When: Friday, July 27

Time: 7 pm

Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW

Tickets: Ticketmaster, $63 to $347

Hang out on one of Calgary’s best patios

What: Take a break from the heat and have an ice-cold bevy on one of Calgary’s best patios. From rooftops to hidden gardens, there are plenty of spots to choose from that will have the vibe and ambiance you’re looking for. Check out some of Calgary’s best rooftop patios here.

Saturday, July 28

Chestermere Water Festival

What: Celebrate summer on the lake with this fun, family-friendly festival.

When: Saturday, July 28

Time: 11 am to 11 pm

Where: John Peak Park – 100 John Morris Way, Chestermere

Cost: FREE

Pet-A-Palooza Calgary

What: A festival all about PETS! There will be a puppy stampede, Bulldog Races, Wiener Dog races, free swag, a puppy water park, and more. Woof!

When: July 28 and 29

Time 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW

Cost: Free Admission

Sunday, July 29

Mountain Top Yoga

What: Join a Lululemon ambassador for a one-hour Ashtanga yoga session at the top of the new Banff Gondola Summit. Talk about yoga with a view.

When: every Sunday until September 2

Time: 9 to 10 am

Where: Citizenship Pavilion, level 4 of the new Banff Gondola summit

Cost: $62 (Gondola Admission)

Fantasy Faire in Kensington 

What: Previously known as Kensington’s Diagon Alley. You can expect the community of Kensington to turn into a magical wizarding world full of brilliant oddities for a day. There will be live entertainment, a tournament field, Quidditch games, a life-sized chess board, and more.

When: Sunday, July 29

Time: 11 am to 5 pm

Where: Kensington Road and 10th Street NW

Cost: Free admission

Sunday Brunch

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What: Enjoy your benny surrounded by history at the Officers Mess at Fort Calgary, just as they did back in the day. Brunch includes complimentary access to the museum, so you can make an entire day of it.

When: Every Sunday

Time: 10 am to 1 pm

Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SW

Tickets: Phone 403-290-1875 for reservations, $30 per person

Any day of the week

Take the Leap at WinSport

What: WinSport’s latest adrenaline-filled adventure, Free Fall, is now open. Climb up an eight-story platform, secure yourself in a bungee harness, and jump off the platform feeling a sensation similar to that of leaping out of an airplane. Any adrenaline junkies out there?

Where: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW

Admission: One jump: $25, two jumps: $35

Take a float down the Bow River

What: This is a tradition most of us Calgarians look forward to doing at least once during the summer. Plus, it’s the ultimate refresher in the midst of a Prairie heat wave.

Tips: Make sure that you have enough life jackets for your entire group, book your raft ahead of time, park a vehicle at the beginning and the end of your route, and check weather advisories before heading out.

Where: Lazy Day Raft Rentals, Sports Rent, The Paddle Station and the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary

Hit up the King Eddy

What: The highly-anticipated King Eddy is finally (and permanently) re-opened. The revitalized King Edward Hotel was built way back in 1905, so to say this spot is legendary would be an understatement. Patrons can expect a regular lineup of talented musicians at this spot, along with a menu of killer grub and drinks. Don’t forget about their incredible rooftop.

When:

Monday to Wednesday: 11 am to 10 pm

Thursday and Friday: 11 am to 2 am

Saturday: 9 am to 2 am

Sunday: 9 am to 10 pm

Where: 438 9th Avenue SE

East Village Junction Pop-Up Retail Park 

What: In only one year, this colourful container lot has turned into a popular Calgary mainstay. Located behind the King Edward Hotel, this is a unique destination that features local retail shops, workshops, music, art, and, of course, YYC Food Trucks. You won’t want to miss out on the fun summer festivities that they have planned at this hip community gathering space this summer.

When: May 18 to September 3

Where: 430 8th Avenue SE

Admission: FREE

Shop Local at Southcentre Mall 

What: From the creators that organize the Curated market, there is now a Curated Shop! Shop over 50 of your favourite local artists, makers and handmade businesses, such as Salt Water Tea, RC + Smith, Jennifer Joan Skincare, Bark YYC, Simply Love, and so many more.

Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE

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