Another week, another heat wave! Who didn’t purchase an A/C after last week’s heat?
Nevertheless, you won’t catch us complaining! The nicer the weather just means the more fun things there are happening around the city. (That’s our theory and we’re sticking to it.)
This week you’ll be able to get amped up checking out a citywide feast that will surely leave you full for days, grab some fresh produce from the many local markets, or show some love at your local library. If the city is too much, head out of town and fill your lungs with some crisp mountain air.
We have rounded up 26 of the best things happening this week in Calgary that we highly recommend putting into your calendar.
See also
- Calgary's newest vegan brunch restaurant is opening soon
- 10 healthy snacks to pack for your next summer hike
- Government of Alberta places ban on scalpers using ticket-buying bots
Monday, August 13
Experience the Telus Future Home at Southland Leisure Centre
What: Technology is advancing fast, but just how fast? Soon enough we’ll have facial recognition software that will detect your face when you enter your home, smart fridges, interactive wall art, and more! Learn all about the future of technology in your home in this immersive experience in the Telus Future Home.
When: August 12 to 19
Time: 10 am to 6 pm daily
Where: Southland Leisure Centre – 2000 Southland Drive SW
Admission: FREE
Summer Feast
What: Celebrate Calgary’s vibrant and growing food scene with this 10-day dining event happening this August. You will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious Prix fix summer menus for lunch and dinner from 18 of Calgary’s best and most diverse restaurants. It will be a foodie affair you’ll never forget — Bon Appetite.
When: August 11 to 20
Where: See all the participating resultants here
Cost: Reserve Online, $20 to $45
Grab a cocktail on one of Calgary’s notorious 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 ambience you’re looking for. Check out some of Calgary’s best rooftop patios here.
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
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat
What: This colourful story aims to inspire and amaze. Be sure to grab a delicious meal from the buffet before the show begins. This is the perfect night out for the whole family.
When: June 1 to September 1
Time: 11 am or 5 pm
Where: Rosebud Theatre Opera House – 106 Martin Avenue, Rosebud Alberta
Tickets: Online, $54 to $84
Tuesday, August 14
YYC Free Market
What: Give and take (leaving no trace) is the theme of this fun yearly summer market.
When: Tuesday, August 14
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Container Site in Sunnyside – 1010 2nd Avenue NW
Admission: FREE
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, August 14
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Stephen Avenue – 1st Street SE to 2nd Street SW
Admission: FREE
Wednesday, August 15
Ride, Row, Refresh
What: Sweat it out in a spin or yoga class and then reward yourself with a Wildrose brew afterwards. A brew is always better when you’ve earned it, right?
When: Wednesday, August 15
Time: 7 pm
Where: Movement U 16, 14th Street NE
Tickets: Online, $23
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
Music in the Plaza
What: From folk to funk to Country to Celtic, enjoy weekly live entertainment in the Heritage Town Square every Wednesday. Each performance begins with an up-and-coming star from the Stampede Talent Search, followed by some of the best performers in the city. Come for the music, stay for dinner! See full artist lineup here.
When Wednesday evenings from July 4 to August 29
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive NE
Admission: Free with park admission
Thursday, August 16
GlobalFest
What: Celebrate a variety of international cultures that represent Calgary’s cultural diversity and arts excellence, with a multicultural marketplace, live entertainment, and a spectacular firework show put on by a different country each night.
When: August 16 to 25
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68th Street SE
Cost: Online, $20
The Food Realm
What: Join Market Collective and Blank Page Studio every Thursday for an evening filled with good food from YYC Food Trucks, live music and a glimpse into the inner workings of Blank Page Studio. This week you can look forward to trying Waffles and Chix, Hearts Choices, Canadian Bear Balls and more.
When: Thursday, August 16
Time: 5 pm
Where: Blank Page Studio – 1221 B Kensington Road NW
Admission: FREE
Shop the containers of East Village Junction
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
Any day of the week
Grab a bite at Flower and Wolf
What: Take a ride with an Old Fashioned with a twist featuring Old London, Old Oaxaca, and Old Cuba at this new restaurant situated in the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire. This eclectic foodie wonderland is both globally inspired and classically rooted in a sophisticated social space aimed to unite locals and travellers alike.
Where: 255 Barclay Parade SW
Enjoy a day perusing the Glenbow Museum
What: There is no better way to spend the weekend! Grab a coffee and go 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
Cut the heat and 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 when stuck in 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
Head out of town for a mountain adventure with Adventure Hub
What: Adventure Hub is a bonafide collective that has joined forces to give you unforgettable adventures in the Rocky Mountains. From horseback riding to cave tours to river rafting and much more. In the mood for adventure? Take your pick.
Where: In and around Banff and Canmore
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
Take a ride in Handsome Andy with Moose Trail Overland
What: Join local experts and firefighters Mike and Ryan as they show you all their favourite spots in the area and take you on a thrilling adventure in Handsome Andy, a 4×4 Ford E350. Don’t expect your typical cookie cutter tour, as these two are keen to take you off the beaten path and bring your dream of adventure to life.
Price: Varies per tour – book online