27 things to do in the City of Calgary this week: July 30 to August 3

27 things to do in Calgary this week: July 30 to August 3

Calgary Skyline (Chandler Walter/Daily Hive)

We’ve got one month of summer left — let’s make it count.

This week the countdown is on until the long weekend, but who says you can’t start the celebrations a little early? This week is filled with lively music festivals, summer markets, and outdoor movie nights.

We have gathered 27 of the best things happening this week in and around Calgary to get August off to a very exciting start.

Monday, July 30

Blues Music Festival

What: Check out one full week of live outdoor blues performances and end each day off with a Twilight Blues Dance Party. Experience the art market, beer tents, food trucks, and more. Don’t forget to pick yourself up a festival souvenir. See the full list of performers here.

When: July 30 to August 5

Time: Varies per day

Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW

Tickets: Online, $50 to $500

Check out 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

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

Tuesday, July 31

Macaron 101

AG Macarons/Facebook

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 31

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 31

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

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

Admission: FREE

Wednesday, August 1

Movies at the Meadows

What: Come out and watch a classic film under the stars for the first four Wednesday’s in August. This month you’ll be able to look forward to watching The Lion King, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Avengers: Infinity War, and Jumanji.

When: Wednesday, August 1

Time: Varies per date

Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW

Cost: $20/ carload if purchased at the door

The Importance of Being Earnest

What: Set after the all-time classic by Oscar Wilde, this witty performance aims to figure out just who ‘Ernest’ really is.

When: August 1 to 5

Time: 2 pm or 7 pm

Where: West Village Theatre – 2007 10th Avenue SW

Tickets: Online, $15 to $20

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

Grab some fresh produce at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market

@LeslievilleMarket/Facebook

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

Thursday, August 2

RNDSQR Sales Centre Community Series: Movie Night

What: Vote between Moana and Despicable Me on Instagram and enjoy a family outdoor movie night. Popcorn is complimentary and Gypsy Lemonade will be there serving up delicious lemonades and other yummy treats. There is no better way to start the long weekend.

When: Thursday, August 2

Time: 7 to 10:30 pm

Where: RNDSQR Sales Centre – 2212 33th Avenue SW

Admission: Free, RSVP here

Free First Thursday

What: Explore the Glenbow at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month. They are launching some neat new exhibitions this month that you won’t want to miss out on!

When: Thursday, August 2

Time: 5 pm to close

Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE

Admission: Free

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

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

Friday, August 3

Calgary Fringe Festival

Image: Calgary Fringe Festival / Facebook

What: A plethora of uncensored, non-juried theatre performances happening all around the city. This iconic festival was started in Scotland in 1947 and has grown to become one of the most popular art festivals in the world. Anything goes at this one.

When: August 3 to 11

Time: Various times

Where: Various theatres around the city

Cost: Online, $55 to $200

Any Other Day of the Week

Head out of town for a mountain adventure

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.

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

Where: In and around Banff and Canmore

Take a float down the Bow River

Boating on the Bow River (thepaddlestation/Instagram)

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

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

27 things to do in Calgary this week: July 30 to August 3

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