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Summer is here and there are plenty events happening around town! Make the most of your last month of sun with events around town.
Here are 41 things happening in Calgary this August.
Get outside
Image: Hotel Arts / Facebook
Pool side yoga on at Hotel Arts
Grab your yoga mat and head downtown to Hotel Arts to enjoy an hour of pool side yoga Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9am. Click here to register online for the $15 class.
Go on a hike
With Calgary being so close to the mountains, we’d be foolish not to take advantage of them. Plus, it’s a pretty rewarding feeling to know you literally conquered a mountain. Not to mention if you find yourself sore after a long day’s hike, the hot springs are never too far away.
Enjoy Pop-up picnics all summer long
The picnics, which began June 22 and run through August 24, are community lunch hours which take place in various locations around town. Between noon and 1 pm, organizers supply tables, chairs and entertainment; each picnic has a unique theme and will be in a different location every week.
Jump on a bike
There are beautiful bike paths in Calgary, that many of us don’t know about. So jump on your bike without the worry of vehicles whizzing past you. Click here for five beautiful bike paths in Northwest Calgary you need to experience this Summer.
Rafting down the Bow River
A perfect way to cool off and relax on a hot summer day. Grab a raft and lifejacket (yes they’re required) and sail away to leisurely paradise. You can start from Baker Park or Bowness Park and it’s free with you own raft and lifejacket or you can rent from Lazy Day Raft Rentals.
Food and drink festivals
Taste the Trucks
- What: The list of participating food trucks is still being finalized, attendees can expect 10 to 20 of Calgary’s best food trucks to be in attendance at this year’s event, dishing up all kinds of mouthwatering street food fare. There will also be live music from BassBus, giveaways, cold beer from Village Brewery, and a slew of things to see and do.
- Where: Haultain Park – 225 13 Avenue SW
- When: August 5, 6, and 7 from 11 am to 7 pm daily
- Price: $5 Entry (free for kids under 14)
Taste of Calgary
- What: Calgary’s beloved outdoor food fiesta returns to the city in 2016, bringing with it a smorgasbord of globally-inspired cuisine and beverages. Attendees to the Taste of Calgary will be able to sample a variety of dishes, shop at some of the most interesting marketplace vendors in the city, and enjoy a wide range of entertainment.
- When: August 11 to 14 from 11 am to 10 pm daily
- Where: Eau Claire Festival Plaza – 200 Barclay Parade SW
- Price: Free admission / Taste tickets $1
Calgary Ribfest
- What: Get your sticky on at the 1st Annual Calgary Ribfest. From August 25 to 28 experience four awesome days of grilling heaven. Ribs, BBQ chicken, and pulled pork will be headlining the festival, available from six different vendors. There will also be live music, craft beer, wine pairings, and a pulled pork eating contest. Booths for foodie and BBQ demonstrations will also be in site.
- When: August 25 to 28 (check website for times)
- Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
- Price: Free admission / Food tickets extra
Brewery & the Beast
- What: Brewery and the Beast is back for 2016. This outdoor, meat-focused event will take place rain or shine on August 21 and feature a line-up of local chefs from around the city, preparing and cooking the highest quality meats. In addition to serving a range of roasted, barbecued, and smoked edible delights, Phillips Brewing Company from Victoria, will offer a varied selection of their award winning beers.
- When: Sunday, August 21 from 1 to 4:15 pm
- Where: Pumphouse Park – 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW
- Price: Tickets are priced at $89.75 and can be purchased online here
Farmers Markets
Farmers Market on Stephen Avenue
- What: Fresh produce and local vendors right outside your office. Twice a month, over 40 vendors will setup shop for the farmers market coming to Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary. Check online for dates.
- Where: On 8th Avenue between 1st Street SE and 1st Street SW
- When: June 21 to September 20 from 10 am to 3 pm
Bridgeland Riverside Farmers Market
- What: Visit Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market for their first market of the year! Enjoy eating at local vendor stations, dance to live music and shop until you drop. For the kiddos, there are free activities set up.
- Where: Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market – 917 Centre Avenue NE
- When: Thursday, June 23 from 3:30 to 7:30 pm
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Popular among chefs, home cooks, and local gastronomes, farmers’ markets have become an integral part of Calgary’s food landscape. Not only do these community events grant local farmers, growers, and bakers the opportunity to connect with urban folk but they also provide them with a space to show off their seasonal favourites. Here’s a quick list of a few.
- Calgary Farmers’ Market
- Crossroads Market
- Symons Valley Ranch
- DJ Market
- Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market
- Marda Loop Farmers’ Market
Art and theatre
Shakespeare by the Bow: Hamlet
- What: To be, or not to be, that is the question… Theatre Calgary is bringing Hamlet outside, as it showcases its annual outdoor performances of Shakespeare by the Bow.
- Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW
- When: Runs from June 21 to August 21, every day except Mondays; performances at 7 pm, with an extra 2pm matinee on Sundays. On hiatus between July 19 and 24.
- More info: Theatre Calgary’s website
Hey, Pretty Woman!
- What: A spoof on the hugely popular movie released in 1990. This telling the romantic tale will have some new twists and turns and, of course, laughter. Set to music from the late 80`s and early 90`s sure to bring back a memory or two. Hey, Pretty Woman! is a romantic comedy about how the most unlikely of matches can wind up falling in love… but no one ever said it would easy!
- Where: Jubilations Dinner Theatre – Westbrook Mall, 1002 37 Street SW
- When: July 1 to September 4
- Cost: From $67.95 (includes dinner)
Opera in the Village
- What: Opera In The Village is back in Calgary this year, with two weekends full of free opera performances in August. The first weekend will also showcase the Front Row Centre Players, Ukrainian Tangos with Stephania Romaniuk, and the Foothills Brass Quintet. Meanwhile, the second weekend will also feature the Cantare Children’s Choir, Calgary Fiddlers and Band of Outriders.
- Where: The Chautauqua Tent – East Village RiverWalk Plaza
- When: Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, then Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21; free shows run from 2 to 7pm
- Register: For weekend one, register here; for weekend two, register here
Festivals and other events
Calgary Fringe Festival
- What: Fringes are uncensored, non-juried theatre festivals. The first Fringe started in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947, and has grown into one of the biggest arts festivals in the world.
- Where: Various locations in Inglewood – check online
- When: July 29 to August 6
Expo Latino
- What: Western Canada’s largest latin festival. Celebrating it’s 19th anniversary. Creating experiences of discovery and learning through the celebration of people, music and dance.
- Where: Price’s Island Park – 689 Eau Claire Avenue SW
- When: August 5 to 7
Calgary Night Market 2016
- What: Featuring a variety of ethnic street foods, local vendors, buskers, and entertainment, the Calgary Night Market has everything from jewelry to clothes, to household items. The market is happening on the first and last Fridays of the month until September 9. Admission to the Night Market is free.
- When: Now until September 9 from 4 to 10 pm
- Where: Central Memorial Park – 1221 2nd Street SW
- Event page: facebook.com
Marda Gras Street Festival
- What: The streets of Marda Loop will come alive for the 32nd time with this New Orleans themed festival. A variety of high quality cultural performers, dance groups, musicians and outdoor activities will be at this fun outdoor event.
- Where: Marda Loop – 33rd and 34th Avenues SW
- When: Sunday, August 14 from 10 am to 5 pm
Globalfest
- What: GlobalFest is “Alberta’s Most Explosive Festival!”
Every August, GlobalFest celebrates the OneWorld and Trico Homes International Fireworks Festivals. - Where: Elliston Park on 17th Avenue SE
- When: August 18 – 27
- Cost: $20
ReggaeFest 2016
- What: Get a little bit of Reggae into your life at this year’s Reggae Festival. Performers over the two-day main stage include Warrior King, Razor B, Nana McLean, Glen Washington and many others. Hang out with the kids in the Kidz Zone (1 – 7 pm, Saturday only) and enjoy family activities like face painting, crafts, games and much more! Or chill out with a brew in the Village and savour the flavour of island spices
- Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW
- When: August 19-20 from 4 – 10 pm on Friday; 12 – 10:30 pm on Saturday
- Cost: From $15
Yogathon Calgary 2016
- What: On August 20, Calgary will join more than 50 cities worldwide in a mass Yogathon to raise funds for Care for Children, which helps provide education for children in rural India.
- Where: Stephen Avenue Walk – 100 8th Avenue SW
- When: Saturday, August 20, from 10 am to 12:30 pm
- Register: At yogathon.org, $25
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
- What: Stay up late with Milky Way Nights at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, open to the public between August 25 to 27.
- Where: Rothney Astrophysical Observatory – Priddis, AB
- When: August 25 to 27
- Information: Call 403-931-2366
Adults Only Night at TELUS Spark
- What: Get hands-on with science while indulging in the adult juice. Enjoy free reign in the galleries, a fully licensed bar, and tunes all night long.
- Where: TELUS Spark – 220 St Georges Drive NE
- When: Select Thursdays from 6 to 10 pm
- Cost: $19.95
Something Old, Something New: 125 Years of Wedding Fashion
- What: See some of the most trendsetting and common wedding dresses in Alberta from the last 125 years. The exhibition features collections from the Museum of the Highwood, the Red Deer Museum, the Royal Alberta Museum, the Lougheed House Conservation Society, as well as numerous private collections.
- Where: Lougheed House – 707 13th Avenue SW
- When: Now until October 2
- Cost: Regular admission $8.50
Concerts and parties
Lindsey Stirling
- What: Former America’s Got Talent contestant Lindsey Stirling is the hottest thing in electronic music right now. The violin-playing virtuoso has performed for audiences around the world, killing them softly with her unique blend of classical music in club beats.
- When: Thursday, August 4 at 8 pm
- Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
- Tickets: Available online from $39.50 to $59.50. All ages
Miike Snow
- What: Swedish indie-pop band Miike Snow bring their awesome brand of fun to MacEwan Hall. The band, comprised of singer Andrew Wyatt and producers Bloodshy & Avant, eschew the use of laptops in their live shows and instead use “The Blob” – a hexagonal synthesizer created especially for their tours.
- When: Tuesday, August 4 at 9 pm
- Where: MacEwan Hall – 2500 University Drive NW
- Tickets: Available online for $35.
Country Thunder
- What: The first year of the debut inner city festival in Calgary, featuring Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, Tim McGraw and many more.
- Where: Prairie Winds Park – 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE
- When: August 19 to 21
- Tickets: Available online
MSTRKRFT
- What: Toronto’s MSTRKRFT made a name for themselves by remixing tracks for stars like Katy Perry and Kylie Minogue, but its their original material that have won them fans across North America.
- When: Thursday, August 25 at 10 pm
- Where: Marquee Beer Market & Stage – 4630 Macleod Trail S
- Tickets: Available online for $25. 18+
Nick Jonas/Demi Lovato
- What: Former Disney stars Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato share a fanbase so it only makes sense for them to share a tour as well. The pair will mostly perform their grown-up hits solo but will join forces on stage for Jonas’ “Close” and Lovato’s “Stone Cold”. Mike Posner, who scored one of the biggest songs of the summer with “I Took A Pill In Ibiza”, will open for the dynamic duo.
- When: Saturday, August 27 at 7 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- Tickets: Available online from $29.95 to $99.95. All ages
Fitz & the Tantrums
- What: Neo-soul indie group Fitz & the Tantrums are celebrating the release of their self-titled album with their Get Right Back Summer Tour. Expect the band, a staple on the festival circuit, to perform new material like “Run It’ and “HandClap”, which hit number 5 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart.
- When: Saturday, August 27 at 7 pm
- Where: MacEwan Hall – 2500 University Drive NW
- Tickets: Available online for $39.50.
Duran Duran
- What: Fans of 80’s new wave are in for a treat when Simon LeBon & Co. come to town on August 30. Expect the wild boys to play new songs from Paper Gods and classic hits like “The Reflex” and “Hungry Like The Wolf”. Chic (featuring mastermind Nile Rodgers) will open for the band.
- When: Tuesday, August 30 at 7:30 pm
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
- Tickets: Available online from $45 to $140. All ages
Sports
Skyline Luge
- What: For the more adventurous side in you, try The Skyline Luge. It’s a three-wheeled cart, part go-kart and part toboggan that is thrilling for all ages and abilities.
- Where: Skyline Luge Calgary – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
- When: Now until October 9
- Cost: $15 for 1 ride; $23 for 2 rides; $32 for 5 rides
Okotoks Dawgs Games
- What: Western Major Baseball League team the Okotoks Dawgs have clinched a playoff spot and now are looking to advance past the first round.
- Where: Seaman Stadium – 2111 N Railway Street, Okotoks
- When: Thursday, July 28 at 7:05 pm vs Edmonton Prospects
Summer Bobsleigh
- What: A professional pilot will accompany you as you soar down the legendary Olympic sliding track twisting around 10 turns. Reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and reach 2G forces. Your summer bobsleigh adventure includes transportation up to the starting point, a safety orientation from your professional pilot and the all-important helmet.
- Where: WinSport – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Spend a day at the races
Bring out your fascinators and bowties and head to Century Downs Racetrack and Casino to take in a day at the track. Your day is sure to be a win, even if your ticket says the opposite.
Calgary Stampeders Games
- What: Watch as our CFL pride and joy take on their rivals this summer. Only five home games to catch, so get your tickets soon.
- Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
- When:
- Thursday, August 4 at 8 pm vs Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Sunday, August 28 at 5 pm vs Hamilton Tiger Cats
- Monday, September 5 at 1 pm vs Edmonton Eskimos
Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival
- What: The 25th anniversary of Dragon Boating comes to town. The Calgary Dragon Boat Race & Festival draws over 1850 competitors, 4000 spectators and an abundance of excitement and cultural experiences.
- Where: North Glenmore Park – 7305 Crowchild Trail SW
- When: August 13 & 14
Banff
A Night at the Banff Mountain Film Festival
- What: Every Thursday night in downtown Banff for 14 weeks, two identical shows per night will be shown featuring four unique film programs rotating each week.
- Where: Lux Cinema – 229 Bear Street, Banff
- When: Thursday, June 16 to Thursday, September 8. Shows at 7 and 9:30 pm
- Cost: $12 can purchase online
Jazz Club
- What: Emerging musicians from The Banff Centre’s acclaimed Banff International Workshop in Jazz & Creative Music, perform with their internationally acclaimed mentors in late night jam sessions.
- Where: The Club, Theatre Complex – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
- When: August 4 to 19 at 8 pm (excluding Saturday to Monday)
Banff International String Quartet Competition
- What: Experience a week of exceptional music-making in the Canadian Rockies as ten of the world’s best emerging string quartets vie for over $150,000 in cash and the title of first prize laureate.
- Where: The Banff Centre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff
- When: August 29 to September 4
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