17 things to do in Calgary this week: August 15 to 21

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Looking for something to do this week? Well you’re in luck! Choose from a fireworks competition, Reggae music including all things Caribbean, and

Here are some of the top events to check out in Calgary between August 15 to 21

Globalfest

Calgary’s annual fireworks festival is back. The event, which runs from August 15 to 27, will include several pyromusical shows, as well as cultural music, a human rights forum, a night market and even a citizenship ceremony.

Where: Elliston Park in East Calgary (main gate at the corner of 17th [International] Avenue and 60th Street SE).
When: August 15 to 27 from 6 to 11:30 p.m. every night.
No entry after 9:15 p.m.
Tickets: Available at online or at Calgary Co-op Customer Service Offices and Marlborough Mall.

Shakespeare by the Bow: Hamlet

What: Theatre Calgary is bringing Hamlet outside as it shows its annual outdoor performances of Shakespeare by the Bow. It is a pay-what-you-will and non-ticketed event, so you can just turn up with a blanket and picnic and settle in; the suggested donation is $20 per adult. All funds go towards the Shakespeare by the Bow program providing mentorship and support for Alberta’s emerging theatre artists.
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW
When: Now until August 21, every day except Mondays; performances at 7 pm, with an extra 2pm matinee on Sundays.
More info: Theatre Calgary’s website

Pop-Up Picnics

What: A Pop-Up Picnic is a lunch hour (Noon to 1pm) event hosted by Downtown Calgary in various locations around the downtown core. They’ll provide the tables, chairs, entertainment and all you have to do is bring your lunch and some friends. Each picnic will have a unique theme – this week’s being ‘Beakerhead’ and will be held at a different location each week.
Where: Harley Hotchkiss Park – 611 4th Street SW
When: Wednesday, August 17 from 12 to 1 pm
Cost: Free

Downtown Calgary Walking Tour

What: Walk among the towers of Downtown along Stephen Avenue and beyond and look at the history of Downtown Calgary through the buildings. Talk about the history of the buildings, look at some of their characteristics, and talk about the people associated with them. Some stops will include geeky moments or party facts which are unknown stories or facts related to certain stops. The tour will return to the Calgary Tower.
Where: Calgary Tower – 101 9th Avenue SW
When: Wednesday, August 17 from 12 to 2 pm
Cost: $15

Bridgeland Farmers Market

What: Visit Bridgeland Riverside Farmers’ Market every Thursday during the summer! 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, August 18 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.

ReggaeFest 2016

The music festival, which will take place on August 19 and 20 at Shaw Millennium Park, aims to promote reggae music and Caribbean culture. The main stage will feature performances from local, national and international reggae stars, including Juno-award winning Kafinal, plus Warrior King and Razor B.

Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW
When: Friday, August 19, from 4 to 10 pm, and Saturday, August 20, from 12 to 10:30 pm
Tickets: On Eventbrite, $30 for weekend pass, $15 for Friday admission, $25 for Saturday admission

PAWs in the PARK YYC

Concorde Group is hosting their 3rd Annual PAWS in the PARK fundraising event for Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society – AARCS. There will be food trucks, a pet vendor market and On-site Dog Services, a photo booth, bounce house, and many more activities. You can even enter your pet into their PAW-Geant for prizes.

Where: River Park – 4500 14a Street SW
When: Saturday, August 20 from 11 am to 3 pm

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

Pool side yoga on at Hotel Arts

What: Grab your yoga mat and head downtown to for an hour of pool side yoga Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout the summer. Click here to register online for the class.
Where: Hotel Arts – 119 12th Avenue SW
When: Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21 at 9am (arrive at 8:45 am)
Cost: $15

Yogathon Calgary 2016

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. Participants will try to do 108 sun salutations, or surya namaskar, as a symbolic offering of hope to children around the world and spread the message of universal education. Bring your own mat and arrive 30 minutes before the session starts.

Where: Stephen Avenue Walk – 100 8th Avenue SW
When: Saturday, August 20, from 10 am to 12:30 pm
Register: At yogathon.org, $25

Bubbles in the Park

Be wrapped in a protective clear bubble and try to play soccer against your friends! Can’t imagine it or have tried it and loved it? Orbis Sports are coming back to Calgary for another action packed day of bubble games including Bubble Kickz, Bubble Bulldog, Bubble Reverse Tag, and more! An activity for all ages, with kids game time from 10:30 to 11:30am and adult games from noon till 1 pm and 1:30 to 2:30 pm.

Where: Windsor Park School – 55th Avenue and 5th Street SW
When: Saturday, August 20 from 10 am to 3 pm
Cost: $8 t0 $54

Kensington Summertime Outdoor Movies

What: Every Saturday in August at 9 pm experience Kensington’s Summertime outdoor movie series. This Saturday, Princess Bride will be the feature film.
Where: Calgary Parking Authority Lot 57 – 1210 Kensington Road NW
When: Saturday, August 20 from 9 pm to 12:30 am
Info: On Facebook

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 20 and Sunday, August 21; free shows run from 2 to 7pm
Register: Click here

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

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)

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 puchase online

Visit a Farmers’ Market

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