24 things to do in Calgary this weekend: July 15 and 16

Jul 15 2017, 4:27 am

The final weekend of Stampede is upon us and there is lots to do around town.

From actually stampeding to doing stuff that has nothing to do with cowboy hats and tent parties, this week is looking good for everyone.

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The Calgary Stampede

  • What: It’s the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and its back for its 105th year – need we say more!
  • Where: Stampede Ground – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: July 7-16
  • Cost: Varies depending on the day

Take a float down the Bow River

  • What: 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.
  • WhereLazy Day Raft RentalsSports RentThe Paddle Station and the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary

As you like it – Shakespeare by the Bow

  • What: Theatre Calgary is bringing As you like it outside starting Tuesday, June 20, as it begins its annual outdoor performances of Shakespeare by the Bow. Performances are pay-what-you-will and non-ticketed, so you can just turn up with a blanket and picnic and settle in; the suggested donation is $20 per adult.
  • Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW
  • When: June 20 to August 217, every day except Monday’s, performances at 7 pm, with an extra 2pm matinee on Sundays.
  • Cost: Free

Put the “Her” in Heritage

  • What: The Window Galleries present three new exhibits that focus on the alternative narratives of those whose voice was excluded from the first 150 years of our nation.
  • Where: Window Galleries (across from Max Bell Theatre in Arts Commons)
  • When: June 5 – August 28
  • Cost: Free

Cyclepalooza

  • What: Join this community-driven bicycle festival for a week full of cycling festivities!
  • Where: Various locations around Calgary
  • When: July 14 – July 23
  • Cost: Free

Nashville North Calgary Stampede 2017 lineup

  • What: This summer the Calgary Stampede is set to introduce Nashville Nights, “where the dust never settles at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Entry into Nashville North is free with admission to the Calgary Stampede, July 7 – 16.
  • Where: Calgary Stampede – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: 
    • Saturday, July 15 – Meghan Patrick
    • Sunday, July 16 – Trevor Panczak

The Stridents – TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary

  • What: This multidisciplinary installation will intrigue your senses and your mind. Andrea Roberts brings together sound using early recording techniques, vocal incantation, and drones mixed with groupings of prints and sculptures to explore feminist resistance in the context of neoliberal capitalism.
  • Where: TRUCK Main Space – 2009 10 Avenue SW
  • When: Opening reception is on June 2 at 8pm. Runs June 2 to July 15
  • Tickets: Free

Calgary Turkish Festival

  • What: Let yourself be transported Turkey as you experience some of the best of what this rich culture has to offer!
  • Where: Eau Claire Festival Plaza – 200 Barclay Parade
  • When: July 13-16
  • Cost: Free

The Bell Live Series at the King Eddy

  • What: Come kick it at the King Eddy just like they used to in the good ole’ days! The space will be converted into a country saloon with a revolving roster of western acts playing throughout the week of Stampede. This event is for those 18 years of age and up.
  • Where: King Edward Hotel – 438 9 Avenue SE
  • When: July 7- 16
  • Cost: $20

Parks Day Celebration

  • What: Rediscover and connect with nature as you celebrate the beautiful and diverse park’s that Alberta has to offer. See a list of participating parks here!
  • Where: Various Provincial Parks across Alberta
  • When: July 15
  • Cost: FREE

Creekfest 2017

  • Live performances, interactive displays, nature walks and more family friendly activities await at this free event. You can bring the whole family to celebrate Alberta’s natural areas while learning how to respect and protect our provincial parks.
  • Where: Bow Valley Ranch, Fish Creek Provincial Park, 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE
  • When: July 15 from 11 am to 4 pm
  • Cost: FREE

Free Concerts at the Coca-Cola Stage

  • What:This year’s lineup for the Coca-Cola Stage, the largest music venue at the Calgary Stampede, is chart-topping and award-winning. Tonight’s concert features Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals at 9pm
  • Where: Coca-Cola Stage, Stampede Park
  • When: Friday, July 14 at 9 pm
  • Cost: Free

The Calgary Stampede Maker Market

  • What: While cruising the grounds check out this new Maker Market, located in the regular Stampede Market in the BMO Centre, and shop your favourite local artists and makers. Makers will rotate throughout the 10 days so be sure to stop in more than once!
  • Where: Stampede Grounds – 1410 Olympic Way SE
  • When: July 7 – 16
  • Cost: Regular admission to the Stampede grounds

EV Junction Pop-Up Retail Park

  • What: New to the East Village this summer, this Pop-Up retail park offers Calgarians a place to shop, eat and play. Be sure to check out all 12 retailers located in 12 x 12 shipping containers, along with food trucks, live music and more! Every Thursday through Sunday from June 1 – October 1 you can expect food truck eats, music, performances, art and much much more!
  • Where: EV Junction – 439 8 Avenue SE
  • When: July 13 to 16
  • Cost: FREE

101 Traditional Stampede Breakfasts

  • What: Pancakes, sausages and maple syrup – it doesn’t get any more Canadian than that. Click here for a full list of FREE Stampede Breakfasts happening all throughout the city!
  • Where: At various locations throughout the city.
  • When: July 6 – 16
  • Cost: FREE

Check out some live Music on Music Mile

  • What: 2016 was the year of music here in Calgary, and the music industry in our city is now booming as a result. Spend date night at one of the many venues on YYC’s Music Mile, between Inglewood and East Village, and be entertained by some of our city’s best local talent at a live show, while enjoying a few drinks with your significant other. See the list of venues and performances here!
  • Where: Music Mile – between Inglewood and East Village
  • Cost: FREE

The Plunge at WinSport

  • What: WinSport is hosting the biggest and best slip n’ slide you’ll seen this summer. ‘The Plunge’ is a 810-foot, three-lane water slide that will be open weekends and holidays, July 1 to August 27.
  • When: July to August (Weekends and Holidays)
  • Where: WinSport – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
  • Cost: $25 for two hours

Watch ‘The Wild Life’ in theatres for only $2.99

  • What: Cineplex Family Favourites are the perfect day to take your little one or your big ones to the movies on the cheap. Watch a family favourite film each week for only $2.99. A portion of the proceeds goes towards supporting Free The Children with this week’s movie being ‘The Wild Life.’
  • Where: Participating Cineplex theatres
  • When: Saturday, July 15 at 11am
  • Cost: $2.99

Music on the Island

  • What: Enjoy acoustic sets by a local musician every Saturday on the island. It’s a great way to spend a summer afternoon on a beautiful urban island oasis! Specific location will vary week to week.
  • Where: St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Road NE
  • When: Every Saturday from June 10 – July 29
  • Cost: Free

Tea on the Verandah

  • What: Pinkies up! Enjoy high tea on the front porch of Heritage Park’s newest exhibit the “Famous 5 Centre for Women.
  • Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
  • When: Saturdays and Sundays from June 3 to September 4
  • Cost: Adults – $21.95 +gst, Child (Under 12) – $15.95 +gst

Usher & The Roots coming to Calgary during Stampede

  • What:  The Calgary Stampede announced that eight-time Grammy-winning artist Usher will be joined in concert by three-time Grammy-winning artists The Roots during Calgary Stampede 2017. Usher & The Roots will light up the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday, July 15. From “U Got It Bad” to “You Got Me” Usher and The Roots will be sure to play all of their classic hits. 
  • Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
  • When: Saturday, July 15

Cave Lantern Tours

  • What: Get a guided tour of the Cave and Basin after-hours. Watch out for bats and don’t let your imagination run too wild!
  • Where: The Cave and Basin
  • When: July 15,22,29 and August 5,12,19,26
  • Cost: $10.80

Parks Day Celebration

  • What: Rediscover and connect with nature as you celebrate the beautiful and diverse park’s that Alberta has to offer. See a list of participating parks here!
  • Where: Various Provincial Parks across Alberta
  • When: July 15
  • Cost: FREE

Outdoor Games Station

  • What: Bocce, ladder golf and so much more! Both big kids (adults) and little kids are welcome.
  • Where: St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Road NE
  • When: Every Sunday from June 18 to July 30
  • Cost: First come first served
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