23 things to do in Calgary this weekend: August 19 and 20

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It’s hot out and we can’t be happier.

From festivals and outdoor activities to Shakespeare by the Bow, this week is looking good.

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.
Where: Lazy Day Raft Rentals, Sports Rent, The Paddle Station and the Outdoor Centre at the University of Calgary

Check out the #IAMDOWNTOWN Summer Stage

What: Spend your lunch hour listening to some of Calgary’s best local talent on this outdoor stage on Stephen Avenue. From DJs, to Dance Troupes, to live bands, to Comedians, you will always be pleasantly surprised by the live performances set to play this stage this summer.
Where: Stephen Avenue – between Street and 1 Street SE
When: July 13 – August 30
Cost: FREE

The Phantom of the Opera – Broadway Across Canada

What: It’s your opportunity to see your favourite Broadway Musical, Phantom of the Opera right here in YYC!
Where: Southern Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Street NW
When: August 9-20
Cost: $35-$140

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 27, 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

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: August 17 to 20
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

Summer Feast

What: Celebrate Calgary’s vibrant and growing food scene with this new dining event happening this August. You will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious Prix fix summer menus for lunch and dinner, from 13 of Calgary’s best and most diverse restaurants. Bon Appetite!
When: August 11 – 20
Where: Various restaurants around Calgary
Cost $15-$35

GlobalFest

What: Celebrate the different cultures of the world that make up Calgary, with a multicultural marketplace and fireworks show put on by various countries each night.
Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68 Street SE
When: August 15-26
Cost: $20-$90

Milky Way Nights

What: Spend the evening star gazing in Alberta’s peaceful and surreal countryside.
Where: Rothney Astrophysical Observatory – Priddis, Alberta
When: August 17-19
Cost: $20 per car

Reggae Festival

What: Calling all “Rastagarian’s,” Calgarian’s who share the same love for Caribbean culture and Reggae music. Described as more of an experience than merely a performance, this year’s Reggae Fest is focused on celebrating 150 years of the uniting cultures in Canada AKA the ‘Golden era of Canadian Reggae.’
Where: Various locations around Calgary
When: August 17 – 19
Cost: $35 – $45

Expo Latino

What: Feel the heat and the energy as this world class festival takes over Prince’s Island park with exciting performances, sizzling dancing, exotic food, a stunning art market and so much more!
Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW
When: August 18 – 20
Cost: Free

Country Thunder Alberta 2017

What: Get your toes tapping and brush up on your two-stepping at this 3-day Country Music Festival headlined by Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett and Blake Shelton. Country fans rejoice!
Where: Prairie Winds Park – 223 Castleridge Boulevard NE
When: August 18-20
Cost: $130 3-day General Admission

YYC Taste the Trucks 7

What: August 11 marks the 6 year anniversary of the Food Truck Pilot Project in Calgary, so they’re throwing a party! Enjoy delicious eats from over 20 of Calgary’s best food trucks, listen to live music from 10 at 10 and ice cold beer from Village Brewery. Happy Birthday!
Where: The River Walk Plaza, East Village
When: August 18-20
Cost: $5 for the weekend

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

Alberta Open Farm Days

What: If you want a great opportunity to see where food comes from, we have good news for you. Meet farmers and taste food straight from where it comes from. Times vary as do the locations, and more information can be found through the link above.
Where: Various farms near Calgary
When: August 19 to 20, times vary

Night Race

What: Run through the night in a 5K or 10K course with your trusty Energizer LED headlamp guiding your way. At the post-race celebration, you will receive a FREE beer glow mug to drink your much-deserved beverage out of!
Where: South Glenmore Park – 8415 24 Street SW
When: August 19
Cost: $55-$60

Kensington Summertime Outdoor Movies

What: The Kensington Summertime Outdoor Movies series is returning for another year this August, bringing tales of coming of age, first love, adventure and suspense to the big screen. This Saturday’s screen is ‘Pretty Woman.’
Where: Calgary Parking Authority Lot 57 – 1210 Kensington Rd NW
When: Saturday, August 19 at 9pm
Cost: Free

Watch ‘Pup Star 2 ‘ 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 ‘Pup Star 2.’
Where: Participating Cineplex theatres
When: Saturday, August 19 at 11am
Cost: $2.99

Music on the Island

Where: St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Road NE
When: Every Saturday from June 10 – July 29
Cost: Free

Late Show Series Launch and Feast Screening

What: The Calgary International Film Festival will be adding a late show to its September event that will include darker and creepier movies than the festival would normally screen. To give everyone a taste of the event, the CIFF will be screening the horror movie Feast. The event will be hosted at the Ship and Anchor, so while attendance is free, food and drink is available.
Where: The Ship and Anchor – 534 17 Avenue SW
When: August 20 at 8pm
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

Brewery and the Beast

What: Calling all meat and beer lovers! At the 3rd annual Brewery and the Beast festival, you will have the opportunity to sample a range of premium, local and ethically raised meats while sipping on a cold delicious beverage.
Where: Pumphouse Park – 2140 Pumphouse Avenue SW
When: August 20
Cost: $95