20 things to do in Calgary this week: August 19 to 22

August is just zooming by, so slow down and have some fun! Here are 20 great things to do in Calgary from Monday, August 19, to Thursday, August 22. Don’t miss Heritage Park Summer Season, Globalfest, and more.

For more things happening around town check out our events section.

Monday, August 19

#IAMDOWNTOWN Summer Stage

What: Spend your lunch hour listening to some of Calgary’s best local talent on this outdoor stage on Stephen Avenue. DJs, live bands, and more — you will always be pleasantly surprised by the live performances set to play this stage this summer.

When: Mondays to Saturday until August 24, 2019
Time: 12 to 1 pm (weekdays), 6 to 8 pm Saturdays
Where: Stephen Avenue, outside the Telus Convention Centre
Admission: Free

Heritage Park Summer Season

What: Enjoy a different experience every day at Calgary’s Heritage Park Historical Village. Take a tour back in time on a horse-drawn wagon ride, play traditional Aboriginal games in the First Nations’ Encampment and pick up a freshly baked cheese bun from the Alberta Bakery. Plus SS Moyie Paddlewheeler will once again sail the Glenmore Reservoir this summer, which means the return of the much-loved Captain’s Cruises.

When: Daily
Time: Various times
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Tickets: Online

Bright Lights

What: Comedy Monday Nights presents a showcase of Calgary comedy featuring headliners Brittany Lyseng and Victoria Banner alongside many other stand-ups.

When: August 19, 2019
Time: 8 to 10 pm
Where: Broken City 613-11 Ave. SW., Calgary
Tickets: $10

John Rutherford

What: Calgary-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist John Rutherford performs live at The Blues Can.

When: August 19, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Where: The Blues Can – 1429 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Family Game Night

What: Join Harvest Hills Hub for a family game night. Take part in ladder ball, bocce, ring toss, giant Jenga, and bean bag toss.

When: August 19, 2019
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Harvest Hills Hub – 178 Harvest Glen Way NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Tuesday, August 20

Wetland Bug Safari

What: The interactive sessions hosted by Calgary Parks will explore swimming, flying and crawling creatures using hands-on activities. All participants must be accompanied by an adult.

When: August 20, August 22, 2019
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Ralph Klein Park – 12350 84 St, Calgary
Admission: Free

Zumba and Yoga in the Park

What: Get outside and enjoy Zumba and Yoga classes at South Glenmore Park every Tuesday. Please bring your own water bottle, mat, and insect repellent.

When: Every Tuesday until August 20, 2019
Time: 6:55 to 7:55 pm (Zumba) 8:05 to 9:05 pm (Yoga)
Where: South Glenmore Park – 24 St SW, Calgary
Admission: $10, debit or credit only

Calgary’s Official Poetry Slam

What: Calgary’s Official Poetry Slam and Open Mic Slam poetry is a type of competition where people read their poems without props, costumes, or music. The sign-up sheet for both the open mic and the slam will be released at 7 pm, and the show will start at 7:30 pm.

When: August 20, 2019
Time: Sign-up 7 pm, show 7:30 pm
Where: Dickens Pub – 1000 9th Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: $10 cash at door, on a sliding scale for those who identify as low income or students

Sunnyside Open Stage

What: SOS Tuesdays are back for the summer in Sunnyside! Every Tuesday features an Open Mic Jam to entertain, inspire, and support the talent of local artists and neighbours. Warm-up your vocal cords, grab your favourite instrument, or just come by to enjoy the night. SOS Tuesdays are hosted by Eugene Saunders and guests and welcome all kinds of performances: Music, Dance, Theatre, Spoken Word, Poetry and placemaking, green initiative, and anything else the community might offer.

When: Every Tuesday until August 20, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: ContainR – 1020 2 Ave NW, Calgary
Admission: Free

GlobalFest – China

What: Celebrate a variety of international cultures that represent Calgary’s cultural diversity and arts excellence, with a multicultural marketplace, live entertainment, and a spectacular firework show put on by a different country each night. August 20 features fireworks by China.

When: August 20, 2019
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68th Street SE
Admission: Online

Wednesday, August 21

Big Big Tent – Roller-Skate Party

What: Show off how you roll every Wednesday in August when The Big Big Tent transforms into Calgary’s biggest roller rink with the help of Calgary Roller Skate. Bring your own or rent skates on site for an evening of big, big fun.

When: August 21 and 28, 2019
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: The Big Big Tent — 321 11th Avenue Southeast
Admission: Free, skate rentals extra

Cavalry FC vs York9 FC

What: Cavalry FC take on York9 FC at Spruce Meadows on August 21.

When: August 21, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Rug Riot – Come to the Party!

What: Rug Riot – Come to the Party! is a rug hooking exhibition commemorating the Guild’s 90th Anniversary. Some members challenged themselves by trying different methods, materials and shapes, while others are paid tribute to what the guild means to them.

When: Now until August 21, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Galleria Inglewood – 907 9th Ave.S.E., Calgary
Admission: Free

Sunnyside Salsa Wednesdays

What: Get your dance on every week with Sunnyside Salsa Wednesdays at the containR by Springboard Performance. Featuring live music by DJ Henry and guests.

When Wednesday evenings until August 28, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: ContainR by Springboard Performance – 1020 2 Ave NW, Calgary,
Admission: Free

Social Justice Film Series presents: Just Eat It

What: Social Justice Film Series presents a screening of “Just Eat It: A food waste story”. Stick around after for a panel discussion.

When: August 21, 2019
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: McHugh House – 1515 Centre Street South, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Thursday, August 22

Adult Night: Movie Night at the Calgary Zoo – Jumanji

What: On August 22, the Calgary Zoo will open its doors at 6 pm for an adults-only movie night screening of the original Jumanji. The event also includes a delicious BBQ, adult beverages, and fun games and activities before the movie begins screening at 8:30 pm.

Tickets are $50 + GST per head, and all event proceeds will support Calgary Zoo’s conservation efforts. Each ticket covers everything you need for a fun night, including admission (with admittance as early as 4 pm), a Jumanji-themed self-tour, the chance to win two tickets to the Zoo’s Panda Breakfast, adult drinks being sold at multiple bars, a BBQ, and, of course, the screening of the movie.

When: August 22, 2019
Where: 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary, BBQ Tent, West Lawn
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Tickets: $50 per person. Available online. Parking is $12

Taber Cornfest 

What: Every year in August the Taber and District Chamber of Commerce hosts the largest free family festival in western Canada. It celebrates with music, entertainment, rides, chili cookoff, show and shine, skateboard corn-test, huge fireworks, and more.

When: August 22 to 24, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Confederation Park – 50th Avenue and 50th Street, Taber
Admission: Free

Rosé Bébé 3.0

What: Back by popular demand, Royale will be throwing its Rosé Bébé party with unlimited rosé on August 22. This patio party offers attendees unlimited sips and bites, all you have to do is purchase at $75 ticket and you’re officially in.

When: August 22, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Royale – 730 17 Avenue SW, Calgary
Price: $75; email [email protected]

GlobalFest – Canada

What: Celebrate a variety of international cultures that represent Calgary’s cultural diversity and arts excellence, with a multicultural marketplace, live entertainment, and a spectacular firework show put on by a different country each night. August 22 features fireworks by Canada.

When: August 22, 2019
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68th Street SE
Admission: Online

Bring It On: The Musical

What: StoryBook Theatre presents Bring It On: The Musical, based on the high-stakes world of high school cheerleading competition.

When: Thursdays to Sundays until September 7, 2019
Time: 7 pm (Thursdays to Saturdays), 2 pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
Where: Beddington Theatre Arts Centre – 375 Bermuda Drive NW, Calgary
Tickets: Online