76 things to do in Calgary August 2017

Jul 26 2017, 1:06 pm

Time sure flies when you’re having fun! We have been blessed with an unreal summer here in Calgary so far, and August is in line to follow suit.

With the beautiful weather that we have been having, it’s the perfect opportunity to head outdoors and experience the many unique outdoor activities that Calgary and the Rockies have to offer.

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If you’re staying in town, spend the last month before the back-to-school madness begins enjoying the many festivals, events and foodie endeavors that are packed into August. There is something fun and exciting happening almost every weekend this month!

It’s going to be a busy month, but more importantly a fun one! Let’s give it one last hurrah for summer 2017.

Here are 76 fun things happening this August in Calgary.

Get Outdoors

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

Specialty Evening Wine + Cheese Cruises at Lake Minnewanka

  • What: Enjoy various Canadian wines and cheeses with an unreal view of the Rockies.
  • Where: Lake Minnewanka, Banff
  • When: Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout July and August
  • Cost: $95

Go Hiking in the Rockies

  • What: The view is worth the climb!
  • Where: Here are some of the most picturesque hiking spots in and around Banff to check out this summer.

Go Fishing

  • What: As Earl Dibbles Jr. always says “I got 99 problems and fishing solves all of them!”
  • Where: Here is a guide to some of the best spots to go fishing this summer.

Check out COP’s summer activities

  • What: Summer Bobsleigh, Mini Golf, Skyline Luge and a Zipline – we’re sold!
  • Where: Winsport, Canada Olympic Park – 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
  • Cost: Varies per activity

Experience the new and improved Brewster Banff Gondola

  • What: Head to the summit for an unreal view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of 6 different mountain ranges, while sipping on a delicious Starbucks coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
  • Where: 100 Mountian Avenue, Banff
  • Cost: Adult – $62, Child – $31

Hobo Campfire Singalong

  • What: Join the Park’s Canada Theatre Troup for a fun campfire singalong down by the railway tracks.
  • Where: The Cave and Basin – 311 Cave Avenue, Banff
  • When: Saturdays in July and August
  • Cost: Free

Rent a bike and go on a river adventure

  • What: Grab your squad, get yourself some wheels and see the city from a different perspective.
  • Where: Rent bikes at these locations: The LiveryRath BicycleBike and Brew
  • Cost: Varies per bike rental location

Visit a National Park

  • What: Have you heard? Admission into all National Parks in Canada is FREE in honour of Canada’s 150 Birthday. Be sure to take advantage and celebrate the beauty that Canada has to offer!

Get Active

Barre at Noon in the East Village

  • What: Barre with a view! Keep those bums toned this summer and feel the burn in this free barre class in the heart of East Village every Thursday.
  • Where: East Village Experience Centre – 553 Riverfront Avenue SE
  • When: Every Thursday through till August
  • Cost: Free

Mountaintop Yoga

  • What: Bring your yoga experience to new heights in this one-hour session in the Citizenship Pavilion on the fourth level of the new Banff Gondola summit.
  • Where: Banff Gondola – 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
  • When: Various dates throughout the summer
  • Cost:$62/person

Ride, Row, Refresh

  • What: Get your sweat on in a spin or row class, and then treat yourself to a beer sample or two from Wild Rose Brewery!
  • Where: Movement U – #16 4 Street NE
  • When: August 2
  • Cost: Regular drop in fee

Tour de Bowness

  • What: Get a taste of what the Tour de France is like at the 16th Annual Tour de Bowness. For 3 days you will have the opportunity to watch cyclists from various viewpoints throughout the city as they compete for a variety of titles and prizes. This event started in 2001 and is now the largest amateur bike race in the province.
  • Where: Various locations
  • When: August 5 – 7
  • Cost: Free to watch

Mud Hero

  • What: This obstacle course race includes a cargo climb, mud slide, a “frog spa,” and a swamp run. Needless to say, you won’t be getting out of this one with a clean shirt!
  • Where: Canyon Ski Resort – RR#2 Site #8 Box 26, Red Deer, AB
  • When: August 12-13
  • Cost: $69-$84

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

$5 Class Week at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks

  • What: If you’re new to the dancing world, or just looking to get back into it, this is a great opportunity to try a variety of drop-in classes and see which one is the best fit for you!
  • Where: Decidedly Jazz Dance Works – 111 12 Avenue SE
  • When: August 28-31
  • Cost: $5/class

August Markets

Greater Goods Pop Up Series: Stevie and Bean

  • What: Sip on a delicious Iced Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte (yes those do exist) and shop the beautiful stationary and witty cards from Stevie and Bean throughout the entire month of August.
  • Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
  • When: The whole month of August – Stevie and Bean

East Village Junction

  • What: 12 makers, 12 shipping containers, and 1 parking lot makes the best retail shopping Calgary has ever seen. There are also various performances, a pop-up library, Junction jams and group runs hosted by Lululemon happening at different times throughout each week, so you just have to go more than once!
  • Where: SW corner of 4 Street and 8 Avenue SE
  • When: June 1-October 1 (Thursday to Sunday)
  • Cost: Free admission

Inglewood Night Market

  • What: Everyone’s favourite street party is back and happening on the first Friday of every month this summer. Be sure to come with an empty stomach and the desire to shop till the sun goes down. The event goes on rain or shine, so come prepared!
  • Where: 9 Avenue and 10 Street SE
  • When: August 11
  • Cost: FREE

Calgary Night Market

  • What: Come shop some of the city’s best local vendors, while perusing delicious food trucks and watching live entertainment at the August edition of the Calgary Night Market.
  • Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE
  • When: August 25-26
  • Cost: Free

Workshops

Holiday Monday means time to leisurely create – hooray for long weekends! . . . 📷 captured by @globaldish

A post shared by Alison Martin | artist • YYC (@amartincreative) on

Art Wall Clocks

  • Where: Mill Street Brew Pub – 219 17 Avenue SW
  • When: August 1
  • Cost: $50-$70

Paper Lanterns

  • Where: WURST – 2437 4 Street SW
  • When: August 9
  • Cost: $40

Canning and Preserving: Summer Fruits Galore

  • Where: South Health Campus Wellness Kitchen – 4448 Front Street SE
  • When: August 15
  • Cost: $60

Introduction to Handlettering

  • Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
  • When: August 16 and 23
  • Cost: $70

Calligraphy Workshop with Mulberry Maven 

  • Where: Cibo – 1012 17 Avenue SW
  • When: August 22
  • Cost: $85

Geometric Terrariums

  • Where: Trolley 5 Brewpub – 728 17 Avenue SW
  • When: August 30
  • Cost: $70

Food and Drink Festivities

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

NHBR Nights

  • What: Yummy drinks, delicious food, and even better company – we’re in!
  • Where: NHBR Coffee Shop – 4038 16 Street SW
  • When: At the end of every month – stay tuned on social media for date announcements
  • Cost: $10-$20

Calgary Cocktail Festival

  • What: Join BassBus and In-Houze Productions for the first ever Peeled Cocktail Festival. You will receive a Peeled Passport, which will be your guide to all of the must-try cocktails at various establishments around the city. Each participating venue has come up with an exclusive cocktail only available to those who possess a passport. Cheers!
  • Where: Various locations
  • When: August 12-14
  • Cost: $40

Taste of Calgary

  • What: Going on a date or just looking for something fun to do with friends? Sample some of Calgary’s best global food and beverage cuisine, while you enjoy the great summer weather and listen to live outdoor music for 4 days in a row.
  • Where: 200 Barclay Parade SW
  • When: August 10-13
  • Cost: Free Admission, sampling tickets are $1

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

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

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

Calgary Vegetarian Food Festival

  • What: This festival will showcase some of the best vegetarian and vegan foods and dishes that local Calgary vendors have to offer.
  • Where: Bowness Community Centre – 7904 43 Avenue NW
  • When: August 26
  • Cost: Free

Dining Through History: A Progressive Dinner

  • What: Enjoy a delicious meal in a horse-drawn wagon and experience a progressive dinner through Calgary’s culinary history. You will have the opportunity to try a variety of dishes and drink pairings throughout the evening – come with empty bellies!
  • Where: Selkirk Grille, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
  • When: August 31
  • Cost: $89.95

Festivals and Other Events

Quantum at Telus Spark

  • What: Come see the first-ever traveling exhibition on quantum information and technology!
  • Where: Telus Spark Science Centre – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
  • When: June 26-August 7
  • Cost: Included with admission

Boogie Nights – Rooftop Beats Yoga Class

  • What: Yogi to the beat in this rooftop yoga dance party. Afterward, head down the street for the Inglewood Night Market!
  • Where: Junction 9 Yoga and Pilates – 919 9 Avenue SE
  • When: July 14, August 11 and September 8
  • Cost: $18

Captain’s Cruises

  • What: All aboard! Sail through the Glenmore Reservoir on the S.S. Moyie Paddlewheeler, while tasting delectable d’ oeuvres and sipping on a curated selection of beer and wine. The dress code is business casual.
  • Where: The S.S. Moyie Paddlewheeler, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
  • When: Thursdays from July 20 to August 31
  • Cost: $74.95

Movies at the Meadows

  • What: Come watch a classic film each Wednesday under the stars, just like they used to in the old days. This month look forward to Beauty and the Beast, Back to the Future, Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars: Rogue One.
  • Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
  • When: July 19 – August 23
  • Cost: $20/ carload if purchased at the door

Summer Yoga and Movie Night on the Rooftop

  • What: Sweat it out in a rooftop yoga sesh and then curl up as you watch a classic film on the big screen!
  • Where: Junction 9 Yoga and Pilates – 919 9 Avenue SE
  • When: July 21, August 18 and September 15
  • Cost: Drop in fee

Calgary Fringe Festival 

  • What: A plethora of uncensored, non-juried theatre performances happening all around the city. Enjoy!
  • Where: Various theaters around the city
  • When: August 4 – 12
  • Cost: $55-$200

Floating Lantern Peace Ceremony

  • What: Celebrate Calgarian’s collective desire for peace as you set sail to your lantern in the Olympic Plaza pool.
  • Where: Olympic Plaza – 228 8 Avenue SE
  • When: August 5
  • Cost: Free

Inglewood Sunfest

  • What: Celebrate summer in #yyc at this day-long street festival featuring over 200 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.
  • Where: Main Street Inglewood- 9 Avenue SE
  • When: August 5
  • Cost: Free

Paige 1912 Fashion Show

  • What: Celebrate the Wild West in this Western-themed fashion show, featuring talented Canadian designer, Pursue Victory.
  • Where: Hotel Arts – 119 12 Avenue SW
  • When: August 11
  • Cost: $55

Calgary Japanese Festival 

  • What: At this “Omatsuri” (traditional festival) you will experience everything from a Sake tasting to traditional Japanese arts and crafts, as you celebrate everything this diverse and wonderful culture has to offer!
  • Where: Mac Bell Centre – 1001 Barlow Trail SE
  • When: August 12
  • Cost: $5

Marda Gras

  • What: Enjoy live music, exciting cultural performances, kids activities, loads of shopping and delectable bites at this lively family-friendly street festival.
  • Where: Marda Loop – 33 – 34 Avenues SW
  • When: August 13
  • Cost: Free

Calgary Dragon Boat Race and Festival 

  • What: Compete in this traditional Chinese cultural event with a team of max 26 people. After the race enjoy the all day festival that includes a kid’s play zone, food trucks, beer gardens, live performances and more!
  • *Bicycle parking available onsite
  • Where: North Glenmore Park – 5R7, 7305 Crowchild Trail SW
  • When: August 12-13
  • Cost: Free

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

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

Alberta Open Farm Days

  • What: Ever wonder how a farm works or where your food is coming from? Take this opportunity to meet farmers, experience a day at the farm and taste local food right where it is produced.
  • Where: Various locations
  • When: August 19-20
  • Cost: Free

The 27 Annual Pride Festival

  • What: Literally one of the most colourful celebrations of the year!
  • When: August 25 – September 4
  • Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Ave SW
  • Cost: Free

Country Kickback

  • What: Learn how the West once was!
  • Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
  • When: August 26-27
  • Cost: Park admission

Old Time Ranch Rodeo

  • What: Cowboys from working ranches will compete in events that display for spectators the everyday skills that you need to work on the range, followed by a traditional afternoon rodeo. There will also be local artisans from the area set up at the Pekisko Creek Trade Fair and Art shows that will be open all day long.
  • Where: Bar U – Box 168 Longview Alberta
  • When: August 20
  • Cost: Bar U Admission

Music Festivals

Calgary International Blues Festival

  • What: Experience one full week of live outdoor blues performances and end each day off with a Twilight Blues Dance Party. See the full list of performers here!
  • Where: Shaw Millennium Park
  • When: July 31 – August 6
  • Cost: $35-$50

Canmore Folk Music Festival

  • What: Alberta’s longest running folk music festival is back! Kick the weekend off with a pancake breakfast and forward to headliners, such as Bruce Cockburn, Foy Vance, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and much more talent throughout the weekend.
  • Where: Centennial Park – 5 Avenue, Canmore
  • When: August 5 – 7
  • Cost: $45-$130

One Love Music Festival

  • What: Callin’ all Hip Hop junkies! This is Western Canada’s largest Hip Hop Music Festival so don’t miss out. And if you weren’t already excited enough, Lauryn Hill and Migos will be headlining this year’s festival.
  • Where: Max Bell Centre Festival Ground – 1001 Barlow Trail SE
  • When: August 4
  • Cost: $79.95-$109.95

Chasing Summer Music Festival

  • What: Celebrate the passion of Calgarians love for summer in this huge two-day EDM festival.
  • Where: Max Bell Centre Festival Ground – 1001 Barlow Trail SE
  • When: August 5-6
  • Cost: General Admission – $159.95

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

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

Arts and Culture

Check out one of the many exhibitions happening at the Glenbow

  • What:
    • Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience: June 17 – September 10
    • Romancing Canoe – June 17 – September 10
    • Artefacts: Contemporary Moving Images, Karilynn Ming Ho: For the Left Hand Alone – June 17 – August 27
    • North of Ordinary: The Arctic Photographs of Geraldine and Douglas Moodie – February 18 – August 27
  • Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9 Avenue SE
  • Cost: regular admission to museum

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

Shakespeare by the Bow

  • What: Enjoy some of Shakespeare’s greatest plays in the serene and natural setting of Prince’s Island Park. Presented by the talent at Theatre Calgary.
  • Where: Prince’s Island Park – 698 Eau Claire Avenue SW
  • When: June 20 – August 27
  • Cost: Free

Wagonstage Production: Jumpy the Frog

  • What: Join the University of Calgary’s School of Creative Arts and the Calgary Zoo for an original production of “Jumpy the Frog.” Follow along the misadventures of Jumpy the Black-Tailed Prarie Dog as he searches for a new habitat!
  • Where: Dinosaur Amphitheater, Calgary Zoo – 210 St. George’s Drive NE
  • When: Every Tuesday and Thursday between July 4 and August 31
  • Cost: Included with Zoo admission

Music in the Plaza

  • What: The Stampede Talent Search and Heritage Park have partnered up to bring you weekly live entertainment in the Heritage Town Square.
  • Where: Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive NE
  • When Wednesday evenings from July 5-August 30
  • Cost: Free

Heritage Day at Fort Calgary

  • What: Celebrate Calgary’s multicultural heritage in this free, family-friendly event.
  • Where: Fort Calgary – 750 – 9th Avenue SE
  • When: August 7
  • Cost: Park admission

The Phantom of the Opera – Broadway Across Canada

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

Concerts and Performances

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

Rodriguez

  • Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Avenue NW
  • When: August 3
  • Cost: $65-$115

Tanya Tucker

  • Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
  • When: August 4
  • Cost: $49-69

The Decemberists

  • Where: MacEwanHall – 2500 University Drive NW
  • When: August 9
  • Cost: $20-$189

Shakey Graves

  • Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8 Avenue SW
  • When: August 11
  • Cost: $30 – no minors permitted

OneRepublic

  • Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
  • When: August 19
  • Cost: $25-$135

The Pointer Sisters

  • Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre – 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
  • When: August 19
  • Cost: $49-$69

K. D. Lang

  • Where: Southern Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14 Street NW
  • When: August 23
  • Cost: $119-$225

Sporting Events

Cheer on the Calgary Stampeders

  • What: Cheer on our Stamps as they make their way to the Grey Cup!
  • Where: McMahon Stadium – 1817 Crowchild Trail NW
  • When: August 26 vs Toronto at 7pm
Kristy ArchibaldKristy Archibald

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