25 things to do in Calgary this weekend: August 23 to 25

Another wonderful weekend to enjoy! Fill your time with these 25 events happening in Calgary on Friday, August 23, Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25. Calgary Pride, GlobalFest, and more.

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

See also

• Catch 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' on the big screen next month
• Meet the stars of RuPaul's Drag Race at this Calgary Pride party
• Attend the 39th Annual Terry Fox Run in Calgary next month

Friday, August 23

Calgary Night Market

What: Shop your favourite local makers while enjoying delicious eats and listening to live entertainment. The market has two locations this summer.

When: August 23, 2019
Time: 5 pm to 11 pm
Where: Calgary Night Market Bridgeland – 917 Centre St NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Calgary Pride

What: It’s the most colourful celebration of the year. Enjoy a week of festivities as you celebrate LOVE, equality, and happiness in YYC. Highlights include Memorial Park Pride on August 24, the Pride Parade, and Pride in the Park on September 1.

When: August 23 to September 2, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Vary per event. See full event listings here

Cirque du Soleil Costume Display at The CORE

What: The CORE will host a Cirque du Soleil pop-up until September 19 and will highlight “elements of its upcoming show,” according to a release from organizers. Cirque du Soleil will take over the second level glass bridge where there will be costume displays, Mexican-inspired decorations, and more.

When: Now until September 19, 2019
Time: Regular mall hours
Where: The CORE Shopping Centre — 324 8th Avenue SW, Calgary
Admission: Free

Fort Calgary Presents: Black & White Movie Nights

What: Join Fort Calgary in the Burnswest Theatre for a night at the movies. Grab snacks and a cocktail at this licensed event, and enjoy a classic black and white movie in Fort Calgary’s newly renovated theatre. Complimentary museum admission included with ticket.

When: August 23, 2019
Time: Doors 6 pm, movie at 7 pm
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Edwardian Garden Dinner Party

What: Join Heritage Park on the Prince House lawn for an Edwardian Garden Party featuring croquet, a live harpist, and a delicious three-course dinner. Guests are encouraged to dress in period costume – there will be a prize for best costume.

When: August 23, 2019
Time: 6:15 to 9 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive S.W., Calgary
Tickets: Online

Saturday, August 24

GlobalFest – Finale

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 24 features a fireworks finale.

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 6 to 11 pm
Where: Elliston Park – 1827 68th Street SE
Admission: Online

Country Kickback

What: Learn how the West once was! Fascinating demonstrations include threshing and baling with steam-powered machinery, wheat grinding, sheep shearing, and more. Attendees can also pet the friendly farm critters provided by Butterfield Acres, try making rope, or branding a barn board and take home a souvenir. Finally, get ready for some hand-clapping, foot-stomping fun with live entertainment.

When: August 24 and 25, 2019
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary
Admission: Regular park admission applies

Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE

What: Check out 60 local farms, food-makers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, kids arts and cultural activities, and more every Saturday at the Farmers and Makers’ Market at cSPACE

When: Every Saturday, year-round
Time: 10 am to 3 pm (June to October 12, 2019), 10 am to 1 pm (October 19, 2019, to May 2020)
Where: cSPACE King Edward – 1721 29th Avenue SW
Admission: Free

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, chilli cookoff, show and shine, skateboard corn-test, huge fireworks, and more.

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

#IAMDOWNTOWN Summer Stage

What: Spend your lunch hour listening to some of Calgary’s best local talent on this outdoor stage on Stephen Avenue. there will be 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

Luzia by Cirque Du Soleil

What: Kicking off at Stampede Park on August 16 and running through September 15, the delightfully imaginative and visually stunning production LUZIA is set to take the audience on a journey to an imaginary Mexico. With beautiful visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, the show cleverly brings to stage the places, faces, and sounds of Mexico. LUZIA is Cirque du Soleil’s 38th original production since 1984, and its 17th show presented under the Big Top.

When: Now to September 15, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Stampede Park (Lot #6) — 1410 Olympic Way SE
Price: Starting at $49 — Tickets available online

Banff Gondola

What: Head to the summit for an unreal view above the treetops and a birds-eye view of six different mountain ranges, while sipping on coffee or a refreshing glass of wine. Start with a walk along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to learn more about Canada’s first national park, or go indoors to sample from three restaurant menus. Then get hands-on in the world-class interpretive centre and theatre.

When: Daily until October 14, 2019
Time: Various
Where: 100 Mountain Avenue, Banff
Tickets: Online, various prices

CJSW Slurpee Cup Charity Street Hockey Tournament

What: CJSW and the Big Big Tent present the 21st annual Slurpee Cup Charity Street Hockey Tournament. It all goes down August 24, when teams face off in support of a charity of their choice.

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: The Big Big Tent — 321 11th Avenue Southeast
Admission: FREE for spectators, teams register in advance — For more information, email [email protected].

Saturdays in C-Square with National Music Centre – Latin in the Square

What: Head to East Village Calgary’s open-air urban square every Saturday for free performances presented by National Music Centre. On August 24 enjoy the rhythms of Carolina Slim and La Mosca.

When: August 24, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: East Village Calgary’s open-air urban square – 4 Street and 7 Avenue SE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Millarville Farmers’ Market

What: Meet and shop at growers, farmers, makers, bakers, and artists at Millarville Farmers’ Market. Children five to 12 years can also join the Market Buds program. Participants will learn where their food comes from, gain confidence in conversation with Alberta Produce farmers and BC Fruit farmers, make healthy food choices, and hold sole responsibility for maintaining their own punch card and tokens. Tokens for spending on vegetables and fruit are earned by completing a weekly activity in the Market Buds area located in the garden.

When: Every Saturday until October 12, 2019
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Address: 306097 192 Street West, Millarville
Admission: $3, with proceeds going to support programming at the Millarville Racetrack.

Sunday, August 25

BoylesqueTO Presents Oh Manada!

What: Canada’s own Boylesque T.O. will be coming to Calgary during their Canadian tour of OH MANADA, the troupe’s signature Canadian themed show. The tour will feature Boylesque TO’s core members, including James and the Giant Pasty, Dew Lily, Wrong Note Rusty, and Newfound Lad. And of course, no show would be complete without Shagina Twain hosting as our own Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

Where: Twisted Element — 1006 11th Avenue SW
When: Sunday, August 25, 2019
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: Available online $15

Puppies and Prosecco

What: Attend a private group training class for you and your pup on the patio of Vin Room Mission, led by the Dogma Behaviour & Education Centre. You will receive two glasses of wine, beer or prosecco, a lesson on the patio for you and your furry friend, and a bag of goodies worth $50. $5 from each ticket sold will be donated to Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation.

When: August 25, September 8, 2019
Time: 2 pm
Where: Vin Room Mission – 2310 – 4 Street SW
Tickets: Online, $40

Summer Feast

What: Check out a ten-day event that will include many of Calgary’s best chef-driven restaurants collaborating to create some delicious dishes.

There will be a selection of three-course prix fixe for lunch or dinner, ranging in cost from $25 to $65.

When: Now to August 25, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Various restaurants around Calgary
Cost $25-$55

Brewery & The Beast Calgary 2019

What: The highly-anticipated celebration of brews, meat, and local product, Brewery & The Beast, returns to Calgary on August 25. Local and regional farms provide the highest quality meats which are made into pig roasts, sausages, smoked meats, classic BBQ, and more. Attendees get a personal wooden board complete with a cup holder for their beer along with a hand/face cloth to use in between chowing down on dozens of local purveyors, restaurants, and cafes’ creations.

When: August 25, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SE
Price: $99; buy online

Sunday Funday at East Village

What: A quick game of giant Jenga? Or ladder golf, perhaps? Come find EV’s EAST Crew, who will be set up on the St. Patrick’s Island every Sunday with games and activities for a day at the park. First-come, first-served. Honour system applies.

Calaway Park

What: Calaway Park presents its 38th season of family fun. Enjoy rides, games, food, and more.

When: Open daily until Monday, September 2. Then every Friday and Saturday from September 7 to October 13. Closing day on Monday, October 14
Time: 10 am to 7 pm until September 2. 11 am to 6 pm from September 7 to October 14
Where: Calaway Park – 245033 Range Road 33
Admission Info: 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

Sunday Safari Brunch at Calgary Zoo

What: Every Sunday until November 10, head over to Destination Africa for one of the most unique brunch experiences you could have in the city. Enjoy both gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, a Belgian waffle bar, cooked to order omelettes, and so much more. Being a member of the Calgary Zoo gives you exclusive discounts to Sunday Safari Brunches!

When: Every Sunday until November 10, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 1 pm. Last seating and last ticket sold at 1 pm. Service lasts until 2 pm.
Where: Calgary Zoo – 210 St George’s Drive NE, Calgary
Tickets: via Calgary Zoo

Shinbokukai: Japanese Music Concert

What: A collaborative concert by Midnight Taiko Kai, Dahaza and Bushido, featuring traditional Japanese instruments and celebrating Japanese culture.

When: August 25, 2019
Time: 2 to 4 pm
Where: Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall, Central Calgary Library – 800 3 Street Southeast Calgary
Tickets: Online

Bowden Sunmaze at Eagle Creek Farms

What: The Bowden SunMaze features a sunflower field spanning three full acres and is home to over 100,000 flowers. The farm, upick, and maze is open rain or shine. Bowden can be reached along Highway 2, is just before Red Deer, and takes about one hour and 20 minutes to reach by car from Calgary.

When: Until September 2019, depending on bloom and the weather
Time: 11 am to 5 pm, seven days a week
Where: Eagle Creek Farms – Range Road 14, Bowden
Admission: $9 for adults, $6.50 for children, four-years-old and under are free