77 things to do in Calgary July 2017

Photo Courtesy of Neil Zeller

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With summer in full swing and the kids officially out of school, there is certainly no shortage of exciting things to do around the city this month. Finger’s crossed the weather holds up and you can get the family outdoors for some fun summer memories in the sun!

Take a long weekend and head up to the mountains. From camping, to hiking to fishing, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Rockies, while taking advantage of the free National Park entry in lieu of Canada’s 150th Birthday.

Speaking of Canada 150, on July 1st it’s your chance to celebrate our wonderful country. Be sure to check out the many festivities happening throughout the city. Then to keep up the momentum Calgary will be taken over by the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, with 10 days of straight country, culture and good times at the Calgary Stampede.

Get Outdoors

Image: Rath Bicycle Instagram

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

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

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

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

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 Livery, Rath Bicycle, Bike and Brew
Cost: Varies per bike rental location

Get Active

Image: Barre Body Studio Facebook

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

Reservoir RowBody Pop-Up Class

What: Get your sweat on in a RowBody class with the MovementU team and a stunning backdrop of the Glenmore Reservoir.
Where: Glenmore Reservoir
When: July 18
Cost: Regular drop in fee

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

Outdoor HIIT Bootcamp

What: Take your fitness routine out of the studio for a day and join Cory, from MovementU for a HIIT class amongst the beautiful skyline view of Downtown Calgary in Murdoch Park.
Where: Murdoch Park – 9 Street & Centre Avenue NE
When: July 25
Cost: Regular drop-in fee

Rugged Maniac 5K

What: A grown up obstacle race, otherwise known as the “mud run.” Good luck!
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW
When: July 29
Cost: $69-$79

July Markets

Image: The East Village Junction Facebook

Greater Goods Pop Up Series

What: Sip on a delicious Iced Lavender Earl Grey Tea Latte (yes those do exist) and shop the beautiful floral designs created by Gypsy Skulls throughout the entire month of July.
Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
When: The entire month of July

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

Calgary Night Market

What: Spend your Friday or Saturday evening shopping your favourite local makers, while munching on delicious eats and listening live entertainment.
When: July 7 and 8 from 5-11pm
Where: South Centre Mall Parking Lot – 100 Anderson Road SE
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

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: July 14
Cost: FREE

Essentials by Nature Pop-Up at Greater Goods

What: Essential oils are so important for the overall health and wellness of your body. Come learn more about the benefits of using natural, plant based oils and shop the full collection from Essentials by Nature, an Edmonton-based oil apothecary, at Greater Goods all weekend long.
Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
When: July 29 & 30

Food and Drink Festivities

Image: The Post Hotel and Spa taken by Michael Soroka

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

Spend an Evening on the Starbelly Patio

What: Grab a few friends and spend the evening enjoying the pleasant ambiance of the patio at Starbelly Open Kitchen and Lounge. Every day they have a great happy hour menu for you to take advantage of, from 2 pm to 6 pm with $5 local draft beer, $2 off cocktails and $5 glasses of wine.
Where: Starbelly Open Kitchen + Lounge – 19489 Seton Crescent SE
When: All Summer Long

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

Get Stacked!!! Vegan Pancake Breakfast

What: If you’re a vegan, your stampede breakfast dreams have FINALLY come true. Welcome to Calgary’s first ever 100% vegan stampede breakfast hosted by CalgaryVegan and Calgary Animal Rights Effort, along with a variety of local health food stores and suppliers from around the city. Grab your friends and family and be prepared to #getstacked!
Where: Bridgeland Riverside Community Association – 917 Centre Avenue NE
When: July 8
Cost: FREE

Have a Drink at the Post Hotel

What: Enjoy a cold beverage at the Post Hotel and Spa located in the heart of Lake Louise, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. They have one of the most extensive wine lists in all of North America, so for wine-lovers, this is definitely a great “treat yourself” experience.
Where: Post Hotel & Spa – 200 Pipestone Road, Lake Louise Alberta
When: All Summer long

Taste of Okotoks

What: Eat great food, enjoy live music and shop local vendors and this fun-filled event in the heart of Okotoks.
Where: Downtown Okotoks
When: July 22
Cost: FREE

Big Rock Craft Beer Brewing Course

What: Learn how to make your own beer in this 2-hour long workshop and take home your very own bottle of your creation. Beer lovers rejoice!
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
When: July 27 and August 3
Cost: $95

Festivals and Other Events

Photo courtesy of Fiestaval

Granary Road Farmers Market Grand Opening

What: There is a new farmers market in town that includes a learning park, a public market, The Loft Kitchen and a bakery that will fill the market with the aroma of freshly baked treats each morning.
Where: Granary Road – 226034 112 Street W MD of Foothills
When: July 29
Cost: Free 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

Fiestaval Latin Festival

What: Celebrate Latin American Culture in this vibrant street festival!
Where: Olympic Plaza – 288 8 Avenue SE
When: July 21,22 and 23
Cost: Free admission

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

Chestermere Water Festival

What: Come celebrate summer on the lake with this fun, family friendly festival!
Where: John Peak Park – 100 John Morris Way, Chestermere
When: July 22
Cost: FREE

Packwood Grand

What: Grab your date and your fanciest fascinator for a fun day at the races!
Where: Century Downs Racetrack – 261095 Dwight McLellan Trail
When: Saturday, July 29
Cost: TBA

Pet-A-Palooza Calgary

What: A festival all about PETS! There will be a puppy stampede, French and English Bulldog Races, Wiener Dog races, free swag and more.
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
When: Saturday, July 29
Cost: Free Admission

Kensington’s Diagon Alley

What: The community of Kensington will be turning into a magical wizarding world full of brilliant oddities for a day!
Where: Kensington Road and 10 Street NW
When: Sunday, July 30
Cost: Free admission

Canada Day Festivities

Photo // City of Calgary Facebook

Canada Day Fireworks

What: Watch the annual celebratory fireworks light up the night sky as you celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. Grab a front row seat at McHugh Bluff Park, Tom Campbell’s Hill Park, Nose Hill Park, Max Bell Centre, Valleyview Park West Ridge at 26 Street SE.
Where: Centre Street Bridge from 11:10 to 11:40pm
When: July 1

Canada Day at Olympic Plaza

What: Come celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with city-wide activities! At this specific location, there will be live jazz performances, line dancing, opera, various DJ’s and roving performers, along with 150+ strong guitar riff of Four Strong Winds and a CIBC Citizen Reaffirmation Ceremony.
Where: Olympic Plaza – 288 8 Avenue SE
When: July 1
Cost: Free

Lake Louise 2017 Canada Day Parade

What: Join in on the festivities and celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with activities happening in and around Calgary!
Where: Lake Louise
When: July 1
Cost: Free

Canada Day at RiverFront Avenue

What: Come celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with city-wide activities! Celebrations include multicultural performances by Midnight Taiko Drumming, CalgarySpark Productions Bollywood Dance, and Cirque Nova Performers Radio Station Activity, along with Canadian entertainers Tegan and Sara, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and more!
Where: Riverfront Avenue W
When: July 1
Cost: Free

Canada Day at Fort Calgary

What: Come celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with city-wide activities!
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9 Avenue SW
When: July 1
Cost: Free

Canada 150 Live Music Celebration

What: Come celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with fun city-wide activities!
Where: Tomkins Park – 7 Street SW
When: July 1
Cost: FREE

Canada Day in Eau Claire Market

What: Come celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday with city-wide activities! Celebrations include local entertainment, a makers market, petting zoo, face painting, ice cream and more!
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
When: July 1
Cost: FREE

Canada Day at the Market

What: The Calgary Farmers Market has something very exciting brewing for Canada Day! From 11am-4pm hang out and celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday in the beer gardens at the market and help to raise money for the Calgary Food Bank. Drinking for a good cause, sounds easy enough!
Where: The Calgary Farmers Market – 510 77th Avenue SE
When: July 1
Cost: FREE

2nd Annual H&A Street Hockey Classic

What: Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday in the most Canadian way possible, a street hockey tournament. All funds raised at the event will support KidSport Calgary.
Where: Home and Away – 1331 17th Ave SW
When: July 1
Cost: $200 – teams of 10

King Eddy Canada Day Party

What: From 12 pm to 5 pm there will be various live music acts, including Stephen Fletcher and The Torchettes to help liven up the festivities for Canada’s 150th Birthday. Get there early, as seating is limited!
Where: King Edward Hotel – 438 9 Avenue SE
When: July 1
Cost: FREE

Stampede Festivities

Photo // Ranchman’s Facebook

Cowboys Stampede Showdown Poker Tournament

What: Raise money for the Calgary Stampede Foundation while playing a round of your favourite betting game. The top ten players will walk away with cold hard cash, Cowboys Stampede VIP Passes, and Stampede Admission Tickets. Those are some good odds!
Where: Cowboys Calgary – 421 12 Avenue SE
When: July 6

IgNITE The Midway

What: Stampede and Beakerhead put together makes for one unreal night at the Stampede grounds! Ride the midway until 1 am, participate in the Silent Disco at the Coca-Cola Stage and party at the Stampede like you have never partied before.
Where: Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SE
When: July 6
Cost: #35.25

STMPDR Sneak a Peek Kegger

What: Kick off Stampede on the rooftop patio of Kensington’s newest eatery, Prohibition Freehouse, in true Calgary fashion. Your ticket will include two drinks, a TON of meatballs and live music from various local bands and DJ’s. There will also be a fun silent auction happening throughout the night and the proceeds will be going towards the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Yeehaaw!
Where: Prohibition Freehouse – 1153 Kensington Crescent NW
When: July 6
Cost: $25

Ranchman’s Bullbustin’

What: Cheer on Canada’s best bull riders, while raising money for the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.
Where: Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall – 9615 MacLeod Trail S
When: July 6
Cost: $70

Get Duck’d Up

What: It’s a Stampede party you won’t ever forget, perhaps…. Your ticket includes admission, beef on a bun and a duck, along with the opportunity yo lay fun games, such as Duck Huner and Duck Pong, while raising money for Ducks Unlimited.
Where: Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall – 9615 MacLeod Trail S
When: July 8
Cost: $20

The BellLive 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

Stampede Parade Day

What: The parade route has been reversed, say what!
Where: Downtown Calgary
When: July 7
Cost: FREE

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

Music Festivals

Image: Calgary Folk Festival Facebook

Diamonds in the Rough Family Music Festival

What: Celebrate Canada 150 at this exciting music festival! Kick the day off with a pancake breakfast and continue the day playing in the carnival, having a brew in the beer gardens, listening to live music and so much more!
Where: Scott Seaman Sports Rink – 32156 Highway 552 E, De Winton, AB
When: July 1-2
Cost: FREE

iHeartRadio WestFest

What: Hedley, Iggy Azalea, Noah Cyrus, Midland and Scott Helman are just a few of the outstanding acts that you can expect at this all ages music festival!
Where Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9 Avenue SW
When: July 8
Cost: General Admission – $103.95(All Ages welcome)

Calgary Folk Music Festival

What: The Calgary Folk Fest is back for another year and bigger than ever. They are bringing some big names to the city that you won’t want to miss out on!
Where: Prince’s Island Park
When: July 27-30
Cost: $25-$190

Arts and Culture

Image: Glenbow Museum Facebook

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
- Artifacts: 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
When: February 18 to 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

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: Park Admission

Flower Crown Workshop with Antheia Floral

What: Whether you’re looking to make your own boutonniere, wrist corsage or full halo crown you’ll learn the secrets to creating these floral pieces at this fun evening workshop.
Where: Greater Goods – 606 Meredith Road NE
When: July 20
Cost: $90

Victors, Villains, and Vixens

What: A run off of Shakespeare After Dark. East Village has partnered with Theatre Calgary to bring you a week’s worth of performances on St. Patricks Island.
Where: St. Patrick’s Island – 1300 Zoo Road NE
When: July 25 – 30
Cost: Free

Concerts and Performances

Image: Dan + Shay Facebook

Music in the Pine

Where: The Banff Centre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
When: July 1
Cost: Free

Music on the Island

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

Russ – The Wake Up Tour

Where: Grey Eagle Event Centre 3777 Grey Eagle Drive SW
When: July 4
Cost: $45

Blue Rodeo

Where: Shaw Amphitheatre – 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
When: July 7
Cost: $55

Nashville North Calgary Stampede 2017 lineup

Where: Calgary Stampede – 1410 Olympic Way SE
When:
- Thursday, July 6 – Chad Brownlee
- Friday, July 7 – Aaron Goodvin
- Saturday, July 8 – The Dungarees
- Sunday, July 9 – Endless Summer, Neal McCoy, The Cadillac Three
- Monday, July 10 – Cam
- Tuesday, July 11 – the Dead South, Jess Moskaluke, Doc Walker
- Wednesday, July 12 – Cold Creek County
- Thursday, July 13 – Jojo Mason
- Friday, July 14 – Chris Buck Band
- Saturday, July 15 – Meghan Patrick
- Sunday, July 16 – Trevor Panczak