20 things to do in Calgary this week: July 8 to 11

Plan your schedule with our Calgary checklist! Here are 20 fun things to do from Monday, July 8 to Thursday, July 11, including HANSON, Calgary FC, and more

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

See also

• City trying out extended hours for Stampede tents this year
• Snoop Dogg to perform DJ set at Cowboys Music Festival during Stampede 2019
• There's a 'clothing-optional' wave pool swim in Calgary this July

Monday, July 8

The 37th Annual Cowboys VS. Firefighters Charity Pole Climb

What: The 37th annual event features 10 Pro Rodeo Contestants going up against 10 Calgary Firefighters in a timed flagpole climb. All the proceeds from the event will go directly towards The CPRA Cowboy Benefit fund and the Firefighter Charitable Society.

When: July 8, 2019
Time: Auction at 6 pm, climb at 9 pm
Where: Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall – 9615 Macleod Tail SE
Admission: Free

Coca-Cola IgNITE the NIGHT 2019

What: Coca-Cola’s IgNITE the Night will take place on Monday, July 8 for the 2019 Calgary Stampede, providing a wild night of Midway rides, live music, and a gravity-defying stunt that could potentially make history.

When: Monday, July 8, 2019
Time: 6 pm to late
Where: Stampede Grounds
Admission: With regular Stampede admission, and $30 for unlimited rides from 6 pm to 1 am

The Backyard Patio Party Summer Series

What: Head to Tavernetta YYC on July 8, August 12, and September 2 for a backyard patio party to remember. Enjoy a full day of drinks by Tavernetta, burgers by Vegan Street food truck, music, and bocce all day.

When: July 8, August 12, and September 2, 2019
Time: 2 to 10 pm
Where: Tavernetta YYC – 1002 Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary
Admission: Free

Introduction to the Women’s Centre of Calgary

What: Learn about the history of the Women’s Centre, the peer model, and why they do what they do at this workshop. This workshop is a part of our volunteer training series but is open to anyone who may be interested in learning more about the Centre.

When: July 8, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Women’s Centre of Calgary – 39 4 Street NE, Calgary
RSVP: Online, Free

Veg Head Society – Vegan Stampede BBQ

What: Veg Head Society is celebrating Stampede with a vegan BBQ cooked up by Chef Lexx at BBQ at the Dandelion.Everyone is welcome to come hangout, listen to music and mingle in the garden from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. There are two different seatings available listed below.

When: July 8, 2019
Time: Doors at 5:30 pm, seatings at 6 and 7:30 pm
Where: The Dandelion Cafe – 1048 8 St SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Tuesday, July 9

HANSON

What: Known for their hit “Mmmbop,” HANSON has been performing as a group for a whopping 26 years. The band formed when Isaac, Taylor, and Zack Hanson were only 11, nine, and six respectively. The group is currently celebrating a landmark year, launching the “Middle Of Everywhere 25th Anniversary World Tour” including some new songs alongside their biggest singles. The group is also set to release a greatest hits album in commemoration of the tour.

Experience the best eats, treats, and drinks served with a double helping of nostalgia at the Calgary Stampede this year as HANSON brings the house down with their newest tour.

Okotoks Dawgs vs Medicine Hat Mavericks

What: Okotoks Dawgs take on the Medicine Hat Mavericks in Western Major Baseball League action.

When: July 9, 2019
Time: 7:05 pm
Where: Seaman Stadium –  2111 N Railway Street, Okotoks
Tickets: Online

Studio Bell $10 Date Night 2019

What: Visitors will be able to explore interactive activities, Canadian music memorabilia, and much more at Studio Bell during their special $10 Date Nights.

When: July 9, 2019
Time: 5 to 8 pm
Where: Studio Bell — 850 4th Street SE, Calgary
Admission: Available online, $10

DJ Snoopadelic at Cowboys Music Festival 2019

What: The man, the myth, the legendary Snoop Dogg will be in Calgary this summer for the 2019 Calgary Stampede. More specifically, the rapper will be performing during the Cowboys Music Festival, presenting a DJ set as DJ Snoopadelic at Cowboys Dance Hall.

When: July 9, 2019
Time: 7 pm to 2 am
Where: Cowboys Dance Hall — 421 12th Avenue SE, Calgary
Tickets: Online, $20

Wednesday, July 10

Cowboys Music Festival 2019

What: The Cowboys Music Festival has announced the entertainment they’re bringing to town for the Stampede, and this year’s lineup is already stacked. The festival has invited American country-singers and songwriters Brett Eldridge and Lee Brice as well as the iconic TV star Guy Fieri to be featured at this year’s Cowboys Music Festival Tent.

When: Wednesday, July 10 and Thursday, July 11, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Cowboys Music Festival Tent — 421 12 Ave SE, Calgary
Tickets: From $20 to $79.99 — available online

Freelance Stampede Party

What: Calling all self-employed workers, freelancers, and small business owners. Join other YYC freelancers at the Palomino for some drinks and a delicious BBQ feast — all included with admission.

When: July 10, 2019
Time: 12 to 4 pm
Where: Palomino Smokehouse — 109 7th Ave SW
Tickets: Online, $50

Cavalry FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps

What: Cavalry FC take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at Spruce Meadows.

When: July 10, 2019
Time: 6:30 pm
Where: Spruce Meadows – 18011 Spruce Meadows Way SW, Calgary
Tickets: Online

Roundup Music Fest 2019

What: Calgary is set to host the ultimate outdoor festival of the summer with Roundup Music Fest. On Wednesday, July 10 the festival will be taking over Shaw Millennium Park with an exhilarating lineup of all-star performances. Three-time Grammy-nominated rocker, Billy Idol, and ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ members, Blondie, will be taking to the main stage, along with performances by Canadian punk band Headstones, and BC’s Doug and the Slugs.

When: Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Time: 3 to 11 pm
Where: Shaw Millennium Park, Calgary
Tickets: $99 — Available online

Music in the Plaza

What: Each Wednesday evening throughout July and August, rain or shine, Heritage Town Square plays host to a wide range of the best performing talent you’ll find anywhere. From roots and country to blues and swing, this line-up of free concerts offers something for everybody. Each week starts with a rising star of tomorrow from the Stampede Talent Search topped off by a featured act guaranteed to delight.

When Wednesday evenings until August 28, 2019
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive NE
Admission: Free

Thursday, July 11

Cowboys Cook-off Barbecue Invitational 2019

What: If you love taking trips to Flavourtown and you don’t care who knows it, then get ready to be very excited. Iconic American television personality Guy Fieri will officially be hitting up the Calgary Stampede this year. The Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives host will be on the mic during the Cowboys Cook-off Barbecue Invitational on July 11.

When: July 11, 2019
Time: 6 pm
Where: Cowboys Music Festival Tent – 1410 Olympic Way SE (Stampede Grounds)
Tickets: Available online

Throwback Thursday at Nashville North 2019

What: Whether it’s your first time or your fourth time at Nashville North and the Calgary Stampede, one thing is certain, there’s nothing like a Throwback Thursday to bring it back to all the best jams from the 90s and early 2000s.

Take it back with the tunes that first made you fall in love with country music. And thanks to the Throwback Thursday Party hosted by Palm Bay, you too can go back to a simpler time – when the only choices were coolers, red or white wine and there weren’t 50 different kinds of craft beer.

When: Thursday, July 11, 2019
Where: Nashville North tent, Stampede Grounds
Admission: Free with admission to the grounds

Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven

What: On July 11, 7-Eleven will be celebrating 7-Eleven Day by giving away FREE Slurpee drinks across the country. In past years, 7-Eleven have handed out nearly 900,000 Slurpee drinks at locations all over Canada on the one day. In celebration of their 50 years in Canada, 7-Eleven will also have some seriously cool retro shirts available for purchase — and for you to win. They will also be releasing an exclusive Snapchat experience for you to get involved and #DanceTheSlurp. Head to your local 7-Eleven to scan the Snap code to unlock the experience

When: Thursday, July 11, 2019
Time: All Day
Where: Participating 7-Eleven locations across Canada
Price: Free

The Grandstand Show: Trailblazer

What: The theme of the 2019 Grandstand show will be “Trailblazer,” taking inspiration from the travelling shows of the early 20th century yet being performed on the most technologically advanced outdoor stage in the world.

The entire show will be led by show master Onalea, who will be joined by Calgary’s own travelling band of musical pirates, the Polyjesters. Music, acrobatics, and dance will all come together for a fiery tribute to the South American cowboy. The 2019 show will also include a participatory pre-show for all in attendance, thanks to this year’s title sponsor, Bell Canada.

When: Now until July 14, 2019
Time: 7:45 pm
Where: Stampede Grandstand – 1410 Olympic Way SE
Tickets: Online, $17 for standing, $49+ for seats

DDRC Stampede Breakfast 2019

What: This breakfast from Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary is free to thank everyone for their support – all you have to bring is your best stampede outfit. Enjoy free pancakes, sausages, coffee, and juice. Donations are not required but appreciated.

When: July 11, 2019
Time:  8 to 11 am
Where: DDRC – 4646 Sarcee Road SW, Calgary
Price: FREE