Welcome to July!
This month is for stompin’ your boots, getting outdoors, and enjoying our beautiful city this summer!
From outdoor adventures in our mountainous backyard to fun, local and family-friendly markets, to festivals that encourage you to eat your heart out, this month is jam-packed.
There are so many fun things happening this month that you simply can’t miss out on!
We have gathered 58 things to keep you, your friends, and the entire family busy this July. Check them out!
Get outdoors or head out of town
Check out the new Kananaskis Nordic Spa
- What: Looking for a quick escape from the everyday grind? This brand new spa combines the tranquil rejuvenation of a traditional Nordic Spa and the Alpine stillness of the Canadian Rockies. Opened in March, the spa has taken the last month off to add some new exciting additions to its facilities for summer. Come out for a relaxing experience and the opportunity to discover clarity in the midst of the mountains.
- Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Kananaskis
Check out the newly opened Lamphouse Hotel
- What: Formerly the Bow Valley Motel, this space has gone through an entire transformation. Now a blend of retro-chic and rustic contemporary style, this 25-room boutique hotel offers stunning views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Be sure to add this spot to your bucket list this summer for a true mountain adventure in the heart of Canmore!
- Where: 610 8th Street Canmore
Take the Leap at WinSport
What: WinSport’s latest adrenaline-filled adventure, Free Fall, is now open. Climb up an eight-story platform, secure yourself in a bungee harness, and jump off the platform feeling a sensation similar to that of leaping out of an airplane. Any adrenaline junkies out there?
Where: 88 Canada Olympic Road SW
Admission: One jump: $25, two jumps: $35
Take a ride in Handsome Andy with Moose Trail Overland
What: Join local experts and firefighters Mike and Ryan as they show you all their favourite spots in the area and take you on a thrilling adventure in Handsome Andy, a 4×4 Ford E350. Don’t expect your typical cookie cutter tour, as these two are keen to take you off the beaten path and bring your dream of adventure to life.
Price: Varies per tour – book online!
Get active
Rent a bike and go on a river adventure
What: Grab your squad, get yourself some wheels, and put those bike paths to good use — all while seeing the city from a different perspective.
Where: Rent bikes at these locations: Rath Bicycle and Bike and Brew
Take a float down the Bow River
What: This is a tradition most of us Calgarians look forward to doing at least once during the summer. Plus, it’s 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
Mountain Top Yoga
What: Join a Lululemon ambassador for a one-hour Ashtanga yoga session at the top of the new Banff Gondola Summit. Talk about yoga with a view!
When: every Sunday until September 2
Time: 9 to 10 am
Where: Citizenship Pavilion, level 4 of the new Banff Gondola summit
Cost: $62 (Gondola Admission)
Outdoor HIIT with Movement U
What: Get a tan while you work on your fitness! Spend an hour outdoors as two Movement U instructors team up to take your summer workout to the next level at Murdoch Park in Bridgeland. Plus the view of Downtown is incredible — it’s a win-win!
When: Sunday, July 22 with Cory and Janine
Time: Noon
Where: Murdoch Park – 9th Street & Centre Avenue NE
Admission: Online, regular drop-in $23
Bow River Paddling Race
What: Looking for a little healthy competition this Canada Day? Join Fort Calgary for their annual race on the Bow!
When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 10 am
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SW
Admission: Online, Price varies for participants, but free for spectators
Canmore Charity Golf Classic
What: This is your opportunity to enjoy a VIP golfing experience and hit some holes on the “top of the world” while raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House!
When: Monday, July 16
Time: 8 am to 8 pm
Where: Silvertip Resort – 2000 Silvertip Trail, Canmore
Tickets: Online, $300
Union Athletica Members try Movement U Classes for FREE
What: Yes, you read that correctly! All you have to do is create an account, provide proof of remaining sessions and you will receive a FREE introductory pass to Movement U to try out all their services. This is the perfect way to jump on the summer bod, if you haven’t already!
July workshops
Macaron 101
What: Ever wondered how to make a French macaron? Look no further. Everyone’s favourite macaron shop, Ollia, hosts Macaron Baking Classes, offering exclusive lessons on how to properly engage in some macaronage, get the perfect shell, and create a variety of flavours. Bon appetite!
When: July 3, 10, 17, 18, 24 and 31
Time: 6 pm
Where: Ollia Macaron and Tea – 810c 16th Avenue SW
Tickets: Call to reserve your spot, $100
YYC Girl Gang Presents: Working with Influencers
What: Join local blogger and Influencer Sam from Sugar and Sam and learn how to build an influencer strategy the fits your brand. Come ready to network with local boss babes as you enjoy a sit down plated meal and awesome swag bags — as usual!
When: Wednesday, July 18
Time: 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: Trolley 5 Brewpub – 728 17th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $55
July markets
The Market on Stephen Avenue
What: Shop up to 60 vendors offering fresh food, spices, sauces, treats, art, fashion, and more. Enjoy shopping the walk!
When: July 10, 17, 24 and 31
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Stephen Avenue – 1st Street SE to 2nd Street SW
Admission: FREE
Inglewood Night Market
What: Calgary’s favourite night market is back! Check out the second market of the summer on July 13 and enjoy live entertainment on both the Main Stage and the Variety Show Stage, and delicious food truck eats, all while shopping some of Calgary’s best local makers and artists. New to the market this year is a licensed area in collaboration with Village Brewery. Be sure to grab a brew and enjoy the line-up of incredible local talent!
When: Friday, July 13
Time: 5 pm
Where: Between 9th Avenue and 10th Street SE
Admission: FREE
Summer Market Presented by Southcentre + Curated
What: Southcentre Mall and Curated market have partnered up together to bring four uniquely curated artisan markets to YYC this summer. You can look forward to shopping from many talented makers and artists, treating yourself to delicious foods from YYC Food Trucks, and enjoying live entertainment, all in the south parking lot of Southcentre Mall!
When: July 13, 14, 27, and 28
Time: 5 to 10 pm
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE
Admission: FREE
YYC Free Market
What: Give and take (leaving no trace) is the theme of this fun yearly summer market!
When: Tuesday, July 17
Time: 6 to 9 pm
Where: Container Site in Sunnyside – 1010 2nd Avenue NW
Admission: FREE
Shop Local at Southcentre Mall
What: From the creators that organize the Curated market, there is now a Curated Shop! Shop over 50 of your favourite local artists, makers and handmade businesses, such as Salt Water Tea, RC + Smith, Jennifer Joan Skincare, Bark YYC, Simply Love, and so many more!
Where: Southcentre Mall – 100 Anderson Road SE
Festivals and other events
Canada Day at Heritage Park
What: Head back in time to when July 1 was better known as “Dominion Day.” Cheer on the antique vehicles, wagons, townsfolk, and more in the parade down Main Street and then grab a seat at the rodeo grounds for the Fast Dash. All day long the park will be busy with crafts, games, live music, a mouth-watering BBQ, and so many more family-friendly activities.
When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive SW
Admission: Regular admission to the park
Canada Day at Eau Claire
What: Come out to enjoy all the family-friendly festivities, including FREE ice cream, live entertainment, an artisan market, crafts, and a petting zoo, to name only a few. Get ready to celebrate Canada’s birthday in style!
When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade
Admission: FREE
Canada Day Block Party
What: There is no better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than with a huge outdoor block party! Join MarketSpot YYC and the BassBus for this all ages event featuring live music, beer gardens, kids activities, food trucks, and a makers’ market. Don’t miss the fireworks!
When: Sunday, July 1
Time: 2 to 11 pm
Where: Max Bell Centre – 1001 Barlow Trail SE
Admission: FREE
East Village Junction Pop-Up Retail Park
What: In only one year, this colourful container lot has turned into a popular Calgary mainstay. Located behind the King Edward Hotel, this is a unique destination that features local retail shops, workshops, music, art, and, of course, YYC Food Trucks. You won’t want to miss out on the fun summer festivities that they have planned at this hip community gathering space this summer.
When: May 18 to September 3
Where: 430 8th Avenue SE
Admission: FREE
Music in the Plaza
What: From folk to funk to Country to Celtic, enjoy weekly live entertainment in the Heritage Town Square every Wednesday. Each performance begins with an up-and-coming star from the Stampede Talent Search, followed by some of the best performers in the city. Come for the music, stay for dinner! See full artist lineup here.
When Wednesday evenings from July 4 to August 29
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Where: Heritage Town Square, Heritage Park – 1900 Heritage Drive NE
Admission: Free with park admission
STMPDR + YYCNow Present: Sneak A Peek
What: Do a little pre-Stampede to get you in the mood for the real deal as you help raise money for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation — a more than worthy cause! Enjoy live entertainment by Steel and Timber, Fireside Music, and DJ Chris Brennan, along with a live art show, door prizes, promotional giveaways, and both live and silent auctions with killer items that you’ll definitely want to get your hands on.
When: Thursday, July 5
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 pm
Where: National on 17th – 550 17th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $30
MexiFest
What: Celebrate all of the very best in Mexican culture at the very first Mexifest! You can expect to eat tacos upon tacos, be entertained by a salsa competition, watch a wrestling match between real Mexican luchadores, and so much more!
When: July 6 and 7
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Eau Claire Plaza – 3rd Street nd Riverfront Avenue
Admission: FREE
Hit up the Calgary Stampede
GMC Rangeland Derby/Calgary Stampede
What: It’s the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth — need we say more?
When: July 6 to 15
Where: Stampede Park – 1410 Olympic Way SW
Admission: Online, $9 to $18
Hang out with the Pandas
What: The long wait is finally over! The Calgary Zoo has officially welcomed four pandas, two adults and two cubs, into their newly built habitat, The Panda Passage. These furry black and white friends are charming and have a ton to teach us in the five years that they will be with us before returning to China.
Where: The Calgary Zoo — 210 St. Georges Drive NE
Admission: Regular admission to the zoo
Bitcoin Rodeo
What: What is bitcoin? Learn all about it, along with blockchain and cryptocurrency, at this bitcoin and blockchain conference.
When: July 9 and 10
Time: 9 am
Where: The Palace Theatre – 219 8th Avenue SW
Admission: Online, $100 to $225
Cyclepalooza 2018
What: 10 days of biking fun — are you ready? From bike tours (which may include ice cream) to camping trips, you’ll enjoy this bike festival this summer, so get ready to use those two wheels like you’ve never used them before.
When: July 13 to 22
Time: Varies per event
Where: Varies per event
Admission: Varies per event
Calaway Comicfest for Kids
What: Calling all mighty superheroes! Come dressed in your superhero costume, which includes superheroines, princesses, princes, and of course sidekicks. Shop the artist market for locally made goods, stop by the Photo Op Zone to be transported to a world far far away, or try your hand at the Superhero in Training course!
When: July 13 to 15
Time: 10 am to 7 pm
Where: Calaway Park – 245033 Range Road 33
Admission: Regular admission to the park
Adults Only Night: Through the Haze (Myths and Science behind Cannabis)
What: Cannabis is a smoking topic right know! Come out to learn all about THC, how it’s used medicinally, the social implications around the new legal changes, and why the heck cannabis gives you the munchies!
When: Thursday, June 12
Time: 6 to 10 pm
Where: Telus Spark – 220 St. George’s Drive NE
Tickets: Online, $26
Fiestaval Latin Festival
What: Celebrate Latin American Culture in this vibrant street festival! Enjoy live entertainment all weekend long, snack on delicious bites authentic to Latin culture, shop for local gems at the Artisan Market, and grab a brew at the beer gardens, overlooking the plaza. Did someone say tacos and guac?
When: July 20 to 22
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza – 288 8th Avenue SE
Admission: Free
Summer Yoga and Movie Night on the Rooftop
What: They’re back! Sweat it out in a rooftop yoga sesh with instructor Jilaine Beddoe and Sportcheck and then curl up as you watch a classic film on the big screen! Bring your mat along with a cozy blanket and pillow — just in case it cools down throughout the evening.
When: Friday, July 20
Time: 7:30 to 11 pm
Where: Junction 9 Yoga and Pilates – 919 9th Avenue SE
Cost: $20 drop-in fee
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, such as Passenger, Lee Ann Womack, Scott Cook and the Second Chances, Wallis Bird, and more!
When: July 26 to 29
Time: Thursday, 4 to 11 pm; Friday, 4 to 11 pm; Saturday, 10:30 am to 10 pm; Sunday, 10:30 am to 10 pm
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Tickets: Online, $25 to $75
Chestermere Water Festival
What: Come celebrate summer on the lake with this fun, family-friendly festival!
When: Saturday, July 28
Time: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: John Peak Park – 100 John Morris Way, Chestermere
Cost: FREE
Pet-A-Palooza Calgary
What: A festival all about PETS! There will be a puppy stampede, Bulldog Races, Wiener Dog races, free swag, a puppy water park, and more! Woof!
When: July 28 and 29
Time 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Eau Claire Market – 200 Barclay Parade SW
Cost: Free Admission
Fantasy Faire in Kensington
What: Previously known as Kensington’s Diagon Alley. You can expect the community of Kensington to turn into a magical wizarding world full of brilliant oddities for a day! There will be live entertainment, a tournament field, Quidditch games, a life-sized chess board, and more!
When: Sunday, July 29
Time: 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Kensington Road and 10th Street NW
Cost: Free admission
Food and drink festivities
Chimney Dog Eating Contest
What: Join in on the first ever Chimney Dog Eating Contest and you could win $100, plus free chimney dogs for a year from UTCA Chimney Cakes.
When: Wednesday, July 14
Time: 6 pm
Where: Utca Chimney Cakes – Coffee House – 207 13th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $10 registration
Alberta Brewery Concerts Presents: Origami Army at Common Crown
What: Local craft beer and local live entertainment — is there any better combination?
When: Friday, July 13
Time: 7 to 9 pm
Where: 943 28th Street NE
Admission: FREE, RSVP your spot here
10th Annual Chili Cook-Off
What: It’s time to put your taste buds to the test and determine who rightfully deserves to win the 2018 Chili Championship. Come down to the Calgary Farmers’ Market, make a donation in support of the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank’s, support the Boots to Hunger Campaign, and try out the six competing chilis prepared by local vendors and restaurants!
When: July 13 to 14
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: The Calgary Farmers’ Market – 510 77th Avenue SE
Admission: Free with donation
Sunday Brunch
What: Enjoy your benny surrounded by history at the Officers Mess at Fort Calgary, just as they did back in the day. Brunch includes complimentary access to the museum, so you can make a whole day of it!
When: Every Sunday
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Fort Calgary – 750 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: Phone 403-290-1875 for reservations, $30 per person
NOtaBLE Hour
What: Head to one of Calgary’s favourite eateries for some after-work libation for only $8 a glass. This deal includes the Moscow Mule Grilled Grapefruit Swizzle, a pint of Village Brewery No Bull beer, or a glass of wine. They will also be offering a chicken dinner for two for only $30, which includes half a wood-fired rotisserie Happy Chicken, with NOtaBLE signature salad and bottomless fries on the side – sign us up!
When: Tuesday to Thursday
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: 4611 Bowness Road NW
Hang out on one of Calgary’s best patios
What: Take a break from the heat and have an ice-cold bevy on one of Calgary’s best patios. From rooftops to hidden gardens, there are plenty of spots to choose from that will have the vibe and ambiance you’re looking for. Check out some of Calgary’s best rooftop patios here!
Art and culture
Shakespeare by the Bow
What: Your favourite outdoor theatre is back for yet another summer of dramatic and comedic performances. Watch as they perform a light-hearted take on the tumultuous friendship between Proteus and Valentine in Shakespeare’s ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona.”
When: June 29 to August 19
Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 7 pm; Sunday, 2 pm and 7 pm
Where: Prince’s Island Park
Admission: Pay what you can
Free First Thursday
What: Explore the Glenbow at your leisure for FREE on the first Thursday of every month. They are launching some neat new exhibitions this month that you won’t want to miss out on!
When: Thursday, July 5
Time: 5 pm to close
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9th Avenue SE
Admission: FREE
Les Miserables
What: Follow along as this timeless classic comes to life on stage, featuring well-known tunes, “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” and more! Prepared to be dazzled as this epic, uplifting Broadway show goes through the social injustices of 19th-century France, the historical effects of the French Revolution, and the importance of love and compassion, just how Victor Hugo originally wanted.
When: July 17 to 22
Time: Varies by performance
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Admission: Ticketmaster, $45 to $201
Check out one of the many exhibitions happening at the Glenbow
What: Come out to see some seriously awesome works of art at one of Calgary’s favourite cultural centres.
Alex Janvier: Modern Indigenous Master – June 16 to September 9
One New Work Gwenessa Lam: Who Magic – June 16 to September 9
Recent Acquisitions 2018 – June 30 to December 9
The Artist’s Mirror: Self Portraits – March 10 to January 2019
Where: Glenbow Museum – 130 9tth Avenue SE
Cost: Regular admission to the museum
Concerts and performances
Marianas Trench
When: Tuesday, July 3
Time: 8 pm to 2 am
Where: Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall – 9615 Macleod Trail S
Tickets: Online, $49 to $59
Kygo
When: Sunday, July 8
Time: 6 pm to 2 am
Where: Cowboys Music Festival –421 12th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $79 to $161
Blue Rodeo with Colter Wall, Whitehorse, Lindi Ortega, and Mike Plume
When: Sunday. July 8
Time: 3:30 pm
Where: Big Four Roadhouse –1801 Big Four Trail SE
Tickets: Online, $92
Hip Hop Brunch
When: Sunday, July 8
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: MARKET Calgary – 718 17th Avenue SW
Tickets: Make your reservation here
Brett Kissel
When: Tuesday, July 10
Time: 7 pm
Where: Knoxville’s Tavern – 840 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $25
Roundup Music Fest
What: The Wallflowers, Train, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Goo Goo Dolls!
When: Wednesday, July 11
Time: 3 pm
Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $103
The Dead South
When: Thursday, July 12
Time: 7 pm
Where: Knoxville’s Tavern – 840 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $25
Brad Paisley
When: Friday, July 13
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Online, $74 to $252
The Oxford Stomp
What: Skydiggers, Barney Bentall, John Fogerty, and Melissa Etheridge.
When: Friday, July 13
Time: 3 pm
Where: Shaw Millennium Park – 1220 9th Avenue SW
Tickets: Online, $99
Luke Bryan
When: Saturday, July 14
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Scotiabank Saddledome – 555 Saddledome Rise SE
Tickets: Online, $115 to $352
MARSHMELLO
When: Sunday, July 15
Time: 6 pm to 2 am
Where: Cowboys Music Festival –421 12th Avenue SE
Tickets: Online, $65 to $79
Jim Jefferies: The Night Talker Tour
When: Friday, July 27
Time: 7 pm
Where: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – 1415 14th Avenue NW
Tickets: Ticketmaster, $63 to $347
Sporting events
Calgary Stampeders/Facebook
Cheer on the Calgary Stampeders
What: Grab your jersey and head down to McMahon Stadium for a tailgate and a chance to cheer on the Calgary Stampeders!
When: Saturday, July 21 vs. The Montreal Alouettes
Time: 7 pm
Where: McMahon Stadium
Tickets: Ticketmaster
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