7 non-Stampede things to do in Calgary today: Saturday, July 7

Calgary skyline (lindsmtaylor/Instagram)

Just because the Calgary Stampede is in full swing doesn’t mean that you have to be all about that life!

There’s plenty of other fun stuff going on around Calgary this Saturday that is more than worth your attention — and we’ve put them all on this handy list.

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! 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

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: From now to September 3

Where: 430 8th Avenue SE

Admission: FREE

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

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

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 9th Avenue SE

Cost: Adult, $16; senior (65+) or student $11; youth (ages 7-17) $10; Family (up to 2 adults and 4 youth) $40; child (ages 6 and under) free

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 and Riverfront Avenue

Admission: FREE

Second Annual Vegan Pancake Breakfast

What: Join your fellow vegans at this unique pancake breakfast and show Calgary that animal cruelty is not needed for a delicious meal and good time.

When: July 7

Time: 9 am to noon

Where: Bridgeland Riverside Community Association — 917 Centre Avenue NE

Price: Free